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Holidays to Guatemala: Antigua + Copan + Tikal + Semuc Champey + Lake Atitlan

Guatemala in Depth + Copan - Privately Guided

21 NIGHTS FROM:

$8,506

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

QPG21G

• Holidays to Guatemala

• Guatemala City

• Copan Mayan Ruins

• Rio Dulce & San Felipe Castle

• Tikal Ruins

• Candelaria Caves

• Semuc Champey

• Chichi Market

• Lake Atitlan

• Antigua

Our tailor made holidays to Guatemala can be designed to your needs. You can visit Guatemala City, Antigua, the Mayan ruins at Copan, beautiful Rio Dulce delta & San Felipe Castle, the famous Tikal ruins, stunning Semuc Champey, Lake Atitlan and Chichi Market, amongst many other sights. Travel with your own private driver/guide and explore at your own pace. All specified sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Guatemala City Airport and transferred to your hotel in this high altitude capital city, that has a fascinating Spanish colonial and Mayan history.

Although rather dilapidated, the city is busy reinventing itself and is home to the best museums and galleries in the country.

Note: Your drivers will only speak Spanish. Your guides will speak English.

Day 2

This morning enjoy a full day private tour of Guatemala City or 'Guate' as the locals call it. This city is the fourth capital of Guatemala and was founded after Santiago de los Caballeros (Antigua) was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773.

Starting from Constitution Plaza (Parque Central), enjoy a guided tour of the downtown historic centre, where we view the Metropolitan Cathedral, 6th Avenue, the Handicraft Market and National Palace of Culture (Palacio Verde), the most important building in the city. In its western courtyard there is a monument depicting two hands, where the Guatemala Peace Accord was signed in 1996. At 11 am each day the rose held by the hands is changed by a military guard and the one from the previous day is tossed into the crowd. Afterwards we visit the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, which is dedicated to the conservation and research into Guatemala's history and cultural heritage. It is also possible to drive past the lovely Baroque façade of La Merced Church, not to be confused with its more famous sister church in Antigua.

After lunch (own account) your driver can take you to visit more of Guatamala City's wonderful museums (pay entrance fees locally). Options include:

Ixchel Museum of Indigenous Textiles and Clothing, whose main collection is made up of utilitarian and ceremonial clothing used by indigenous people from the late 14th century up until today. There is a collection from Mrs Carmen Pettersen, who documented in detail the distinctive costumes of the various communities. There is also a notable collections of ceramics, textiles, jewellery and books.

Popol Vuh Museum ,which houses one of the most important collection of Maya art in the world. It traces indigenous history over the centuries to the present day, using several hundred Maya artifacts to tell the story. The highlight of the collection is the jade exhibit which includes earrings, bracelets, masks and an impressive scale model of Tikal.

Note: Most museums close at 5pm on weekdays, midday on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Day 3

This morning transfer 5-hours from Guatemala City to Copan in neighbouring Honduras.

On arrival enjoy a tour of the Copan Ruins - one of the best restored and most elaborate Mayan cities ever discovered. Occupied between 400 and 800 AD, this archeological site covers over 50 acres and contains wonderful temples, altars, steles (tall slabs), ball courts, plazas and the magnificent Hieroglyphic Stairway.

Located along a beautiful lush and mountainous valley, it features some of the Mayas most impressive accomplishments in architecture, astronomy and art. Among the many magnificent finds are the well-preserved Rosalila Temple and the tombs of several of Copan’s rulers.

Also visit the Sculpture Museum (Museo de Escultura) which is located on the archaeological site.

Note: Your drivers will only speak Spanish. Your guides will speak English.

Day 4

This morning we leave Copan and drive 3.5-hours to the ruins of Quirigüa.

This small archeological site is one of the three UNESCO heritage sites found in Guatemala (with Tikal and the colonial city of Antigua). It holds an impressive series of stele and sculpted calendars, partially deciphered, which provide a remarkable source of the social, political and economic history of the Mayan civilisation. The zoomorphic and anthropomorphic sculptures are among the most attractive pre-Columbian works known.

Afterwards we continue 2-hours to our hotel in the stunning Rio Dulce delta, with the last part of your transfer by small private boat. The Rio Dulce River and its surrounding rainforests and mountains are home to a diverse mix of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities. The river is a major transport hub and the production of tobacco, coffee and sugar are central to the local economy.

Day 5

At leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful Rio Dulce delta. Here you can uncover a rich local history and explore a unique ecosystem that you won't find anywhere else in Central America.

Optional activities vary by lodge but usually include kayaking and boat rides through the mangrove waterways. You can also travel along the river to Livingston on the Caribbean coast. As you travel down the river you can glimpse a number of indigenous villages and rural communities that lead a quiet life of fishing and living off of the land.

You can also visit sacred Mayan caves, walk to waterfalls or soak in thermal hot springs. Birding is also outstanding here.

Day 6

This morning transfer by small private boat to San Felipe Castle (Castillo de San Felipe).

This historic fortess was built in 1595 and was attacked, destroyed and burned down a number of times. This castle also defended the country against pirates in the 17th and 18th century and you can view its kitchen, dining rooms, prisons and watchtowers.

Aftrewards transfer 5-hours northwards to Tikal National Park. Here deep in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major archaeological sites of the Mayan civilisation.

Note: You will have a different driver in Tikal who will only speak Spanish. Your guides will speak English.

Day 7

Today enjoy a full day excursion to the archaeological sites at Yaxha and Topoxte.

Yaxha is an ancient ceremonial centre of Mayan civilisation situated in the northeast of the Petén district. The site is a mixture of archeology, eco-tourism and beautiful landscapes - with more than 500 structures including 40 steles, 13 altars and 9 pyramids. On arrival your guide will show you the layout and the main temples, followed by an included picnic lunch on site..

Topoxte is an archeological site from the Post Classic Mayan period, located on an island on Yaxhá lagoon. It has small staircases and medium size temples that can be observed from Temple 216 (Temple of the Red Hands) in Yaxha.

Day 8

Set out early today for a full day private tour of Tikal National Park, the largest archaeological site and urban centre of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, where over 3,000 ancient structures rise from the rainforest floor.

Once home to an estimated at 50,000 residents, Tikal flourished from 800 BC to 900 AD. The site is simply enormous and includes temples, palaces, squares, tombs, stone monuments and altars. You can follow in the footsteps of both Maya royalty and commoners, as your guide leads you to sites such as the majestic Great Plaza and its huge Temple of the Grand Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks and Temple IV, which at 230 ft (70 m) is the tallest pre-Colombian structure in the Americas. Also view the Northern, Central and Southern Acropolis, the Lost World Pyramid, Plaza of the Seven Temples, Mundo Perdido, Bat Palace, Temple of Inscriptions and much more.

Not only will you enjoy a fascinating tour of this impressive Mayan citadel that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you will also experience the sights and sounds of the tropical birds and animals that live in the jungle canopy, including howler and spider monkeys, toucans, parrots and macaws. However be warned - it is tiring and requires strong legs, with lots of walking and climbing in the heat of the rainforest.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included today. Also be sure to visit the museum at the visitor centre before returning to your hotel.

Day 9

We leave Tikal today and drive 5-hours southwards to Raxruhá in the Alta Verapaz district. Enjoy the countryside of central Guatemala, stopping at villages along the way.

Along the way we detour to visit the little visited El Ceibal archaeological site, the largest in the southwestern Maya Lowland which was inhabited from around 400 BC until the 10th century. After a private boat ride along the Pasión River, which was once a major trade route, there is a fairly steep walk through a spectacular hanging forest to the site which is on an undulating limestone plain with 57 wonderful stelae, many of which have excellent carvings of animals and gods. Ceibal's four groups of structures are connected via causeways through the forest. Only one pyramid has been fully restored and much of the site is still covered by jungle. You may see crocodiles on the river and the jungle is teeming with birdlife.

We then continue to Raxruhá and check into our hotel in this region known for its orchids and coffee plantations.

Day 10

Today enjoy a full day excursion to the Candelaria Caves, an enormous sub-terraneum system of rivers and caves found in the highland-lowland transition of Alta Verapaz.

These caves are amongst the largest and most impressive in Central America and were an important pilgrimmage site for the Maya. Here you can enjoy tubing down an underground river, with all safety equipment provided. Then relax in the natural pools covered by rock formations.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included, before returning to Raxruhá.

Note: The caves can be slippery, so this excursion is not suitable if you have mobility issues.

Day 11

This morning we visit the Chicoj Coffee Plantation with a tour along some of its trails and along a 750m canopy walkway across a small lagoon. You will meet producers belonging to the Maya Q'eqchi ethnic group and learn about the different phases of cultivation.

We then visit Orquigonia, a reserve dedicated to the rescue, preservation and conservation of orchids. Today it has extended its work to conserve many other floral species and is now an active research and education centre. On arrival your local guide will walk you through the trails, where you be able to see hundreds of different orchid species as well as medicinal plants, before ending at the Butterfly House.

We then drive 3-hours to thje Q'eqchi' Maya mountain town of San Agustin Lanquin, stopping for lunch along the way (own account).

Day 12

Today enjoy a full day 4x4 excursion, travelling along a bumpy mountain road to the K'an Ba Caves and Semuc Champey, which is one of Guatelamal's natural wonders.

Marvel at the spendour of the subterranean depths of the K'an Ba Caves, which you will need to wade through as a small river runs through them, and admire stalactites and underground waterfalls by candle light. Be aware there are two sections that must be crossed by swimming (although lifevests can be provided if you cannot swim).

Then continue to Semuc Champey (meaning 'Where the River hides under the Earth' in the Q'eqchi' language) - a spectacular 300 m limestone bridge over the Cahabón River topped by a series of stepped, turquoise pools. Relax as you float down the river in an inflatable tube, then climb up to El Mirador viewpoint for spectacular views over the natural pools and surrounding countryside. This is a hot 45-minute uphill jungle hike from the parking area, but the views over the valley are unparalleled. Afterwards refresh yourself with a dip in these turquoise waters. Lunch at a local restaurant is included today.

Note: The hike to view the limestone ponds from the top of the hill is challenging, so not suitable if you have mobility issues.

Day 13

We then drive 5-hours through the mountains to Santa Marie Nebaj in the El Quiché district, stopping for lunch along the way (own account).

In this area local residents speak the Mayan Ixil language.

Day 14

This morning we visit Nebaj Market which is full of colours, textiles, handcrafts and flavours.

We then visit San Juan Cotzal, which was the largest town in the Ixil Triangle until the road to Nebaj was built in 1940’s. It is now rather small, but has a gorgeous setting surrounded by the imposing Cuchumatanes Mountains. The weavers here are some of the finest in the country and you can visit Tejidos Cotzal - a cooperative with 30 local weavers, who retain traditional methods using natural dyes and back strap looms.

Afterwards we drive 4-hours to Quetzaltenango (known locally by its Mayan name of Xela).

Note: Nebaj market is open on a Thursday and Sunday.

Day 15

Today enjoy a tour to the archaeological site at Tak'alik Ab'aj and a visit to the village of Zunil.

Tak'alik Ab'aj is located in the municipality of Retalhuleu and was occupied by the Mayans from the Pre Classic (800 BC) to the Late Classic (900 AD) period. It was a very important commercial city until it was invaded by the K'iche' people during the Post Classic period. Today it is still an important ceremonial centre for the Mam and K'iche'. Lunch is for your own account today.

In the afternoon transfer to Zunil, which is situated 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Quetzaltenango. In this charming town you will find textiles cooperatives in which hundreds of Mayan K´iche' women weave traditional clothing inspired by the flora and fauna of the region. In this way they are preserving the dyeing and weaving techniques passed on from generation to generation.

Day 16

This morning we leave Xela and drive 2-hours to the market town of Chichicastenango (known locally as 'Chichi') in the Western Highlands, which is home to one of the most colourful indigenous craft markets in Central America.

Here you will see local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives - working in the fields, collecting firewood, travelling between markets and selling their wares. On market days you can spend time in the artisan craft area, where countless stalls overflow with a variety of handmade textiles, carved wood and ceramic crafts, as well as the fruit and vegetable sections where locals buy produce and household goods. Across the market square you can visit the small Roman Catholic Chapel of Calvary (Capilla del Calvario) and the famous Saint Tomas Church, where both Maya and Catholic rituals are performed in the same sanctuary reflecting the intertwining of these two diverse faiths in this region. Also be sure to admire the mural that runs along the wall of the Town Hall, which tells the story of the civil war.

After lunch (own account) continue 2-hours to spectacular Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by rugged hills, a trio of towering volcanoes and a handful of small villages, this lake was formed more than 80,000 years ago during a violent volcanic eruption. Tz'utujil and Kaqchiquel Mayas have plied its shores for centuries and continue to do so today, wearing vibrant traditional clothing and practising age-old Maya customs. The area is also popular for kayaking, biking and zip-lining.

Panajachel is the lake's main hub. From here, boats depart regularly for destinations like San Juan La Laguna, which is known for its hand-woven, naturally dyed textiles and San Pedro, where intrepid visitors can summit a 9,908 ft (3,020 m) volcano.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. Chichi market is held every Thursday and Sunday.

Day 17

At leisure to relax at your hotel on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan.

Alternatively you can ask your driver to take you to visit to the villages of Santa Catarina and San Antonio (pay any extra costs locally).

Day 18

This morning enjoy a visit to Solola Market, which is 10-minutes from Lake Atitlan.

Filled with colour, diversity and authenticity, Solola is the second largest market in the Guatemala Highlands. On market days vendors and buyers from all around gather together and you will see men and women from the surrounding villages dressed in their traditional attire. In this market you can find all sort of products, produce, live animals, fabrics, traditional garments and herbal medicine.

We also drive up to the Laguna Mirador viewpoint for panoramic views over the lake are surrounding countryside.

Note: Solola Market is held every Tuesday and Friday.

Day 19

This morning we leave Lake Atitlán and travel 2-hours to the Mayan ruins of Iximché.

Iximché.was founded by the Kaqchikel Maya in 1470 after a prolonged conflict with the Quiche. Although it is not the major archaeological site, it was the capital of the late Pre Classic Kaqchikel kingdom until its abandonment in 1524 when the Spanish arrived. The site has temples, ball courts, remnants of palaces and a collection of artifacts in its small museum.

After an include lunch at a local restaurant, we continue 1.5-hours to the former Spanish capital of Antigua, situated in a valley between coffee farms, indigenous villages and three imposing volcanoes. Check into your hotel in this small city renowned for its beautiful colonial buildings, many of which were restored following an earthquake in 1773. Today the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before checking in to your hotel we drive up the Hill of the Cross (Cerro de Cruz), which offers sweeping views over the city towards the Agua Volcano. This famous landmark is dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of the city.

Day 20

This morning enjoy a privately guided walking through the rough cobblestone streets of Antigua ('Ancient City'), which is surrounded by three magnificent volcanoes - Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. Originally called Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala (City of Saint James of the Knights of Guatemala), Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala. However following the Santa Marta earthquakes which destroyed much of the city in 1773, the Spanish moved their capital to Guatemala City.

The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in Antigua. It has been rebuilt several times following earthquakes, although the buildings on either side are now largely ruins. It was originally constructed as a bridge, allowing the nuns living in the convents which once flanked the street to cross over without being seen by the public, as they had taken a vow to avoid all contact with anyone from outside the convent.

We visit the beautiful Baroque La Merced Monastery which is central to the city's famous Holy Week processions and the Church of San Francisco, where you can see the tomb of Peter of Saint Joseph de Betancur, Guatemala's first saint. We also view some of the city's ornately decorated churches and Spanish colonial ruins, whilst absorbing its cultural, architectural and social history - ending at Antigua Guatemala Cathedral.

Your afternoon is free to explore more of Antigua independently.

Day 21

Today transfer to the nearby town of San Miguel Escobar to learn how to prepare a traditional Guatemalan dish in a real Guatemalan home.

The "chef" (also known as a Guatemalan wife and mother) doesn't use a recipe, because after years of experience she knows how to make this dish by heart.

Enjoy the dish that you have prepared for lunch, before returning to Antigua with balance of day at leisure.

Day 22

Transfer 2-hours to Guatemala City Airport for your flight home.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. Security tax of approximately $3 per person is payable locally when departing from Guatemala.

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