Guatemala Holidays
An incredibly beautiful, diverse and complex nation ‘The Land of Eternal Spring’ has a fascinating history with jungles and volcanoes providing the backdrop to a cultural mix of pre-Columbian, Mayan and Spanish colonial heritage. For a small country, Guatemala hosts a striking variety of landscapes, ranging from the sparsely populated tropical forests of the Peten in the north to the cloud forests, gorge systems and beaches of the humid east Caribbean coastline. The southern and most populated part of the country is extremely mountainous, and provides fertile land for cultivation thanks to the sporadic volcanic eruptions which also give rise to the striking black-sand beaches of the Pacific coastline. Guatemala’s ecosystems host a myriad of flora and fauna, most notable of which are the orchids and birdlife.
Antigua
Antigua, the country’s former capital, is arguably the most beautiful city in the entire Mayan region. Set amid forest-clad volcanic peaks and full of quirky colonial charm, the city retains a serene tranquility despite its plentiful attractions.
Strolling through the cobbled streets is a real joy, as Antigua is a thoroughly manageable size, and almost traffic-free. The heart of Antigua is the Parque Central, the beautiful main square which once represented the epicentre of the Spanish empire in Central America, and which is still the city hub for locals and visitors alike.
Antigua’s charming colonial architecture is testament to the city’s steady growth and prominence after its foundation in 1543. Palaces, churches, monasteries and schools soon took the place of pine trees and cloud forest, and so the city as we know it today blossomed in its spectacular highland-valley setting. Antigua’s churches are famous for their bizarre squat-baroque style, with colossal foundations and intimidating buttresses, a futile effort to resist the perpetual tremors that plague the city. Ironically, the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1773 was also its saving grace, as the subsequent abandonment prevented the ruined city from the ravages of industrialisation. Structurally, 21st Century Antigua is almost entirely an 18th Century city, and the dominant style is Iberian-American Baroque, a coquettishly pictorial and flamboyant style which one finds on virtually all Antigua’s church facades.
Our recommended hotels include:
Panza Verde
Posada del Angel
Casa Encantada
Hotel Vista Real
Mansion Pensativo
Casa Palopo Antigua
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
Chichi and San Francisco Markets
17 kms north of Xela up a very steep hill, San Francisco el Alto hosts the biggest market in the entire Maya region (and probably Central America). The market is held on Fridays and is a truly wonderful spectacle as thousands of traders descend on the small village to buy and trade everything from honking hogs to fine fabrics. Textiles are bought here to be sold around the country, and some good bargains can be found. We recommed that you try and get a bird’s-eye view of the action by paying the main church’s caretaker one quetzal to climb up to the roof.
The famous market at Chichicastenango (‘Chichi’) takes place twice weekly on Thursdays & Sundays and is another of the most vibrant and colourful indigenous markets in the Americas. Not only do the local K’iche Maya come, but it also draws vendors from throughout the country who come to sell their wares in a fascinating cacophony of colour, dialects, costumes and smells. It is the perfect place for some bargain hunting as well as being able to see Mayan rituals being performed in the Catholic Church.
Our recommended hotel is:
Santo Tomas (Chichi)
Flores and Tikal region
The UNESCO protected Mayan Temple site of Tikal, arguably the greatest of all the ancient Mayan cities, is located in the Tikal National Park. Awe-inspiring Mayan temples rise above the jungle canopy and monkeys and tropical birds (more than 330 species) abound in the surrounding rainforest.
For over two thousand years the ruins of the ancient city of Tikal have been entombed in thick jungle, but some of the forest has been cut back to reveal an astounding 3,000 temples, shrines, plazas, terraces and stone monuments.
Estimates suggest that during the Classic period, more than 50,000 people lived in Tikal. The metropolis was occupied during the period between 800BC and 900AD, but the earliest architecture originates from the 4th Century BC. The nobility resided in the Central and North Acropolis, the administrative centre of the city, which is also where some of the rulers were buried.
Yaxha, one of the most important of all Guatemala’s ancient Mayan ruin sites, lies near Flores on the shores of the Yaxha lagoon. Yaxha (or ‘green water’ in q’equchi), was discovered in 1904 by architect Teobert Maler, and is situated within the Maya Biosphere Reserve along with the sites of Nakum and El Naranjo. It was occupied from pre-classic (800 BC) to post-classic (1600 AD) times and covers 3 square kilometers with more than 500 buildings discovered, including the only twin pyramid complex outside of Tikal. It was allied to Tikal and an enemy of El Naranjo, from whom it suffered various defeats. Nearby is Yaxha lagoon, in the centre of which was another Mayan site called Topoxte, where building continued after the classic collapse until 1450.
Our recommended hotels include:
La Lancha
Ni’tun Eco-Lodge
Camino Real
Guatemala City
While 20th Century urban sprawl has ensured that few consider Guatemala City a highlight in conventional terms, it is well worth spending a day exploring the capital’s bustling markets and excellent museums.
The city became the capital after the destruction of nearby Antigua in the catastrophic earthquake of 1773, and was built close to the ruins of Kaminaljuyú, once the most important highland Maya city. Although there is little left to see of this ancient civilisation, the dramatic structure of the Museo Ixchel del Traje Indigena houses an exceptional display of Mayan culture, especially of textiles. The Museo Popol Vuh de Arquelogía is another museum not to be missed, displaying fascinating archaeological artefacts and some very impressive funerary urns.
The Parque Central is considered the heart of the city and the nation, and dominating its eastern side is the city Catedral. Built between 1782 and 1809, it presents a sturdy example of baroque and neo-classical styles adapting to meet the more practical requirements of withstanding frequent tremors.
Near the Catedral is the Mercado Central, and while Guatemala’s highland markets are undoubtedly more picturesque, it is worth noting that the city market stocks the same textiles, leather goods, basketry and other handicrafts which are often very good value.
For those exploring Guatemala in depth, a quick visit to the 1:1000 scale relief map, in Parque Minerva, is a great way to get your bearings. The 2,000 sq m map is an extraordinary feat of engineering, and shows the detailed topography of the country, complete with rivers, lakes and oceans.
Our preferred hotel is:
Vista Real
Lake Atitlan
The word ‘Atitlan’ is a Mayan word that translates as ‘the place where the rainbow gets its colours’. Panajachel is an 800 year old town of about 14000 people, mostly Kaqchikel Mayans and they are among the largest of the 22 distinct Mayan groups living in Guatemala, each with its own traditional language, dress and custom. Together, they define the only native culture in the entire Americas that has survived the European invasion of 500 years ago intact.The Mayan culture still thrives in the highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlan, which makes this region so culturally rich and fascinating.
Head off by boat across Lake Atitlan to the village of San Juan La Laguna to visit the women’s textile cooperative and see hand weaving and the natural dye process. From here you can continue to the village of Santiago to visit the Maya God Maximon and learn not only about the textiles, but also about spiritualism and the beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya.
Our recommended hotels include:
Casa Palopo
Hotel Lake Atitlan
Posada don Rodrigo
Full hotel listings with details coming soon. You can find our recommended hotels under country highlights or call us on 01905 731373 for more detailed information.
Description
Guatemala has been the centre of power since pre-classic Maya times, and the colourful Mayan people add an additional unique dimension to your visit to Guatemala. The extensive ruins of their ancestors lie scattered across the Peten region while their heritage lives on today, evident in the bustling markets of Solola, the traditional reed collecting on the shores of Lake Atitlan and the unique weaving methods of the K’iche, Kaqchiquel and Achi communities. Now throw in the cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, hidden convents and colonial plazas and you have Guatemala; a land of colour, glamour and excitement combined with serenity, mystery and fascination.
The Colours of Guatemala
The Colours of Guatemala is a ten day odyssey of the best that this enchanting country has to offer. You start in Antigua, a small, colonial gem surrounded by stunning volcanoes and get immersed in the beautiful architecture and laid back lifestyle of Guatemala’s favourite city. You then drive up into the highlands where you see the world-famous market of Chichi which is always a cacophany of colour, dialects and costumes. Lake Atitlan and its large population of charming and colourful indigenous peoples is another real highlight in the area.
You then fly up north to Flores, capital of the Peten region, which is home to not only the jungles and forests of Guatemala, but also to some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in Central America. To see the incredible stone towers of Yaxha and Tikal in the early morning as the sun rises and accompanied by the booming calls of the Howler monkeys is a unique experience.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Guatemala City – Arrive and transfer to Antigua – Posada del Angel – 3 nights
Day 2 – Morning sightseeing of Antigua and surrounds – Afternoon at leisure
Day 3 – Morning hike on Pacaya volcano – Afternoon at leisure
Day 4 – Morning flight to Flores – sightseeing at Aguacateca – La Lancha – 2 nights
Day 5 – Full day sightseeing at the Mayan ruins of Tikal
Day 6 – Fly to Guatemala City – transfer to Lake Atitlan – Casa Palopo – 3 nights
Day 7 – Sightseeing of the lake and surrounding villages
Day 8 – Full day at leisure
Day 9 – Visit Chichi market – transfer to Antigua- Posada del Angel – 1 night
Day 10 – Transfer to Guatemala City and fly to London Heathrow
Day 11 – Arrive in London
2012 price from £2,022 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Guatemala City/London).
Guatemala & Belize Family Adventure
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Guatemala City – Arrive and transfer to Antigua – El Convento – 3 nights
Day 2 – Morning tour of a Fair Trade coffee plantation – Afternoon at leisure
Day 3 – Morning hike on Pacaya volcano – Afternoon at leisure
Day 4 – Visit Comalapa Market – Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlan – Hotel Atitlan – 2 nights
Day 5 – Kayaking and island visits on Lake Atitlan
Day 6 – Morning hike and canopy walk in the Atitlan Reserve – Afternoon transfer to Antigua – El Convento – 1 night
Day 7 – Fly to Flores – Sightseeing of Tikal ruins – to Camino Real Tikal – 1 night
Day 8 – Transfer to Belize – Chaa Creek – 3 nights
Day 9 – Full day tour of Barton Creek and Butterfly Farm
Day 10 – Day at leisure
Day 11 – Morning Jaguar Paw Cavetubing – Afternoon flight to Ambergris Caye – Victoria House – 3 nights
Days 12 & 13 – At leisure on the beach
Day 14 – Fly to Belize City – Fly to London Heathrow
Day 17 – Arrive in London
2012 price from £2,253 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Guatemala City – Belize City/London).
The Guatemala & Honduras Explorer
The Guatemala Explorer is a two week trip that takes in not only the highlights of Guatemala, but also takes you to Copan, one of the most spectacular Mayan sites in MesoAmerica. The journey starts in the delightful colonial city of Antigua, where you visit the wonderful old churches and other great monuments of a bygone era, but also the nearby coffee farms and a hike up the Pacaya volcano. You then drive up into the highlands of the country and you first visit ‘Xela’ which is the base from which you experioence San Francisco market, the largest and most spectacular indigenous indian market in Central America. You continue to Lake Atitlan and its large population of charming and colourful indigenous peoples is another real highlight in the area.
After returning to Antigua, you then drive just across the Honduran border, where you enjoy the remarkable old Mayan ruins of Copan with its richly carved stonework before continuing on to the laid-back coastal town of Livingstone to experience the ‘Garifuna’ lifestyle. You then head north to Flores where you finish with a couple of days to enjoy the wonderful Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Guatemala City – Arrive and transfer to Antigua – El Convento – 3 nights
Day 2 – Morning sightseeing of Antigua and surrounds – Afternoon at leisure
Day 3 – Morning hike on Pacaya volcano – Afternoon at leisure
Day 4 – Drive to Quetzaltenango – Afternoon at leisure – Casa Manen – 1 night
Day 5 – Visit San Francisco market – Drive to Lake Atitlan – Casa Palopo – 2 nights
Day 6 – Sightseeing of the lake and surrounding villages
Day 7 – Visit Chichi market – Afternoon drive to Antigua – El Convento – 1 night
Day 8 – Drive to Copan in Honduras – Hacienda San Lucas – 2 nights
Day 9 – Full day visit of the Mayan ruins at Copan
Day 10 – Drive to Rio Dulce and boat to Livingstone – Nana Juana – 1 night
Day 11 – Drive to Flores – N’itun Lodge – 2 nights
Day 12 – Morning at leisure – Afternoon visit to Yaxha ruins
Day 13 – Visit Mayan ruins at Tikal – Fly to Guatemala City – Camino Real – 1 night
Day 14 – Transfer to airport and fly to London Heathrow
Day 15 – Arrive in London
2012 price from £2,844 per person
(Price based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Guatemala City/London).
Highlands & Islands (Guatemala & Belize)
Highlands & Islands is an intriguing in depth trip to see the highlights of both Guatemala and Belize. You start in the enchanting town of Antigua, where you explore the lovely old colonial architecture as well as the beatiful surrounding countryside. You then drive up into the highlands where you see the country’s two most vibrant and colourful markets at San Francisco and Chichi. Lake Atitlan and its large population of charming and richly decorated indigenous peoples is another real highlight in the area.
You then fly up to the Peten region and Flores, where the surrounding forests are home to some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins in Central America. The incredible stone towers of Yaxha and Tikal are complemented by some fascinating ruins across the border in Belize. The Cayo region offers some wonderful walking, riding, canoeing and birding before heading off to the white powdery sands and gin-clear waters of Ambergris Caye.
Day 1 – Fly London Heathrow to Guatemala City – Arrive and transfer to Antigua – El Convento – 3 nights
Day 2 – Morning sightseeing of Antigua and surrounds – Afternoon at leisure
Day 3 – Morning hike on Pacaya volcano – Afternoon at leisure
Day 4 – Drive to Quetzaltenango – Afternoon at leisure – Casa Manen – 1 night
Day 5 – Visit San Francisco market – Drive to Lake Atitlan – Casa Palopo – 2 nights
Day 6 – Sightseeing of the lake and surrounding villages
Day 7 – Visit Chichi market – transfer to Antigua – El Convento – 1 night
Day 8 – Flight to Flores – Afternoon tour of Aguacateca – La Lancha – 2 nights
Day 9 – Full day sightseeing of Mayan ruins at Tikal
Day 10 – Drive across border into Belize – Transfer to Chaa Creek – 3 nights
Day 11 – Full day sightseeing at Xunantunich and San Ignacio
Day 12 – Day at leisure
Day 13 – Drive to Belize City via the zoo – To Ambergris Caye – Mata Chica – 3 nights
Days 14/15 – Two full days at leisure on the beach
Day 16 – Transfer back to Belize City – Fly to London Heathrow
Day 17 – Arrive in London
2012 price from £2,919 per person
(Prices based on two people sharing a twin/double room excluding the cost of international flights London/Guatemala City – Belize City/London).