Highlights of Guatemala in a week

Itinerary in brief: 

• 2 nights Antigua 
• 2 nights Lake Atitlan 
• 2 nights Flores 

Day 1: Arrive Guatemala 

On arrival in Guatemala, you'll be met at the airport and driven to Antigua, one of the best preserved colonial cities in the Americas. This small town feels like you might have stepped back in time, with cobblestone streets, quaint churches and the three towering volcanoes that stretch up into the skies. Check into your hotel for two nights and head out to explore the town. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 2: Antigua walking tour and coffee tasting

This morning you'll head off on a walking tour of Antigua, visiting colonial monuments and learning about the history of the region. Explore the Central Plaza, head behind the scenes at the Cathedral and San Francisco Church before spending the afternoon at a local coffee hacienda. Antigua is famous for some of the best coffee in Central America - you'll learn about the whole coffee-making process and experience the smells and tastes of Guatemala's most famous export! 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlan 

Leaving Antigua, you'll be driven to Chichicastenango, one of the most colourful market towns in the Americas. Market days are every Sunday and Thursday, and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region but vendors from all over the country. Explore the St Tomas church, where your guide will show you the important monument to indigenous history, where you can witness special ceremonies that incorporate a mix of local religions with Catholicism. Admire the endless array of fruit and vegetables for sale, as well as large variety of colourful textiles and wooden crafts. It's the perfect place to pick up some beautiful souvenirs from your time in Guatemala. 

In the afternoon, you'll carry on to nearby Lake Atitlan and settle into your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, transport, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Lake Atitlan

Waking up in the spectacular region of Lake Atitlan is a wonderful way to begin your day. This breath-taking volcanic crater lake is in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands, with deep blue water and towering volcanoes around the shore. The region is rich in Mayan culture, especially in the villages that surround the lake - today you'll head out to explore some of them. 

San Juan la Laguna, is renowned for it's vibrant textiles and art galleries - spend a couple of hours visiting some of the local weaving co-ops enjoy demonstrations of the techniques and colourful textiles that are made here. Next you'll head by boat around the lake to Santiago Atitlan, home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint known for his love of tobacco and moonshine! His residence moves annually within the village - spend some time learning why Maximon is so beloved by the locals and learn about the rituals around it. 

While our itinerary is focussing on the culture and views of Lake Atitlan, we can easily expand your time here to enjoy some incredible outdoor activities, like paddleboarding, volcano climbing and kayaking on the beautiful lake. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Fly to Flores 

Spend the morning relaxing at your lakeside hotel and enjoy views over the volcanoes, before heading to the airport for your flight to Flores in northern Guatemala. On arrival, you'll be driven to your hotel, checking for two nights and settling in, before heading out to explore the nearby Yaxha archaeological site at sunset. Yaxha was an ancient ceremonial centre of Mayan civilisation, with more 500 structures on the site including 9 pyramids. Explore the temples with your guide before finishing the day with an incredible sunset from the top of a pyramid. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, transport, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Tikal 

After a delicious breakfast, head out to explore Tikal National Park, one of the most iconic Mayan sites in the Americas. As you wander past the vast ruins of the city, you'll learn about Mayan history, religion, astronomy and daily life, amongst the towering temples emerging from the jungle. Your guide will tell you about the theories of why the Mayan's disappeared as you look out for monkeys and toucans amongst the trees, as well as cheeky coatis foraging for berries. Climbing the iconic temples for sweeping views above the rainforest is an unforgettable highlight, offering a glimpse of the scale and grandeur of this once-powerful civilisation.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Depart Guatemala

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for your short flight back to Guatemala City, where you'll catch your onwards flight. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights