Sports & nature

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch with a Maya family
Accommodation: with a Maya host family (San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán)
A guided hike led by a local guide

Walking level: Easy
Elevation gain: +150 m / –150 m — about 3h45 of walking (shorter option available).

Lake Atitlán is often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world — Aldous Huxley himself wrote about it “Lake Atitlan too much of a good thing.” It lies at 1,500 m / 4,920 ft above sea level, in a tropical highland region framed by three lofty volcanoes between 3,000 and 3,500 m / 9,840 and 11,480 ft.

From Panajachel, you’ll take a boat with your guide to the village of Santa Cruz La Laguna, then follow a scenic trail along the lakeshore to the hamlet of Tzununá. This off-the-beaten-path route offers some of the most spectacular views of the lake and its volcanoes. The path winds through small hamlets, offering an authentic glimpse of daily Maya life. Lake Atitlán was formed in an ancient volcanic zone; a series of calderas sculpted the surrounding mountains and gave the region its dramatic relief.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel to the Maya village of San Juan La Laguna, one of the most charming villages on Lake Atitlán. Many women here have organized themselves into cooperatives and will show you how they revive ancestral cotton-dyeing techniques using natural plants. Dinner and overnight stay with a Maya host family in the village (arranged by a local ecotourism association). A warm and genuine experience to share moments of everyday life with the local people and enjoy traditional Maya hospitality.

Meals included: Breakfast with the Maya host family
Accommodation: hotel (Chichicastenango).
A guided hike led by a local guide

Hiking level: Moderate to difficult

Elevation gain/loss: +650 m / –650 m (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the summit)

This hike is suitable for any active traveler used to walking on steep forest trails.

After breakfast with your host family, set off with your local guide to climb Cerro Cristalinas, reaching the plateau of Santa Clara. This viewpoint towers over the village of San Juan La Laguna and holds great symbolic importance for local residents, as part of the ancient caldera landscape.        

In the afternoon, transfer to the Maya village of Chichicastenango. On the eve of the market, you’ll be able to witness the fascinating preparations taking place.

Overnight in Chichicastenango.

Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: hotel (Antigua)

The village of Chichicastenango is deeply rooted in Maya tradition. One of the few surviving pre-Columbian manuscripts — the Popol Vuh, often considered the Quiché Maya “Bible” — was discovered here.

The village is best known for its vibrant, colorful markets and for the scenes of religious syncretism that can be observed both outside and inside its colonial church. This church, built by the Spanish in the 16th century on the site of an ancient Maya temple, has a staircase with 18 steps, symbolizing the 18 months of the Maya calendar.

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 along the Pan-American Highway to the colonial city of Antigua.

Overnight in the historic center of Antigua.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (El Remate)
Included: Domestic flight Guatemala City – Flores

Enjoy a guided mountain biking tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Antigua. Several route options are available—from easy rides to challenging technical trails (please consult us to select the best fit).
You’ll have the chance to discover local villages or ride along scenic mountain paths.
In the afternoon, transfer to Guatemala City Airport for a short flight to Flores, followed by a drive to El Remate, a peaceful lakeside village on Lake Petén Itzá (the country’s third-largest lake, covering 90 km² / 35 sq mi).
Overnight in El Remate.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge (Tikal National Park)
Self-guided visit

To reach the entrance of the archaeological site, you’ll cross the southern part of the National Park—a beautiful opportunity to observe wildlife and the tropical forest.
Tikal National Park is one of the rare UNESCO World Heritage sites listed for both its natural and cultural significance, thanks to its extraordinary biodiversity and archaeological importance. This ancient ceremonial center, inhabited mainly from the 9th century BCE to the 9th century CE, lies in the heart of a protected area spanning more than 576 km² (222 sq mi) of tropical forest.
With its majestic pyramids—Temple IV rises over 70 m (230 ft)—Tikal is the most spectacular Maya site in Guatemala, and arguably in the entire Maya world. During the pre-Columbian era, the political, economic, and cultural influence of this vast metropolis extended as far as the Mexican highlands. The park’s protected ecosystems host various species of monkeys, anteaters, over 300 species of birds, as well as deer and coatis. The vegetation is equally impressive, with more than 200 tree species recorded in the reserve.
You’ll spend the night in a lodge located within Tikal National Park, just steps from the archaeological site entrance, allowing you to fully experience the magic of the setting. At dawn and dusk, you may spot coatis, ocellated turkeys, or agoutis wandering near the lodges.

Note: It is possible to enter the archaeological site for sunset or sunrise. Please inquire for details.
Si vous souhaitez un guide pour la visite du site, nous pouvons bien entendu vous le réserver.
 

Meals included: Breakfast
Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel (Río Dulce)
Included: Local guide and full canopy equipment (harnesses, helmets) for the group zipline activity

Before leaving Tikal National Park, enjoy an exciting canopy tour. Moving from platform to platform high above the ground, you’ll glide through the jungle canopy on a system of ziplines, accompanied by a local guide. This is the habitat of monkeys, toucans, and parrots, and the treetop views of the tropical forest are truly breathtaking.
Then, head south toward the Caribbean coast and the peaceful Río Dulce area. Along the way, you’ll see many ceiba trees—the national tree of Guatemala and sacred in Maya cosmology. The Petén region, one of the last to be reoccupied, was once one of the most densely populated Maya areas. Recent LiDAR studies have revealed that several million Maya lived in these fragile lands for nearly 18 centuries!
Overnight on the banks of the Río Dulce, a relaxing pause after nine days of travel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Tela, Honduras)   

Take a motorboat ride to explore the tranquil waters of the Río Dulce, gateway to the Caribbean Sea and the largest river in Guatemala. The river connects the Caribbean with Lake Izabal, the country’s largest lake (590 km² / 228 sq mi), forming a key link in Guatemala’s eastern watershed, which channels rainwater from the highlands to the Atlantic. Your excursion begins with a visit to the small fort of San Felipe, built to protect Spanish warehouses along Lake Izabal from pirate raids. Today, this charming little fortress has become one of the region’s postcard landmarks. Afterward, continue eastward down the Río Dulce toward the Caribbean. The riverbanks are lined with dramatic cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, and numerous nature reserves—bird islands, mangroves, and secluded coves where pirates once hid to ambush treasure ships bound for Spain. The region is rich in wildlife: monkeys, anteaters, toucans, coatis, iguanas, manatees, pelicans, egrets, and herons all inhabit these vibrant ecosystems. Midway through the journey, visit a local Maya community association working on sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives.²        

Arrive in Livingston, a coastal Garifuna village accessible only by boat. Take a stroll through this colorful, laid-back town. The Garifuna people, descendants of African slaves and Caribbean Indians, form a unique Afro-Indigenous culture found along the Atlantic coasts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.     

Suggestion: relax at a café terrace with a piña colada or a coco loco (fresh coconut with rum), or try the local specialty, tapado, a delicious coconut milk and seafood stew.               

Then take a short boat ride to Puerto Barrios, once Guatemala’s main Caribbean port, before crossing the border into Honduras. Follow the coastal road to Tela, one of the first towns founded by Spanish settlers (around 1524). The region is known for its many protected reserves, home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna.

Overnight in Tela, in a hotel facing the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge (Tela – 2nd night)     
Included: Local guide and full rafting equipment (raft, paddles, life jackets, helmets) for the group activity

Drive along paved and dirt roads to reach the Río Cangrejal, a river that borders the tropical rainforest of Pico Bonito National Park. This is one of the best whitewater rafting spots in all of Central America—thrill guaranteed! The ideal season runs from September to March. The activity is conducted safely under the supervision of highly experienced local guides who know the river intimately. Children who are strong swimmers (from age 7) can also participate. The rapids alternate with calmer stretches that allow you to rest and take in the spectacular scenery of the Río Cangrejal—mountains covered in dense tropical forest and crystal-clear waters.
Return to your hotel in Tela for a second night.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Copán Ruinas)
Included: Local guide and full kayaking equipment (kayak, paddles, life jacket) for the group activity

Set out for a canoe and kayak exploration of Punta Izopo National Park, a coastal reserve featuring a lagoon surrounded entirely by mangroves. Gliding silently through the waterways—without the noise of a motor—you’ll have the best chance to observe the astonishing flora and fauna of this ecosystem.

You may spot white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, pelicans, fiddler crabs, vibrant blue morpho butterflies, and a wide variety of marine and wetland birds. The activity lasts about 2½ hours, guided by a local naturalist who will help you identify the wildlife. You’ll also visit two Garifuna villages along the way and enjoy some relaxation time on the beach, with the possibility of tasting a traditional local meal.

In the afternoon, transfer to Copán.

By late afternoon, you may wish to visit the two small museums located near the main square of Copán Ruinas—both provide fascinating introductions to the archaeological site you’ll visit the next day.

Overnight in the welcoming colonial village of Copán Ruinas, just a few kilometers from the ruins.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Guatemala City)
Visits: Self-guided

Visit the archaeological site of Copán, whose intricately carved stelae are masterpieces of Maya art. The famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, with more than 1,800 glyphs, is another remarkable feature. Often described as the “Athens of the Maya world,” Copán is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large on-site museum is unmissable—it brings together many bas-reliefs, stelae, sculptures, and temple decorations from the site. Located in a tropical valley at about 600 m (1,970 ft) above sea level, Copán was rediscovered in the late 16th century, though major excavations only began in the 19th century. The park remains covered with beautiful tropical forest, and as you explore, you’ll likely see scarlet macaws (the national bird of Honduras) flying above the monumental plazas. Be sure to visit the Museum of Sculpture, located within the archaeological park itself, which showcases the most remarkable reliefs and statues found at the site.
After your visit, we recommend sampling the excellent local coffee.

Return to Guatemala via the Atlantic highway, crossing varied landscapes: the Motagua Valley, cactus-filled plains, melon and pineapple plantations, and finally the mountains of the Sierra de las Minas, before reaching the Guatemalan Highlands and Guatemala City.
Overnight in Zone 10 of the capital.

Meals included: Breakfast

Short transfer to Guatemala City Airport for your international departure (check-in three hours before the flight). Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit the city’s main museums (upon request). In that case, we recommend choosing flights departing in the mid- or late afternoon.