Guatemala, Atitlán & Antigua8 Day Tour from USD $995#1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Guatemala tour is fully guided and includes all meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan
Lake Atitlán
Antigua
Tour Map

Tour Year:

20242025

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • Guatemala City, Guatemala

Caravan welcomes you to a breathtaking land of magnificent lakes, towering volcanoes, and ancient ruins. With its near perfect climate and Caravan’s spectacular hotels, Guatemala, “the land of eternal spring”, is an ideal vacation destination. Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Transfer on your own using the official airport taxi service. Enjoy a two-night stay at your Guatemala City hotel. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is included only until 9:30 p.m.

Meals: Dinner

Flores

Day 2 • Popol Vuh and Ixchel Museums

After breakfast, join Caravan for an 8:00 a.m. welcome briefing. Then, visit the Popol Vuh Museum. Learn about Guatemala’s pre-Columbian cultures. See a collection of Mayan pottery and jewelry. Next, visit the Ixchel Museum dedicated to the indigenous Guatemalan tradition of textile weaving. Lunch. Then, a sightseeing drive through the historic center of Guatemala’s capital. See the Metropolitan Cathedral dating from 1782 and the French-styled National Palace. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy your elegant hotel’s amenities including fine shops and an outdoor pool and spa. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 • Iximché, Lake Atitlán

Morning drive through the beautiful alpine landscape of Guatemala's highlands. The area's rich volcanic topsoil is ideal for growing beans, potatoes, and the staple maiz. Visit Iximché, a major Mayan archaeological site. Iximché served as the last capital of the Maya of the Midwestern Highlands and the first capital of the newly arrived Spanish. Today it is a sacred pilgrimage site for Mayans and their shamans. Stroll through the ball courts and the six connecting plazas, each with its own pyramid and ceremonial altar. Lunch. Then, to Lake Atitlán, 5,125 feet above sea level. Enjoy a two-night stay at the world famous Hotel Atitlán. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Atitlán

Day 4 • Lake Atitlán, Panajachel

Morning cruise on Lake Atitlán, “the most beautiful lake in the world”. Formed by a massive volcanic crater, Atitlán’s lakeshore is dotted with verdant hills and picturesque Mayan villages. Three, large conical shaped volcanoes dominate this dramatic landscape. Lunch. Afternoon visit to the nearby town of Panajachel, where many Mayan villagers still wear traditional dress. You'll be able to shop for textiles, ceramics, wooden masks, and watercolor paintings. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your hotel’s outdoor pool, magnificent gardens, and breathtaking views. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 • Coffee Plantation, Antigua

Morning drive to Guatemala's world renowned coffee growing region. Visit a coffee plantation and sample fresh Guatemalan coffee. After lunch, visit a museum highlighting Guatemala's rich musical traditions and unique musical instruments, including the Marimba. Enjoy a private Caravan show featuring local musicians. Continue to Antigua in the highlands of southern Guatemala. Your hotel is near Antigua’s historical district. Enjoy a two-night stay. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 • Antigua

Morning walking tour of Antigua, one of Latin America's best preserved colonial cities. Travel back in time as you stroll cobblestone streets. For more than two centuries, Antigua was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala and was the center of Spain's empire for Central America and southern Mexico. Visit the Central Plaza and see Antigua Cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit Las Capuchinas Convent, with its 18 circular living quarters. Lunch. Then, enjoy free time in Antigua. A shopper’s dream, Antigua is known for its elaborately embroidered textiles, jade jewelry, and carved dance masks. Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Antigua

Day 7 • Antigua, Guatemala City

Morning at leisure. Enjoy your hotel's gardens, pools, and on-site spa, or continue exploring Antigua. Lunch. Return to Guatemala City. Farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 • Guatemala City

Your tour ends this morning at your hotel in Guatemala City. Breakfast is included only after 6:30 a.m. Caravan includes departure transfers from your hotel to La Aurora Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala departing from 4:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to go at another time or extend your stay in Guatemala, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Muchas Gracias!

Meals: Breakfast

Weaving Demonstration

About Shopping for Guatemalan Textiles

Guatemala is a shopping paradise for textile lovers and collectors. “Trajé Maya”, the colorful and intricate traditional Maya style of clothing, combines weaving and the use of symbolism. It includes: The hand- embroidered huipil – a loose fitting tunic like blouse; The woven corte – a large piece of cloth wrapped around the woman’s waist as a skirt; The faja – a wide, elaborately embroidered belt used to hold the skirt in place; And the tocoyal – an intricately woven hair wrap. Over the centuries, towns and regions have developed their own distinct weaving patterns and color palettes. Today, international designers seek vintage hand embroidered pieces of Guatemala’s indigenous textile art to repurpose into soft furnishings and fashion accessories.

Hotel Atitlán
Antigua
Weaving Demonstration

Caret DownCaret Up Red2024 Hotels

2024 Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.


Barcelo Guatemala City

Days 1, 2 • Guatemala City

Barcelo Guatemala City

Barcelo Guatemala City

The Barcelo Guatemala City hotel is located in the heart of Guatemala City. This full service hotel features shops, a sports center, sauna, jacuzzi, large outdoor swimming pool, beauty shop and other facilities. Free WiFi.


Hotel Atitlán

Days 3, 4 • Lake Atitlán

Hotel Atitlán

Hotel Atitlán

The Hotel Atitlán is a boutique hotel overlooking Lake Atitlán, just 10 minutes from the town of Panajachel. The decor features hand-carved furnishings, ornate ceramic tiles, and hand-woven area rugs in the Spanish colonial-hacienda style of the 18th century. The hotel offers a wide range of services in a dramatic natural setting. Nestled within the forest on the hotel property are special locations for bird watching. A short walk from the hotel is the Atitlán Nature Reserve, which has a butterfly reserve, herb gardens, suspension bridges, and spider monkeys. Free internet access.


Hotel Soleil

Days 5, 6 • Antigua

Hotel Soleil

Hotel Soleil

Located in the colonial city of Antigua, the Hotel Soleil features an outdoor pool, tennis court, and spa. Free wi-fi throughout the property.


Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 7 • Guatemala City

Barcelo Guatemala City

Barcelo Guatemala City

The Barcelo Guatemala City hotel is located in the heart of Guatemala City. This full service hotel features shops, a sports center, sauna, jacuzzi, large outdoor swimming pool, beauty shop and other facilities. Free WiFi.

Caret DownCaret Up RedAirport Transfers

Airport Transfers

arrival Transfers

Transfer on your own from La Aurora International Airport (GUA) to your hotel, the Barcelo Guatemala City (7a Avenida 15 45 zona 9) in Guatemala City. Once you have exited customs and collected your baggage at the airport, proceed to the sidewalk outside of the main entrance. There, you will see white cars with the words "AirporTaxi Guatemala" on the rear passenger side door. This is the signage for the official taxi service of La Aurora International Airport. You can request your taxi here. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The cost will range from $10-$15 US Dollars plus tip. Payment is accepted in US dollars or Guatemala Quetzales, credit cards are not accepted. A currency exchange and ATMs are located inside the airport. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel.

departure Transfers

Caravan provides departure transfers from the Barcelo Hotel in Guatemala City to La Aurora Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Transfers are provided throughout the day on the day the tour ends.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

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Passports & Visas

Guatemala requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. It is recommended that children under 18 years old traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Caret DownCaret Up RedWeather & Clothing

Weather & Clothing

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

Guatemala CityAtitlán
TempRainTempRain
Jan74/560.173/500.8
Feb76/570.175/510.9
Mar78/590.277/532.8
Apr80/610.977/566.9
May79/633.476/5814.4
Jun76/636.374/5820.2
Jul76/625.074/5719.7
Aug76/625.574/5720.2
Sep75/626.473/5821.4
Oct74/614.273/5717.0
Nov73/591.373/546.7
Dec73/570.373/511.6

Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Guatemala City
temp74/5676/5778/5980/6179/6376/6376/6276/6275/6274/6173/5973/57
rainfall0.10.10.20.93.46.35.05.56.44.21.30.3
Atitlán
temp73/5075/5177/5377/5676/5874/5874/5774/5773/5873/5773/5473/51
rainfall0.80.92.86.914.420.219.720.221.417.06.71.6

Clothing Tips

This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for most evenings is smart casual. See Travel Tips for more details.

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Travel Tips & FAQs

These are only the first 20 Travel Tips. Read all 62 Travel Tips

Packing for Guatemala

Caravan suggests clothing for warm and hot weather during the day: 2 pairs of pants, 2 pairs of shorts, 3 changes of shirts, a rain poncho, a swimsuit, and a sweater or jacket for the air conditioned bus. Caravan recommends footwear that has a bit of a tread and will not slip on wet surfaces. Walking shoes, hiking boots, sneakers and sandals are all acceptable. Caravan also recommends packing a sweater or light jacket to wear at night in the higher elevations (around 5,000 feet high) of Guatemala City, Antigua and Lake Atitlan. Quick dry clothing (especially a pair of convertible pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts) is recommended for your visit to the tropical areas. And for all tropical tours, don't forget sun block, bug spray, a flashlight, a sun hat, a lightweight packable raincoat or poncho, anti-diarrheal medicine, plenty of wet wipes and a travel alarm clock.

Tour Elevations

The elevation in Guatemala City is 4,900 feet above sea level The elevation in Antigua is 5,000 feet. The elevation at Lake Atitlan is 5,100 feet.

Food in Guatemala

Food is a combination of traditional mild Guatemalan cuisine and European-style cusines. Meals are offered on a set menu and we regret no special diets can be accommodated. Dining on your own can increase health risks.

Fishing and Golf

You would have to arrange some independent extra days of travel, we do not visit areas where this can be undertaken easily. There is world class fishing off the Pacific coast of Guatemala and golf is available through private clubs only.

Car Rentals

Driving conditions can be erratic and difficult for those not used to the region. We do not recommend self-drive visits.

Rainy Season in Guatemala

May though September, although it does not rain all day, neither does it rain every day.

National Holidays in Guatemala

New Year's Day (January 1st), Easter (March/April Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday), Labor Day (May 1st), Army Day (June 30th), Virgin de La Asuncion (August 15th), Independence Day (September 15th), Revolution of 1944 (October 20th), All Saint's Day (November 1st), Christmas Day (December 25th) New Year's Eve (afternoon of December 31st).

My Tour Price Includes

Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation.

Preparing for the Tropics

It is recommended to bring at least one pair of quick-dry pants and one quick-dry shirt. The quick-dry pants that zip at the knee to convert into shorts are particularly popular. Be sure to also bring a sweater or jacket for the cooler night temperatures. Caravan does not make product endorsements, but many feel that Avon Skin So Soft oil (not cream), or Avon's Expedition anti-mosquito spray is effective protection against mosquito bites in the jungle. Caravan does not endorse any vitamin, but please note that Central American pharmacies sell 500 milligram Vitamin B-1 tablets, a non-prescription vitamin, as "anti-mosquito" pills. Many people take Vitamin B-1 pills and eat garlic for about two weeks prior to and during their visits to the jungle because they believe that the smell of Vitamin B-1 and garlic repels mosquitoes. If you believe this may be of value, consult your doctor for further information on Vitamin B-1 and garlic. Many also avoid eating bananas in the rainforest, as it is believed that this smell attracts mosquitoes. Also, it is wise to wear light-weight quick-dry long-sleeved pants and shirts in these tropical areas.

Are meals included?

Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.

Children on Tour

Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks.

Family Trips

Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old.

My Tour Price Does Not Include

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

Forms of Payment

Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

Many Tours Sell Out Each Year

The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available.

Fully Guided Tours Since 1952

Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations.

Size of Tour Group

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

A Well-Paced Itinerary

A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation.

Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection

Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.

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Caret DownCaret Up RedCustomer Reviews

Customer Reviews

These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 179 Customer Reviews

"This was our 8th Caravan tour, so that should speak to how we feel about Caravan Tours. We recommend it to all our friends. Without a doubt the sightseeing was absolutely beautiful. Mountains, volcanoes, and lakes made for wonderful pictures. Highly enjoyed visiting museums and Mayan ruins. Memory of a lifetime. Outstanding meals, everything was a treat and we could not be more pleased. Thank you so much for every safe and enjoyable voyage."

Mr. & Mrs. C.E., Clarksville, Georgia

"The ruins, sights and tours were wonderful, but it is the Guatemalan people I remember best. I think I left a little piece of my heart in Guatemala."

Ms. P.F., Oceanside, California

"This was a trip of a lifetime. The overwhelming beauty of Lake Atitlan. Everywhere we went, we were amazed. I give our tour director six stars or even seven. Her knowledge and passion about her country, her energy, her care for us, her sense of humor and storytelling ability was all outstanding. She really made the trip for us. The driver and the local guides were also excellent. We had a good-sized group with a wide range of age and experience. The food was wonderful, the hotels were nice. Caravan is a class act and this is a wonderful tour."

Mr. H.E., Arlington, Virginia

"I travel a great deal and have lived overseas. This was my first organized group tour and it exceeded ALL expectations."

Ms. P.D., Chicago, Illinois

"Overall a very positive and priceless experience with lingering pleasant memories. The hotels can best be described as exceptional. Each presented with a different theme of splendor. The investment in their guests was outstanding with special attention to guests of all ages. All hotel employees were guest-oriented with untiring attention. The meals were a gourmet delight of local cuisines intertwined with conventional recipes. Our activities were well-organized with the traveler’s interest of paramount importance. Our driver can best be remembered as a remarkable individual who developed great admiration and respect from every traveler. He was energetic, industrious, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of his passengers. And what a magnificent tour director we had. His broad range of knowledge and interest, as related to the Mayan history and country of Guatemala, was presented with intellectual enthusiasm. A gifted guide with a wide range of stellar interests. This writer remains a Caravan supporter for life."

Mr. K.R., Washington, D.C.

"As a first timer with Caravan, I won’t hesitate to recommend that others experience what you offer. Enjoyed everything we saw and experienced. Hotels were excellent, locations were great. I have done quite a lot of travel and tours. Ours was the best director I’ve experienced. An extraordinary communicator, her passion for her country and knowledge is exceptional. She is also very relatable. I will look forward to future travel with you."

Mrs. E.D., Federal, Washington

"Premier first class hotels. We saw so many wonderful things, dances, museums, boat cruises, ceramics, weavings, festivities. Very knowledgeable director, excellent in current affairs, history, the culture - and appropriately shared it with us. Very good at figuring the logistics and keeping us moving without a hitch. Thank you Caravan, excellent value for money and very fun."

Mr. & Mrs. H.H., Colorado Springs, Colorado

Read All 179 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 179 Customer Reviews

Caret DownCaret Up RedWhy Travel with Caravan?

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence Since 1952

You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

PanAm Jet
In 1959, Pan Am invited Caravan to be the very first tour company to fly their clients on its new line of Clipper Jets.
Vintage Motorcoach
In 1964, Caravan introduced the very first fleet of air conditioned motorcoaches in all of Europe.
Leather Back Turtle Park
Caravan is a proud supporter of the Leatherback Turtle National Park and Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant.
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago

Caravan Care

For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.

Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors), NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Catalog Association).

ASTA, NTA, ABA, CLIA, and ACMA