5 days in Guatemala
Signature trip
Embark on a five-day vacation in Guatemala, Central America’s most vibrant and exotic country. Immerse yourself in its awe-inspiring vistas of volcanoes, interact with the traditional communities, indulge in the serene lakes, explore the vivid markets, and traverse the tropical jungles that cover the remnants of the extinguished Mayan cities. Experience the essence of Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor, all within five days.
Visit Guatemala for an exotic experience. In just five days, explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, learn colonial history in Antigua Guatemala, and relax on Flores Island by the lake. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and sunset views from atop an ancient Maya temple in the jungles of Yaxha.
Antigua Guatemala
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yaxha
Archeological & nature reserve
Lake Peten Itza
Natural gem
Tikal
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Highlights
During your 5-day vacation to Guatemala, you’ll go on a walking tour of Antigua Guatemala, the erstwhile capital of the country until the 18th century. Furthermore, you may participate in a cooking class to gain insight into preparing Guatemalan cuisine. Your initial destination will take you to the ancient archaeological site of Yaxha, where you will traverse the ruins, jungle, and lagoons of this former Maya metropolis. Subsequently, you will explore an expanse of Tikal that spans approximately 21602 square kilometers. Tikal boasts ancient ruins, interminable forests, and an impressive fauna.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Guatemala City International Airport (GUA), your designated driver will await your arrival to facilitate your transfer to your hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its striking views of three volcanoes, making it a vibrant and picturesque destination.
The city boasts ornate Spanish baroque architecture, charming pastel facades, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The old Spanish capital also features shady plazas, colonial houses, and courtyards overflowing with beautiful bougainvillea. The remainder of the day is free to res, and we recommend exploring the quaint cobblestone streets, perusing the vibrant craft markets, and indulging in locally grown coffee.
Two nights in Antigua Guatemala.
This half-day tour of Antigua Guatemala, the former capital of Guatemala, allows you to explore the city’s impressive array of historic Baroque buildings and colonial homes painted in vibrant pastels. You will have a local guide who is also an expert historian, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
On this guided tour, you will visit the lookout Hill of the Cross for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. You’ll explore some of the city’s most significant landmarks. The first stop is at Palacio del Ayuntamiento, a historical building with a fascinating past. This impressive structure was built in the 18th century as the home of the Spanish colonial government. Today, it serves as the town office. It houses a museum of ancient books, showcasing a vast collection of rare and valuable manuscripts.
Our next stop is the Palace of the Captain’s General. This magnificent building serves as the headquarters of the Guatemala Institute of Tourism. This imposing structure was once the residence of the Spanish governors, who ruled the city during the colonial period.
After that, we will visit Casa Santo Domingo, a former convent transformed into a luxurious hotel and museum. This beautiful building is a prime example of colonial architecture, with stunning courtyards, elegant arches, and intricate stonework.
We will visit La Merced Church, a stunning Baroque church known for its canary-yellow facade. This iconic building is one of Antigua’s most recognizable landmarks and dates back to the 16th century. You will find an ornate altar, beautiful frescoes, and a fascinating collection of religious artifacts.
Throughout the tour, you will gain valuable insights into Maya archaeology and their use of jade, which held significant religious and spiritual importance to the ancient Mayans. Additionally, you can visit a few of the most important ruins.
In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in a local cooking class. This profound experience will facilitate your exploration of the multifaceted culture of Guatemala through its distinct aromas and flavors. The experience offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the country and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical aspects of Guatemalan cuisine. Guatemalan cuisine is a unique blend of colonial Spanish and indigenous Maya flavors, and the class will culminate with a meal shared with the chefs.
After breakfast, you will go to the airport to board a scheduled one-hour flight destined for Flores Island. From there, you will proceed by land transport to the archeological site of Yaxha. This site is home to the remains of an ancient Mayan city and ceremonial center that flourished during the Mayan Classic Period (200-900 CE).
At the height of its power, Yaxha ranked as the third-largest city within the region. Visitors can ascend the temples around its compact main square to take in the stunning vista of Lake Yaxha and the surrounding jungle. Furthermore, hiking to Temple 216 provides the chance to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the rainforest canopy.
Upon completing the tour, we shall return to Flores Island, where we shall dine in a restaurant by the lake. We will not miss the opportunity to explore the island around the exquisite, deep-green Lake Peten Itza.
Overnight in Flores Island.
Our forthcoming outing will entail visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal. The towering skyscrapers of the temples offer panoramic vistas of the site from atop these ancient structures. Although the temples and pyramids may appear frozen in time, the curious howler monkeys and agile spider monkeys swinging through the trees and the flashes of color, as the parrots and toucans fly, will bring you back to the present.
The most distinctive aspect of Tikal is its towering, steep-sided pyramids that rise above 44 meters. However, what sets it apart is its jungle locale. The plazas have been cleared of vegetation, while some buildings have undergone partial restoration. Upon exploration of the premises, individuals will traverse underneath a dense rainforest canopy, eliciting a rich, earthy aroma of the soil and plants.
You will discover the site by hiking along the wide courseways. Movement in a quiet manner may result in the sighting of several animals, including monkeys, agoutis, foxes, and ocellated turkeys. You will spend the day meandering through the palace complexes.
Following the tour, your designated driver will escort you to the Mundo Maya airport, where you will board a short flight, returning you to Guatemala City. After the flight, you will indulge in a delectable meal at an authentic Guatemalan restaurant.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
Sadly, the excursion encompassed Antigua Guatemala, the rainforests, lakes, and archaeological sites has concluded. Your appointed driver will transport you to Guatemala City International Airport (GUA) in the morning, where you will board your flight home.
map, expenses & price
5 days in Guatemala
Expenses included:
-Private transportation.
-Four nights of hotel accommodations.
-Domestic flights.
-Professional local guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfasts.
extension
5 days in guatemala
Lake Atitlan is a breathtaking natural wonder renowned for its stunning and distinctive features. The lake boasts reflective waters of an impossibly blue hue, highlighting the striking volcanic cones surrounding it and the traditional towns and villages that encircle its periphery. Visitors can take a town-hopping tour of Atitlan’s lakeside indigenous villages by boat ride. These villages offer a glimpse into the Maya culture that characterizes the area, as evidenced by their markets, traditions, arts, and crafts.
