Guatemala









Trip summary statistics
8days
Guatemala: Mayan Culture & Cuisine
Guatemala City, Antigua, Lake Atitlan
Savor Guatemala’s finest rums, Zacapa Centenario and XO, in an expert-led tasting session.
Uncover Guatemala’s coffee craft in the fields and enjoy a fresh brew with local farmers.
Discover UNESCO sites and chocolate tasting spots as you explore Antigua at your own pace.
Shop Central America’s largest market with a local chef, then learn to craft Mayan recipes.
Relax by Lake Atitlan’s volcanic shores, with insider tips from your Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Guatemala City to AntiguaThe Adventure Begins
- Guatemala City - Antigua [Airport with Meet and Greet, 1.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Guatemala Welcome Package
AntiguaStrolling the Magical Streets
- City Walking Tour (4 hrs) - Private
- Rum Tasting (2.5 hrs) - Private
AntiguaFarm Fresh
- Community Coffee Tour (4 hrs) - Private
- Antigua at Leisure
AntiguaCreative Cuisine
- Artisanal Chocolate Tour (2.5 hrs) - Private
- Dinner Reservations & Car Service for Welten Restaurant
Antigua to Lake AtitlanLive Like a Local
- Antigua - Lake Atitlan [via Chichicastenango, 7.5 hrs (with Lunch)] - Vehicle/Driver/Guide/Lunch
Lake AtitlanAll Aboard!
- Santiago Atitlan & Santa Catarina Palopo (with Sunset Drinks, 5 hrs) - Private
Lake AtitlanCultural Immersion
- Lake Atitlan at Leisure
Lake Atitlan to Guatemala CityA Journey Back in Time
- Lake Atitlan - Guatemala City [3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
GUATEMALA CITY TO ANTIGUA

The Adventure Begins
For your added comfort, an English-speaking guide will be waiting outside of customs holding a sign with your name on it. Your guide will bring you to your private driver and vehicle and accompany you to your accommodation in Antigua to assist with check-in. The transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua typically takes one hour, however, it can take up to 90 minutes during busier traffic times.
Upon arrival to your hotel, you will receive a welcome kit which will include a Kensington Tours tote bag, a detailed itinerary of your tour, a map of the country, any additional travel information you may require, and a local trinket.
Where you’ll be staying
Grand Suite
ANTIGUA



Strolling the Magical Streets
Explore the wonders of Antigua with a private guide, discovering one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Strolling around this captivating town feels as though time stopped 300 years ago. Visit the Central Plaza and discover the main Spanish-Baroque influenced buildings in town, including El Portal, Palacio de Capitanes, and Antigua Cathedral. This immersive walking tour invites you to experience the locally-popular Tanque La Union, the San Francisco Church (used in the 1935 classic film, The New Adventures of Tarzan) and the picturesque 5th Avenue. Your tour concludes at La Merced, a baroque church founded in 1767.
Savor the ambrosia of Antigua in an enticing rum tasting experience. Following a short tuk-tuk transfer to La Casa del Ron (the House of Rum), enjoy an opportunity to taste two of the world's most highly regarded rum:; Zacapa Centenario and XO Zacapa. Both of these beloved Guatemalan liquors are made from virgin sugar cane honey, ensuring an inviting taste. Zacapa Centenario is aged for more than two decades before serving while XO Zacapa is aged anywhere from six to 25 years. Join your private guide and gain insight into the distillation and aging process before sampling these smooth libations.
Where you’ll be staying
Grand Suite
ANTIGUA



Farm Fresh
Set out with your private guide to San Miguel Escobar, embarking on an incredible coffee-themed experience. Meet a community of small-holding coffee farmers to experience what daily life is like for them in Antigua. The adventure begins with a visit to the coffee fields before being welcomed into their houses to learn about coffee processing. Gain insight into the steps behind coffee productions and how beans are roasted over a fire - a Guatemalan tradition. Your tour concludes with a comforting cup of coffee, shared with a farmer and his family. This cultural immersion into one of Guatemala's major exports is an absolute must when in Antigua.
The day is yours to explore the charms of Antigua, a hub of colonial architecture shadowed by the might of a volcanic backdrop. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua invites you to discover its vibrant culture, rich history, and impressive surrounds. Journey back in time with a stroll through the city's cobbled streets, camera at the ready to capture pictures of this incredible photogenic area. If you crave a bit of adventure, opt to scale the dramatic Pacaya Volcano where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views at the summit. For a more leisurely option, peruse the countless coffee shops for a decadent taste of Antiguan black coffee. Pair your brew with “the food of the gods", indulging in tastings of fine Guatemalan chocolate, or visiting one of the city's several cacao museums.
Where you’ll be staying
Grand Suite
ANTIGUA



Creative Cuisine
Indulge your senses in an artisanal chocolate tour, learning the ancient secrets and traditions behind this sweet treat. Originating from the Mayan word ka'kau', it was once believed that cacao was discovered by the Gods in a faraway mountain. Around 900 AD, the Mayans determined that these beans could be crushed and turned into a bitter though intoxicating liquid. Through the origin of this drink, a myriad of chocolate creations have been developed through history. Visit a charming chocolate factory located in San Juan El Obispo to uncover the wisdom behind Guatemala's extraordinary chocolate production. Meet the family behind the factory, who use age-old Mayan techniques to create handcrafted delicacies. Gain insight into these ancient traditions before, of course, sampling a few of these delights.
Experience fine dining at one of Antigua's premier restaurants. Enjoy the convenience of private car service and a transfer to Welten Restaurant, home of decadent local and international fare. Welten's colonial decor, intoxicating aromas, and delightful flavors will provide the ideal ambiance and environment to cap off a day of adventure. Indulge in creamy peppered steak, fresh fish fillet in a traditional salsa, or a mouthwatering seafood fettuccine. Please note: This service includes round-trip private car service and pre-arranged dinner reservations. Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location.
Where you’ll be staying
Grand Suite
ANTIGUA TO LAKE ATITLAN


Live Like a Local
Depart Antigua and set out with your private guide and driver for Lake Atitlan. En-route, stop at the vibrant Mayan market town of Chichicastenango. On arrival, your guide will lead you through this colorful town and highlight points of interest, including Iglesia de Santo Tomas, a centuries-old church located in the market square. Gain insight into this iconic monument and its significance for the area's Indigenous community. On arrival to Lake Atitlan, a local Mayan chef will teach you how to prepare a delicious traditional dish with the ingredients purchased in Chichicastenango. Enjoy a local lunch along the way.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
LAKE ATITLAN


All Aboard!
Today's journey invites you to board a vessel and sail to Santiago Atitlan. Santiago, also known as St. James, is home to Maximon, a pagan saint known for his love of moonshine and cigars. Maximon is visited every day by locals, healers, and tourists seeking favors or requests considered too risquÉ for other deities. The adventure continues in Santa Catarina Palopo, a small town rich in beautiful landscapes. Set out on a private walking tour, gaining insight into the town's impressive painting project. The aim of this project is to refresh building facades throughout town to encourage tourism to the region. Two Dutch artists have taken on this monumental task and work daily to empower locals to create designs that best represent the culture of Santa Catarina Palopo. After your tour, a private transfer whisks you back to your hotel to enjoy drinks on the terrace as the sun sets in the distance.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
LAKE ATITLAN


Cultural Immersion
Spend a day at leisure, rich in adventure or relaxation, amid the treasures of Lake Atitlan. Nestled in the Sierra Madre mountain range of the Guatemalan Highlands, Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America and flanked by three towering volcanoes on the lake's southern rim. Often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, renowned author Aldous Huxley described the region as follows: "Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlan is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing." Today, this breathtaking region is yours to discover. Opt to simply unwind near the lake, explore the region's rich Mayan history, or observe the local ecology - home to at least 116 species of reptiles and countless tropical birds. Choose to uncover the lore surrounding Maximon, an idol formed ages ago when traditional Mayan cultural deities were fused with Catholic saints and the legends of Spanish conquistadors. Whatever you choose to do today, you're certain to fall in love with this enchanting region.
Where you’ll be staying
Deluxe Room
LAKE ATITLAN TO GUATEMALA CITY
A Journey Back in Time
Meet your private bilingual driver for a transfer to Guatemala City. Approximate travel time is three hours and 15 minutes.
ANTIGUA





El Convento Boutique Hotel
Located on a cobblestone street across from the legendary Capuchinas Convent, El Convento Boutique Hotel welcomes visitors to an oasis of elegance and comfort. Each of the 26 spacious, exquisitely decorated suites draw upon the history and culture of this famous city, creating an intoxicating blend of traditional simplicity and modern convenience. Placing all of Antigua’s most captivating landmarks and activities right at your doorstep, El Convento Boutique Hotel offers the ideal homebase for exploring and relaxing in the city.
LAKE ATITLAN






Casa Palopo
Perched above spectacular Lake Atitlan with a view of three volcanoes and located in the Guatemalan Highlands, Casa PalopÓ offers two distinct brands of romantic accommodation for the sophisticated traveler. Choose from the seven charming, spacious and colorful rooms in the main building, which feature contemporary and indigenous artwork. 150 steps above the main hotel is a contemporary style Villa decorated with African textiles and artifacts. With two elegant one room suites, a large living room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen, outside terrace with infinity pool and Jacuzzi, gazebo with fireplace, and butler service, the Villa is perfect for two couples looking to indulge in a remote getaway or celebrate a special milestone. Both of the lovely buildings offer unbroken views of the scenic volcanoes and lake as well as first-rate amenities such as Italian luxury bed linens and L'Occitane products.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









