Guatemala Family Tours
Multi-generational trips are more popular than ever. Recent surveys show 47% of families are planning international tours with kids and grandparents this year, most with the goal of strengthening family ties.
Guatemala is one of the most intriguing destinations for this type of family trip. Discover the excitement, experiences, and surprisingly affordable adventure offered by a Guatemala family tour.
Kids & Family Tour of Guatemala: Safety & Logistics
The logistics of a kids and family tour of Guatemala can be complex. You’ll need to ensure everyone has the necessary passports and airfare.
You’ll also want to stay abreast of—and adhere to—all relevant health and safety recommendations published by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the United States or Canadian government.
In general, Guatemala has earned its reputation as a safe destination.
To learn more about the risks of visiting Guatemala, read our most recent outlook guide, “Is It Safe To Travel To Guatemala Right Now?“ To learn some safety strategies, check out, “10 Tips For Touring Guatemala Safely.”
Once you’ve covered those bases, it’s time for the fun part!
How Much Do Family Tours In Guatemala Cost?
Guatemala is a highly budget-friendly country. Family tours are available at a wide range of price points from different agencies in Guatemala.
Savvy travelers can save time and stress as well as money with a pre-booked, all-inclusive tour. Caravan’s 8-Day Tour of Guatemala is family-friendly, and everything is bundled into the $1,195 price.
Transport & Lodging In Guatemala With Kids: Costs & Logistics
When traveling with kids, do your research and plan ahead.
Low-end lodgings like hostels and budget motels are $10-$15 USD per night. Rooms at luxury, five-star hotels, like Barceló Guatemala City, often only cost between $66 and $80 nightly.
Transport prices vary. A short ride on a public bus only costs $2.00, while private, long-distance shuttles cost up to 20 times that amount. That said, the private ride can be worth it to give your family some additional legroom and peace of mind.
Top Destinations For A Kid & Family Tour of Guatemala (Itinerary)
Guatemala is a country rich in culture and wildlife. When planning a family tour, the best itinerary will highlight the true diversity of the nation. Consider a trip with at least six stops.
Lake Atitlán & Panajachel
Lake Atitlan is a freshwater body in a volcanic crater. It’s in the southwestern highland region of Guatemala. The town of Panajachel offers local cultural arts, and visitors can explore the lake’s rare ecosystem, explore butterfly gardens, and tour longstanding traditional coffee plantations.
Lago Petén Itzá & Flores
Lago Peten Itza is the home of the colorful town of Flores. Visitors can enjoy lakeside activities, exploring nearby caves and ancient ruins, and walking across the “sky bridges” of the lake’s neighboring rainforest nature park.
Antigua
Antigua is a vibrant, Spanish-colonial city in central Guatemala. Its cathedrals’ and palaces’ baroque architecture are preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting families enjoy historical tours and dining on the rich, multicultural cuisine in the city.
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is the nation’s capital, and you wouldn’t want to miss it. Families can explore the Kaminaljuyu Ruins, right in Guatemala City’s Zone 7.
It’s also fun to stroll through the bustling central market (Mercado Central), explore the main square (Parque Central), or even take a day trip to the active Pacaya Volcano.
Tikal & Iximché
No Guatemalan trip is complete without a day spent at ancient ruins. The Tikal & Iximché ruins are some of the best for a family tour. Both are well-excavated, accessible, and can be explored by ATV as well as on foot.
Best Family-Friendly Activities In Guatemala
Not all experiences in Guatemala are suitable for all ages. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly experiences to try that are likely to create truly great memories.
Explore Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a tranquil nature preserve in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. It’s just outside of Lanquín, a Q’eqchi’ Maya town, and it’s accessible by ATV.
Semuc Champey is known for its shallow pools of pristine blue water, which are great for novice swimmers. Its natural limestone bridge, mossy stepping stones, and network of caves and waterfalls make it a near-ideal natural park for visitors of all ages.
Make Chocolate at the ChocoMuseo La Antigua
People have been making chocolate in Guatemala since 1500 B.C. Today, modern families can try their hand at chocolate-craft in a hands-on workshop in ChocoMuseo.
The premier chocolate museum in Antigua, Guatemala, offers a 2-hour bean-to-bar workshop, and a 45-minute “mini” session. Discover how to make chocolate drinks and molds while learning about chocolate’s history.
Mundo Petapa Irtra Theme Park
The Mundo Petapa Irtra Theme Park is the most popular amusement park in Guatemala. Located in Zone 12 of Guatemala City, Mundo Petapa Irtra is a plaza of fun.
Every square meter is filled with roller coasters, rides, pools, arcades, Guatemalan “festival” food, and even a small zoo!
Best Places To Eat On a Guatemala Family Vacation
In Guatemala, food is inexpensive and delicious. Street food like garnaches typically costs $0.65 to $3 per taco, and it’s easy to get a sit-down meal for $5.
If you’re adventuring with your family, you might try taking an authentic Maya cooking class. Indigenous chefs in Flores teach visitors how to make pepián, a spiced beef stew, or the traditional Q’eqchi’ Maya turkey soup Kak’ik.
For a more conventional, sit-down dining experience, we highly recommend Ni Fu Ni Fa in Antigua, Maple y Tocino in Flores, and the El Arte Steak House in Guatemala City.
Experience Guatemala Family Tours With Caravan
On a Caravan Tour, our experts eliminate travel stress by curating guided, all-inclusive packages from start to end. Optimal transportation, overnight accommodations, meals, and activities are all pre-booked at one affordable rate.
If you want a family trip to Guatemala without the stress, join our Guatemala, Atitlán, and Antigua tours. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.