Yaxha, Guatemala

Guatemala Holidays

A small country with a booming ecosystem. Among the breadth of animals in its forests, the calls of howler monkeys and blaring parrots will be something from your trip that ring loud in your memories.

For the traveller who is inspired by the indigenous culture of a country, then a Guatemala holiday is hard to beat. Up in the hills, the daily markets are a gorgeous riot of colourful clothing while the landscape is dotted with lakes and a backdrop of perfect volcanic cones.

The Spanish colonial architecture of the towns and the impressive Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle are further reasons for you to enjoy a Guatemala holiday.

Scarlet Macaw, Copan Mayan Ruins, Honduras
Copan Mayan Ruins, Honduras

Epic Maya Journey: Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras

An exploration of the ancient Maya sites of Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, this route strikes the perfect balance between ancient temples, dense jungles and dazzling lakes. Unveil some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the Americas and a series of world-renowned archaeological sites, with the added bonus of having a chance to attend a private Shaman ceremony.

20 days

from $10,597 pp

See holiday idea

Tikal Ruins, Guatemala
Tikal Ruins, Guatemala

Highlights of Guatemala

Unveiling some of the most visually stunning landscapes in vibrant Guatemala, this trip journeys from dazzling high altitude lakes to ancient Mayan ruins.
Encompassing Shaman ceremonies, traditional textile weaving workshops and an expertly guided tour of Tikal, this customisable itinerary is designed to give a comprehensive introduction to one of the most vivid countries in Central America.

8 days

from $4,147 pp

See holiday idea

Sunset, Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Sunset, Tikal National Park, Guatemala

Guatemala: What to Expect

Geographically small, a holiday in Guatemala does not involve travelling great distances. Rather, the focus of your trip to Guatemala will be the striking variety of topographic features, ranging from the Cuchumatanes Mountains and the beautiful Lake Atitlan to the volcanoes of Antigua and the black beaches of the Pacific. Guatemala’s ecosystems host a huge range of plants and animals, notably orchids and birdlife. A quarter of Guatemala is covered in forests where the noise of spider and howler monkeys and screeching parrots fills the air.

Local Woman, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Local Woman, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Meet the Locals

The colourful Mayan people add an additional dimension to your Guatemala holiday. The extensive ruins of their ancestors lie scattered across the Peten region while their heritage lives on today, evident in the bustling markets of Solola, the traditional reed collecting on the shores of Lake Atitlan and the unique weaving methods of the K’iche, Kaqchiquel and Achi communities. Now throw in the cobbled streets, beautiful churches, hidden convents and colonial plazas and you begin to understand the charm of a Guatemala holiday.

Explore Guatemala

  • Antigua
  • Lake Atitlan
  • Tikal

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan Adventures

Kayak on the lake, enjoy the adrenaline thrill of a zip line or the unique experience of diving in the volcanic crater-lake.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Bird Watching

Visit Lake Atitlan and make the most of its excellent bird watching opportunities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Uaxactun Mayan site

Uaxactun and Yaxha

Visit some of the more remote nearby sites of Uaxactun and Yaxha.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tikal, Guatemala

Temple IV

Climb to the top of Temple IV, for glorious views above the jungle canopy.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tikal Ruins, Guatemala

Overnight at the ruins

Stay next to Tikal for early access to the archaeological zone and to discover the sounds of the surrounding jungle at night.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Horse on Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

Volcan Pacaya

Climb the active Volcan Pacaya and experience the smoking crater and incredible views.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Tikal, Guatemala

Picnic lunch within the ruins

Explore the archaeological park and then find a shaded spot between the Maya superstructures for a luxury picnic lunch

Suggested Holiday Idea

DLG Coffee Tour, Antigua, Guatemala

Spend time with Coffee Farmers

Meet the independent coffee farmers and have a traditional lunch with a local family.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Fruit Market in Antigua, Guatemala

Sample Local Cuisine

Discover the culinary delights of Antigua’s exceptional street food.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Mountians, Casa Palopo, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Casa Palopo

Stay at Casa Palopo, one of the best hotels in Guatemala.

Suggested hotel

Guatemala Accommodation

Hotels and lodges tend to be small and privately owned with a great atmosphere and a winning smile.

More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

John Faithfull

John’s most recent trip to Guatemala was for Semana Santa (Holy Week), a heady mix of colourful processions where huge swaying floats are carried on the shoulders of purple-clad brotherhoods in high pointed headgear who shuffle through billowing clouds of incense.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Frequently asked questions about Guatemala

Are there any festivals I can see during my trip?

What is the typical food and drink in Guatemala?

When is the rainy season in Guatemala?

What is a chicken bus, and will I be travelling on one?

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Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Enquire

So many thanks indeed for the care and time that you put into organising this trip for us. I cannot underestimate the value of the latter in terms of reading what we wanted and then advising on the best way to achieve that. As I am sure you will know only too well, other operators are over keen to sell “this is what we do”, and make the sale. So thank you for putting together what will be a really memorable experience for us.

Destination: Guatemala
Travel Expert: James

John's advice on unique locations and experiences throughout Guatemala were invaluable.

Destination: Guatemala
Travel Expert: John

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

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