A journey combining the Maya heartlands of Guatemala with the major historical and natural highlights of Honduras and Nicaragua. Naturally, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your preferences. .
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The tourDiscovering Central America — its cultural diversity, vibrant communities, varied ecosystems, and strikingly different landscapes — is exactly what this itinerary offers. Over the course of three remarkable countries, still largely untouched by mass tourism, you’ll travel from the Guatemalan highlands to Honduras’ coastal reserves, then on to Nicaragua’s colonial cities and volcanoes, uncovering the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
After comparing several proposals from other travel organizations, we chose MAYAEXPLOR for the following reasons: the itinerary most closely matched the expectations of my wife and myself (interest in discovering the country’s geography and society, interest in Maya monuments, interest in wildlife and flora with opportunities for photo safaris), as well as their respect for our preferred direction of travel and their excellent advice regarding hotel selection.
How would you rate the services provided?
– Drivers (punctuality, safe driving, friendliness, ability to share information when needed, etc.)? All these qualities were fully met by HECTOR, always attentive and making sure we were satisfied and in the best conditions possible.
– Guides (quality of explanations, interaction with the group, etc.)?
Always attentive, the Mayaexplor guide supported us wonderfully, explaining everything we were seeing and even suggesting additions that were not necessarily included in the detailed program provided before departure.
Why would you recommend Mayaexplor to friends planning a trip to Guatemala?
An organization with in-depth knowledge of Guatemala, offering itineraries and hotel selections tailored to each traveler’s preferences.
Itinerary overviewThe itinerary will be adjusted if you arrive on another day of the week, to match the market days in Chichicastenango (Thursdays and Sundays) and Sololá (Tuesdays and Fridays).
Accommodation: Hotel (Guatemala City)
Welcome at the Guatemala City airport by your driver, followed by a short transfer to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Panajachel – 1st night)
Across the fields and at the foot of the volcanoes, continue through the Altiplano toward the village of Chichicastenango, rich in age-old traditions (1965 m (6446 ft)). One of the rare pre-Columbian texts — the Popol Vuh, considered the equivalent of the Bible for the K’iche’ Maya — was found here. But the village is best known for its extraordinarily colorful markets and for the continuous scenes of religious syncretism observed both outside and inside its colonial church. This church was built by the Spanish in the 16th century…
As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll discover one of the most famous handicraft markets in the region — a true explosion of colors! You’ll find wooden carvings, silver jewelry, textiles, fruits, and the traditional incense known as copal. Among the finest local crafts are the embroidered huipils (blouses worn by Maya women) and the beautifully carved masks used in traditional dances.
Just a ten-minute walk from the center lies the town’s colorful cemetery, where you may witness Maya families performing ancestral ceremonies to honor their ancestors. Nearby, the Pascual Abaj hill serves as a sacred site for rituals that blend ancient Maya beliefs with Catholic elements.
In the afternoon, transfer to Panajachel, a peaceful lakeside town at 1 500 m (4 920 ft), facing the three Atitlán volcanoes — sunsets are often spectacular.
Overnight in Panajachel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Panajachel – 2nd night)
Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, as writer Aldous Huxley once said. Set at 1 500 m (4 900 ft) in the tropical zone, it lies within an ancient caldera surrounded by three towering volcanoes of over 3 000 m (9 840 ft).
A scenic boat crossing from north to south takes you between these majestic volcanic peaks to a quiet bay where, early in the morning, fishermen glide across the water in their traditional wooden boats.
In Santiago, you’ll see the richly embroidered traditional clothing worn by women, including the famous tocoyal, a long woven ribbon wrapped as a headdress. Men wear white cotton trousers embroidered with colorful birds. You can also visit Maximón, a contemporary Maya deity. His statue, elegantly dressed, receives offerings in a chapel inside the home of a member of his brotherhood — a striking scene of flowers, incense, devotion, and gifts of alcohol.
You’ll then return by boat to Panajachel to meet your driver and continue along a scenic road (beautiful viewpoints, photo stops possible) to explore, on foot, the picturesque Maya villages along the northeastern shore: San Antonio Palopó and Santa Catarina Palopó.
These villages offer stunning views of the lake and its three volcanoes. In San Antonio, men still wear traditional clothing daily — unusual in the Guatemalan Highlands, where traditional dress is now mostly worn by women. Their attire consists of a red-toned shirt and a woolen skirt with a white-and-brown check pattern.
Local families here mainly work in terraced agriculture, traditional weaving, and the creation of beautiful hand-painted ceramics.
Return to Panajachel for a second overnight stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Antigua – 1st night)
In the morning, a short transfer brings you to the authentic village of Concepción, where most residents work in terraced agriculture — onions and other vegetables. The village church is one of the rare colonial churches to have preserved its original 16th-century wooden roof structure despite the centuries and various earthquakes. You’ll then stop at the lively and vibrant Maya market of Sololá. Its unique location, between the highlands and the Pacific coastal plain, creates an extraordinary mix of populations and a stunning variety of multicolored traditional outfits. .
Afterward, you’ll cross the highlands on the Pan-American Highway and reach Antigua in the mid-afternoon for a first glimpse of this welcoming city. In the evening, the main square comes to life under soft lighting that highlights the beautiful colonial façades.
Overnight stay in the historic center of Antigua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Antigua – 2nd night)
Nestled in a tropical valley between the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes, Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas. A baroque architectural gem, it has been designated both a National Monument and a Monument of the Americas, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century by the Spanish, Antigua endured numerous earthquakes over the centuries—a testament to the living, dynamic nature so revered by the ancient Maya.
In 1776, the Spanish government moved the capital to present-day Guatemala City, leaving Antigua beautifully frozen in time.
Since then, it has remained a well-preserved colonial city, full of atmospheric ruins and charming gardens.
The city is best explored on foot. Most landmarks are within the historic center: La Merced Church, the Cathedral, the Central Plaza, the Capuchinas and Santa Clara convents, and Parque de la Unión.
Second night in Antigua.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Guatemala City)
Guided excursion included
Moderate difficulty
This hike is suitable for active travelers used to walking on forest trails. Elevation gain: +350 m (490 ft) / −350 m (490 ft), for about 3 h 30 of hiking in total. (Optional horseback assistance available.)
You’ll transfer to Pacaya Volcano National Park, where a local park guide will accompany you on a hike from the visitor center to the base of the volcano, covered with ancient black lava fields. When the weather is clear, you can admire not only Pacaya itself (summit around 2 552 m / 8 370 ft) but also several other volcanoes along the volcanic range, including the impressive and very active Fuego (“Fire”) Volcano. Depending on eruptive activity, it may even be possible to see glowing lava flows. Pacaya is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America — and one of the easiest to observe safely in the region.
Overnight stay in the historic center of Antigua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Flores)
Included: Guided tour in English– Aguateca Archaeological Site
Included: Domestic flight Guatemala City – Flores
Short transfer to Guatemala City Airport. Early morning flight at 6:30 a.m. to Flores (50 minutes). Enjoy beautiful aerial views over the Petén region, home to Guatemala’s major restored Maya sites and vast national parks protecting the tropical forest.
Upon arrival at Flores Airport, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide, a specialist in the Aguateca site, before heading south toward the La Pasión River and the village of Sayaxché. There, you will meet your boatman. With him, aboard a motorized canoe, you will travel up the Petexbatun River, a tributary of the La Pasión River. Surrounded by lush nature, you will be able to observe exceptionally rich wildlife and plant life, including many species of birds. On the sandbanks, it is often possible to spot small crocodiles and sometimes turtles. As the river gradually narrows, you will enter the Aguateca Archaeological Park through the winding channels carved by the river through the jungle.
As the river narrows, it winds its way into the Aguateca Archaeological Park, hidden deep within the rainforest. This region is particularly significant to archaeologists—it’s here that they first found evidence of the waves of invasion from peoples originating in what is now Mexico, which contributed to destabilizing the Classic Maya cities in the 9th century. Some local sites show architecture and stelae with styles very different from traditional Maya art. Fortifications and depictions of armed figures reveal that the region was once in a constant state of warfare.
At Aguateca, the Maya fortified their city using an extraordinary system of geological fault lines—some reaching 50 m (165 ft) deep! Visitors can enter the site through a steep but accessible trail leading down into this natural trench before reaching the main ruins. (Optional: this short descent is the only technical challenge on the excursion and remains accessible to all active travelers.).
Remote and surrounded by dense jungle, Aguateca is one of Guatemala’s most mysterious sites. Its river access and rainforest setting make it an unforgettable experience for travelers who love nature and adventure—without any particular difficulty.
After the visit, return with your boatman to the village of Sayaxché, where your driver will be waiting for you.
Overnight on the island of Flores. Its narrow cobblestone streets wind between colorful houses and offer lovely views of Lake Petén Itzá—perfect for watching beautiful sunsets.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge (Tikal)
Guided visit in English included: Archaeological site and Tikal National Park
As you drive through the southern part of the park toward the archaeological site, keep an eye out for wildlife and the lush tropical forest that surrounds you. Begin your guided visit of Tikal with an English-speaking specialist of both the site and the park. Tikal is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites recognized for both its cultural value and its exceptional natural environment. This ancient ceremonial center—occupied mainly from the 9th century BC to the 9th century AD—lies in the heart of a protected reserve of more than 576 km² (222 sq mi) of tropical forest. With its towering pyramids (Temple IV rises over 70 m / 230 ft), Tikal is considered the most impressive Maya site in the country, and often in the entire Maya World. During the pre-Columbian period, the political, economic, and cultural influence of this vast metropolis reached all the way to the Mexican highlands. Your guide will also introduce you to the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. The protected ecosystems shelter several species of monkeys, anteaters, more than 300 bird species, as well as deer and coatis. The botanical diversity is equally remarkable, with more than 200 tree species within the reserve.
You may also choose to visit the museums near the visitor center, which house beautiful artifacts and complement the archaeological tour.
Overnight in a lodge inside the park—an ideal setting to experience the magic of Tikal. At dawn and dusk, coatis, ocellated turkeys, and agoutis often wander near the lodges, making them easier to observe.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accomodation: Hotel (Livingston - 1st night)
Drive through the Petén region to reach the Río Dulce. The last region to be recolonized by modern Guatemalans (in the 20th century), Petén was once one of the major centers of Maya civilization. Recent lidar studies have revealed that several million Maya inhabited these fragile lands for over 18 centuries!
After lunch, take a motorboat excursion on the tranquil waters of the Río Dulce.
The Río Dulce, Guatemala’s largest river and the gateway to the Caribbean Sea, connects to Lake Izabal—the country’s largest lake (590 km² / 228 sq mi).2Together they form one of the main waterways draining the Guatemalan Highlands toward the Atlantic. At the start of the excursion, visit the small San Felipe fort, once built to protect Spanish warehouses from pirates and privateers hiding along the shores of Lake Izabal. Today, this charming little fort is one of the region’s postcard icons. Continue eastward down the Río Dulce toward the sea. The tropical vegetation is spectacular, with dramatic cliffs, bird islands, and mangroves—places where pirates once hid to ambush ships loaded with treasures bound for Spain. The region is home to monkeys, anteaters, toucans, coatis, iguanas, manatees, pelicans, egrets, and herons. Midway through the journey, visit the Maya community project Ak’ Tenamit to learn about the tropical forest and the artisanal traditions of the Q’eqchi’ Maya, accessed by navigating up a small river. The final stretch before reaching the Caribbean takes you through the majestic Río Dulce canyon—one of the most beautiful sections of the entire excursion.
Arrival in Livingston. Overnight stay in the village (two nights planned).
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Livingston – 2nd night)
Your boatman will meet you at your hotel’s dock for a beautiful coastal excursion. Cruising along the northern shore, you’ll reach the Siete Altares nature site—“The Seven Altars”—a series of small freshwater waterfalls hidden in the tropical forest (swimming possible; water shoes or sandals recommended). Continue by boat to Playa Blanca, a lovely white-sand beach lined with coconut palms, hammocks, and pelicans—perfect for relaxing under the Caribbean sun.
Return to Livingston around midday. The afternoon is free to enjoy the village’s Caribbean atmosphere.
The population of this coastal community remains largely Garifuna—a people living along the Atlantic coast between Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This unique culture was born in the 17th century from the blending of escaped African slaves and indigenous Caribs.
Suggestion: Enjoy a coco loco (fresh coconut with rum) on a seaside terrace, or try the local specialty, tapado—a delicious coconut milk and seafood stew typical of the Caribbean coast.
Second night in Livingston.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Tela – 1st night)
Take a short boat transfer from Livingston to Puerto Barrios, the country’s former major Atlantic port, then continue by road to Honduras and cross the border at Entre Rios. You’ll follow much of the Caribbean coastline during the journey. Along the way, enjoy a visit to the colonial Fort San Fernando in Omoa, another fortress built to protect Honduras’ northern coast from pirate and corsair attacks. Considered one of Central America’s most important defensive structures, the fort was built between 1756 and 1775 and enabled Spanish settlers to develop a port for trade with Spain. The fortress was reportedly attacked multiple times by pirates, including the English, the French pirate Luis, and others. Declared a National Historic Site in 1959, the fort also houses a small museum for visitors.
Arrive in the mid-afternoon in Tela, the first city founded by Spanish settlers in Honduras (1524), where the average temperature is around 26°C (79°F).
Your hotel is located on the Caribbean Sea.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch in the park
Accommodation: Hotel (Tela – 2nd night)
Guided excursion included
Enjoy a guided boat excursion across a wide bay to reach the Punta Sal peninsula. Jeannette Kawas National Park, named after an environmental activist recognized for her efforts to protect the region from palm oil plantations, covers 780 km² (301 sq mi) and includes a remarkable variety of ecosystems: tropical rainforest, mangroves, flooded forests, marshes, beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. The park is home to 427 bird species, over 35 mammal species, and nearly 500 species of trees and shrubs.2 et comprend à travers ses plages, lagunes, récifs coralliens, rivières une grande variété d’écosystèmes (forêt humide tropicale, mangrove, forêt inondables, marais…). On y a recensé 427 espèces d’oiseaux, plus de 35 espèces de mammifères et près de 500 espèces d’arbres et arbustes.
You can swim in a pretty lagoon or along a quiet beach. With luck, you may spot manatees, marine relatives of cows that inspired the mermaid legends!
Return to Tela for your second night.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Copán Ruinas)
Guided visit included in English: Archaeological site of Copán and its main museum
Travel south in the morning to the Copán site.
In the afternoon, explore the archaeological site with a English-speaking guide specialized in Copán. The stelae here are masterpieces of Maya art, and the Hieroglyphic Stairway is exceptional. Often called the Athens of the Maya world, Copán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the main museum is not to be missed, housing numerous stelae, altars, reliefs, and temple decorations. The site sits in a tropical valley at approximately 600 m (1,970 ft) above sea level, still covered with lush rainforest. During your visit, you may spot magnificent macaws (red parrots), Honduras’ national bird, flying overhead.
After your visit, don’t miss the chance to sample the region’s excellent coffee.
Just steps from the village square, two small museums provide fascinating additional insights into the site’s history.
Overnight in the charming colonial village of Copán Ruinas.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Tegucigalpa)
Today’s transfer takes you through the mountainous central region of Honduras, passing near Lake Yojoa.
Before reaching the capital, Tegucigalpa, stop in the village of Comayagua, with its charming colonial-style central square. The city served as the provincial and state capital until 1825, making it an important religious and political center for more than three centuries, until the capital was moved to Tegucigalpa in 1880. Founded in 1537 by Spanish captain Alonso de Cáceres, Comayagua’s colonial past is evident in its churches, its impressive cathedral, and its plazas. The cathedral houses one of the oldest clocks in the Americas. During Holy Week, Comayagua is decorated with colorful carpets, and its streets fill with processions. The city also celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, on December 8.
Overnight in Tegucigalpa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (León)
Cross into Nicaragua and explore the historic center of León.
León is a vibrant city located about 90 km (56 mi) from the capital, Managua.
León is a vibrant city located about 90 km (56 mi) from the capital, Managua. Its colonial heritage is impressive—the city was founded in 1524. The cathedral (Basilica of the Assumption), built in the second half of the 18th century, features Baroque style with neoclassical towers. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Central America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you stroll through the city center, admire its plazas and churches, including La Recolección (late 18th century), San Francisco (17th century), and Calvario.
Around the Faculty of Science and Technology and the university area, murals depict the Sandinista revolution. León’s contemporary history is closely linked to the Sandinista movement and the city’s resistance to the Somoza dictatorship. Overnight in León.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Granada – 1st night)
Guided excursion included
Options for the morning: enjoy free time in León or, for experienced hikers, take an excursion to Cerro Negro, an active volcano within a national park.
Moderate difficulty
The hike is suitable for anyone accustomed to steep forest trails (sandy volcanic terrain near the summit). Duration: 2–3 hours.
Cerro Negro is named for the black volcanic sand and rocks covering it. No vegetation grows on its slopes. At roughly 400 years old, it is one of the youngest volcanoes on Earth. Its summit reaches 726 m (2,382 ft). After its initial formation, it grew 50 m (164 ft) in just two weeks. The volcano is active and has erupted 23 times.
From the top, on a clear day, enjoy nearly 360-degree views of León and part of Nicaragua’s volcanic chain, including Telica, San Cristóbal, El Hoyo, and Cerro Asososca.
In the afternoon, transfer to Granada, another colonial jewel of Central America.
First night in Granada.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Granada – 2nd night)
A full day to explore the beautiful city of Granada. Known for its particularly well-preserved colonial architecture, Granada is often called “the Great Sultana” due to its Andalusian-Moorish-style buildings (in contrast with León, its sister city, which shows more Castilian influences). Some even refer to it as “the Paris of Central America,” because of the elegance of many buildings constructed in the second half of the 19th century after pirate William Walker’s attacks, when he sought to seize control of Central America with U.S. backing. Granada is undoubtedly one of Central America’s most elegant cities. The city lies along Lake Nicaragua (also called Cocibolca), dominated by the Mombacho volcano. Among the most interesting colonial monuments, in addition to the central square, are the Church and Convent of San Francisco, the cathedral, and the episcopal palace.
Hundreds of small islands dot the portion of the lake adjacent to the city.
If you prefer not to spend the whole day exploring the city, you can take a boat excursion across the lake to visit these islands, which vary in size and are easily accessible by motorboat (included in the itinerary).
Second night in Granada.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Managua)
Drive to Masaya Volcano National Park.
Easily accessible by vehicle, the park is truly exceptional. It features Nicaragua’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Masaya, and a vast volcanic complex (Masaya or Popogatepe, meaning “mountain of fire”). The complex includes five craters, one of which is particularly active. The Masaya complex consists of a 6 × 11.5 km (3.7 × 7.1 mi) caldera with steep walls up to 300 m (984 ft) deep and a group of young cones at the northwest end. Lake Masaya, covering about 900 ha (2,224 acres), lies at the eastern end of the caldera. The volcano was formed by successive collapses of an ancient shield volcano, creating a circular fracture system about 4 km (2.5 mi) in diameter.
You can drive to the edge of the massive active crater (Santiago crater) located just below the road—an absolutely breathtaking landscape.
In the mid-afternoon, continue to Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, where you will spend the final night of your journey. Declared the capital in 1852, its location between León and Granada was strategically important. The name comes from the Nahuatl language and means “surrounded by water.”
Overnight in Managua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transfer to Managua airport for your return flight.
The budgetCost in US$, per person, based on double occupancy and number of participants:
in 2–3* hotels (category A) or 3–4* hotels (category B)
For full details of services, please contact us
Don’t hesitate to ask for customized programs and itineraries tailored to your wishes and constraints — we specialize in personalized travel throughout Guatemala and across the entire Maya world!
Price includes:
* English-speaking staff subject to availability at the time of booking.
Price does not include:
Expenses on site:
Price adjustment:
Published prices apply outside the Christmas/New Year and Easter periods (hotel prices may increase during these times).
Payment schedule:
More than 35 days before departure: a 40% deposit is required at the time of booking. For bookings made less than 35 days before departure: full payment is required upon booking. The balance of the total trip cost must be paid no later than 35 days before departure.
OrganizationOur Team :
Transportation :
Accommodation :
2–3* or 3–4* hotels depending on the selected category, in double rooms.
Triple rooms are available upon request.
Regardless of category, all accommodations are selected for their charm, comfort, and excellent location.
We encourage you to review the hotel selection we’ll send you — visiting the hotel websites will help you understand our choices and confirm the quality of accommodations. In terms of value, comfort, location, and character, they’re widely regarded as among the best in the country.
Please note: there is no official hotel star rating system in Guatemala. The number of stars indicated reflects a combination of our own evaluations, traveler feedback, and commonly accepted local standards.
Meals :
Money & currency :
In Guatemala
The local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ).
Exchange rate (indicative): 1 US$ = 7.60 GTQ.
The US dollar is widely accepted throughout the country and is considered the reference currency. Euro exchange is very difficult. Small purchases are usually made in local currency. Visa credit cards are well accepted; MasterCard can sometimes be more complicated to use. ATMs are available in major cities, near banks, and in many gas stations and shopping centers.
In Honduras
The local currency is the Honduran lempira (HNL).
Exchange rate (indicative): 1 US$ = 25 HNL.
ATMs are widely available throughout the country.
Au Nicaragua
Local currency: Córdoba (NIO)
Exchange rate (indicative): 1 US$ = 35 NIO
ATMs are widely available throughout the country.
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