Kensington
8 Day Guatemala: Mayan Culture & Cuisine
8 Day Guatemala: Mayan Culture & Cuisine
Be it locally grown coffee, artisinal chocolate, renowned rums, or dinner prepared over an open fire, the tastes of Guatemala are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Find yourself in Antigua, a city surrounded by volcanoes, where you’ll be led by a private guide on a walk through brightly colored Spanish colonial architecture in the city center, learning of its time as Guatemala’s former colonial capital. Continue your day visiting an authentic Antiguan coffee hacienda, gaining insights into the cultivation, roasting and brewing tactics of one of Guatemala’s prized exports. Later, visit a rum house where you’ll be welcomed to taste two of the world’s most highly regarded rums, made from Guatemalan sugar cane honey. With a local family, learn to prepare a traditional “Pepian” (a mouth-watering chicken stew) over an open fire. Cook raw cacao beans and grind them by hand on an artisanal chocolate making experience. Shop for fresh produce in a market-town, then prepare a meal with a Mayan chef. Enjoy an organic herbal tea as you tour a Mayan medicinal garden, then experience a traditional Mayan ceremony, paying thanks to the Gods. Conclude Guatemala City, where you’ll privately tour the nation capital, prior to a haute cuisine dinner at renowned Clio’s Food Craft. Set your taste buds free in Guatemala.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
| Day 1 |
Antigua, Guatemala's prized colonial monument, is just an hour from Guatemala City, and a pleasant alternative to staying in the capital. Good walking shoes are needed for its cobblestone streets. The most spectacular time to visit is Holy Week, when processions walk on handmade sawdust carpets with beautiful floral and geometric designs. |
| Day 2 |
Antigua, Guatemala's prized colonial monument, is just an hour from Guatemala City, and a pleasant alternative to staying in the capital. Good walking shoes are needed for its cobblestone streets. The most spectacular time to visit is Holy Week, when processions walk on handmade sawdust carpets with beautiful floral and geometric designs. |
| Day 3 |
Antigua, Guatemala's prized colonial monument, is just an hour from Guatemala City, and a pleasant alternative to staying in the capital. Good walking shoes are needed for its cobblestone streets. The most spectacular time to visit is Holy Week, when processions walk on handmade sawdust carpets with beautiful floral and geometric designs. |
| Day 4 |
Antigua, Guatemala's prized colonial monument, is just an hour from Guatemala City, and a pleasant alternative to staying in the capital. Good walking shoes are needed for its cobblestone streets. The most spectacular time to visit is Holy Week, when processions walk on handmade sawdust carpets with beautiful floral and geometric designs. |
| Day 5 |
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, this lake is often touted as the most beautiful in the world, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and three towering volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán. Each of the lakeside villages offers its own distinct vibe, from the bohemian charm of San Marcos La Laguna, known for its yoga retreats and meditation centers, to the vibrant markets and colorful streets of Santiago Atitlán, which provide a window into traditional Mayan life. For the adventurous, Lake Atitlán is a playground of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can climb the Indian Nose or San Pedro Volcano for panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy zip-lining through lush forests or paragliding over the lake's sparkling waters. The rich underwater world also beckons snorkelers and divers to explore submerged volcanic craters and rocky outcrops teeming with life. After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind in one of the many lakeside cafés, enjoying fresh Guatemalan coffee while soaking in the incredible views. Lake Atitlán is also a cultural treasure trove. The villages around the lake are home to Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayan communities, whose traditions and customs remain vibrant and visible. In Santiago Atitlán, you can visit the revered shrine of Maximón, a local folk saint, or explore the traditional textile markets where hand-woven huipiles (Mayan blouses) showcase the intricate artistry passed down through generations. Visitors interested in history can visit the local cofradías (Mayan brotherhoods) and learn about the lake's ancient legends and stories that have shaped its cultural landscape. A fun fact about Lake Atitlán: It is often cited as the inspiration for Aldous Huxley's description of paradise in his 1934 travel book, "Beyond the Mexique Bay." Huxley famously compared it to Italy's Lake Como, noting that Atitlán was "Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes." Indeed, the lake’s combination of natural splendor, vibrant culture, and the spirit of adventure makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience. |
| Day 6 |
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, this lake is often touted as the most beautiful in the world, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and three towering volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán. Each of the lakeside villages offers its own distinct vibe, from the bohemian charm of San Marcos La Laguna, known for its yoga retreats and meditation centers, to the vibrant markets and colorful streets of Santiago Atitlán, which provide a window into traditional Mayan life. For the adventurous, Lake Atitlán is a playground of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can climb the Indian Nose or San Pedro Volcano for panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy zip-lining through lush forests or paragliding over the lake's sparkling waters. The rich underwater world also beckons snorkelers and divers to explore submerged volcanic craters and rocky outcrops teeming with life. After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind in one of the many lakeside cafés, enjoying fresh Guatemalan coffee while soaking in the incredible views. Lake Atitlán is also a cultural treasure trove. The villages around the lake are home to Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayan communities, whose traditions and customs remain vibrant and visible. In Santiago Atitlán, you can visit the revered shrine of Maximón, a local folk saint, or explore the traditional textile markets where hand-woven huipiles (Mayan blouses) showcase the intricate artistry passed down through generations. Visitors interested in history can visit the local cofradías (Mayan brotherhoods) and learn about the lake's ancient legends and stories that have shaped its cultural landscape. A fun fact about Lake Atitlán: It is often cited as the inspiration for Aldous Huxley's description of paradise in his 1934 travel book, "Beyond the Mexique Bay." Huxley famously compared it to Italy's Lake Como, noting that Atitlán was "Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes." Indeed, the lake’s combination of natural splendor, vibrant culture, and the spirit of adventure makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience. |
| Day 7 |
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, this lake is often touted as the most beautiful in the world, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and three towering volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán. Each of the lakeside villages offers its own distinct vibe, from the bohemian charm of San Marcos La Laguna, known for its yoga retreats and meditation centers, to the vibrant markets and colorful streets of Santiago Atitlán, which provide a window into traditional Mayan life. For the adventurous, Lake Atitlán is a playground of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can climb the Indian Nose or San Pedro Volcano for panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy zip-lining through lush forests or paragliding over the lake's sparkling waters. The rich underwater world also beckons snorkelers and divers to explore submerged volcanic craters and rocky outcrops teeming with life. After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind in one of the many lakeside cafés, enjoying fresh Guatemalan coffee while soaking in the incredible views. Lake Atitlán is also a cultural treasure trove. The villages around the lake are home to Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayan communities, whose traditions and customs remain vibrant and visible. In Santiago Atitlán, you can visit the revered shrine of Maximón, a local folk saint, or explore the traditional textile markets where hand-woven huipiles (Mayan blouses) showcase the intricate artistry passed down through generations. Visitors interested in history can visit the local cofradías (Mayan brotherhoods) and learn about the lake's ancient legends and stories that have shaped its cultural landscape. A fun fact about Lake Atitlán: It is often cited as the inspiration for Aldous Huxley's description of paradise in his 1934 travel book, "Beyond the Mexique Bay." Huxley famously compared it to Italy's Lake Como, noting that Atitlán was "Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes." Indeed, the lake’s combination of natural splendor, vibrant culture, and the spirit of adventure makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience. |
| Day 8 |
Lake Atitlán, nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a breathtaking destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and adventure. Formed in a massive volcanic crater, this lake is often touted as the most beautiful in the world, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, verdant hills, and three towering volcanoes: San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán. Each of the lakeside villages offers its own distinct vibe, from the bohemian charm of San Marcos La Laguna, known for its yoga retreats and meditation centers, to the vibrant markets and colorful streets of Santiago Atitlán, which provide a window into traditional Mayan life. For the adventurous, Lake Atitlán is a playground of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can climb the Indian Nose or San Pedro Volcano for panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy zip-lining through lush forests or paragliding over the lake's sparkling waters. The rich underwater world also beckons snorkelers and divers to explore submerged volcanic craters and rocky outcrops teeming with life. After a day of adventure, visitors can unwind in one of the many lakeside cafés, enjoying fresh Guatemalan coffee while soaking in the incredible views. Lake Atitlán is also a cultural treasure trove. The villages around the lake are home to Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayan communities, whose traditions and customs remain vibrant and visible. In Santiago Atitlán, you can visit the revered shrine of Maximón, a local folk saint, or explore the traditional textile markets where hand-woven huipiles (Mayan blouses) showcase the intricate artistry passed down through generations. Visitors interested in history can visit the local cofradías (Mayan brotherhoods) and learn about the lake's ancient legends and stories that have shaped its cultural landscape. A fun fact about Lake Atitlán: It is often cited as the inspiration for Aldous Huxley's description of paradise in his 1934 travel book, "Beyond the Mexique Bay." Huxley famously compared it to Italy's Lake Como, noting that Atitlán was "Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes." Indeed, the lake’s combination of natural splendor, vibrant culture, and the spirit of adventure makes it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an authentic Guatemalan experience. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/01/21 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $4,792 |
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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
