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Peregrine Travel Centre

Heart of Guatemala

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Heart of Guatemala

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Description

Explore the Guatemalan Highlands on this seven-day adventure starting and ending in Antigua. See the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, visit Chichicastenango market and ride in a brightly coloured chicken bus. Relax on the shores of Lake Atitlan, take in the views of volcanos and Spanish buildings and maybe learn about the rich Mayan culture through an optional cooking class. Take a scenic boat road to the shamans that guard the shrine of Maximon, hear about the daily life of the many locals you’ll meet along the way and discover why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.

Trip Name
Heart of Guatemala
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon – a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
  • Ride in a decorated chicken bus to a local market and see the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
  • Visit Chichicastenango market and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan. With 95 per cent of the population of Maya descent, you’ll learn about the region’s rich culture and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Join your local leader on an orientation walk through Antigua. By starting and ending your trip here, you’ll be sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Antigua
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Guatemala. With crumbling churches, vibrant markets and bohemian cafes set against a monumental volcano, Antigua is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Speaking of adventure, yours officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel. If you decide to arrive in the city a little early (smart move!), there's plenty to do. Maybe satisfy your cravings and learn the art of old-world chocolate production at the ChocoMuseo or sit by the fountain and people watch in Central Park. After the meeting, the night is yours – maybe head out with some of your fellow travellers for a tamale (a classic staple of Mesoamerica that sees dough, meat and sauces steamed and served in a corn husk).
Day 2 - Quetzaltenango
After breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Mayan culture and Catholic religion coming together. Learn about this culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a god who isn’t clearly good or bad. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering, which you can buy at the on-site liquor store, you’ll stop for a group lunch. After, continue to Quetzaltenango. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela.
Day 3 - Quetzaltenango
Early this morning before breakfast, you’ll hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option is a local experience distinct to Guatemala and has little to do with actual chickens – they are old American school busses passed down to new owners who decked them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market, Almolonga, known for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. Whether you believe the vegetables are a gift from above or due to the high amounts of fertiliser used by locals, this colourful market is a great place to rub shoulders with the locals and maybe pick up a giant carrot. After, return to your hotel for breakfast.
Day 4 - Panajachel
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Mayan dances or some leather goods. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 - Panajachel
This morning, you’ll set off on a lancha (boat) ride on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages. Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll visit the current shrine of Maximon (San Simon), where the local shamans keep watch. Your group will bring a gift of local spirits to share with the shamans, and while you drink, you’ll discuss the holy shrine, the perplexing deity and local life on the lake. Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening along the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Day 6 - Antigua
Spend a free morning in Panajachel – maybe sleep in or join a cooking class that teaches you more than just local flavours. Learn about the cultural significance of sharing food with the community, then enjoy the delicious creations you’ve made. Later, return to Antigua by private transfer in the afternoon. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk in the historic center after checking in to your hotel. Tonight, maybe get your fellow travellers together for a final group dinner to say your goodbyes.
Day 7 - Antigua
As there are no further activities, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 1,890-
23-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 1,850-
26-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 1,272-
02-04-202608-04-2026AUD $ 1,860-
06-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 1,850-
09-04-202615-04-2026AUD $ 1,352-
16-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 1,730-
23-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 1,386-
07-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 1,695-
14-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 1,800-
21-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 1,540-
28-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 1,595-
08-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 1,790-
22-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 1,540-
29-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 1,600-
13-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 1,540-
23-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 1,540-
30-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 1,540-
06-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 1,540-
13-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 1,600-
27-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 1,540-
03-09-202609-09-2026AUD $ 1,540-
24-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 1,540-
01-10-202607-10-2026AUD $ 1,540-
15-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 1,590-
22-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 1,625-
02-11-202608-11-2026AUD $ 1,630-
09-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 1,630-
19-11-202625-11-2026AUD $ 1,655-
23-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 1,630-
26-11-202602-12-2026AUD $ 1,630-
07-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 1,630-
10-12-202616-12-2026AUD $ 1,630-
17-12-202623-12-2026AUD $ 1,630-
21-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 1,630-
24-12-202630-12-2026AUD $ 1,660-
28-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
31-12-202606-01-2027AUD $ 1,660-
03-01-202709-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
07-01-202713-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
10-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
14-01-202720-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
21-01-202727-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
25-01-202731-01-2027AUD $ 1,720-
28-01-202703-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
01-02-202707-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
04-02-202710-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
08-02-202714-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
11-02-202717-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
15-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
22-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 1,720-
25-02-202703-03-2027AUD $ 1,690-
01-03-202707-03-2027AUD $ 1,690-
04-03-202710-03-2027AUD $ 1,690-
11-03-202717-03-2027AUD $ 1,690-
22-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 1,645-
25-03-202731-03-2027AUD $ 1,645-
01-04-202707-04-2027AUD $ 1,645-
05-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 1,645-
08-04-202714-04-2027AUD $ 1,645-
15-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 1,595-
19-04-202725-04-2027AUD $ 1,595-
22-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 1,595-
06-05-202712-05-2027AUD $ 1,595-
13-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 1,595-
27-05-202702-06-2027AUD $ 1,595-
07-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 1,595-
21-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 1,595-
28-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 1,595-
05-07-202711-07-2027AUD $ 1,595-
12-07-202718-07-2027AUD $ 1,595-
19-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 1,595-
22-07-202728-07-2027AUD $ 1,595-
29-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 1,595-
05-08-202711-08-2027AUD $ 1,595-
12-08-202718-08-2027AUD $ 1,595-
26-08-202701-09-2027AUD $ 1,595-
02-09-202708-09-2027AUD $ 1,595-
23-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 1,595-
30-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 1,595-
14-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 1,645-
21-10-202727-10-2027AUD $ 1,645-
01-11-202707-11-2027AUD $ 1,690-
04-11-202710-11-2027AUD $ 1,690-
08-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 1,690-
18-11-202724-11-2027AUD $ 1,690-
25-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 1,690-
06-12-202712-12-2027AUD $ 1,690-
09-12-202715-12-2027AUD $ 1,690-
16-12-202722-12-2027AUD $ 1,690-
20-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 1,720-
23-12-202729-12-2027AUD $ 1,720-
30-12-202705-01-2028AUD $ 1,720-
02-01-202808-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
06-01-202812-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
09-01-202815-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
13-01-202819-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
20-01-202826-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
24-01-202830-01-2028AUD $ 1,520-
27-01-202802-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
31-01-202806-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
03-02-202809-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
07-02-202813-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
10-02-202816-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
14-02-202820-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
21-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 1,520-
24-02-202801-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
28-02-202805-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
02-03-202808-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
09-03-202815-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
20-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
23-03-202829-03-2028AUD $ 1,520-
30-03-202805-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
03-04-202809-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
06-04-202812-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
13-04-202819-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
17-04-202823-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
20-04-202826-04-2028AUD $ 1,520-
04-05-202810-05-2028AUD $ 1,520-
11-05-202817-05-2028AUD $ 1,520-
25-05-202831-05-2028AUD $ 1,520-
05-06-202811-06-2028AUD $ 1,520-
19-06-202825-06-2028AUD $ 1,520-
26-06-202802-07-2028AUD $ 1,520-
03-07-202809-07-2028AUD $ 1,520-
10-07-202816-07-2028AUD $ 1,520-
17-07-202823-07-2028AUD $ 1,520-
20-07-202826-07-2028AUD $ 1,520-
27-07-202802-08-2028AUD $ 1,520-
03-08-202809-08-2028AUD $ 1,520-
10-08-202816-08-2028AUD $ 1,520-
24-08-202830-08-2028AUD $ 1,520-
31-08-202806-09-2028AUD $ 1,520-
21-09-202827-09-2028AUD $ 1,520-
28-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 1,520-
12-10-202818-10-2028AUD $ 1,520-
19-10-202825-10-2028AUD $ 1,520-
30-10-202805-11-2028AUD $ 1,520-
02-11-202808-11-2028AUD $ 1,520-
06-11-202812-11-2028AUD $ 1,520-
16-11-202822-11-2028AUD $ 1,520-
23-11-202829-11-2028AUD $ 1,520-
04-12-202810-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
07-12-202813-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
14-12-202820-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
18-12-202824-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
21-12-202827-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
25-12-202831-12-2028AUD $ 1,520-
28-12-202803-01-2029AUD $ 1,520-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Shared boat, Chicken bus

Map

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