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We’re delighted to introduce our newest family adventure and a brand new destination for us: Guatemala! We’ve had Guatemala extensions available as additions to Belize trips for a while now, and we figured it was about time to make this enchanting little slice of heaven a destination all its own.
Your family will explore the region around Lake Atitlan, often referred to as “the most beautiful lake in the world." Kayak around its crystal-blue waters, with towering volcanoes dominating the horizon all around you. Practice your bartering skills with the vibrantly dressed indigenous Mayan locals at the lively Chichicastenango Market, and participate in a private workshop with a professional naïf painter.
Head to the charming colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, stopping en route for a tour of the fascinating ruins at Iximche. Take a guided walking tour of Antigua’s quaint cobblestone streets and old churches, and learn Spanish at one of the city’s famous language schools.
Hike to the top of the very active Pacaya Volcano to see the spectacular views it offers, learn how to make chocolate the Mayan way with local cacao beans, and take a fairly traded coffee tour with the great charity organization As Green as it Gets (AGAIG).
Your family will also spend a night camping at the ancient ruins of Uaxactun, explore the largest and most astonishing of all Mayan ruins at Tikal, and zip line through the rain forest canopy.
This family adventure provides endless thrills and priceless cultural experiences that we know will make you fall in love with Guatemala!
| Dates | Adult Price | Teen Price | Child Price | Internal Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/07 - 07/15 | $4,290 | $4,190 | $3,990 | $300 |
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| 07/27 - 08/04 | $4,290 | $4,190 | $3,990 | $300 |
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| 12/21 - 12/29 | $4,390 | $4,290 | $4,090 | $300 |
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| 12/28 - 01/05 | $4,690 | $4,590 | $4,390 | $300 |
| Call for Availability | ||||
Upon arrival into Guatemala City’s Aurora International Airport, your family will be met by your local guide (who will accompany you throughout the trip) and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your long journey.
Atitlan is a lake formed by volcanic activity and the deepest lake in Central America. It’s bordered by three volcanoes and the area around it is lined with Maya villages. This region has been a center of indigenous culture for thousands of years and people wearing traditional Mayan dress can still be seen living in much the same way they always have. The lake has been aptly referred to as "the most beautiful lake in the world."
- Chichicastenango Market
- St. Thomas Church visit
- Watch the sunset over Lake Atitlan
- Lake Atitlan kayaking
- San Juan la Laguna and naïf painting workshop
Antigua, officially known as Antigua Guatemala, is a 17th century city nestled in a mountain valley and surrounded by evergreen forests, with three volcanoes visible on the horizon. The city is known for the prominent remnants of its Spanish colonial formation, with charming cobblestone streets and many ruined colonial Catholic churches and buildings featuring Mudejar (Spanish Muslim) architecture from the Baroque period.
- Iximche
- Antigua walking tour
- Spanish lesson option
- Pacaya Volcano hike
- Chocolate making workshop
- Friends Across Borders Meeting (pen pals)
- AGAIG Fairly Traded Coffee Tour
Within Tikal National Park you’ll find a humbling site: the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal. This magnificent historical and cultural jewel is a powerful remnant of a once-glorious civilization, with over 3,000 individual structures, temples and courtyard groups covering 16 square kilometers. In addition to the sprawling Mayan city it’s famous for, Tikal National Park also contains dense rain forest and a vast array of tropical wildlife. There are 54 species of mammals in the park, including spider monkeys and pizotes, as well as 333 species of birds, like the endemic ocellated turkey and plenty of vibrantly colored exotic birds.
- Tikal tour
- Drive to Uaxactun
- Sunset drinks on the lookout tower
- Candlelit dinner and camping
- Uaxactun tour
- Lunch/interact with locals
- Zip line canopy adventure
- Guatemala City return
- Farewell dinner
The Biltmore Express enjoys a convenient location near the airport, in the lively Zona 10 area of Guatemala City. The rooms are simple and spacious, and it’s easy to explore the city’s restaurants and bars from here.
Posada de Don Rodrigo sits in the heart of Panajachel, at the end of the town’s main street. It’s set amongst plenty of shops and restaurants and only a block from Lake Atitlan. The hotel is full of colonial antiques and has some lovely gardens, a restaurant and a pool. The rooms are big and decorated with all sorts of pleasant touches, like authentic baroque carvings, carved furniture and fireplaces.
Casa Santo Domingo is a gorgeous hotel located within the ruins of a 17th century monastery in downtown Antigua. The property has lush gardens and a pool, a bar and many restaurant areas. The 125 rooms are all equipped with cable TV and a safety box. The hotel grounds also host a traditional candle factory and a small colonial museum.
We’ll spend the night at a tented campsite with beds in Uaxactun, right among the site’s ancient Mayan ruins and surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the dense tropical jungle. The main central temple is about 100 yards from the tents, and they are set up just a few feet from some other uncovered ruins.
Why Guatemala?
Why with Thomson?
