Guatemala: Tikal And Beyond (trip)

Guatemala: Tikal And Beyond

  • Antigua Airport, Guatemala
  • Culture & Nature
Guatemala, South America

from £2,150* per person16 DaysMarch
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel 12 people max
Rising above the jungle canopy, the reminders of a once great Mayan civilisation cast their bewitching shadow across the Guatemalan landscape. Towering pyramids pierce the skyline as we gaze upon the remnants of one of the most dynamic and sophisticated civilizations ever to grace the highlands and coastal plains of the Americas. Guatemala is one of Central America’s hidden gems, a country of incredible diversity, with a history and a culture to match. Lush and volcanic and steeped in Mayan lore, it is a rich mix of natural wonder, native tradition and colonial elegance, much of it as yet unspoiled by the trappings of modern tourism. This incredible adventure takes us deep into the central highlands, where we can soak up the graceful charms of Antigua and enjoy its colourful celebrations that come before Semana Santa. We’ll gaze out across the breathtaking volcanic landscapes around Lake Atitlan and visit the traditional Mayan villages of the Ixil Triangle. We'll pick coffee with local farmers and journey by boat to the remote Mayan site of Aguateca, before visiting the unique community of the Garifuna on the shores of the Caribbean. This is a journey filled with wonder and fascination, where the ancient and the modern worlds come together before the slopes of a volcanic landscape as timeless and beautiful as any on earth. Beyond the ruins of Tikal the Mayan spirit lives on, in the villages and settlements that cling to Guatemala’s low lying plains and fertile mountains.

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Locations visited/nearby

Guatemala, South America

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Itinerary

Day 1: Tours starts in Antigua

The tour starts in this stunning colonial city which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2: In Antigua

A full day in this wonderful city to witness some of the stunning Lent processions & see the decorated streets.
Day 3: Around Antigua

A special day involving a visit to a coffee and textile cooperative and a chance to see some community projects in action.
Day 4: To Lake Atitlan

A short drive takes us west to one of the most scenic spots in the whole of Central America - Lake Atitlan. This will be our base for the next two nights.
Day 5: Around Lake Atitlan

For those that wish, there'll be the opportunity for an early morning walk to a famed viewpoint over the lake with the rest of the day free fort swimming, relaxing or perhaps hiring some bikes.
Day 6: To Nebaj via Chichi

Heading north we'll stop at the famous Thursday market at Chichicastenango before going to the traditional & beautiful Ixil Triangle.
Day 7: Around Ixil Triangle

A full day in this rural area allows for some great opportunities to meet some of the locals who have struggled to survive some of the country's recent challenges.
Day 8: To Coban

A long but stunning drive takes us along a mountainous road to the central coffee growing area of Coban.
Day 9: To Candelaria

We'll start today with a trip out to the pools of Semuc Champey where we can swim and explore the surrounding jungle. Later we'll continue to the stunning Candelaria caves.
Day 10: To Sayaxche

An undoubted highlight of the trip is the chance to stay at the remote Chiminos Lodge on the shores of the beautiful Petexbatun lagoon.
Day 11: To Flores via Aguateca

Accessible only by boat, Aguateca is an atmospheric Mayan city that provides an excellent introduction to the marvels of Peten province. Later we'll transfer to the popular town of Flores, the main jumping off point for Tikal.
Day 12: To Tikal via Yaxha

After a free morning, we'll make for the striking site of Yaxha, planning to take in a panoramic sunset over the jungle before moving on to nearby Tikal. We'll spend the night in a lodge right next to the site.
Day 13: Tikal to Rio Dulce

With an early morning start, avoiding the crowds and the heat, we'll explore the vast remains of one of Central America's most impressive sites - the Mayan city of Tikal. After a thorough exploration, we'll make for the waters of Rio Dulce.
Day 14: Boat to Livingston

A scenic boat journey takes us along the Rio Dulce to the Garifuna town of Livingston, on the Atlantic shores.
Day 15: To Guatemala City via Quirigua

The wonderfully preserved stelae at Quirigua give a final taster of this country's manifold cultural gems. Our final night will be spent out in the affluent 'zona viva' area of the capital.
Day 16: Tour ends in Guatemala City

The tour ends this morning in Guatemala City.

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