Day 1 Welcome to Guatemala / Antigua
On arrival in Guatemala City, clear customs and immigrations and you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Antigua is among the world’s best preserved colonial cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a magical and captivating town feels as if time stood still 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture and its crumbling ruins, to wide plazas with fountains and volcano views, children and adults alike enjoy exploring this fairytale destination. Even your hotel is a playground for the senses with a swimming pool for the kids, a ruined cathedral, museums, art galleries and fine dining restaurants – it is worth an afternoon of exploration on its own! Overnight at Casa Santo Domingo, Jr Suite
Day 2 Antigua half day walking tour & Peanut Butter Workshop
After breakfast, our guides will unlock the secrets and hidden gems of the former colonial capital of the Spanish Empire – Antigua! This walking tour will take in the main highlights of this ancient city, from the hustle and bustle of the atmospheric Central Park to the secret passageways of the many crumbling colonial convents and churches. Our guides are great with kids and tailor the tour to suit the interests of each family – what teen wouldn’t love to check out the crypt in a ruined colonial cathedral? After lunch in a local restaurant, you'll be transferred to the nearby town of San Miguel Escobar. On arrival, Lilian and Lidia, two local peanut farmers, will teach you how to make peanut butter from scratch. Enjoy a delicious homemade tortilla with your own hand-made peanut butter. Note: A variety of community run tours are available. Overnight at Casa Santo Domingo, Jr Suite (B, L)
Day 3 Pacaya Volcano Hike & Horseback Riding
Pacaya is one of the most active, but generally predictable, volcanoes among Guatemala’s 33 volcanoes. At 8,200 feet above the sea level, Pacaya is one of the youngest volcanoes with beautiful views toward the Pacific Coast and three other volcanoes nearby (Agua, Acatenango and Fuego). The adventure begins with an easy 1.5-2hr hike along a wide trail through the humid cloud forest, finally arriving at a viewpoint overlooking the flowing lava fields! Then the going gets a bit tough, but not for too long, and the reward for the hiking effort – a picnic lunch and fresh made s'mores with marshmallows roasted over hot vents in the rocks - kids will love the adventure of making this treat! After the trek, your driver will transfer you to a beautiful coffee finca (farm) for a two-hour horseback ride through the coffee plantation. It is an action-packed day, so upon your return to Antigua, you may choose to eat dinner at the hotel. If you are up for more activity, Amani can recommend many excellent restaurants in Antigua (reservations are recommended). Overnight at Casa Santo Domingo (B, L)
Day 4 Chocolate Workshop & Transfer to Lake Atitlan
After breakfast, learn about cocoa seed through a personalized workshop where you will be able to work with the kernel, brew it, toast it and grind it to make the chocolate treats that we know and love! Make your own chocolate creations and one hour later, you'll be able to enjoy them. After the chocolate tour, transfer to Lake Atitlan. With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlan is located 90 miles west of Guatemala City (be prepared for a winding road! Pack your Dramamine). The lake is characterized by its natural beauty, stunning views of the volcanoes from all directions and indigenous villages filled with culture and living history. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it ¨the most beautiful lake in the world.” Overnight Hotel Atitlan (B)
Day 5 Kayak, Tzununa Hike & San Juan Village tour
After breakfast, meet your guide and travel by private boat to pick up your kayaks and gear for your padding adventure on the lake. It’s important to get an early start before the winds pick up and make the lake very choppy. Enjoy an easy 45 minute to 1-hour kayak tour along the shores of Lake Atitlan, paddling past small indigenous villages, local Mayan fisherman and rugged cliffs dotted with exotic flora and birdlife. Arrive at the small village of Tzununa and then embark on a leisurely hike along footpaths used by the local people. You won’t soon forget the views of the volcanoes surrounding the lake. You’ll hike uphill (although the climb is not very challenging, it have a quite steep drop-off in some areas) back to Santa Cruz la Laguna on the pathway that connects the villages – there are no roads to many of the lakeside towns. As you hike, your guide will explain the traditions of the villages around the lake. Enjoy lunch at a delicious spot in Santa Cruz village. After lunch, you will travel by boat to San Juan la Laguna, an indigenous village on Lake Atitlan where we’ll learn about the weaving traditions of the Maya at a women’s textile co-op. After exploring San Juan, the boat will take you back to the hotel in the village of Panajachel. Overnight Hotel Atitlan (B,L)
Day 6 Zip line adventure & Afternoon flight to Petén
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the Atitlan Reserve. On arrival, you'll start your zip line and trekking adventure through the forest. Fly through the forest and be amazed by the wonderful views of the lake. The valley were the San Buenaventura natural reserve is located has suffered tremendous transformations over the years. It started as a coffee plantation in the 1700s and by 1997 it opened as a nature reserve and visitor center. This amazing reserve is close to 35 acres of land, including areas of old oak forest and shade-grown coffee fields. After the zip line, you'll be transferred to Guatemala City's airport for your domestic flight to Flores, Petén. On arrival, meet your Petén guide and transfer to hotel. Overnight Camino Real Tikal (B)
Day 7 Tikal Mayan Ruins Adventure
After breakfast you will meet by your guide at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park for your in-depth visit. Tikal was one of the most grand and important cities in the Mayan Civilization (Mundo Maya). Today, this ancient metropolis sits in ruins - its massive temples, palaces and ceremonial complexes devoured by the jungle. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, Tikal is Guatemala´s most famous cultural and natural preserve. Kids can explore this archeological jungle gym as if they were Indiana Jones, climbing up and over structures all the while howling along with the calls of the howler monkeys in jungle canopy above! Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Maya disappeared, and if you are lucky, you will spot a few monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans.
After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. After lunch, transfer back to your hotel where the kids will be eager to cool off in the pool overlooking Lake Petén Itza. Note: The jungle can be very hot, please be prepared with lots of drinking water and snacks that your guide will help carry. Overnight Camino Real Tikal (B,L)
Day 8 Guatemala City / Departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your local flight back to Guatemala City and your connecting international departure. If time allows Amani can book additional tours in Guatemala City such as a market tour in the historic district, visits to the Ixchel Museum with its world-famous textile collection, Popul Vuh Museum of the Maya, the Natural History Museum or even a delicious meal at one of Guatemala’s fine restaurants before your departure. Consider adding a night in Guatemala City for an Urban Explorer tour. (B)
Pricing
- Price on request
- Triple and quad rooms available
- Child/Teen rates available
- Price varies by season