Best of Guatemala & Roatán - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City

Welcome to Guatemala City! A representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel where you will receive your detailed itinerary. Depending on your arrival time, stretch your legs with a stroll and explore the surroundings of Guatemala's capital.

Day 2: Fly to Flores - Explore Tikal

Get an early start this morning for your flight to Flores in the department of Petén where you'll meet your driver and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal National Park. The site is known for its Maya ruins, complete with towering pyramids and sprawling columns. It was the capital of one of the ancient Mayas' most powerful kingdoms and is currently home to the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.

Follow your expert guide through temples and pyramids, stopping at significant points of interest all the while keeping an eye out for the resident wildlife, like howler and spider monkeys and toucans and parakeets.

Day 3: B'omb'il Pek excursion - Transfer to Cobán

After an early breakfast, make your way south toward Cobán for an exciting afternoon of inner-tubing the B'omb'il Pek caves at Chisec. Meaning "painted stone" in English, you'll grab a flashlight and set off to navigate your way through this system of caves (one of Central America's largest) and underground rivers carved into the limestone mountains in the north of Alta Verapaz. When you've made your way through, you'll return to your hotel in Cobán.

Day 4: Day trip to Semuc Champey

After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel for a full day excursion to the department of Alta Verapaz' crown jewels: the breathtaking limestone bridge and stepped-turquoise pools of Semuc Champey. En route, you'll switch vehicles and climb into a 4X4 at the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín before making your way to Semuc Champey. Climb the 984-foot bridge for all-encompassing views of the Cahabón River and surrounding lush landscape and take a dip in one of the series of pools to reward yourself.

Day 5: Transfer to Huehuetenango

Set off bright and early to Huehuetenango in Guatemala's Western Highlands, periodically stopping to visit the pueblitos (small towns) along the way.

Day 6: Day trip to the Ixil region

Today you will explore the department of Quiché's Ixil region and set out to visit the three neighboring towns of Santa Maria Nebaj, San Juan Cotzal, and San Gaspar Chajul. Here you will learn about the 30-year civil war that affected these communities as well as learn about their daily customs and rituals.

Day 7: Transfer to Panajachel

Get an early start for your scenic drive south to Panajachel, the main town on Lake Atitlán.

Day 8: Boat tour of Lake Atitlán 

Considered to be among the most beautiful lakes in the world, Atitlan's sparkling blue waters are surrounded by dramatic volcanoes giving the lake a uniquely magical atmosphere. Its shores are home to several indigenous Mayan villages, and you'll get to visit a few during your private boat tour, like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. Take time to explore the local markets, shops, and cooperatives, and learn about Mayan traditions. 

Day 9: Transfer to Antigua Guatemala

This morning you'll transfer from Lake Atitlán east to Antigua Guatemala, set in a valley beneath three volcanoes. Check into your hotel and set out to explore on your own before joining your guide on a walking tour.

As you stroll down charming cobblestone lanes, you'll see beautiful streetscapes of pastel facades against a mountain backdrop, some exquisitely preserved colonial buildings, and lush green parks and plazas. The haunting ruins of the many churches, like the bright yellow La Merced or the San Francisco Church, and La Recoleccion, a former convent, destroyed in a massive earthquake in the 1700s are part of what gives Antigua its unique character. 

Take in the stunning view of the Santa Catalina Arch before paying a visit to the buildings around the main square. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening tasting delicious street food, souvenir shopping in the crafts markets, and exploring the nightlife.

Day 10: Bike Antigua's local villages

Begin the day with a bicycle ride to explore the nearby villages, ruins, and stunning scenery around Antigua. Enjoy panoramic views in between visits to a macadamia nut farm, coffee plantations, and a famous textiles and handicrafts market in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Pedal back to Antigua and take the rest of the day at a slower pace, keeping mindful of your early morning flight tomorrow to Honduras.

Day 11: Fly to Roatán

The first part of the early hours of the morning sees you transferring to the Guatemala City airport for your flight to San Pedro Sula in Honduras. Here you'll catch your second flight to the Caribbean island, Roatán where you'll check into your hotel by breakfast and spend the day as you choose. 

Day 12: Snorkel tour 

Spend the morning at your leisure and take the opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life on a snorkeling tour.

Day 13: Return to Guatemala City

Today is dedicated to traveling to your hotel in Guatemala City. You'll transfer to the Roatán airport for your quick flight to San Pedro Sula and then your second flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport to bring you to your hotel. If you aren't too tired, you can take the opportunity to hit the town and explore the capital city.

Day 14: Depart

It's time to say adiós to Guatemala. At your convenience, you will meet your driver at your hotel to transfer to the airport for your international flight.