Solo-ish Guatemala

Please ensure your flight lands by 3pm and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Antigua. After a brief welcome meeting, discover the secrets of Guatemalan cuisine during a hands-on, private cooking demonstration at a local culinary school. With an experienced chef by your side this sensory immersion into the region’s culture will demonstrate just how important food is in bringing people together across the world. From dishes like Pepián and Kak'ik, both of which are deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, to Hilachas, Tamales, and Rellenitos, your taste buds will be in heaven no matter which dish you learn to make.

Your local culinary instructors will charm you with their personal stories and expert local knowledge, and you'll make new friends as you enjoy your own creations together. The experience will help you understand how Mayan culture and Spanish Colonial influence have blended together in a perfect harmony through food. Make sure to arrive by 3:00 pm so that you have time to get settled in and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and tonight's Dinner Party.

Today is all about the history and local cultures of Guatemala. Start with a walking tour of Antigua alongside your CEO. Wander through its cobblestone streets and see colonial sites like the vibrant Central Park, the historic Cathedral, and the Palace of the Captains General. Then stop by the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, perfectly framed by the Agua Volcano. From the striking yellow façade of La Merced Church, to the peaceful ruins of the Capuchinas Convent, echoes of the past are around every corner. Next up is an unforgettable experience and at G Adventures-supported Chokojol Juyu, a vibrant training center dedicated to preserving the rich textiles and culture of the local community.

Enjoy the unique opportunity to learn how to prepare Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, alongside talented children and youth who are passionate about their heritage. Then, gain insight from the women of the community into their textile traditions in which they use intricate techniques to create their beautiful crafts. Enjoy lunch surrounded by the warmth of local hospitality. Then, stop by a macadamia farm to learn about the founders' efforts here to find solutions to help local indigenous communities have access to more income, employment, and well-being through the planting of these nut trees. A day full of local connections and heartwarming interactions.

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an immersion into the beauty and culture of Guatemala’s stunning Lake Atitlan. Be on the lookout for a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Board a boat in Panajachel and cruise across the water to the local community of Santa Cruz. Along the way enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. Then, experience everyday life in this G Adventures-supported village.

You’ll enjoy a delicious local Mayan lunch, and participate in a Mayan tree planting ceremony for a sense of Mayan culture and beliefs. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets before travelling by boat to San Marcos with unforgettable views of the lake and surrounding area. Remember to be on the lookout because who knows where you might end up to cap off this epic G Day.

Enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Atitlan during a liesurely morning. Have breakfast with a view, walk near the lake, and simply enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of Panajachel. In the afternoon, travel north on a flight to Flores, with its heavy Mayan influence in the northeast jungle Petén region. Flores is situated on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway.

This unique location offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is also considered the gateway to nearby Mayan ruins and towering temples. Upon arrival take time to get settled and enjoy your new surroundings. Choose to find a cozy spot for an authentic Guatemalan dinner this evening with your newest travel friends.

Step back in time into the life of the ancient Maya with a guided tour today to the Tikal archaeological site. Set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, you will see this UNESCO World Heritage site along with your bilingual guide. See some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV and feel your heart thumping in your chest. Snap some photos and soak in the deep, ancient energy of this place. Return to Flores for more free time to relax, maybe journal, walk along the water, or grab an ice cold beverage to celebrate a day well spent.

After breakfast the group will drive from Flores to Rio Dulce, special for its unique combination of natural beauty, Caribbean influence, and diverse wildlife. This river runs through the lush rainforest landscape featuring cliffs, beaches, and hot springs. It is a haven for nature lovers and those wishing to experience adventure off-the-beaten-path. After having lunch on your own in the charming town, the group will enjoy an unforgettable visit to Finca Paraíso. This place is so special because it features a rare, natural phenomenon where hot and cold water sources converge.

The waterfall cascades down a rock formation heated by the underground hot springs creating a steamy, warm waterfall combining with the cooler river below. It’s an ideal place to swim and find the perfect temperature to float and stare up at the jungle hovering above you. Return to Rio Dulce for free time to grab dinner on your own and recharge your social batteries. There’s no doubt that Guatemala will have captured your heart by now.

It’s time for a day that belongs entirely to you! Choose to go on a scenic boat ride to the Caribbean town of Livingston and enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Or you can join your CEO on a visit to the nearby beach for some downtime by the water and in the sand. The choice really is all yours. You can decide to be as solo or social as you wish for the best of both worlds. Dinner in the evening will be at your leisure. Finding a hip foodie spot with your travel mates sounds like a fabulous idea.

• Scenic Boat Ride to Livingston: Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boquerón Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, “tapado”.
• Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar": El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.

Enjoy breakfast in Rio Dulce before traveling back to Antigua. There will be a stop for lunch on your own along the way. Upon arrival to Antigua your CEO will take the group on an orientation walk downtown and then you will be free to do dinner as you please. Maybe gather together as a group of strangers that have become friends for a fantastic night of delicious food, laughter, and love in a beautiful place you will never forget.

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.