Guatemala Discovered: Antigua • Atitlan • Tikal
This classic Guatemala highlights tour connects Guatemala’s three most defining regions in a single, well-paced route. You’ll begin in Antigua with time to understand the city’s layout, food culture, and surrounding landscapes before continuing to Lake Atitlán for focused village visits. The trip concludes in the northern lowlands with a guided exploration of Tikal, allowing you to move confidently through complex logistics while experiencing the country’s cultural and historical arc end to end.
What's Included
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Private airport transfers
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8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
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7 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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Roundtrip domestic flights to/from Peten
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Tikal National Park entry fees
Day 1
Arrival & Introduction to Antigua
- You’ll be met on arrival and transferred by private taxi from Guatemala City airport to Antigua.
- After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to unpack and rest.
- In the evening, join a hands-on cooking class, offering an introduction to Guatemalan ingredients, techniques, and everyday dishes.
Day 2
Antigua on Foot
- Begin with a guided walking tour of Antigua, covering the city’s history, architecture, and neighborhood layout.
- Spend the afternoon shopping and browsing, with suggested stops including Nim Pot, Hilosophy, Indigo, and Xibalba.
- Later, take part in a chocolate workshop near Central Park, tracing cacao from bean to bar through hands-on demonstration and tasting.
Day 3
Pacaya Volcano Hike
- Travel outside Antigua for a guided hike on Pacaya Volcano, walking across lava fields and volcanic trails.
- Learn about the region’s geology and ongoing volcanic activity while taking in views of surrounding peaks.
- Return to Antigua in the afternoon with free time to rest or explore.
Day 4
From the Highlands to the Lake
- Depart Antigua at 12:30 pm for a scenic overland transfer toward Lake Atitlán.
- Arrive and check into your accommodation in Panajachel.
- The remainder of the afternoon is free for lakeside walking, cafés, or local shopping, with recommendations provided.
Day 5
Lake Atitlán Village Route
- Travel by shared lancha across Lake Atitlán, following the water routes that connect villages around the shore.
- Visit San Antonio Palopó, known for its ceramics traditions and artisan workshops.
- Continue to Santiago Atitlán, including the Maximon shrine, cathedral, and traditional mask carving.
- End the day in San Juan La Laguna, focusing on weaving cooperatives, natural dyeing techniques, and honey production.
Day 6
Santa Cruz: Food & Lake Life
- Travel independently to Santa Cruz La Laguna, allowing flexibility in timing and pace.
- Take part in a tortilla- and tamales-making experience, learning everyday food techniques rooted in local households.
- The rest of the day is open for a temazcal, lakeside wandering, swimming, or rest along the shore.
Day 7
Lake Atitlán → Flores
- Transfer in the morning to Guatemala City airport for your flight to Flores.
- On arrival, continue by private transfer to your hotel in Flores.
- The evening is free, with a recommendation to enjoy rooftop dining at your hotel overlooking the lake and town.
Day 8
Tikal National Park
- Early morning transfer to Tikal National Park.
- Join a guided tour of the site, with entrance included, exploring major temples, plazas, and ceremonial spaces while learning about Maya history and urban life.
- Return to Flores in the afternoon for rest or independent exploration.
Day 9
Departure
- Transfer to Flores airport for your onward flight out of Guatemala.
At a glance
- 9 days
- Private · Fully managed
- Start: Antigua · End: Tikal
- $2,450
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.