Located in the heart of the ancient Mayan world, Guatemala has an array of ruins to explore. Visit the mysterious Tikal, located in the jungle region of El Petén, before staying in Flores, an island built on Lake Petén Itzá
On a tailor-made itinerary to Guatemala, experience the many natural highlights this country has to offer, from volcanoes, pristine lakes, and dense jungle that is home to howler monkeys and tropical birdlife.
The 16th-century capital, Antigua, is a picturesque colonial city decorated with pastel coloured houses, impressive churches and derelict convents, with views of the surrounding volcanoes everywhere you look. On a clear night, you might see a display of lava burst out of Fuego volcano. Take a walking tour of the cobbled streets and discover lively markets, delicious local food and grand plazas. We would recommend that you visit Antigua either on a Thursday or Sunday, to be able to visit the vibrant market of Chichicastenango, one of the most famous indigenous markets in Central America. Here you can take home hand-woven purses, backpacks, colourful textiles, wood carvings, handprinted pottery and huipiles – traditional tops worn by indigenous women from central Mexico to Central America.
From Antigua you can drive to Lake Atitlán, a large volcanic crater lake where you will find sleepy villages lining the lakeside and volcanos towering over them. You can travel to the villages via taxi boats or simply admire the views from your hideaway hotel.
If you are looking for something different, visit Livingston on the Caribbean coast to experience the laid-back Garifuna culture. From here you can take a boat trip along the Dulce river to visit Bird Island and indigenous communities. As you are so close to Belize, you can choose to combine your journey or return home via Guatemala City.