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View on old maya man on market in Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Guatemala Holidays


south & central america
Guatemala holidays offer an unforgettable combination of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history. Steeped in Maya tradition and home to some of the most spectacular ruins in Latin America, this fascinating country has more than its fair share of outstanding beauty, from stunning lakes and picture-perfect volcanoes to charming colonial cities scattered with fabulous boutique hotels.

From Antigua’s cobbled streets, bustling plazas and candy-coloured facades to tranquil Lake Atitlan, which enjoys a spectacular location in the shadow of three dramatic smouldering volcanoes - Guatemala's history and beauty will amaze visitors.

Throughout Guatemala you will find traditional communities and bustling markets where you can experience some of the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country, while to the north lie several archaeological sites, including the imposing remains of mighty Tikal, the enigmatic lost city of the Mayas.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of Guatemala holidays and we have a dedicated team of specialists are mines of information about the country, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore on a private tour with an expert guide, take a sociable small group tour, or are looking for advice on a multi-centre holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.
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HOW TO GET AROUND GUATEMALA

With so many fascinating places and incredible landscapes to discover, exploring Guatemala with a private driver and guide is very popular. Follow one of our classic itineraries or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect Guatemala holiday. Alternatively, if you would like to share your experiences with other travellers why not join a sociable guided group tour?

Lastly, don't forget Guatemala's fascinating neighbours. It's easy to combine a trip to Guatemala with Belize, Mexico or Costa Rica, or with a stopover in the USA, to create an exciting multi centre holiday.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO GUATEMALA

Here is a snapshot of some of our most popular Guatemala holidays.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination or give us a call and speak to one of our travel experts.
Classic Guatemala
Private Tour
12 days / 11 nights

Explore the best of Guatemala from the pretty colonial city of Antigua and the enchanting Mayan ruins of Tikal to beautiful Lake Atitlán and the scenic Rio Dulce on this unforgettable private tour.

Guide Price: €4,949 £4,099 pp

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Mayan Trails of Guatemala & Belize
Private Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Discover spectacular scenery, pretty colonial towns, exotic wildlife and a rich Mayan heritage on this private tour showcasing the highlights of these two beautiful and colourful countries.

Guide Price: €4,929 £4,349 pp

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Central American Adventure
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
34 days / 33 nights

Explore five diverse countries on this epic adventure through Central America’s beautiful landscapes.

Guide Price: €3951 £3505 pp

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Mayan Encounter
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
12 days / 11 nights

Trek through jungles to Mayan ruins and relax on white-sand beaches.

Guide Price: €1449 £1299 pp

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Heart of Guatemala
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
7 days / 6 nights

Explore the Guatemalan Highlands on this seven-day adventure starting and ending in Antigua.

Guide Price: €612 £546 pp

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A Journey Through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico
Private Tour
14 days / 13 nights

From ancient Mayan ruins to beautiful beaches, spectacular lakes and pretty colonial cities, this private tour takes you through three of Central America’s most enthralling countries.

Guide Price: €Please contact us £Please contact us pp

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WHERE TO GO IN GUATEMALA

Most visitors begin their journey in pretty Antigua, where colonial Spanish history merges with Guatemala's Maya heritage. A short drive away, sparkling Lake Atitlan lies in the shadow of three majestic volcanoes, while to the north you will find the lost city of Tikal, cloaked in jungle. A dawn tour of these enigmatic ruins, when the early morning mist combines with the eerie roar of the howler monkeys, is simply unmissable.

Explore the tiles below the Guatemala map for more details on each destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
Antigua
Antigua
Standing in the shadow of three volcanoes, Guatemala’s former capital is now a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Spanish history merges with Maya heritage, resulting in an explosion of colour, culture and tradition on every corner.
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán
The mesmerising waters of beautiful Lake Atitlán are surrounded by rolling, which sit under the watchful eye of three towering volcanoes. Explore the lake by boat or kayak as you visit the bustling towns and pretty villages dotted around the lake.
Tikal & El Petén
Tikal & El Petén
Hidden deep within the jungle of Northern Guatemala’s El Petén region sits the magnificent ruins of ancient Tikal. With massive temples and plazas that rise above the rainforest canopy, these ruins date back to the 4th Century and are the largest Maya pyramid by height.
Rio Dulce & Livingston
Rio Dulce & Livingston
Located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce and accessible only by boat, charismatic Livingston is home to the Garífuna people, who are originally from St Vincent and still retain their own cultural identity and traditions.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN GUATEMALA

We feature a great range of accommodation in Guatemala, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you're looking for a boutique hotel hidden amongst the cobbled streets of Antigua? Or perhaps it's a remote jungle lodge near Tikal, or romantic retreat overlooking Lake Atitlan?

What you won't find here are thousands of Guatemala hotels to wade through. We've done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Villa Bokeh
5 star

Antigua

This charming colonial-style hacienda is beautifully nestled amongst vast landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Antigua.
Casa Palopó
4 plus star

Lake Atitlán

Located in the hills above the small village of Santa Catarina Palopó, this intimate boutique hotel boasts wonderful vistas over Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes.
Hotel Atitlán
4 star

Lake Atitlán

Situated on the edge of the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlán, this charming property enjoys a peaceful location just a short drive from the town of Panajachel.
La Lancha
4 star

El Petén

Set within lush rainforest overlooking Lake Petén Itza, Francis Ford Coppola’s beautiful retreat is situated an hour’s drive from the ruins of Tikal.
Porta Hotel Antigua
4 star

Antigua

This charming property is full of colonial charm and nestled in the beautiful surrounds of gardens and mountains.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel
4 star

El Petén

Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is a beautiful property situated on the peaceful Quexil Lagoon.

WHAT TO DO IN GUATEMALA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Guatemala is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique insight into the country's local culture and natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can't replace.

One day you might be discovering the remote ruins of Yaxha, the next trekking up a volcano! Whether you want to explore Lake Atitlan by kayak, cook up a storm with a local chef or taste Antigua's best street food, we have an option for you.

Whatever you choose, our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Guatemala holiday to life.
Pacaya Volcano Hike
6 hours
Departs: Antigua

Take a morning transfer (approx. 90mins) to the foothills of the active Pacaya Volcano. This ...

Antigua Street Food Tour
4.5 hours
Departs: Antigua

This feast for the senses combines the robust flavours of Antigua’s street food with this colonial ...

Kayak Lake Atitlan
4 hours
Departs: Lake Atitlan

Glide across the glistening waters of Lake Atitlan in the early morning sun and paddle with your ...

Explore Yaxha & Topoxte
7 hours
Departs: Tikal

Discover inner adventurer as you discover these little visited ruins of Yaxha. As you explore ...

Antigua Biking Adventure
4 hours
Departs: Antigua

Hop on your bike to explore the bustling markets, crumbling ruins, colourful indigenous villages ...

Taste of Guatemala
3 hours
Departs: Antigua

Roll your sleeves up as you enjoy an interactive cookery class. Sharpen your skills with new ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GUATEMALA?

Guatemala has a pleasant climate year round, with warm days and mild evenings, there is no bad time to visit.

There are two main seasons with dry season running from November to March and rainy season from April to October.

However downpours are normally limited to the late afternoon. In general the weather is tropical but it can get quite cool in the highland regions, particularly from December to February.

Guatemala Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Michelle Tachon -  expert
Michelle Tachon

Rise early to be one of the first visitors into the Mayan site of Tikal in northern Guatemala. The early morning mists and the roars of the howler monkeys in the trees above add to the atmosphere of this fascinating site.

Paul Taylor -  expert
Paul Taylor

It's worth spending a few days exploring beautiful Lake Atitlan. Surrounded by striking volcanoes, use the local shuttle boats to reach the surrounding villages which each have their own unique flavour.

Pete Waters -  expert
Pete Waters

Sitting in the shadows of three volcanoes, the World Heritage Site of Antigua is packed with beautiful colonial buildings and atmospheric churches.

Guatemala Fast Facts

Time Zone: Guatemala is 6 hours behind GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Getting to Guatemala: Flight times to Guatemala average at between 13 to 15 hours

Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). ATM's are available in cities and larger towns, and most restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards

Tipping: Tipping in Guatemala is not expected but is appreciated. A 10% tip for service staff is usually sufficient

Language: The national language of Guatemala is Spanish. English is spoken in tourist areas

Visa: For stays over 90 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

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