8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins

8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins

Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s fascinating history and beautiful scenery on this 8-day tour. See some of Guatemala’s best-known destinations as you take a city sightseeing tour around Antigua, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, hike up Pacaya Volcano and more. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient way to get the most out of your trip to Guatemala!

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport - Antigua Guatemala

Stop At: The Plaza Central Park, Plaza Mayor City Center, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Once you arrive at the La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, enjoy convenient transportation to your hotel in Antigua to gear up for your exciting 8-day guided Guatemala tour.
Duration: 45 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Camino Real Antigua or Similar

Day 2: Antigua Guatemala and Coffee Plantation

Stop At: The Plaza Central Park, Plaza Mayor City Center, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Explore the charming colonial city of Antigua on foot with your knowledgeable guide. Visit some of the city’s most beautiful churches, including the Baroque-style La Merced Church, San Francisco Church and Santo Domingo Monastery.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Iglesia de La Merced, Antigua Guatemala
Visit La Merced Church.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande, Calle Oriente,1a Avenida Sur 7a, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Visit San Francisco Church
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Camino Real Antigua or Similar

Day 3: Pacaya Volcano

Stop At: Parque Nacional Volcan De Pacaya, Escuintla Guatemala
Enjoy breakfast before spending the morning hiking up Pacaya Volcano, the most active volcano in Guatemala. Admire impressive views of the Calderas Lagoon and the three nearby volcanoes -- Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. As you take an easy hike up Pacaya, your guide will tell you about the history of the active volcano and point out unique volcano vegetation. After your 5-hour visit to Pacaya Volcano, the rest of the day is yours to explore Antigua on your own.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Camino Real Antigua or Similar

Day 4: Lake Atitlan boat Tour to Santiago

Stop At: Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol, Sol 4, Santiago Atitlan 07019 Guatemala
Enjoy a beautiful private sightseeing cruise across the lake to the Tzutujil village of Santiago de Atitlan. Hop ashore here to discover local village life of the Tzutujil Mayan people, and visit the main street filled with shops selling everything from oil paintings to woven baskets.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Visit one of the most beautiful lakes in the World: Atitlan.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Atitlan or Similar

Day 5: Chichicastenango Market and Iximché Ruins

Stop At: Mercado de Chichicastenango, Btw 7a & 8a Calle, Chichicastenango 14006 Guatemala
Transfer to Chichicastenango, located approximately one hour and a half north of Panajachel. Admire the beautiful landscape as you are transported north by a comfortable car. Walk through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets and past its red-tiled roofs. In the main town plaza, visit the famous Chichicastenango open-air market, filled with locally made products, like ceramic pots, wood carvings and handmade goods, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Santo Tomas Church, Plaza Mayor, Chichicastenango 14006 Guatemala
Visit Santo Tomas Church.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Iximche, Tecpan, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, Panajachel 07010 Guatemala
Visit the archaeological site of Iximché, which was once a Mayan city. With your guide, explore the ruins’ four ceremonial plazas, which are surrounded by tall temple structures and two ball courts. Learn about the history of this fascinating ancient site as you tour the area.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barcelo Guatemala City or Similar

Day 6: Guatemala City - Tikal Ruins

Stop At: Peten, Tikal National Park Guatemala
Visit the Mayan ruin site of Tikal in Tikal National Park (Parque Nacional Tikal), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore everything from the Central Acropolis, a maze of courtyards and small temples, to Complex Q and R, where you'll see twin pyramid complexes with altars set in front of the temples. Visit the massive Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, and learn about its historical importance from your guide.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Tour includs lunch at Tikal Park (drinks not included)
Accommodation included: Overnight at Camino Real Tikal or Similar

Day 7: Yaxha Ruins - Guatemala City

Stop At: Yaxha, National Park, Peten Guatemala
Explore the scenic jungle landscape of this unique area overlooking the Yaxha and Sacnab lakes. As you follow your guide around Yaxha, learn about the history of this ceremonial Mayan site, which features more than 500 ancient structures. Spend time visiting various areas including pyramid temples, ball courts and elevated plazas.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Barcelo Guatemala City or Similar

Day 8: Guatemala City - Airport

Stop At: Colonia Villas de San Juan, Guatemala City, Guatemala
After your amazing 8-day tour, relax on the drive back to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.