Antigua to Wild Guatemala
This 9-day private Guatemala tour moves from Antigua into Río Dulce Guatemala, jungle river corridors, and Livingston on the Caribbean coast—an authentic, wild side of the country far off the tourist trail. The route connects Río Dulce, Livingston Guatemala, and Tikal in a rarely paired sequence, revealing remote Guatemala beyond the beaten track.
What's Included
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Private airport arrival transfer
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8 breakfasts
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9 activities as shown in itinerary
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8 nights in 3-4 star hotels
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Shared ground transportation between locations
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One-way domestic flight from Peten to Guatemala City
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Tikal entry fees
Day 1
Arrival in Antigua
- You’ll be met on arrival and transferred by private taxi from Guatemala City airport to Antigua, followed by hotel check-in.
- Orient yourself with a private guided walking tour of Antigua, focused on tradition, daily rhythms, and how the city functions today.
Day 2
Markets & Volcanic Terrain
- Begin the day with a guided morning market visit, focused on everyday ingredients, food customs, and how markets structure local life; lunch is optional, with recommendations provided.
- 2:00 pm pickup from your hotel for a guided hike on Pacaya Volcano, following rural trails up the volcano’s flank with wide views across the valley.
- Return to Antigua in the evening, with dinner recommended at Itzam or Maxán, both known for contemporary interpretations of Mayan cuisine in relaxed, intimate settings.
Day 3
Community & Craft
- Meet your guide in the morning and travel by chicken bus to the rural village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, offering an everyday view of local transport and movement.
- Spend time with a women-led nonprofit, learning about an innovative community-based business model through direct conversation and one-on-one interaction.
- Return for lunch, followed by a hands-on chocolate-making experience in the afternoon.
Day 4
From Highlands to the River
- 4:00 am pickup for a shared shuttle journey toward Río Dulce, watching the highland mountains fall away as the road drops into lowland plains and river systems.
- Arrive late morning in the river town of Río Dulce.
- Continue by boat transfer through jungle waterways to your hotel, marking the transition into a slower, river-based landscape.
- Check in at Casa Tijax and spend the afternoon swimming, resting, and enjoying fresh fruit and the Caribbean air.
Day 5
Jungle Waterways & Stone
- Depart early for a sunrise guided kayaking excursion, moving quietly through river channels with opportunities to observe monkeys and birdlife.
- Take a lancha through the jungle river corridor, passing dramatic limestone gorges and dense vegetation that define the region.
- Arrive at Finca Paraíso hot springs for soaking and lunch.
- Continue by boat to Castillo de San Felipe in late afternoon, wandering the historic fort during golden hour.
Day 6
Livingston
- After breakfast, join a group boat transfer for a scenic two-hour journey downriver to Livingston.
- Spend time independently exploring this culturally distinct coastal town.
- Enjoy the famous tapado: a Garífuna seafood stew tied closely to local tradition.
- Travel by the river by lancha in the afternoon for return to your hotel.
Day 7
To Flores
- Mid-morning shared shuttle transfer to Flores, arriving approximately four hours later to a completely different environment.
- Check into your hotel and take time for a gentle stroll around the island.
- Dinner recommendation at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the lake, then an early night in preparation for the next day.
Day 8
Tikal at Sunrise
- 3:00 am pickup for transfer to Tikal National Park for the sunrise tour and hike.
- Walk approximately one mile into the park in the dark as guides point out opportunities to observe nocturnal wildlife.
- Climb Temple IV as first light spreads across the forest canopy, sitting quietly as howler monkeys echo through the ruins. Enjoy the the guided archaeological walk framed as a living lecture rather than a checklist of structures.
- Afternoon free for swimming and rest, with optional directions provided to a nearby local beach.
Day 9
Departure
- Morning private transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guatemala City.
At a glance
- 9 days
- Private · Fully managed
- Start: Antigua · End: Tikal
- $2,500
Local team · Fixed pricing · Travel on your dates
Good to know
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Arrival & transfers: Fly into GUA. Private transfers included in itinerary.
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Pace: Moderate — walking tours and light hikes, balanced with downtime.
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What you organize: International flights and travel insurance. Everything else is handled.
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On-the-ground support: Local teams run the route and are available throughout your trip.
Love a route, but want to mix and match?
Our trips are designed in advance to ensure flow and fixed pricing.
If you’d like to combine elements from different journeys, book a call and come ready with your favorites — we’ll puzzle-piece it together before you commit.
About Due South
You’ll fly into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA). All routes include a private transfer from the airport to Antigua on arrival, and onward transfers as outlined in your itinerary. If your route ends in Antigua or Lake Atitlán, we’ll coordinate your return transfer to Guatemala City for departure.
We recommend arriving in Guatemala City by early afternoon to allow time for airport formalities and the transfer to Antigua. Your welcome activity is scheduled for the evening. If you arrive later, our team will adjust logistics to ensure a smooth arrival.
Departures should be scheduled for late morning or later on your final day. If your route ends at Lake Atitlán, we’ll provide guidance on transfer timing back to Guatemala City to ensure a comfortable departure window.
Yes. All airport transfers included in the itinerary are handled by our local team. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred privately between destinations throughout your trip.
Tips are not included unless otherwise stated. We provide clear guidance before your trip so you can tip appropriately, without guesswork or awkwardness.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for short stays. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking with your local authority prior to travel.
No special vaccinations are required for Guatemala beyond standard travel recommendations. We advise consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice, particularly if you plan to spend time at Lake Atitlán or in rural areas.
These routes are designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Activities include walking tours, light hikes, and day-to-day movement through towns and markets. There is no technical trekking, and downtime is built into the itinerary.
The structure and highlights of the route remain consistent. Occasionally, timings or activities may shift due to weather or local conditions. Any adjustments are handled by our team to maintain the overall flow and experience.
Why travelers choose Due South
Book with confidence
Travel on your dates
No fixed departures or group schedules. Travel privately, entirely on your timeline.
One provider, start to finish
Design, bookings, and operations handled by one team. No third-party hand-offs.
On-the-ground support
Local teams run each route and remain available throughout your trip.