Guatemala for first timers

14-day trip

Vibrantly diverse and shrouded in mystery, Guatemala is the perfect adventure for any family, couple, or individual. Guatemala does not fall short of even the grandest expectations, from its rich biodiversity to the majestic ancient structures to the most awe-inspiring natural resources you’ll ever see.

Set amid over 30 volcanoes, tropical forests, lush mountains teeming with vegetation and wildlife, and majestic lakes, this 14-day Guatemala trip takes you to explore ancient Mayan civilization and modern Guatemalan culture. Guided by an expert, unlock the mysteries of the Mayan ruins and enjoy the cultural experience in the ultimate Guatemala vacation package.

Lake Atitlan

Latin America’s most beautiful lake

Antigua Guatemala

Santa Catalina Arch

Flores Island

Lake Peten

Semuc Champey

Natural swimming pools

Highlights

Lake Atitlan, Indigenous towns, Antigua Guatemala, Coban, Semuc Champey, Flores Island, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Quirigua, and more.

GUATEMALA FOR FIRST TIMERS

The Heart of the Mayan World

Guatemala is between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, where travelers can practice sport fishing, surfing, and other adventures. Moreover, it also owns numerous lakes and lagoons, most of them of volcanic origin, such as the magnificent Lake of Atitlan. Other lakes are of fluvial origin, like Lake Peten and Lake Izabal, the largest in the nation, which flows into Honduras Gulf through the River Dulce.

Guatemala preserves its Mayan heritage in the countless Mayan ruins and colonial past in Antigua Guatemala, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage Site for Humanity. It has hidden treasures of a millenary ancestral civilization: the Mayans. 

Itinerary

Upon arrival to vibrant Guatemala, let your Guatemala tours commence with a drive to Lake Atitlan, where you see some of the most breathtaking scenes. Feast your eyes on the incredible sight of the deep turquoise-blue volcanic lake surrounded by three green volcanoes. Your guide will then take you to your hotel in a town close to Lake Atitlan.

Day 2 of this Guatemala tour package involves a scenic boat tour of Lake Atitlan and an exploration of the surrounding indigenous villages which includes: 

(1) The painted village of Sta. Catarina Palopo, for its vibrant artsy streets and colorful Mayan-designed houses.
(2) The vibrant town of Santiago Atitlan, to see its local artisanal crafts and paintings,
(3) The underrated municipality of San Juan La Laguna, for its art, weaves, and to sample some of the best organic coffee in the country.

As we continue our Guatemala tours of Lake Atitlan, we explore the indigenous market of Chichicastenango, known for its handcrafted textiles with intricate designs and traditional garments. 

Start the fourth day of your Guatemala tour package with an exhilarating Zipline tour in the Atitlan Reserve. We will transfer to your accommodations in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can experience a unique walking tour of the city and get a taste of their sumptuous street food.

As we continue our adventure in Antigua Guatemala, coffee lovers rejoice as we go on a coffee tour and sample some of the freshest coffees you’ll ever try. This will energize you for an easy yet exciting hike of Volcano Pacaya.

Day six of our Guatemala vacation package starts with a transfer to the foggy highland town of Coban where you can rest and relax until we start an adventure-filled tour of the beautifully decorated caves of Grutas del Rey Marco.

A magical tour to Semuc Champey starts on day 7. Semuc Champey is a paradise on earth. Imagine 18 or so clear blue-green rivers surrounded by an exotic abounding jungle. We return to our accommodation in Cobán after a long fulfilling day.

After a transfer to the ceremonial city of Tikal, the center of the ancient Mayan civilization, you get the rest of the day to relax in your charming jungle lodge.

Spend the day unlocking the secrets of the ancient Mayan citadel of Tikal with an archeological tour of the city. Marvel at the gorgeous sunset before transferring to the tiny island village of Flores in Lake Peten Itza.

This exciting Guatemala vacation package continues with an archeological tour of the Yaxha Mayan ruins. Marvel at the breathtaking architecture and structures as you explore the archeological site.

Day 11 of your Guatemala trip starts with a journey to Rio Dulce where you will settle for the next two days. You will then go on a wondrous tour of the Castle of San Felipe de Lara, a national historic monument by the banks of the Rio Dulce.

Set sail on the 12th day of your Guatemala tours and enjoy the panoramic views of Rio Dulce to Livingston as you go on an exciting boat tour through a conservation area filled with unique flora, fauna, and rock formations.

Start the last full day of your Guatemala trip with a bang as you explore the archeological site of the ruins of Quirigua. Marvel at the complex structures of pyramids, terraces, and majestic staircases that dated back to 724. End the day with a transfer to vibrant Guatemala City.

To end your Guatemala tour package, feel free to explore the capital Guatemala City before your transfer to the International airport to catch your flight back home.

map, expenses & price

Guatemala for first timers

Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Thirteen nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional local guides.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-All park entrance fees.
-Boat transfers.
-Breakfasts and two traditional lunches.

Extensions

extensions

Standup paddle boarding

On a paddleboard, you feel like you are walking on water. You will feel like chilling out, being active, and simultaneously moving, which is a good combo. Our guides will have you paddling like a pro in minutes. Our excursions offer incredible value for money, including 2+ hours of standup paddle-boarding, equipment, guides, and a short lesson included.

Standup paddle boarding in Lake Atitlan
Volcano de Fuego erupts at night under a sky full of stars

extensions

Volcano Acatenango

Is it a dream of yours to glimpse an erupting volcano? If so, the overnight hike to Volcano Acatenango is for you. There is no better place to watch the majestic Volcano de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) erupt! Volcano de Fuego is one of the world’s most consistently erupting volcanoes, and you will be entirely unprepared for how utterly epic it will be. Hand on heart, this is one of the most incredible spectacles you’ll ever see.

Surfer in El Paredon, Guatemala.

extensions

El Paredon beach

El Paredon is a laid-back Pacific coast town with extraordinary black sand beaches and exquisite surfing. With its ceaseless powerful Pacific waves and hot temperatures, it’s always a pleasant time to visit it. Join boat tours in the mangroves of the Sipacate-Naranjo National Park, or go turtle watching or surfing. The beach comes alive in the afternoons as travelers gather on the sandy banks to enjoy the stunning sunsets. El Paredon is the surf destination in Guatemala; you can find lessons at the different surf camps. From September to December, every morning, they release baby turtles into the ocean through the Driftwood Conservation Project.

Similar trips
Amazing view from the lookout of Semuc Champey.
Guatemala Getaway

14 days & 13 nights

Speed boat in Lake Atitlan with its marvelous volcanoes in the background
Guatemala one week

7 days & 6 nights

Volcano in the island of Ometepe, Nicaragua.
Central America

14 days & 13 nights