Welcome to Guatemala! Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, meet your driver and transfer to Antigua.

Surrounded by 3 majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America has suffered throughout its history many natural hazards: earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. But Antigua is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala. This morning, take a guided tour of the city which is host to more than thirty monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral in the central square. The cobblestone streets adjoin the colorful patios of the colonial houses. Stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring in the distance the volcanoes Fuego, Agua and Acatenango. Spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure in Antigua.

Visit of San Andres Itzapa near Antigua and discovery of a place of worship dedicated to Maximon, a pagan saint revered in a few villages in Guatemala. Locals come to pray, ask for favors and make offerings in the form of alcohol, cigars or money. Every year on October 28, thousands of pilgrims come to thank Maximon at the places of worship in a festive atmosphere. Continuation to San Juan Comalapa, nicknamed the “Florence of the Americas” for its artistic importance. Since the 1930s, the city has been the residence of many painters of the Kaqchiquel ethnic group. Today there are no less than 500 in this small village! We particularly appreciate the large murals that relate different historical periods of Guatemala: the Mayan world, the Spanish conquest or the civil war. Road to the Mayan site of Iximché, capital of the Kaqchikel Mayans who allied themselves with the Spanish settlers against the Quiché Mayans. The conquistadors established the first Spanish city in the country there, but the Kaqchikels revolted and burned the city down in 1562. The site is sometimes the site of Mayan rites performed by shamans and locals. Chichicastenango transfer to nearly 2000 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its colorful market on Thursday and Sunday. The sellers gradually arrive at the eve of the market to set up their stalls.

Visit of Chichicastenango and its famous market (Thursday and Sunday). The Kaqchikel Indigenous descend twice a week from surrounding villages to sell their wares. Women wear the traditional huipil representing the seasons of the Mayan calendar. The city is transformed into a real kaleidoscope of colors and smells. In the center of the village, shamans purify the stairs of the church with incense and practice Mayan rituals. Transfer to Lake Atitlan, a highly emblematic place in Guatemala. It is nestled between 3 volcanoes at an altitude of 1600 meters and offers magnificent panoramas. The small villages along the lake - often only accessible by boat - perpetuate festivals and markets rooted in local traditions. Arrive at Panajachel. Pre-Hispanic culinary experience. Jacinta is an anthropologist that has been working in the field of pre hispanic gastronomy for years. Which ingredients were used before the arrival of Spanish settlers? Which dishes were the most popular ones? Spend the lunchtime at Jacinta's home sampling some local food. Surprise your taste buds with new flavors (5 to 6 dishes are offered). During the meal, learn about the origin of ingredients and the mix of different cultures in Guatemala. An enriching experience!

Early in the morning, departure by boat for Santa Cruz la Laguna. Walk to the village of Jaibalito with beautiful views of the volcanoes Toliman, San Pedro and Cerro de Oro. The walk allows you to appreciate the local life: the farmers work in the corn or coffee plantations, we meet villagers on the paths along the lake. Afterwards, discover the small Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna. Here the weavers' cooperative will open its doors to teach you about the techniques of natural coloring and traditional weaving. Appreciate the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region. Return by boat to Panajachel at the end of the afternoon.

Road to the villages of Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The inhabitants of these pretty little villages live mainly from agriculture, fishing and weaving. Since 2016, a community project has been gradually repainting the village houses with the colours of the local huipil: deep blue with traditional motifs. Beautiful! After lunch, road to Guatemala City.

Today, depart for the region of Alta Verapaz whose mountainous landscapes are covered with mist, waterfalls and lush forests. Visit a coffee cooperative made up of small producers of the Q'eqchi ethnic group in the highlands of Cobán. A community member accompanies visitors to the plantation, explaining the history of coffee in Guatemala, the processes of production and roasting. Continue to Cobán, capital of Alta Verapaz located at 1300 meters altitude. The name of the city comes from the Indian Quek'chi "between the clouds".

Today, head north of Alta Verapaz to explore the Caves of Candelaria. The main gallery is nearly 22 kilometers long, plus 60 kilometers of additional networks, making up one of the largest underground networks in Latin America. Take an excursion of approximately 1.5 hours to discover a part of the network that the Mayas regarded as an entrance to the underworld of Xibalba. In the afternoon, continue to Flores in the heart of Petén.

Today is dedicated to the exploration of the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC. The city reached its peak between the 3rd and 9th century AD. Some 3,000 structures emerge from the rainforest in a mystical atmosphere. The Temple of the Great Jaguar faces that of the masks on the main square, in the center of the city. At a height of 65 meters, the Serpent Temple was the tallest building in the New World until the 19th century. Nature very much still present at Tikal, engulfing every traveler who enters the reserve. Spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans and other multicolored parrots are on display. The screams of the howler monkeys can be heard for miles around. Odors of lianas and roots surprise you as you explore the site. In 2017, new research techniques have uncovered temples still buried in the jungle. Tikal has not finished revealing all its mysteries. Transfer to Flores on a peninsula of Lake Peten Itza.

Las Conchas is a hidden corner of Guatemala that is worth knowing. It has 8 amazing turquoise pools. Appreciate a waterfall that is 10 to 15 meters high. One of the main characteristics is that the water is clear, which allows greater visibility. Enjoy a walk along the trails and observe the waterfalls that flow from the Chiyú River from the viewpoint. Transfer to Río Dulce. The Caribbean atmosphere is starting to show, many sailboats are coming here to drop anchor.

Enjoy a private nice boat trip on the Río Dulce. Crossing a canyon and swimming in hot springs. The village of Livingston is reached by water. Part of the population is of Garifuna ethnicity, descendants of black slaves. The contrast with the rest of the country is striking.

This morning board a boat for Puerto Barrios (40 min sailing) and then continue on to the ruins of Quirigua. Visit the archaeological site in the valley of Motagua. Quirigua was an important and respected city during the Mayan Classic period (200 - 900 AD). The site is particularly famous for the beauty of its steels, the highest reaching 10.70 meters high for 65 tons. After, travel to Copán in Honduras (approximate journey of 3 hours) where you will spend the night.

In the morning, discover the archaeological site of Copán in Honduras, close to the border with Guatemala. The city enjoyed an important cultural and scientific influence at its peak in the 7th century. Its baroque style, its sculptures and its finely ornamented stelae make it one of the most spectacular Mayan cities. You will also enjoy a bird watching on the site. Transfer to Guatemala City (4h30).