Heart of Guatemala
From AUD $1520
Small Group
Light
Rating
(6 reviews)
Heart of Guatemala
7 days
Small Group
Moderate
Light
English
Experience Overview
From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture.
Highlights
- Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon – a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
- Ride in a decorated chicken bus to a local market and see the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
- Visit Chichicastenango market and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
- Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan. With 95 per cent of the population of Maya descent, you’ll learn about the region’s rich culture and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
- Join your local leader on an orientation walk through Antigua. By starting and ending your trip here, you’ll be sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.
Trip Details
7 days
Private vehicle, Shared boat
English
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala
Moderate
Explorer
Light
Itinerary
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
- Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
Optional Activities:
- Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free
- Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings (25 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Chichicastenango market visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
- Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Included Activities:
- Antigua - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Jaibalito - Maya Cooking Class (60 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
- Flights to and from origin and destinations
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
- Recommended gratuities/tipping
- Optional activities/tours
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.
You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.
Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.
This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.
Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.
If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.
If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.
Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
- Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
- Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Duration: 7 days
Trip Type: Small Group
Activity Level: Light
From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture.
Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Jan 2028
Customer Reviews
03/13/2024
A fabulously unique experience from start to finish. I learned so much, expanded my own perspectives, and got tons of incredible photos.
03/02/2024
The enthusiasm of our guide Isaias made all the visits so interesting. He was excellent. There wasn’t too much bus travel and we stopped frequently to talk about something interesting. I learned so much about Guatemala.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
03/13/2024
A fabulously unique experience from start to finish. I learned so much, expanded my own perspectives, and got tons of incredible photos.
03/02/2024
The enthusiasm of our guide Isaias made all the visits so interesting. He was excellent. There wasn’t too much bus travel and we stopped frequently to talk about something interesting. I learned so much about Guatemala.
03/06/2024
Wonderful trip, Isaias was a great tour guide. Very friendly and knowledgable.
07/17/2024
The heart of Guatemala tour will introduce you to an amazing country, off the tourist track, learning about the people and culture that make Guatemala what it is today.
05/29/2024
Exploring Guatemala is a one of a kind experience! If you want to be off the beaten track and fully immersed in Mayan traditions, culture, and food, this tour is a must! Absolutely sign up for the Mayan cooking class!! Spending a the first and last day of the trip exploring Antigua is a wonderful way to start and end the Guatemalan journey :)
05/02/2024
I have wanted to travel through Gautemala. I am an artist and have been fascinated with the textiles, colours and with Mayan culture. It is one of the few countries left where Americanization of the culture hasn't taken over. However, when I would mention travelling to Gautemala people would comment that it is not safe. To my delight I felt very safe. The roads were in good condition a d the food excellent. With the tour I learned much about Mayan culture.
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