sample guatemala tours

At Destination Seekers we offer a completely bespoke service, ensuring that your itinerary is perfect for you. For inspiration, please find below a sample tour of Guatemala.

Highlights of Guatemala

Day 1: Guatemala City

Arrive in Guatemala City. You have a free evening to relax after your flight and explore the town.     

Day 2 to 3: Lanquin

You will leave Guatemala City this morning and journey to Lanquín (approx. 6 hours). Enroute you will stop at an orchid sanctuary where you will enjoy a guided visit of the nature trails and do some birdwatching. Then you will make your way to the cloud forest, a region known for its great biodiversity. You will have a free evening to relax.

The next day you will enjoy the divine Semuc Champey pools, a protected national monument unique to the area. These stunning turquoise pools make a great place to bathe. Explore the surrounding trails at your own pace. There is also an optional activity to explore the Lanquín cave system.

Day 4: Candelaria Caves

Leaving Lanquin you will travel to the Candelaria Caves, a large natural karst cave system. The caves are important in Maya culture, and are believed to be the entrance to the underworld known as "Xibalbá". They were also used as part of a trading route during the classic Maya period. You are able to go tubing today on the Candelaria river, surrounded by lush jungle and incredible scenery. 

Day 5 to 7: El Remate

At the start of the day you will journey to the village of Sayaxché, where you will take a boat through the uncharted La Pasión River all the way to the Pucté creek. You will arrive at the "Crater Azul", a surreal subaquatic garden and pristine fresh blue water pools where you will spend your day swimming surrounded by nature. In the afternoon you will arrive in the village of El Remate where you can relax for the rest of the day.

The following day is the highlight of most people’s journey’s to Guatemala, the amazing Maya city of Tikal, recognised for both its cultural and natural significance. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your tour of this extraordinary complex will take you through vast jungle trails and allow you to climb some of the most emblematic temples in the heart of the lush Guatemalan jungle. Immerse yourself in the sounds of howler monkeys and Tikal´s history.

Today you will explore Yahxá Nakum Naranjo National Park with a guide, taking you down off-the-beaten-path jungle trails. Take the boat to Topoxté Island, then journey through the vast jungle and structures of Yahxá site. This national park is located between two impressive lagoons and is one of the most biodiverse wetlands of Guatemala.

Day 8 to 9: El Paredón

Leaving the Maya biosphere behind, today you will head to the Pacific Coast to Sipacate Naranjo National Park. This is one of the best preserved mangrove ecosystems in the country. Your adventure begins in the village of El Paredón Buena Vista, from where you can access "La Poza del Nance"; a lagoon where the ocean meets the mangroves and turtles come to feed all year round.

The second day here you can relax on the black sand beaches. For more adventure you could go surfing with locals or paddle boarding in the mangroves for sunrise.

Day 10 to 11: Santiago Atitlán

In the morning you begin your journey to the beautiful Lake Atitlán.  Once you arrive at the town of Santiago Atitlán you will spend the afternoon enjoying unique volcano views.  

The next day your local guide will take you on a private boat transfer to San Juan la Laguna. Surrounded by primitive art, beautiful textiles and majestic views, San Juan will give you a warm welcome and the opportunity to interact and learn the way of life and customs of its T’zutujil villagers. After the tour feel free to explore the town on your own before heading back to Santiago Atitlán.

Day 12 to 14: Antigua

Your final stop on this fantastic tour is Antigua. This is one of the main historical capitals where you will experience exceptional food and local traditions. You can even embark on an optional food tour. The colourful colonial Antigua is in a spectacular location and this is a wonderful place just to wander around and get lost in.

The village of San Cristobal El Alto has the best views of volcanoes and villages and is the first garden-town in Guatemala with many artisan workshops and heritage to be shared. Here you will go on a guided eco-cultural trek that will allow you to explore off the beaten path trails and the local flora and fauna until you reach a natural water spring in the middle of the forest.

On your final day explore Antigua a final time, or take part in an optional activity, such as an artisan and textile experience in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, a coffee experience with farmers in San Miguel Escobar or a local cooking class in San Cristobal el Bajo.    

Day 15: Departure Day

Say goodbye to beautiful Guatemala and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. 

Inspired? Destination Seekers can discuss your perfect bespoke itinerary with you.