This value tour of Guatemala features the Colonial gem, Antigua. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, and is the focus of much curiosity, in its mysterious allure. Discover lakes and volcanoes in Atitlan while learning about ancient rituals and mysticism. Take a domestic flight to Flores and enjoy a tour of the Tikal ruins, set in the heart of the Guatemalan Jungle! Listen to the Howler Monkeys roar across the distance as you climb to the top of these ancient ruins. Tikal was an important Mayan settlement for over 1500 years, starting about 700 BC. During the Classic Period 300 - 900 AD, the city prospered through trade and military conquest when the population peaked at 100,000. Return to Guatemala City by domestic flight.

Antigua is situated southwest of Guatemala City, and was considered to be one of the most splendid cities in Central America before its partial destruction in the earthquake of 1773. The town is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Despite the damage of countless earthquakes, floods and fires, Antigua is a beautiful place of multi-colored, single-story buildings, tropical gardens, plazas, fountains and cobbled streets. A popular tourist center, it has several good hotels, restaurants and bookshops with a fairly lively nightlife.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport in Guatemala city for your international or domestic flight.

Like many of the hotels in Antigua, the Spanish influence is still obvious in the Villa Colonial. An old, quaint ambiance surrounds this 50 room hotel, where traditional decor and modern necessities ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. Enjoy an array of fresh fruits and juices at breakfast, along with other staples for a satisfying start to the day. Be sure to try the nearby restaurants to have a taste of the region's specialties firsthand. Lounge in the courtyard, mingle with other guests, or simply take in these beautiful surroundings. The center of town is a bit of a walk, and a short taxi ride away, but it is important to discover the history of these old walls and buildings when free time arises.

Overnight at Villa Colonial.

You will be met at your hotel by your private driver & guide, for a departure to the town of Antigua. You will have some time to explore the town before transferring to the village of Jocotenango – just on the outskirts of Antigua where you can also see the interesting pink & white façade of the Jocotenango church before you transfer across to the wonderful Azotea Coffee farm and museums. Here you can have a private guided tour of the Coffee Farm & the museums covering Mayan traditional music and costume. Learn about the importance of coffee in Guatemala’s history and its impact today as well as hearing about the Maya way of life. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After lunch you will meet your vehicle to take you out to the villages of San Antonio Aguas Calientes & Santa Maria to meet with local families and weavers & to learn about the textiles & traditions of their villages.

Overnight at Villa Colonial.

The beautiful, volcanic Lake Atitlán is surrounded by purple highlands, olive-green mountains and three distinctive volcanoes – Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. Water-skiing, swimming and boating are all available on the lake, which is 19km (12 miles) in length and between 6.5km (4 miles) and 12km (7.5 miles) wide. Around the lake are several villages, each of whose inhabitants wear differently colored, densely embroidered clothes.

Meet at your hotel by your private guide & driver for you 1hr transfer to the town of Comalapa. On arrival to the town you can see the famous painted mural that the school children of the town painted depicting major events in Guatemala’s history up to the signing of the peace accords in 1996. From here, you will visit some local painters who continue the tradition of naïve paintings that the town is so famous for, and visit a local bakery to see how they make the small, rock hard biscuits known as “Roscas” that sell by the thousands each day in Guatemala. Finally, you can visit the wonderful authentic market of Comalapa to see the local people go about their daily life buying produce and goods still dressed in the traditional textiles of the area. You can also visit the small museum dedicated to the composer who wrote Guatemala’s national anthem, who came from Comalapa. Lunch included for you & your guide.

Situated outside of Guatemala City, at the edge of Lake Atitlan in a hilly countryside getaway circling Catarina Palopo village, Casa Palopo is surrounded by a wealth of forest and volcanoes. The 8 rooms are adorned with the finest of linen and toiletries, and further equipped with to-die-for views. Sleeping in these impressive rooms is an experience like no other. Look forward to the height of hospitality, as the staff provides sincere and consistent service. Cuisine is enjoyable, though many opt for trying the restaurants in the nearby towns. Relax in the heated pool, and absorb the surrounding views. Or, plan a boating trip and get to know the lake which some consider the most beautiful in the world.

Overnight at Casa Palopo.

You will be picked up from the hotel & transfer to San Juan La Laguna Village where you visit a local textile cooperative to see the back strap loom in use and to see how they still dye with natural dyes. You will also visit the home and workshop of local naïf painters before boarding the boat onto Santiago Village for lunch. After lunch walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different "brotherhood" has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon guests can visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from this area. When guests are ready they will be transferred back to their hotel.

Overnight at Casa Palopo.

Flores is built on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itza. A causeway connects Flores to the mainland town of Santa Elena, where the banks and main shops are located. Buses run throughout the day from both Santa Elena and Flores to Tikal. The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq km (6 sq miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later.

Transfer to the highland town of Chichicastenango (1 hr) with your driver. Observe local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives. Upon arrival at Chichicastenango, your guide will take you to the famous market where you can purchase local ceramics and crafts. This tour departs on Thursdays and Sundays only. Return to Guatemala City Airport (3hrs drive) after the end of the tour.

Enjoy a short flight from Guatemala City to Flores.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

A Francis Ford Coppola Property

La Lancha is a warm, sun-soaked escape near Lake Peten Itza in Guatemala's Peten region, near the archaeological site of Tikal. The 10 rooms promise unhindered privacy, and a rustic approach to travel. Management has made it a point not to include televisions, phones, and internet, ensuring that all who visit will bask in the natural aura of La Lancha. Impeccable service and dining options make all meals an occasion, as guests tend to anticipate the fine cuisine prepared by chefs. Activities range from boat trips to hikes, so one may get in touch with both the land and the water in this stunning environment.

Overnight at La Lancha.

Pick up from your hotel and transfer with your driver and guide to Yaxha National Park. Enjoy the sites and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys as well as many colorful tropical birds and other mammals in this wildlife area. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful shores of Lake Yaxha. Afterwards, you will head back to your hotel.

Overnight at La Lancha.

Guatemala City lies at the edge of a plateau cut by deep ravines in the Valley of the Hermitage. Few colonial buildings remain but the old quarter, with its low colonial houses, is situated in the northern part of the city. The main plaza, Parque Central lies at its heart and is bordered by the National Palace, the Cathedral, the National Library and an arcade of shops.

Pick up from your lodge and begin your privately guided tour of Tikal National Park. Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after lunch at a local restaurant.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

Not far from the most exciting sights and attractions of Guatemala City, the Westin Camino Real stands tall and grand. The hotel consists of 271 rooms, each cozy and equipped with all the necessities of home. European contemporary themes are utilized in the decor. Enjoy delicious cuisine offered at the restaurants, and cocktails that hit the spot on a warm evening in the city. Served in buffet style or a la carte, chefs work with influences from across the world. Take advantage of the range of facilities available at the hotel, which include a tennis court and spa, as well as a swimming pool and lounging space for interacting with other guests.

Overnight at Westin Camino Real.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) .