Discover Guatemala

Your adventure to study history in Guatemala has begun as you travel to Guatemala City, Guatemala. As you descend, take a look out of your window to see expansive jungles and spotted volcanoes. A local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your lodge.

The afternoon is yours to explore your environment look for wildlife on a nature path, jump into the hotel infinity pool, or get a massage at the hotel spa. In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide for a traditional Guatemalan dinner. This is a great opportunity to get to know your guides and ask questions about your upcoming adventures!

Kick-off your first full day in Guatemala with a tour of its Guatemala City and Antigua. Venture into the Avenue of the Americas to discover spectacular buildings that date back to the 1950s. Walk by the Supreme Court and City Hall to find the city’s murals. Your guide will explain how the artwork depicts scenes from Guatemala’s history. Continue to the National Palace of Culture, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Library to soak up the beauty and history of this country. Enjoy a traditional lunch before making your way to the city of Antigua, recognized for its Spanish colonial style. Walk on its cobblestone streets to discover City Hall, Central Park, and the Palace of the Captain Generals. Take a break at the famous 1930s Sirens’ Fountain before ending the tour at the San Jose Cathedral.

Rise and shine for a day trip that perfectly combines relaxation and adventure. Make your way to one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala, the Pacaya Volcano. The natural wonder in 8300 feet tall! Prepare yourself for a hike to the volcano’s rim. As you trek, your guide will educate you on the history of volcanic eruptions in Guatemala. Finally, as you reach the peak, peer over the rim to see the crater’s boiling lava and feel the earth’s rumble. Make your way back down to the base for lunch before heading to the Kawila Hot Springs. Enjoy an afternoon of soaking in these thermal waters, which features 25 steam baths, 12 soaking pools, and three hydrotherapy baths. You’ll be sure to end the day feeling rejuvenated from your hike.

Wake up motivated and excited to learn about Mayan history! Make your way to La Aurora International Airport to board a small plane that will bring you to the ancient Tikal Ruins. As you enter into the UNESCO World Heritage site, marvel in awe of its Myan monuments and jungle backdrop. Keep an eye out for exotic birds and spider monkeys as you tour the area! An expert guide will accompany you to educate you on the history and stories of the Myan people and this site. Admire the Major Plana, Central Acropolis and iconic Temple I. After taking time to explore the area independently, make your way to a local restaurant for lunch. Following this, catch a flight back to Guatemala City.

We hope you wake up hungry because today is all about food! Head to a Guatemalan cooking class in Antigua. Learn about the Myan and Spanish cultural influence on Guatemalan flavors. Next, let’s get cooking. Use staple ingredients used by locals to create your dish. This includes peppers, corn, and beans. You’ll cook one main meal (halacha), two side dishes, and one dessert. Your expert chef will guide you throughout the process. Finally, after hard work, it’s time to enjoy your home-cooked meal with good company. As you eat, be sure to ask your local guide as to how Guatemalan cuisine has evolved.

It’s your final day in Guatemala; let’s make it one to remember! After breakfast, head out for a drive to the highland town of Chichicastenango. Indigenous people reside in this lively community, where you will discover a bright and bustling market and local shamans performance ancient Myan rituals. After taking time to explore and search for the perfect souvenir, make your way to the waterfront of Lake Atitlan. Soak up spectacular views of the volcanoes that surround this lake before diving into the water for a refreshing swim.

It has been both an adventurous and educational week. We hope you had lots of fun, but it’s now time to leave. Enjoy a final breakfast with your group and guides before departing for your flight home.