Guatemala: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 8 Days, Luxury Tour Package with Hotels
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Guatemala: See & Experience Almost it ALL in 8 Days, Luxury Tour Package with Hotels

$506 a month for 6 months, 0% interest (ask for details)

Highlights
What's Included
International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging
Male or Female Tour Guides
Tours in English
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Your Own On-Call Concierge
Breakfasts
Lunches x 2
Our Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1: A Town Resting on an Island with a Perfect Setting
If you wish to be picked up from Belize instead of Mundo Maya International Airport (IATA: FRS) just outside of Flores, let us know. We will make arrangements for you to join us.
Our tour starts in Flores, a small town located on an island. Flores is best used as a base from which to make daytrips. Let’s go on a walking tour around Flores.
Day 2: A Pilot’s View of Centuries-Old Pyramids or Hanging Bridges and Zip-Lining in the Wilderness
Today we are visiting a natural park called Ixpanpajul as well as an archeological site called Yaxha. At Ixpanpajul, first we go walking on the sky-way (a.k.a. hanging bridges). We then go zip-lining. At around noon, we are taken to Yaxha. There we are provided with a guided tour.
For those who upgrade, we are making a daytrip by helicopter to an archeological site called El Mirador. Although containing striking examples of Pre-classic Maya civilization, the remote location of El Mirador has prevented it from becoming a popular tourist site. Get ready for a hike as we discover the area. Lunch is included on today’s tour.
Day 3: A Once-Powerful Empire & Now a Major Tourist Attraction
Before flying from Flores through Guatemala City to reach Antigua (where we are based for the remainder of our trip), we are making a daytrip to Tikal. It is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and one of the country’s greatest tourist draws. Lunch is included on today’s tour.
Day 4: 23,000 Years of Lava Flowing at Today’s Volcano
Today we are making a daytrip to an active complex volcano called Pacaya. It first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago. Pacaya has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. It rises to an elevation of 2,552 meters (8,373 feet). After being dormant for over 70 years, Pacaya began erupting vigorously in 1961 and has been erupting frequently since then.
Day 5: Culturally-Rich & an Adventurist’s Paradise
Today we are making a daytrip to Lake Atitlán. The town of Panajachel serves as the gateway to this popular area. Firstly, we go on a guided tour to the surrounding villages, all located on Lake Atitlán. Although the cultures of these villages are influenced by the Maya people, each has its own personality and distinctive indigenous style. Our first stop is the village of San Marcos. There we have some time to walk along a long street filled with shops and hippies alike. This street is San Marcos’ main attraction. Next, we are taken by boat to the village of San Juan. From this village’s pier, we are taken by road to the base of La Nariz del Indio (a.k.a. The Mayan Face). The 1-hour guided hike to the viewpoint is worth the effort. We have some time to relax while up there. We should be back at the base of the mountain around 12:30pm. We then return to the dock in San Juan and purchase lunch.
Around 1:15pm, we are taken by boat to the village of Santiago. There we are provided with a guided tour. The greatest attraction in this village arguably is seeing traditional women washing clothes in the lake. Next, we return by boat to Panajachel. There we are provided with a guided walking tour, wandering the handful of streets filled with restaurants and tourists alike. Afterwards, we head back to Antigua.
Not included in the tour price but in high demand nonetheless is paragliding over Lake Atitlan. There are two places near Lake Atitlan which offer this experience. One is located above Santa Catarina Palopo, which can be reached via a 25-minute drive from Panajachel. The other is located across the lake in the village of Santa Clara La Laguna, which can be reached via a 30-minute drive away from San Pedro or San Marcos. Which of these two locations would be available for you? It usually depends on the direction of the wind. If you are interested in paragliding, then please let us know. Note that most paragliding companies offer a GoPro camera for rent. To save yourself some money, bring your own memory card.
Day 6: The Real Deal Destination, as Authentic as it Gets
Today we are making a daytrip to Chichicastenango, a town popular specifically for its Thursday and Sunday market. Expect to see vendors selling traditional attire, masks, handicrafts, food, flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, condiments, medicinal plants, candles, pom and copal (traditional incense), cal (lime stones for preparing tortillas), pigs and chickens.
Note that “Day 6” may be switched out with another daytrip from Antigua in order for Chichicastenango to be visited on a Thursday or Sunday.
Day 7: A Wealth of Spanish Architecture & Landmarks
Surrounded by 3 enormous volcanoes and mountains and otherwise famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture as well as a number of colonial-era landmarks, this town is unarguably Guatemala’s most beautiful. Antigua was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. We are provided with a full-day tour of Antigua, getting around in a private car.
Day 8: Our Tour Ends This Morning
Antigua is the final destination on our tour of Guatemala. The capital of Guatemala, where the international airport is located, takes about an hour to reach by shuttle from Antigua. A shuttle will be arranged for you to reach that airport.
Note that if you wish to spend another day in Antigua rather than go home today, then consider taking the 5-hour hike up Acatenango Volcano. Watching lava burst out of the volcano in the middle of the night is jaw-dropping. Tours leave from Antigua usually at 8:30am and 11:00pm. The morning departure includes lunch and dinner as well as an overnight stay. The late-night departure allows you to arrive at the viewpoint around 3:30am, in time to see both the bursting lava as well as sunrise a couple of hours later. If you are interested in this hike, we can make arrangements for you. The best advice we can give you is to stay warm! It is really cold up there…but it is also an unforgettable experience.
There is one more thing to note. Purely due to the difficulty in getting there, not included in our standard “Guatemala in 8 Days” itinerary is a visit to a popular natural monument called Semuc Champey. It consists of a natural 300-meter limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabon River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped and turquoise pools, which are used for swimming. Semuc Champey can be reached via an 8-hour bus ride from Antigua. Adding Semuc Champey increases our standard 8-day itinerary to now 10 days in total. Let us know whether you would like to add it.
Are Our Tours Right for You?
If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.

Some of Our Customer Reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Customize This Tour?
We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
Is Travel Insurance Required & Included?
All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.
How Much Does This Tour Cost & Is Financing Offered?
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “Guatemala in 8 Days” tour is available for $2,266 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes English-speaking tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $3,036 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.1 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks.
1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour? Solo travelers are welcomed, in case you were wondering.
2. What is your age and the age of your travel companion(s), if applicable? Travel insurance is required for this tour and we cannot quote you without knowing your age.
3. Do you prefer this tour to be private/exclusive to you or would you like to share it with other travelers?
4. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?
5. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?
6. On what date would you like to leave home?
7. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Panajachel/Lake Atitlan. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Panajachel and 1 in Antigua.
8. Do you have a preference between male and female tour guides?
9. On a side note, would you-and the others in your party if applicable-like to paraglide over Lake Atitlan? Note that this specific activity is optional and is not included in the standard price.
10. Also, would you-and the others in your party if applicable-like to do the 5-hour hike up Acatenango Volcano? Note that this specific activity is optional and is not included in the standard price. Watching lava burst out of the volcano in the middle of the night is jaw-dropping. Tours leave from Antigua usually at 8:00am and 11:00pm. The morning departure includes lunch and dinner as well as an overnight stay. The late-night departure allows you to arrive at the viewpoint around 3:30am, in time to see both the bursting lava as well as sunrise a couple of hours later. Note that there is nowhere to bathe. The best advice we can give you is to stay warm! It is really cold up there…but it is also an unforgettable experience. Adding Acatenango Volcano increases our standard 8-day itinerary to now 10 days in total. Would you like to add it?
11. Not least, would you like to upgrade from zip-lining and bridge-walking at a natural park to taking a helicopter ride over ancient temples? Note this upgrade is not available September 1 through October 31.
12. On a final note, purely due to the difficulty in getting there, not included in our standard “Guatemala in 8 Days” itinerary is a visit to a popular natural monument called Semuc Champey. It consists of a natural 300-meter limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabon River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped and turquoise pools, which are used for swimming. Semuc Champey can be reached via an 8-hour bus ride from Antigua. Adding Semuc Champey increases our standard 8-day itinerary to now 10 days in total. Would you like to add it?
What’s Excluded in the Price?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itineraryAlthough airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?
Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:
Day 1: Guatemala City to Flores
Day 3: Flores to Guatemala City
After booking our tour package, we would send you screenshots of what you need to purchase (airlines, flight number and date) and you would then book directly with the carrier. Never book airfare through a third party and always ensure your airfare type allows for changes or cancellation without penality. Does CharlieTheTraveler book airfare on customers' behalf? Although we recommend you do so directly to save money, yes we do offer this service, after the initial booking is made.
At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1-2: Flores, Preferred Accommodation: Hotel Isla de Flores
Nights 3-7: Antigua, Preferred Accommodation: Los Olivos Hotel Boutique y Restaurante or Good Hotel Antigua
*For those who need a ‘pre-tour’ night of lodging in Guatemala City, our preferred hotel there is Comfort Hostel.
Is This a Private or Group Tour?
Although about half of the activities on this multi-day tour are shared with other travelers, we can make the trip almost completely private, per your request, at an additional cost. Typically, the sightseeing tour at the waterfront town of Flores, at the famous indigenous market city of Chichicastenango, in colonial Antigua and around Lake Atitlan are exclusive to you and whomever else you book on behalf of. All the other activities are shared with other travelers.
*Note that you are not with the same travelers and tour guides throughout your trip. Instead, you usually meet and engage with new people.
Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
What Happens If I Arrive Late?
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.
How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.
Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?
If you plan on going paragliding, then bring a strap for your sunglasses, to wrap around your head while in the air. If you plan on doing the 5-hour hike up Acatenango Volcano, then wear hiking shoes (never flipflops!), a double pair of socks, warm clothes, a thick windbreaker, water-resistant pants, headwear, a scarf and gloves. It gets cold, regardless of the time of year. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?
Please visit CharlieTheTraveler.com/Tours-Terms-and-Conditions
Why Our Tours Beat the Competition

- We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
- We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
- Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
- We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
- For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.