Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Highlights of Guatemala. Get ready to fall for Guatemala — a country where ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture all come together. Over nine unforgettable days, you’ll explore the towering pyramids of Tikal deep in the rainforest and be wowed by the stepped turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. Browse colourful stalls at the highland market of Chichicastenango, cruise across the volcano-rimmed waters of Lake Atitlán, and soak in the colonial charm of Antigua. With natural wonders and centuries-old traditions around every read more corner, this trip shows you just how much Guatemala has to offer — and why it deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Guatemala City
Trip Ends
Antigua
Departures
Jun 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
CGAA
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Attend a Welcome Meeting in the evening and get to know your CEO and fellow group members before the adventure begins tomorrow.
Accommodation:
Hotel Biltmore
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Have some breakfast at the hotel in Guatemala City before travelling to the airport to board your flight to Flores. Located in the northeast jungle Petén region, this town is considered the gateway to nearby Mayan ruins and towering temples. Get settled at the hotel this evening and have dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation:
Hotel Petén
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Free Time: Get settled in Flores. Choose to go for a walk or find a cute local spot to have an authentic Guatemalan dinner.
Today enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal archaeological site. Return to Flores in the afternoon and choose to relax or go for a swim in Lake Petén Itzá during your free time. Dinner will be at your leisure this evening.
Accommodation:
Hotel Petén
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Tikal Ruins Guided Tour: Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
- Free Time: Back in Flores enjoy free time to recharge. Go for a walk along the shores of the lake or maybe take a swim.
Travel by private vehicle from Flores to Lanquin, a small town in the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala, is known primarily as the gateway to Semuc Champey. Once at the hotel enjoy free time to take advantage of property amenities like the pool, or to simply relax in your new setting. The town itself also is home to the Lanquin Caves, a large cave system with interesting rock formations and a colony of bats that emerge at dusk. Maybe go check it out if there's time.
Accommodation:
Hotel Viñas
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Get settled in at your hotel in Lanquín after a long day of travel. Enjoy the hotel's amenities and simply relax in your new setting. There is a nearby cave system that bats fly out of at night, if there's time for you to visit this evening on your own.
Visit the stunning natural monument of Semuc Champey today. These tiered turquoise pools have been formed by a limestone bridge over the Rio Cahabon. Afterwards return to Lanquín for free time to relax and do as you please for the remainder of the day.
Accommodation:
Hotel Viñas
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Semuc Champey Visit: This beautiful natural monument is nestled within a lush, tropical jungle, adding to its scenic beauty and appeal. The location is renowned for its stunning series of turquoise pools formed by the Cahabón River flowing over a limestone bridge. This river disappears beneath the bridge and reemerges downstream, creating a unique geological phenomenon. Semuc Champey's "hidden river" combined with the picturesque pools and surrounding jungle make for a very captivating destination in Guatemala. Enjoy time here to explore and perhaps take a swim and cool off from the heat to make this an even sweeter adventure.
Head to the shores of Lake Atitlan with a stop to Chichicastenango Market along the way. This market is one of the largest and most authentic indigenous markets in the Americas, offering a glimpse into both Mayan culture and Guatemalan daily life. Enjoy time here to browse and shop before continuing on to Panajachel. Get settled and have dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation:
Kamol Bey
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Chichicastenango Market Visit: Pack your patience as you set out for this famous market held Thursdays and Sundays in Chichicastenango, about an hour’s drive from Panajachel. Prepare for crowds, and keep your valuables hidden. Haggle is the word of the day – because there’s so much to buy. Shop for hammocks, painted wooden masks, hand-woven textiles, bags, baskets, belts and blouses. Go crazy taking photographs. “Chichi” is a riot of colour but also an important trading and religious centre for the local Maya.
Spend a full day boating out on Lake Atitlan with beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes and small villages. This area is known for stunning scenery and great shopping for Mayan handicrafts. Take part in a cultural tour of San Juan la Laguna where you can opt to bargain for colourful textiles and paintings from the local artisans. Sit down for a delicious lunch made at a G Adventure-supported community initiative. Travel back to Panajachel in the early evening for free time and to relax after a day on the water.
Accommodation:
Kamol Bey
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Lake Atitlán Boat Ride and Community Visit: Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area are friendly and excited to greet travellers. Stop off in San Juan la Laguna, a G Adventures-supported village, for an included local Mayan lunch. Participate in a Mayan tree planting ceremony, providing insight into Mayan culture and beliefs. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets, of which there are many. There are also a number of community Mayan weaving cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy.
- San Juan La Laguna Village Visit: Visit the town of San Juan la Laguna and immerse yourself in the Tz’utujil culture for an afternoon. Focus on three different associations originating in San Juan la Laguna; textiles, medicinal plants, and paintings. See groups of women making textiles using natural dyes. Your guide will explain the dyeing techniques and observe the waist loom in action. Next, see how plants are used for their medicinal properties within these communities. Enjoy the sights of traditional paintings by local artists/painters who portray their traditional way of life, ceremonies, customs and traditions through large scale murals found throughout the town of San Juan la Laguna. Souvenirs/products from all points of this tour will be available for purchase if you'd like to bring something home and also support this village community.
Leave Panajachel and Lake Atitlan behind as you travel to historic Antigua. Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of the downtown area before having free time to explore a bit more on your own.
Accommodation:
Posada San Vicente
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk – Antigua: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
- Free Time: Enjoy a final evening in Antigua. Take photos, walk around the centre of town, book a cooking class, or perhaps attend an optional group dinner.
Optional Experiences
- Antigua Cooking Class: Learn the tips and tricks to Guatemalan cuisine while joining a local cooking class. Try whipping up local staples before digging in to the fruits of your labour. Hope you're hungry!
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the jungle-wrapped ancient ruins of Tikal and climb towering temples with views above the treetops.
- Swim in the turquoise terraces of Semuc Champey and relax in a lush jungle setting.
- Stroll through the vibrant highland market of Chichicastenango and meet local artisans.
- Cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlán with volcanoes and villages in every direction.
- Your G for Good Moment: Lake Atitlán Boat Ride and Community Visit, Lago de Atitlán
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Tikal Tour with a local guide
- Semuc Champey visit
- Chichicastenango Market Visit
- Full-day Boat Tour on Lake Atitlán
- Antigua Orientation Walk
- Free time in Flores, Lanquin, and Panajachel
- Internal Flight from Guatemala City to Flores
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, plane, boat
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (8 Nights)
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
02 May 2026
02 May 26
Guatemala City
Sunday
10 May 2026
10 May 26
Antigua
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,499
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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