Trip to Guatemala and El Salvador
The Heart of Central America
Our trip to Guatemala and El Salvador is a truly unforgettable journey that takes you on a thrilling adventure through two of Central America’s most captivating nations. Along the way, you’ll experience the warm hospitality of these two countries, and discover the beautiful cultural heritage they share.
Your travels kick off in the lush highlands of Guatemala, a place where rolling hills, deep blue lakes and vibrant markets have been a source of fascination for visitors for centuries. The legacy of the Mayas is all around you here – in the bright textiles and colours of the markets, in the way people still speak their ancient languages in the streets. You’ll get a taste of colonial charm in Antigua, the towering temples of Tikal rising up from the jungle, and a deep connection to the rich history of this incredible region, one that stretches back thousands of years.
As your journey takes you south into El Salvador, the “Land of Volcanoes”, you’ll start to feel a new energy, a pace that’s all about warm smiles and stunning natural beauty. You’ll discover the charming town of Suchitoto, a place that feels like it’s been frozen in time, with a lake that’s alive with birds and colour. The earth’s power will continue to awe you with a visit to the active volcanoes at Cerro Verde before heading to the Pacific coastline. This is an itinerary that’s all about blending adventure, serenity and genuine connections with the local people. It’s the perfect dual-nation experience for anyone looking for authenticity, wonder and a real flavour of the region.
Antigua Guatemala
Historical charm
Lake Atitlan
This lake gives us life
Santa Ana Volcano
El Salvador’s powerful geology
Ruta de Las Flores
Art, culture & gastronomy
Highlights
Get ready for a wild ride as you take in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. First up is the truly stunning Lake Atitlán, a place that’s often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. This lake sits in a massive volcanic caldera, with three iconic volcanoes rising up from its shores. The cultural experience here is second to none, with villages still preserving their unique traditions – from weaving to growing medicinal herbs. Your journey through Guatemala reaches its climax at the incredible Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the past comes alive. Climbing Temple IV to watch the temples over the rainforest is a real bucket-list moment that will give you a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Mayan astronomers who used to chart the stars from up there.
In El Salvador, you’ll explore the Ruta de las Flores, a winding mountain road that threads together a string of charming towns famous for their murals, coffee plantations and weekend food festivals. It’s a real contrast going from the cool, coffee-scented air of the mountains to the warm, salty breeze of the Pacific coast. El Salvador’s beaches are world-famous for their consistent surf, dramatic black volcanic sand and stunning sunsets. Whether you’re exploring the “Pompeii of the Americas” or soaking up the colonial charm of Suchitoto, every stop on this tour will reveal a new side of Central America’s unique character.
Itinerary
Your trip to Guatemala and El Salvador begins the moment you land at La Aurora International Airport (GUA). A warm welcome from your private guide is waiting for you – they’ll be your companion and storyteller for this part of the trip. Leaving behind the bustling capital, you’ll make your way to the Western Highlands. The drive itself is an introduction to the country’s varied landscapes – winding through pine forests and mountain passes that give you a glimpse of the volcanic spine of the continent.
You’ll arrive at Lake Atitlán, a place that feels almost spiritual in its grandeur. You’ve got a couple of nights here to get a feel for this incredible place and breathe in that crisp highland air. This massive body of water is actually the deepest lake in Central America, with depths of over 1,000 feet that hide a lost village beneath its sapphire surface. As the light starts to fade, take a moment to watch the volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro – they’re like silent sentinels guarding this ancient caldera.
- Two nights in Lake Atitlan
Today you get to decide how you want to connect with the lake’s vibrant culture.
Option 1: Village Hopping Boat Tour
Set off on a Private Boat and Explore Three Colourful Towns Along Lake Atitlán. Aboard a private boat, you’ll be setting off on a cruise across the waters to visit three distinct towns, each with its own special charm. The first stop on your trip is Santa Catarina Palopó – famous for its stunning natural hot springs and that amazing community project which has seen the town transformed into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colour and intricate geometric patterns – a real tribute to the local textile designs.
As you cruise on over to San Juan La Laguna, you’ll get to see a model of sustainable tourism up close and get to meet women who are part of a weaving cooperative – they’ll show you just how natural dyes are made using plants & insects. And finally you’ll stop by San Marcos La Laguna, a haven for those who love a holistic lifestyle, with its beautiful serene vibe.
You will notice how each village around the lake has its own unique style and colour of ‘traje’ (local dress) – it’s pretty cool, the locals can even tell where someone’s from just by looking at those intricate woven patterns.
Option 2: Hike and Cook in the Mayan Kitchen
If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous then start the day with an early morning hike up to Rostro Maya (Mayan Face) mountain. Just when the sun starts rising – and what a sight! The sky lights up in all sorts of amazing colours like purple & gold, and the volcanoes come into view – one of the country’s most photogenic views – seriously, it’s a must-see!
After that, get your taste buds going with a visit to the local market, followed by a cooking class at the Mayan Kitchen. You’ll get to learn the secrets of traditional Guatemalan dishes like Pepián – a spicy meat stew that’s actually been declared a National Cultural Heritage of Guatemala – yum!
Breakfast is over and we transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua Guatemala. This place is like a living museum of Spanish Colonial architecture – just look at those pastel coloured facades and bougainvillea spilling over the ruined cathedral walls – just stunning. Your city tour will take you strolling through those cobblestone streets to see famous landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch and the La Merced Church, famous for its intricate stucco work.
You’ll get to spend the night in this enchanting city, just soaking up an atmosphere that’s been around for centuries – despite all those earthquakes and volcanic eruptions the city has survived. In fact, Antigua was once the capital of all Central America until those devastating Santa Marta earthquakes in 1773 forced the Spanish Crown to order the city to be abandoned – but many residents just refused to budge, keeping the city just the way it is today.
- One night in Antigua Guatemala
Time to leave the highlands behind and head for the tropical lowlands. We will transfer you to Guatemala City for a domestic flight to Flores Island. This picturesque town is just a cluster of red-roofed buildings sitting on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway. In the late afternoon you can enjoy a relaxing sunset boat tour on the lake – what a sight! Just watching as the island drifts into the sunset is totally magical.
- Two nights in Flores Island
Get ready for the highlight of your trip as you explore Tikal National Park. This massive archaeological site was once one of the most powerful Maya kingdoms – you’ll be walking through the jungle, listening for the howler monkeys as you discover the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the North Acropolis. And don’t even get us started on Temple IV – the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas – what a view from the top! You can see for miles and miles over the endless rainforest – it’s so breathtaking that George Lucas decided to film part of Star Wars here.
After that we’ll head over to El Remate, a tiny village with some of the most stunning turquoise water you’ll ever see – perfect for a refreshing swim to wash off the jungle heat.
As we say farewell to the Maya Biosphere we transfer to the Mundo Maya airport for your flight to El Salvador. As you land in this new country you can’t help but notice the change in landscape and the warmth of the air – this is going to be a real treat. We’ll take you straight to Suchitoto, the country’s cultural capital, where you’ll be spending the next two nights.
Suchitoto is often called the “Place of the Bird and Flower” in the Nahuatl language. This charming colonial town has cobblestone streets and beautiful preserved architecture – and as it turns out, it used to be the heart of the world’s indigo trade – a “blue gold” that made the region a fortune back in the colonial era and remnants of which can still be seen in some of the grand haciendas turned into boutique hotels today.
- Two nights in Suchitoto
You get your day off to a great start by strolling through the laid-back historic centre of Suchitoto. As you wander through its winding streets, your guide makes sure you visit the picturesque Santa Lucia Church, its white walls glowing softly in the morning sun. You’ll also have a chance to browse the local art galleries, which showcase the town’s vibrant arts scene.
The atmosphere of the central plaza is infectious – you’re bound to strike up a conversation with the friendly locals who call this place home. Later on, take a seat on a boat and drift across the shimmering waters of Lake Suchitlán. This man-made lake was created by a hydroelectric dam in the 1970s, but it’s since become a haven for thousands of migratory birds. As you float across the lake, keep an eye out for herons, hawks, and storks nesting on the little islands – these used to be hilltops before the valley got flooded.
Today we’re off to Cerro Verde National Park, where you get to hike through a cloud forest in the crater of an old volcano. The views are breathtaking – on a clear day you can see the stunning turquoise sulfur crater lake, plus the iconic Izalco Volcano, which has a pretty cool story too. For nearly two centuries it erupted constantly, making it a useful navigational aid for sailors in the Pacific Ocean – they used to navigate by its glow, earning it the nickname “The Lighthouse of the Pacific”.
After your hike, we head down from the mountains to the sunshine of the Pacific Coast, where you’ll spend the next three nights in a beachfront resort.
- Three nights on the Pacific Coast
Today’s a real mix of ancient history and the living, breathing culture of El Salvador. First we’re off to explore the famous Ruta de Las Flores and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Joya de Cerén. This place gives you a super intimate look at the daily lives of the Maya farmers who lived there in 600 AD, perfectly preserved under layers of volcanic ash – hence its title “The Pompeii of the Americas”.
After that, we’re off to the coffee hills to visit the charming towns of the “Flowers Route”. Here are a few highlights:
- Nahuizalco – this place has a special night market where the streets are lit up by candles and you can see the locals crafting intricate hand-made furniture.
- Salcoatitán – we stop here and marvel at a massive, centuries-old Ceiba tree that’s a real symbol of the connection between the earth and the heavens in Mayan mythology.
- Juayúa – this town has the best Gastronomic Festival, where you can taste all sorts of local treats like grilled rabbit and iguana, or try more traditional dishes like pupusas and yuca fritters, all while enjoying some live music.
- Apaneca – this is the highest town in the country, known for its cool breezes and world-class coffee plantations nestled between misty peaks.
- Ataco – we round off our mountain journey in this lively town, with cobblestone streets lined with psychedelic murals telling the local legends – perfect for your final local coffee.
Now the whole day is yours to do whatever you like, so why not take it easy on El Salvador’s dramatic coastline? The beaches here, like El Tunco or El Zonte, are pretty different from what you’d find in the Caribbean – the sand is volcanic black, shining like silver in the sunlight.
El Salvador’s become a hotspot in the surfing world, with some of the best right-hand point breaks on the planet. Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros catch some waves is a mesmerising way to pass the afternoon. Chill out in a hammock, grab some fresh ceviche, or take a long walk along the dark sand as the sun starts to set.
Breakfast by the ocean – that’s the last stop for us before we bid you adios for now. We’ll get you to the International Airport of El Salvador (SAL), where you’ll be able to hop on your return flight back home. As you go, you’re heading off with a suitcase full of mementos and a heart that’s going to be brimming with wonderful memories from some of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the Americas – two places that have really left their mark on you.
map, expenses & price
Trip to Guatemala and El Salvador
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-10 nights of hotel accommodations.
-Domestic flights
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-All park entrance fees.
-Professional local guides.
-Boat transfers
-Daily breakfast
add-ons
ADD-ON
We can’t let you go without considering a trip to Copán Ruinas in its neighbour, Honduras. It’s often called the “Paris of the Maya World” but that’s selling it a bit short – this place is a real gem. The size of the temples here can be impressive but it’s the intricate beauty of the stone carvings that really sets it apart. The stelae here are like nothing you’ve seen before and if you want a real treat, head to the Hieroglyphic Stairway where there’s one of the longest known Maya texts carved into stone – a history book in the making.
Wander around the Great Plaza and be amazed by this incredible piece of the past. And then there’s the wildlife – this place is a tranquil haven for the Scarlet Macaw, a bird that the Maya used to hold in high esteem. The reintroduction programme has been a huge success, and as you walk around the ancient ball courts and temples, it’s not uncommon to catch glimpses of birds in all their vibrant colours, flying overhead – it’s a real treat. This add-on will take you on a deeper journey into the artistic soul of the ancient and enigmatic Mayans.
add-on
If you’re up for an adventure, a trip to Volcano Conchagua, tucked away in the east of El Salvador, is a must. This dormant volcano guards the entrance to the Gulf of Fonseca, a body of water that borders El Salvador and two other countries – Honduras and Nicaragua. We’re talking here about a 4×4 ride up the slopes or a tough hike through some pretty rugged terrain, but it’s worth it for the views – you’ll be surrounded by dry tropical forest and out-of-this-world coastal views that’ll blow your mind.
And then there’s the real prize – a night spent camping at the summit for those interested. From specially built viewing decks you can take in one of the Americas’ most breathtaking vistas – when the sunrise illuminates the islands of the Gulf and the coastlines of three countries all at once. It’s a really peaceful and majestic experience, and you get to feel like you’re on top of the world – while also being a million miles away from the crowds of tourists.
