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Guatemala

Immerse in a vibrant culture and colourful traditions

Guatemala

Breathtaking scenery awaits at magnificent Lake Atitlan

Guatemala

Walk into living history in colonial Antigua

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Discover an intoxicating blend of stunning natural beauty, ancient cultural traditions and romantic colonial charm. From towering volcanoes to vibrant local villages, extraordinary Mayan archaeological sites to abundant wildlife - the small country of Guatemala is home to incredible diversity. Stroll cobblestone streets in Antigua lined with pastel houses and ornately decorated churches before escaping the city to discover the simply breathtaking Lake Atitlan.

Highlights

Celebrate Guatemala's rich colonial past

Discover Guatemala’s Spanish colonial treasure, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with pastel houses and ornately decorated churches. Explore colonial architecture and beautiful ruins and soak up the vibrant culture of this city of rare beauty.

Discover the magnificent spectacle of Lake Atitlan

Described by Aldous Huxley as “too much of a good thing”, explore captivating Lake Atitlan by boat, kayak and on foot. Marvel at incredible scenery, colourful indigenous locals and stunning flora in bloom all around this breathtaking lake.

Immerse in an authentic Shaman ritual

In the famous Maya archaeology site of Iximché, a fascinating experience awaits. In an extremely important spiritual location for the Maya, you meet with a local Shaman who will perform an authentic Maya ceremony in a local Maya language.

Below you will find the highlights of our suggested itinerary. A place to start your planning and to give you a flavour of the extraordinary natural, cultural and active experiences you can enjoy. All our itineraries are handcrafted together with you to create your personalised and unique private journey. The places you want to see and stay, the experiences you want to enjoy, the time you want to travel.
Enquire now to start the conversation.

Day 1

Discover Guatemala's rich colonial past

Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City where you will be greeted and privately transferred to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua. Set in a scenic valley surrounded by spectacular volcanoes, Antigua is a cosmopolitan city with a rich colonial past. After checking in to your boutique accommodation, explore cobblestone streets lined with pretty, pastel-hued homes and ornate churches.

Day 2

Coffee culture and Antigua valley by bike

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This morning the scenic Antigua valley awaits, home to indigenous villages, small-scale coffee farms and three imposing volcanoes. Exploring by bicycle, you ride on back roads and trails through tranquil villages, coffee plantations and fields and experience authentic local life in Guatemala. This afternoon, immerse in coffee culture with a visit to a working coffee farm. Work side-by-side with the coffee farmers in their daily coffee processing - pick, pulp, ferment, wash, dry, trilla, sort, and grade the coffee. Then roast coffee over an open fire and grind by hand before sampling your own handiwork.

Day 3

Experience nature's raw power

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A grumbling, smoke-belching spectacle, Pacaya Volcano beckons with its breathtaking display of nature’s raw power. As you begin your steep hike through a lush pine forest, a widening panorama unfolds, offering views of northern volcanoes, the Pacific lowlands and all the way to El Salvador. At the base of the peak itself, a barren moonscape of loose rock and pebbles greets you. Steam rises from numerous vents, which sometimes yield a view of bright orange magma deep inside. Feast on a sumptuous picnic lunch and savour final views of the summit.

Day 4

Maya archaeology and rituals then hike to Lake Atitlan

Today you transfer to the famous Maya archaeology site of Iximché to explore this fascinating site with your private guide. Towards the back of the site is a lesser known yet extremely important Maya spiritual, ceremony site. Immerse in an ancient culture as a local Shaman performs an authentic Maya ceremony in a local Maya language. From here, begin your hike to Lake Atitlan. Walking through glorious Maya mountain villages and beautiful remote highland countryside, take in magnificent views of Lake Atitlan and her three surrounding volcanoes.

Day 5

Mystical, majestic Lake Atitlan

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Described by Aldous Huxley as “too much of a good thing”, you’ll marvel at incredible scenery, colourful indigenous locals and stunning flora in bloom all around the magnificent Lake Atitlan. Experience the splendour of the lake by kayak, paddling across sparkling waters and encountering local fishermen. Next hike Cerra de Oro, the Hill of Gold, to be rewarded with spectacular lake and volcano views. After a visit with Guatemala’s favourite indigenous saint, Maximón, in Santiago, cruise on the lake back to San Juan to visit local artists, weavers and medicinal herb gardens before arriving at your boutique hotel in time for sunset drinks.

Day 6

Colourful Maya traditions

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En route back to Antigua, you pass through the central highland region and see the local Maya people in their traditional dress, then stop in the highland town of Chichicastenango for a visit to its famous market. Explore the colourful market and take in rows of beautiful textile, wooden & ceramic crafts. Then head to St Tomas church to witness locals performing ancient Maya rituals.

Day 7

Departure

Savour your final Guatemalan breakfast before your private transfer returns you to Guatemala City for your departing flight.

Luxury Accommodation

  • Posada del Angel
  • Casa Palopo

Posada del Angel

One of Antigua’s original boutique hotels, Posada del Angel is an intimate retreat set in an original colonial casona. Elegant suites combine rustic charm, traditional Mayan colour and craftsmanship, and modern comfort. Enjoy views to the surrounding volcanos from the terrace or escape to the intimate outdoor living room to huddle around the fireplace on a cold evening.

Casa Palopo

Perched above the shores of the spectacular Lake Atitlan, Casa Palopo is an exclusive seven room hotel and private villa. Stunning vistas greet you at every turn as you enjoy breakfast overlooking the surrounding volcanoes or cool off in the infinity pool with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan. Suites adorned with colour and charm, and fine dining at restaurant 6.8 Palopo complete this luxurious haven.

Living room - Posada del Angel

Suite - Posada del Angel

Suite - Casa Palopo

Dining with a view - Casa Palopo

Inclusions

  • A Seven Skies handpicked private guide
  • Every extraordinary detail of your journey is handpicked and road-tested
  • Handcrafted, flexible and seamless itineraries, executed flawlessly
  • Insider access through resident experts who reveal the secrets of a destination

  • Exceptional service and uncompromising attention to detail
  • On ground flexibility to accentuate your journey with impromptu experiences
  • Boutique luxury accomodation
  • Private luxury transfers and ground transportation

“…Nothing was too big or small for Seven Skies. Nathan met our every need as well as those we hadn’t even thought of. Outstanding.”

Susan Mahler

Some
kind words...

“…Seven Skies delivers a beguiling combination of bespoke adventures and
five-star luxury…”

Il Tridente - August 2012

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