A Family Exploration of Guatemala
Discover a lush volcanic landscape of serene highland lakes and generous swathes of rolling jungle on this family-friendly adventure in Guatemala. Alongside hiking, kayaking and zip lining, you will uncover colonial Spanish and Mayan heritage.
Trip highlights
- Enjoy a bike ride through Antigua valley
- Visit La Posa del Nance turtle sanctuary
- Discover the Maya archaeology site of Iximche
- Go kayaking on beautiful Lake Atitlan
- Hike up Pacaya Volcano on a full-day tour
- Explore Reserva Atitlan and challenge yourself to a zip line
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–5
Four nights in the UNESCO city of Antigua
Your journey starts in the colonial city of Antigua, less than an hour south west of the capital, and filled with baroque churches and pretty plazas. Ringed by three volcanoes, it enjoys a naturally beautiful setting and you’ll start by exploring the surrounding valley, cycling along back roads and trails through local villages, farms and coffee plantations.
Where you could stay
Chocolate-making
Hiking
Conservation
A chocolate making workshop
Today learn about the indulgent art of chocolate making. Begin by learning a bit about the history, from the Mayan discovery of the cacao bean to the mass production of chocolate throughout the world. You will also talk about the industry today, the different types of cacao and its health benefits before taking on the challenge of making your own chocolate.
A full-day hike up Pacaya Volcano
This private tour begins with an hour’s morning transfer taking you to the foothills of the active Pacaya Volcano. Here you will hike through fragrant pine forest to the tough volcanic ash section and then to the sulfur smoking cone. During the hike, which is fairly strenuous, you may even see little eruptions and lava flow and when at the summit take in the amazing views of the northern volcanoes, pacific lowlands and El Salvador. On your return down you will stop for a picnic lunch with grand volcanic views.
Visit the turtle sanctuary at El Paredón
El Paredón is located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and is where your day of adventure starts. On arrival you will enjoy breakfast by the beach, followed by a visit to La Posa del Nance turtle sanctuary. The mangroves surrounding the sanctuary are home to crustaceans, shellfish, jellyfish and other sea life and you’ll learn about marine conservation as well as the local sea turtles, whose breeding season is from June to November. You will then enjoy lunch on a black sand beach and have the opportunity to swim, surf, boogie board and more.
Visiting Comalapa market and the Iximche ruins
On arrival in Comalapa, you’ll see the famous mural painted by school children depicting events in Guatemala’s history and the signing of the peace accords in 1996. You’ll visit some local painters and stop by Comalapa market. After lunch, you will explore the small but wonderful Maya archaeology site of Iximche with its four ceremonial plazas, flanked by temples.
Days 5–8
Three nights in the Guatemala Highlands at Lake Atitlan
Formed over 80,000 years ago by a violent volcanic eruption, Lake Atitlan is one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and both an incredibly tranquil and cultural place to relax for a couple of days. Characterised by iridescent waters, imposing volcanoes whose fertile slopes support coffee and maize, this is also where the country’s Mayan culture and customs are at their strongest.
Get active
on the water
to market
In the rainforest
Kayaking on Lake Atitlan
You will be met by your guide for a boat transfer to Santa Cruz to kayak on the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Paddling towards the San Pedro volcano, past local fishermen tossing their nets, you will dock at the tranquil village of San Juan la Laguna to visit artisan workshops. You will then cross the lake by boat to the village of Santiago for lunch before visiting the colourful Maya god, Maximón.
A tour of Chichicastenango Market
Explore the stalls selling everything from handicrafts, food, flowers and pottery to livestock such as pigs and chickens. Textiles are a favourite at the market and make for great souvenirs. Next to the market, you’ll see the 400 year old Church of Santo Tomas. This ancient church has been built on an even older site and its steps originally lead to a Mayan Temple, with each of the 18 steps standing for one month of the Maya calendar year.
Hike and canopy zip line at Reserva Atitlan
Enjoy a moderate hike in the tropical rainforest. The reserve is home to a diverse range of plants and animals including monkeys, the raccoon-like coati and exotic birds such as Guatemala’s national bird, the quetzal. You’ll also visit the butterfly breeding lab, with approximately 200 species of butterfly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can end your day with a canopy ride, featuring a 200m cable, which offers spectacular views across Lake Atitlan.
Days 8–9
Overnight in Guatemala City
A final short stop in Guatemala City will allow you to discover the history and culture of Guatemala’s vibrant capital. We can arrange a private tour to cover some of the main monuments and museums including the Popol Vuh Museum of Mayan Art or the Miraflores Museum of Archaeology.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment
