Day 1 I Guatemala City

Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our accommodation in the Guatemalan capital for an overnight stay.

Day 2 I Guatemala City - Iximché - Chichicastenango

After breakfast, we'll leave the capital city and head to the archaeological site of Iximché. Continuing our journey, we'll reach the town of Chichicastenango, situated at an altitude of 2500 meters. The main reason for our visit is the town's vibrant market, but we won't miss the opportunity to explore the Church of Santo Tomás, known for its archaeological findings and unique ceremonies that blend indigenous pagan cultures with devout Adok Christian beliefs. We'll ascend to the Abaj Takalik hill, where locals conduct ceremonies led by shamans, visit the colorful cemetery, and witness the town's return to daily life. Dinner and overnight stay in Chichicastenango.

Day 3 I Village Tour - Lake Atitlán

After breakfast in Chichicastenango, we'll embark on a tour among the remote villages perched on the mountains that traverse Guatemala. We'll visit Totonicapán and then move on to Zunil, where a lively market of fruits and vegetables awaits. We'll witness the agricultural products unique to each village and learn about local methods of processing agricultural land. In the village of Almolonga, we'll engage with the local residents. From there, we'll continue to the charming Lake Atitlán, surrounded by towering volcanoes and traditional Indian villages distinguished by their residents' attire and the dialects they speak. Many consider it one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Day 4 I Lake Atitlán and Surroundings

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a boat tour and a walk among the villages of San Antonio Palopó, San Marcos La Laguna, and Tzununá. We'll conclude the tour in the town of Panajachel, and if time allows, we may visit Sololá, where a vibrant market takes place on market day (identified by the residents' purple clothing). On this day, we'll appreciate the uniqueness of each village, observing local crafts like weaving, candle-making for prayer, and various souvenirs, as well as different traditional costumes and hairstyles.

Day 5 I Lake Atitlán - Ixil Triangle

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a boat ride to the town of Santiago de Atitlán, located on the opposite side of the lake. This town preserves its traditional Tz'utujil culture and is renowned for its original woodwork, art galleries, and the idolatrous doll – the Maximon. After the boat ride, we'll head north to the Ixil Triangle and travel through the Cuchumatanes mountains to the town of Nebaj, one of the Ixil Triangle villages inhabited by descendants of the Maya. Overnight stay at a local farm.

Day 6 I Ixil Triangle - Cobán

Today, we'll explore the region, visiting villages and witnessing locals in their traditional attire, as well as the traditional weaving work done by women. We'll enjoy lunch at a village house, and if we still have the energy, we'll take a walk through fields of corn, butterfly farms, and a river flowing along the trail with a breathtaking waterfall. In the afternoon, we'll travel to Cobán, the capital city of Alta Verapaz.

Day 7 I Semuc Champey Natural Monument

In the morning, we'll leave Cobán and the tea plantation area to visit one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural reserves, Semuc Champey. The term "Semuc Champey" describes a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon occurring in this reserve. It translates to "where the river hides beneath the ground." There are seven natural pools, graded, and interconnected, forming small waterfalls. The pools are fed by rainwater that fills them with stunning green, blue, and turquoise colors. Beneath the surface, there's a powerful underground river, and the last pool cascades into a large and impressive waterfall. After exploring this unique natural reserve, we'll stay overnight in the area.

Day 8 I Semuc Champey - Tikal

This morning, we will continue our journey north to the Candelaria Caves, large limestone caves with natural windows that create interesting lighting. Here, we'll encounter the underground world of the Mayan tribes for the first time. Next, we proceed to Sayaxché, from where we'll take a boat ride to Ceibal, an archaeological conservation site showcasing a variety of Mayan arts. We'll explore the area as much as time allows and then continue north to the town of Tikal, where we'll spend the night.

Day 9 I Tikal Site - Flores

In the early hours of the morning, we'll wake up and embark on a sunrise visit to the most prominent and important Mayan site in Central America – Tikal. Within the dense tropical forest, massive structures of temples and pyramids rise above us, and throughout the day, we may encounter monkeys and toucans while walking along the nature reserve trails. We'll continue our journey and visit the town of Flores, where we'll spend the night.

Day 10 I Flores - Guatemala City - Antigua

This morning, we bid farewell to Flores and will take a flight to Guatemala City. Upon landing, we'll travel to Antigua, the former colonial capital of Guatemala, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and UNESCO-protected heritage. The vibrant, colorful houses and cobblestone streets add to the city's charm. Upon arrival, we'll embark on an introductory tour of the city.

Day 11 I Horseback Riding to Pacaya Summit

This morning, we'll head to the Pacaya National Park, home to an active volcano with an altitude of 2,700 meters. Surrounded by volcanic phenomena and unique vegetation, we'll hike through the park, learning about Guatemala's volcanic activity (part of the trip will be done on horseback).

Days 12 I Antigua - Guatemala City 

This morning, we'll explore more of Antigua before continuing to Guatemala City. From there, we'll journey until noon, exploring as much as time allows.