Heart of Guatemala
Heart of Guatemala
Tour 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. With a mix of Spanish influences, Catholicism and traditional Mayan practices, this place is a feast for the senses. Hit markets like Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables – and Chichicastenango – full of homemade wares and medicinal plants. See the shamanic ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Take a scenic boat ride to the shrine of Maximon, and find out why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner. ...more ...less
Day 2: Quetzaltenango
Location: Quetzaltenango
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Quetzaltenango
Location: Quetzaltenango
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Panajachel
Location: Panajachel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights) -
Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings
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San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
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Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
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Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
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Chichicastenango market visit
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Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
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Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunches
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Transport
Private vehicle , Shared boat
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. ...more ...less
Important Information
1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Antigua. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.3. Please be careful when booking flights to and from Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Private vehicle , Shared boat
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be really hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
While your leaders on this trip will bridge any language gaps you have along the way, you'll find meeting locals easier the more Spanish words you know. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Heart of Guatemala
6 Days Starting and ending in Antigua
Visiting: Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QBSG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years