Kensington
9 Day Guatemala Signature
9 Day Guatemala Signature
Watch the stunning sunset over Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan and visit legendary Tikal.
Antigua, where your journey begins, is among the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. A magical and captivating small town, it feels as though time stopped 300 years ago. With a private guide, stroll through the charming city, discovering hints of its former life as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Tour Iximche with a private guide, a pre-Columbian Mayan site in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, and bear witness to a traditional Mayan ceremony, paying thanks to the Gods. Enjoy a private guided hike kayaking trip along the shores of Lake Atitlan, with remarkable volcano views along the way. Find serenity gazing out across beautiful Lake Atitlan, enjoying drinks on the terrace of your lodge as the sun sets in the distance. Get hands-on with an opportunity to feed fresh fruits and vegetables to a a community of monkeys, then head to the famed Yaxhá where you’ll watch the sunset behind ancient Mayan structures. Never failing to amaze, a private guided tour of Tikal, the remarkable UNESCO-listed ancient Mayan citadel, will provide an epic close to your Guatemalan experience.
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 |
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 4 |
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 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 |
The Tikal National Park, 370 square kilometers is part of the even larger Maya Biosphere Reserve. Home of hundred of species, including spider monkeys, toucans and parakeets. Towering above the rainforest are the ruins of Tikal, one of the most magnificent of all the Maya sites. The ruins are dominated by five enormous temples, step-sided granite pyramid that rise some 40 meters from the forest floor. Around them are bitterly thousands of others structures, many still hidden beneath mounds of earth. It's well worth staying overnight, partly because you will need the extra time to do justice to the ruins themselves, but more importantly to spend dawn and dusk at the site, when the forest canopy burst into a frenzy and sound activities. |
| Day 7 |
The Tikal National Park, 370 square kilometers is part of the even larger Maya Biosphere Reserve. Home of hundred of species, including spider monkeys, toucans and parakeets. Towering above the rainforest are the ruins of Tikal, one of the most magnificent of all the Maya sites. The ruins are dominated by five enormous temples, step-sided granite pyramid that rise some 40 meters from the forest floor. Around them are bitterly thousands of others structures, many still hidden beneath mounds of earth. It's well worth staying overnight, partly because you will need the extra time to do justice to the ruins themselves, but more importantly to spend dawn and dusk at the site, when the forest canopy burst into a frenzy and sound activities. |
| Day 8 |
In the newer area you will find excellent hotels, chic shops, and good restaurants. Near the old downtown commercial center, behind the Catedral Metropolitana, and a block off Central Park, the Central Market where everything made or produced in the country is sold. |
| Day 9 |
In the newer area you will find excellent hotels, chic shops, and good restaurants. Near the old downtown commercial center, behind the Catedral Metropolitana, and a block off Central Park, the Central Market where everything made or produced in the country is sold. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
03/04/17 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $6,498 |
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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.
