Heart of Guatemala: Antigua, the Highlands & Lake Atitlán – 7 Days
Antigua, highland markets, Maya ceremonies and Lake Atitlán in a group of up to sixteen.
Tour overview
This 7-day small-group trip explores the Maya heartland of Guatemala's Western Highlands, from colonial Antigua to the markets of the mountains and the volcano-ringed shores of Lake Atitlán. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than sixteen, and you travel by private vehicle, local chicken bus and lancha boat. You stay six nights in hotels, with breakfast daily and a group lunch.
From Antigua, with its crumbling churches and cafés beneath the Agua volcano, you travel to San Andrés Itzapa to witness a ceremony devoted to San Simón, or Maximón, where Maya beliefs and Catholic faith meet. In Quetzaltenango you ride an early-morning chicken bus, a converted American school bus painted in bright colours, to the vegetable market of Almolonga, one of the most colourful in the country.
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Next you browse the textiles, wooden crafts and jade of Chichicastenango, Guatemala's most famous market, before reaching Panajachel on Lake Atitlán. A lancha takes you across the lake, surrounded by volcanoes and Maya villages, to Santiago Atitlán. After a free morning, perhaps for a cooking class, you return to Antigua for a final evening.
The physical rating is low. This trip suits travellers who want an authentic introduction to Guatemala's Maya culture in a week.
Trip highlights
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A Maximón ceremony at San Andrés Itzapa (Day 2)
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A chicken-bus ride to Almolonga market (Day 3)
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Chichicastenango market (Day 4)
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A boat across Lake Atitlán (Day 5)
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Santiago Atitlán (Day 5)
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Colonial Antigua (Day 6)
Your route
7 stops from Antigua to Santiago Atitlan
- Antigua Days 1 & 6–7
- San Andrés Itzapa Day 2
- Quetzaltenango Days 2–3
- Almolonga Day 3
- Chichicastenango Day 4
- Panajachel Days 4–5
- Santiago Atitlan Day 5
Why choose this tour
Guatemala's Maya highlands in a week. Excellent value with a local leader.
Best suited to
- Culture lovers
- Travellers short on time
- Travellers on a budget
- Solo travellers and couples
Day-by-day itinerary
7 days from Antigua, Guatemala to Antigua, Guatemala
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Day 1 · Antigua Antigua
A welcome meeting.
- Hotel
- Hotel
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Day 2 · San Andrés Itzapa, Quetzaltenango Quetzaltenango
A Maya ceremony.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3 · Almolonga Quetzaltenango
A chicken-bus ride to market.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Chichicastenango, Panajachel Panajachel
Guatemala's great market.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Lake Atitlán, Santiago Atitlán Lake Atitlán
Across the lake.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 6 · Panajachel, Antigua Antigua
A free morning by the lake.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Antigua Antigua
The trip ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Antigua (1 night) Hotel
- Quetzaltenango (2 nights) Hotel
- Panajachel (2 nights) Hotel
- Antigua (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 6 nights in hotels
- Meals 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- Private vehicle, chicken bus and lancha boat
- San Andrés Itzapa ceremony visit
- Almolonga and Chichicastenango markets
- Lake Atitlán boat trip to Santiago Atitlán
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Meals not included 4 lunches and 6 dinners
- Optional activities such as a cooking class
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want to see Tikal
- You want luxury hotels
- You want most meals included
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £719 per person, twin share, tour only. 140 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
What is a chicken bus?
A brightly painted former American school bus, the classic local transport in Guatemala.
When is Chichicastenango market?
The trip visits on a market day, Thursday or Sunday.
Should I arrive early?
Yes, an extra night in Antigua is a good way to explore the city.
Do I need a visa?
UK citizens don't need a visa for Guatemala for tourist stays.
Can I have my own room?
A single supplement is available on request.
How many people travel together?
No more than sixteen travellers, with a local leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary