Mayan (10 days – Intermediate)

ANTIGUA – VOLCAN ACATENANGO HIKE – ATITLAN – TIKAL

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua

Upon arrival at the Guatemalan city airport, a member of the Silverbacks staff will pick you up to take you to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua. We will have a representative from our travel agency greet you at the airport and transfer you to your comfortable accommodation. Afterwards, take some time to explore the charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant local markets in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a delicious traditional Guatemalan dinner at one of the city’s cozy restaurants to taste national gastronomy.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Antigua

Today, immerse yourself in Antigua’s rich cultural heritage. Join a walking tour through the city’s colonial architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant street markets.

Morning:

• Start your day early with breakfast at one of the local cafes  “Doña Luisa”  in Antigua’s central square, Parque Central.
• After breakfast, head to the Santa Catalina Arch, an iconic landmark in Antigua. Take a stroll through the arch and enjoy the fantastic views of the city and the nearby Agua Volcano.
• Next, visit Convento las Capuchinas. Explore the interior of this beautiful colonial church, which was originally built in the 16th century.
• From Capuchinas, walk a few blocks to the La Merced Church. Admire the stunning baroque architecture and intricate details of this historic church. If possible, go inside to see the ornate altar and beautiful artwork.
• Take a short walk to the Jade Museum and Factory. Learn about the significance of jade in Mayan culture and see how it’s transformed into exquisite jewelry and artifacts. You can also shop for unique souvenirs here.

Afternoon:

• For lunch, try some traditional Guatemalan cuisine at one of the local restaurants in Antigua. Sample some of our mouthwatering dishes like pepián (a hearty meat stew), chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers), or tamales just to name a few.
• After lunch, visit the Convent of Santo Domingo. This former monastery now houses the Santo Domingo Museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region. Don’t miss the beautiful colonial courtyards and the stunning views from the rooftop terrace.
• Just a short walk from the Santo Domingo complex, you’ll find the Tanque de la Unión. This charming plaza features a fountain and benches, providing an excellent spot to rest and soak in the ambiance of Antigua.
• Head to the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history and production of chocolate in Guatemala. Take a guided tour, participate in a chocolate-making workshop, and indulge in some delicious chocolate treats.

Evening:

• As the day winds down, make your way to Cerro de la Cruz, a hill located just outside Antigua’s center. Climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
• End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants in Antigua. There are numerous options to suit different tastes, ranging from traditional Guatemalan cuisine to International dishes.

Day 3: Hiking the Volcán Acatenango

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating day hiking the majestic Volcán Acatenango, one of Guatemala’s most iconic volcanoes. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the trailhead, where your experienced guide will lead the way. In spite of the challenging ascent, the stunning scenery and panoramic views of nearby Volcán Fuego make the endeavor worthwhile. Your tent will be ready when you arrive at the base camp, and from there you will be able to witness an unforgettable sunset with the glowing lava eruptions of Volcán Fuego in the distance.

Day 4: Sunrise on Volcán Acatenango and Descend to Antigua

Before dawn, embark on a short hike to the summit of Volcán Acatenango. As the sun rises over the horizon, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and valleys covered in mist. Enjoy the serenity of the highlands and capture this magical moment with your camera. The descent to Antigua begins after breakfast. Once in Antigua, rest and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Day 5: Journey to Lake Atitlán

After breakfast, bid farewell to Antigua as you embark on a scenic drive to Lake Atitlán, the most captivating lake in the world.

Upon arrival, settle into your lakeside accommodation in Panajachel and see the breathtaking views of the towering volcanoes surrounding the azure waters. Explore the lakeside villages Tour and spots of Panajachel, San Antonio Palopo, and Santa Catarina Palopo while driving an ATV from town to town, each offering unique insights into indigenous Mayan culture.

We depart from Panajachel and head over to Barrio Jucanya and visit Playa los Salpores, the local beach on the lake’s edge, to take our first clear view of the lake and its surroundings. After spending some time there, we will go  to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopo. In this village, we can see and learn about local weavings, blankets, nahual, and other goods made and sold by the local artisans. At the plaza of this village, we visit a coffee house where you can grind your coffee and taste the locally grown beans. Once finished in Santa Catarina, we hop back on our ATVs and head over to the village of San Antonio Palopo. We will visit a local ceramic factory where we will learn about the process of pottery making that it takes to make all these incredible goods. Our adventure doesn’t stop here. We’ll be paying a visit to a nearby chocolate factory in San Antonio Palopo where we can discover the secrets of chocolate-making.

A delightful dinner  will be served at “Circus Bar” where you will enjoy  the company of live soft music.

Day 6: Hiking Around  Lake Atitlán

Gear up for a day of adventure on Lake Atitlán. After breakfast, navigate with our private boat to take a picture in the famous hat street in “San Juan La Laguna” and prepare to watch the best lake view from the colorful “Mirador.”

Head out on a guided light hiking excursion to San Marcos Laguna, and have lunch at the tasty restaurant of Samsara. Next, stroll through this enchanting town, followed by a tranquil tour along the serene waters. You’ll be awestruck by the stunning scenery. Explore some of the lesser-known coves and remote lake areas, then enjoy a revitalizing swim and leap from the renowned 10-meter platform into the water.

In the afternoon, along the slopes of one of the nearby towns, “Santa Cruz,” for more stunning lake views and enjoy the cozy jacuzzi at “Sunset Atitlan.”  This venue is your accommodation, where they will serve a farewell dinner overlooking the shimmering waters.

Day 7:  Transfer to the Airport, Flight to Flores, Peten.

Savor a leisurely breakfast and kayak by the lake, taking in the last moments of this unforgettable environment. Our travel agency will transfer you back to Guatemala City for your flight to Flores Peten to explore the Mayan city of Tikal.

You will be picked up at Flores airport by one of our Silverbacks staff and taken to your cozy lake view hotel, “Gringo Perdido.” Where you will be able to relax the rest of the day and enjoy a magnificent dinner.

Day 8: Tikal and Yaxha Ancient Mayan Cities: One-Day Tour

Duration: Full-Day Tour

Introduction:

Embark on a captivating journey through time as we explore the ancient Mayan cities of Tikal and Yaxha. Discover the rich history, architectural wonders, and natural beauty of these archaeological sites, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of the Mayan civilization. Join us for an unforgettable day trip with cultural exploration and awe-inspiring experiences.

Itinerary:

Morning:

After breakfast, our adventure begins as we depart from Gringo Perdido in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive toward Tikal.

10:00 AM – Arrival at Tikal National Park:

Upon arrival at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll meet our knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you throughout the day. Let’s begin our journey through Tikal, a renowned archaeological site of the ancient Mayan civilization.

10:15 AM – Tikal Temple Complex:

Marvel at the grandeur of Tikal’s temple complex as we walk through the ancient ruins. Visit the iconic Temple I, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, and Temple II, the Temple of the Masks. Learn about Mayan cosmology, architecture, and the significance of these structures.

1:00 PM – Lunch:

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near Tikal, offering traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Take a break, relax, and savor the flavors of the region

Afternoon:

2:00 PM – Transfer to Yaxha:

We’ll continue our journey toward the nearby Yaxha archaeological site after lunch. Yaxha, meaning “Green Water,” is an impressive Mayan city amid a lush jungle.

3:00 PM – Yaxha Exploration:

Embark on a guided tour of Yaxha, exploring its plazas, pyramids, and ceremonial complexes. Discover the unique features of Yaxha, including its twin pyramid structures, ball courts, and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and forests.

5:00 PM – Sunset at Yaxha:

As the day comes to an end, we will go to a specific location to observe a captivating sunset over the historic city of Yaxha. This enchanting moment presents an excellent chance for taking photos and reflection.

6:15 PM – Return Journey to Hotel:

We sadly say goodbye to Yaxha as we head back to the hotel.

7:00 PM – Arrival at Hotel:

Arrive back at Gringo Perdido Hotel to sit back, relax, and enjoy dinner. Take a moment to recall the amazing experiences, memories, and photographs captured throughout the day.

Conclusion: Embarking on a one-day tour of Tikal and Yaxha offers an enchanting glimpse into the ancient Mayan world. Immerse yourself in these archaeological sites’ rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings. With our knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that combines cultural exploration and adventure in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle.)

Day 9: Crater Azul: A One-Day Tour from Hotel Gringo Perdido

Duration: Full-Day Tour

Introduction:

Embark on a thrilling adventure to the majestic Crater Azul, nestled in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. This one-day tour from Hotel Gringo Perdido promises an exhilarating exploration of a hidden gem, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Prepare for a day filled with hiking, swimming, and awe-inspiring views as we discover the enchantment of Crater Azul.

Itinerary:

Morning:

8:00 AM – Departure from Hotel Gringo Perdido:

Our adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from Hotel Gringo Perdido. Meet our experienced guide and board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as we head towards Crater Azul.

9:30 AM – Arrival at Crater Azul:

As soon as you arrive, we suggest taking a moment to fully appreciate the stunning scenery around you. Crater Azul is a beautiful lake with crystal-clear, turquoise waters, surrounded by a vibrant green jungle, creating a picturesque backdrop for your day of adventure.

10:00 AM – Hiking to Crater Azul:

Join us for a picturesque hike through the lush jungle, guided by one of our knowledgeable experts who will provide fascinating information about the native flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as we journey towards the stunning Crater Azul.

11:00 AM – Arrival at Crater Azul:

As we approach Crater Azul, get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the turquoise waters. You can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear lake, enjoy the natural splendor, or relax on the shore and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon:

12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch:

Recharge your energy with a delicious picnic lunch provided by Hotel Gringo Perdido. Savor various local delicacies while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Crater Azul.

1:30 PM – Exploring Surrounding Trails:

After enjoying lunch, you can go on an adventure to explore the nearby trails and uncover hidden treasures within the jungle. Our knowledgeable guide will lead the way and highlight unique features like waterfalls, wildlife, and native plant species, which will help you better appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

3:00 PM – Relaxation and Reflection:

Find a moment to unwind and bask in the serenity of Crater Azul. Discover a quiet spot, revel in the sounds of nature, and let the stunning landscape calm your mind.

4:00 PM – Return Journey:

Reluctantly bid farewell to Crater Azul as we return to Hotel Gringo Perdido. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made throughout the day.

5:30 PM – Arrival at Hotel Gringo Perdido:

Arrive back at Hotel Gringo Perdido, where the tour concludes. Take some time to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Note: The itinerary provided may be subject to change based on weather conditions, time restrictions, and other factors that may arise during the tour.

Conclusion: Embarking on a one-day tour to Crater Azul from Hotel Gringo Perdido offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Guatemala. From hiking through lush jungles to swimming in the turquoise waters of the crater, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. With experienced guides and comfortable transportation, this tour ensures a beautiful time.

Day 10: DEPARTURE DAY

Once you’ve had breakfast and a refreshing cup of coffee, hop on a ride to Flores Airport to catch your connecting flight back to Guatemala City. This will be your final leg of the journey before returning home.

(Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors. The travel agency will arrange the order of activities and the specific details for the best experience.)