Guatemala contains an enormous amount of natural, historical and cultural sights. Ancient traditions remain very much alive, despite the fact that its Mayan temples and rainforest cities have long been abandoned. On this trip, visit the country’s highlights such as colonial Antigua, the volcanic Lake Atitlán and the long lost jungle ruins of Tikal.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Wander the cobbled streets and plazas of colonial Antigua, the graceful former capital.
- Relax along the shores of the volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan.
- The colourful highland market at Chichicastenango is a full-on, no-holds-barred sensory overload.
- Spend a night in the pristine jungle and have the chance to explore the majestic ruins of Tikal long after the crowds have departed.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- There are several interesting ways we could extend this trip so you either start or finish in Mexico.
- Spend a few days exploring the ruins of Copan in Honduras.
- Enjoy a few extra days learning Spanish at a homestay in Antigua.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Guatemala City: Antigua
Antigua
Upon arrival in Guatemala City you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Antigua 45 kms away.
Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than two hundred years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Antigua today is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore.
Day 2 - Antigua: Antigua City Tour
Antigua City Tour
Volcan Fuego rises to the roof of the world above the streets of Antigua. Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored facades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. This morning we’ll tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, or simply people watch in the main plaza.
Tour departs: approximately 9:00am.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Antigua: Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Antigua to Lake Atitlán
We’ll travel into the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands to Lake Atitlán, located in the western highlands of Guatemala and often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located at over 1500 metres above sea level, the lake reaches depths of 324 metres and is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes - Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. We’ll spend a night in beautiful Panajachel, considered the jewel of the highlands and inhabited by the Cachikel people for over eight hundred years. As we wander around Panajachel and its surrounding villages, you will observe the daily lives of these people and the skill of the women weavers.
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Lake Atitlan: Boat Trip San Juan La Laguna
Boat Trip San Juan La Laguna
Today you’ll take a small passenger boat that takes across the azure-coloured waters of the lake to the charming village of San Juan la Laguna, a very calm village with a Tzutujil population. Here you can find dozens of female-run weaving Co-Operatives, producing beautiful textiles according to time-honored methods passed down through generations, often using organic local cotton and natural dyes. You will also find delicious chocolate.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Lake Atitlan: Chichicastenango Markets – Antigua
Chichicastenango Markets – Antigua
A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without the chance to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colourful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon, so we will then travel back to Antigua where we’ll spend the night.
Tour departs: approximately 8:00am.
*Take note that market days are Thursdays and Sundays, however we can rearrange this itinerary to make sure you’re there on the correct day.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Antigua: Depart / Arrival / Tikal Ruins
Depart
Pick up is at 3:30am and a boxed lunch is included. Our representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Arrival
Upon arrival at Flores airport you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Tikal.
Tikal Ruins
Today you will enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal site, where you'll encounter towering pyramids rising above the thick jungle canopy and learn how the city thrived as an important religious, scientific, and political centre for fifteen hundred years. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white-lipped peccary, brocket deer, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar.
The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting; however by staying within the park you will have the opportunity to further explore the ruins beyond the central area. Wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth, and if your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple IV you won't be disappointed! Amazing views of the surrounding jungle canopy will greet you from the top of the highest structure within the complex, and once the crowds have left the jungle animals comes to life.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Tikal: Departure / Arrival
Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Flores airport for your departure flight.
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Guatemala City is where culture and history meet. It's a fascinating city with an energy unlike anywhere else in Guatemala and is home to the country's best museums, galleries and transport.
Day 8 - Guatemala City: Departure
Departure
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
Departs daily
| Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | AUD$2606pp | ||
| Comfort | AUD$2606pp | Contact us | |
| Superior | AUD$2843pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe | AUD$3089pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Comfort
Antigua, Guatemala - Hotel San Jorge
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Hotel Regis
Tikal, Guatemala - Tikal Inn
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Mercure Guatemala Casa Veranda
Superior
Antigua, Guatemala - Porta Antigua Hotel
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Porta del Lago
Tikal, Guatemala - Jungle Lodge
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Grand Tikal Futura
Deluxe
Antigua, Guatemala - Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - Hotel Atitlan
Tikal, Guatemala - Jungle Lodge
Guatemala City, Guatemala - Hilton Guatemala City
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Internal flights
- Hotel taxes
- entrance fees,
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Travel protection plan
- Additional hotel nights
- Gratuities
Notes
Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Central America
Let us take you on an authentic journey throughout this rich and versatile region with its spectacular Caribbean beaches, smouldering volcanoes and lush green jungles sheltering a rich variety of fauna. Throw in its fascinating history, hidden Mayan ruins and the rhythm of Cuban salsa and we’re certain you’ll find this region is a treat to the senses.
Downloadable travel guide
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