Discovering Guatemala and hiking

A free day in Antigua, a splendid colonial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the time to stroll through its cobbled streets and discover its flower-filled patios, romantic ruins, and elegant 17th-century colonial mansions.

Must-see attractions include the Church of La Merced, the Capuchin Convent, and the Santo Domingo Hotel Museum.

As you stroll through the historic center, you will also discover the Parque Central, the famous Calle del Arco, its whitewashed churches, as well as charming galleries and craft shops.

Early morning departure by private vehicle for the ascent of the Pacaya volcano, accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide. This magnificent hike, accessible without great difficulty, will take you to one of the last active volcanoes in Central America, reaching an altitude of 2,500 meters.

Depending on the current volcanic activity, it is sometimes possible to observe lava flows, making the experience even more spectacular. In a striking setting of black ash, volcanic rocks, and heat emanating from the ground, you will experience a truly extraordinary moment.

Allow approximately 2.5 hours for the ascent and 1 hour for the descent. Horses, available as an option on site, can also accompany walkers who would like some assistance during the climb.

Early morning departure in a private vehicle towards the magnificent Lake Atitlán.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to discover the vibrant market of Chichicastenango, arguably the most famous in Central America, as well as its iconic church with its syncretic cult. This small Quiché town, on the edge of the Altiplano, was long an important regional trading center and still reflects the ethnic and linguistic diversity of Guatemala today.

Pottery, condiments, medicinal plants, candles, animals, textiles and embroidered blouses make up a lively and colourful spectacle that will undoubtedly appeal to visitors.

You will then continue your journey to the village of Panajachel, nestled on the shores of the magnificent Lake Atitlán. You will enjoy the rest of the day in the peaceful and pleasant atmosphere of this charming town. Check-in at your hotel.

From Panajachel, a private motorboat will take you to the village of San Marcos La Laguna, the starting point for a pleasant hike along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Accompanied by a local guide, you will pass through several traditional hamlets on your way to Santa Cruz La Laguna.

This walk will take you along paths overlooking the lake, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, your guide will share the history and traditions of the lakeside villages. A wonderful way to immerse yourself in the magic of Atitlán.

Back in San Juan La Laguna, you will then discover the artisanal and cultural activities of the Tz'utujil community during a guided tour with a local Spanish-speaking guide.

You will continue the day with a boat trip on the majestic Lake Atitlán, surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. A veritable inland sea of ​​130 km², this natural site is among the most beautiful lakes in the world.

You will freely visit the indigenous villages of San Antonio Palopó, renowned for its terraced crops and blue-hued ceramics, and then Santiago Atitlán, where we recommend you discover the famous Maximón, an emblematic and colorful spiritual figure.

Return to Panajachel by boat at the end of the day.

This morning you will be taking the road back to Antigua.

Before reaching the charming colonial city, your driver may suggest a stop at the Atitlán Nature Reserve (entrance fees not included, allow approximately €10 per adult and €5 per child). There you will discover lovely hiking trails, suspension bridges, various zipline courses, and a delightful butterfly farm where it is even possible to sponsor a chrysalis.

The numerous paths crisscrossing the reserve also offer opportunities to observe a beautiful variety of birds as well as a particularly rich local flora. For thrill-seekers, it is also possible to try classic zip-lining or even zip-lining on a bicycle.

After this stop, you will also have the opportunity to visit Iximché (entrance fee not included, allow approximately €6.50 per person), an important Mayan archaeological site where some ancestral rites are still practiced today by Mayan descendants. It is possible to arrange a Mayan ceremony there with a local shaman.

Continue along the road and then arrive in Antigua.

Today you will travel towards Cobán, in the heart of the mountainous Alta Verapaz region. This green area is particularly renowned for its humid climate, ideal for the cultivation of coffee, cardamom and orchids.

On the way, stop to visit a coffee farm where you will discover the Chicoj cooperative. Accompanied by a member of the Q'eqchi' community, you will participate in a pleasant walk during which the different stages of production will be explained to you in Spanish: planting, cultivation, harvesting and roasting of this emblematic product of the Guatemalan economy.

A wonderful immersion into the world of local coffee, with the added possibility, for the more adventurous, of enjoying a zipline course amidst the coffee trees.

Night in Cobán.

Departure this morning towards the spectacular natural site of Semuc Champey (entrance fee not included, approximately €6/person), considered one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural treasures. Nestled in the heart of lush vegetation, this exceptional place consists of a series of natural pools with turquoise waters, formed at the top of a limestone bridge under which the Cahabón River flows.

In a pristine tropical setting, amidst dense forest, waterfalls, and birdsong, you'll enjoy an enchanting environment perfect for relaxation and exploration. Explore the site at your leisure, with the option to visit the various viewpoints offering remarkable panoramic views of all the pools.

You can also bathe in these pristine natural pools, for a refreshing moment in the heart of nature.

Depending on the time available, continue the excursion with a visit to the Lanquín caves (entrance not included, approximately €4/person), an impressive underground network shaped by water, renowned for its rock formations and mysterious atmosphere.

At the end of the day, return to Cobán.

Today you will travel to Flores, a charming little town almost like an island, located in the heart of the Petén region. Situated on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, Flores captivates visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, colorful streets, and privileged location near the country's most important Mayan sites.

Along the way, your driver may suggest a stop at the Candelaria Caves to explore the largest underground complex in Central America (guide and entrance fees not included). This impressive natural site features stunning caverns adorned with numerous stalactites and spectacular rock formations.

The visit can be done on foot during a pleasant underground walk or, for a more original experience, by tubing (not included) on the river that runs through the caves.

Continue your journey and then check into your hotel on the charming Isla de Flores.

Today, departing from Flores, you will explore with a local Spanish-speaking community guide the Mayan site of Yaxhá (entrance not included), the third largest archaeological site in Guatemala.

During a visit of approximately 3 hours, you will discover this ancient city, less frequented than Tikal but just as fascinating. Once composed of nearly 500 buildings, Yaxha was an important Mayan city. From its pyramids, the view of the surrounding jungle and Lake Yaxha is remarkable. The site also preserves ancient stone causeways once used by its inhabitants. Ongoing excavations enhance the mysterious character of the place, with several monuments partially buried under vegetation.

You will then continue with a hike of approximately 2.5 hours in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, on little-used trails known mainly to archaeologists and site rangers. This walk will allow you to observe the richness of the rainforest and its ecosystem.

You will then reach El Tumbo, a Mayan city still completely covered by the jungle and unrestored to this day.

Finally, discovery of the island of Topoxté, an ancient Mayan island center whose restored remains testify to its link with Yaxhá.

Return to Flores at the end of the day.

Today, we're heading into the tropical jungle to discover the Mayan temples of the majestic city of Tikal.

Accompanied by a professional French-speaking guide, you will spend over 4 hours visiting the most spectacular archaeological site in the Mayan world. In the heart of a lush forest, you will discover impressive pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and the remains of an ancient metropolis that once had more than ten thousand inhabitants.

Tikal enjoyed over a thousand years of prosperity and remains one of the greatest centers of Mayan civilization. Its national park, covering more than 500 km² of dense jungle, is home to nearly 4,000 documented structures. Among them stands the iconic pyramid of Temple IV, nicknamed the "Two-Headed Serpent," rising above the canopy.

The visit also allows you to observe exceptional wildlife: coatis, agoutis, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans and many tropical species still inhabit the area.

The site's museums (entrance fees not included) display beautiful ceramic pieces, the tomb of Ah Cacao discovered beneath the Temple of the Great Jaguar, as well as archives on the archaeological excavations.

After the visit, return to the charming little town of Flores.

Today, we're heading towards the Caribbean coast of Guatemala.

Along the way, you can stop at Ixpanpajul Natural Park (entrance fees not included), where your driver will take you in a private vehicle. Free time to enjoy the activities on offer: suspension bridges, zip lines, rainforest trails, and other outdoor attractions.

You will then continue to the village of Río Dulce, located at the mouth of the river of the same name. From there, a magnificent excursion in a small motorboat on the tranquil waters of the Río Dulce will take you to Livingston.

Accessible only by river or sea, this small, isolated town nestled between the sea, a river, and mangroves possesses a unique identity within Guatemala. It is predominantly inhabited by the Garifuna people, descendants of Afro-Caribbean populations, whose culture, music, and cuisine contribute to the town's charm.

You will discover its main street lined with small craft shops, colorful cafes and typical houses leading down to the beach.

Enjoy your first evening on the Caribbean coast and a superb sunset in a warm and exotic atmosphere.

Depart by private boat to reach the village of Río Dulce. You will cruise leisurely upriver, admiring its many natural treasures: bird island, lush mangroves, hot springs, and pristine tropical landscapes. A peaceful and truly enchanting journey through one of the country's most beautiful natural regions.

Upon your arrival in Río Dulce, you will then continue your journey by private vehicle to Guatemala City.

Along the way, you can freely visit the Quiriguá archaeological site (entrance fee not included, allow approximately €10 per person), famous for housing some of the largest and most beautiful carved stelae in the Mayan world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site offers remarkable testimony to the artistic refinement of this civilization.

Continue your journey, then check in and spend the night at your hotel in Guatemala City.

For this last day, depending on the schedule of your international flight, you will have free time to enjoy Guatemala City and discover the riches of the capital.

You can visit (not included) its historic center, its beautiful cathedral, and several colorful markets, perfect for buying some local crafts at bargain prices.

The city is also renowned for the quality of its museums. Among the most interesting are the Popol Vuh Museum, dedicated to Mayan archaeological treasures, the Ixchel Museum, devoted to indigenous costumes and textiles, and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, essential for a better understanding of the country's history.

At the agreed time, transfer by private vehicle from your hotel to Guatemala City International Airport for your departure flight.