Guatemala Tours & Trips
Walking Antigua's cobblestone streets with those massive volcanoes looming overhead? That's Guatemala in a nutshell. You'll tour coffee plantations where your morning brew comes from, haggle at Chichicastenango market, and actually walk on hardened lava at Pacaya. Lake Atitlan's so pretty it almost doesn't look real. Worth every step.
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Patricia • traveled in August, 2025
A very well-organized tour, with a superb selection of sites to visit that showcase the country's cultural, social, historical, and archaeological richness. The local operator provided excellent service with transfers, hotels, transportation, and specialized guides. I give special recognition to guide Abraham for his dedication, preparation, and warmth in his treatment of us. The service was excellent, almost personalized, and we want to express our gratitude for all his attention.
Best of Guatemala 8 Days Tour (PRIVATE) - C
Christine • traveled in December, 2024
Guide was excellent! Hotels on Antigua were not up to par. All other overnights on tour were great! Transportation - driver was terrific but the mini bus was way too crowded and uncomfortable. This was not my first Intrepid tour. I like how the company practices responsible tourism and utilizes local companies, but some things could be improved about this tour for sure.
Heart of Guatemala - L
Lucy • traveled in September, 2025
We had a fantastic time on this tour, which was just the two of us and our guide and driver. The guide, Esmerelda, was very friendly and knowledgeable and, when I asked a fairly obscure question about the Mayans and their toilets, reached out to someone else to get the answer, and then made sure that we went to the relevant place in Tikal so I could take photos. She was exactly this helpful with everything we did, and was always happy to answer questions. All the hotels we were booked at were good, particularly the first one Rio Dulce. The sites we went to were interesting and well-managed, and covered a wide-range of the country. Each day brought something new and interesting to do or see. In particular, the boat trip to Livingston and the stop at Semuc Champey were highlights, and it felt in several places as if we were seeing things that most tourists didn't get to. There was a lot of driving included, which is to be expected from a tour that covers so much area, but the driver, Luis, was great and I always felt safe in his hands. The car we travelled in was spacious and comfortable, and had lovely aircon, which we very much appreciated. Although most meals weren't included, the places we went to were good value and served good food. We always knew exactly where and when we needed to be to meet Esmerelda and Luis each morning as, in addition to Esmerelda telling us, we also received WhatsApp updates from the head office. They were also happy to arrange slightly different transfers for us, as we were already in the country at the start of the tour, and left on different flights. They did include a free eSim, but we weren't able to get it to work, but there was wifi in the hotels so we didn't really need it.
Guatemala Overland in 11 days
Traveler Photos & Videos from Guatemala tours
Guatemala: Antigua, Acatenango Volcano, Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, Candelaria Caves, Semuc Champey and Quetzal Biotope - 11 days
RudyLSLev
Best of Guatemala 8 Days Tour (PRIVATE)
Heart of GuatemalaMarcus
JGJoshua
Coban & Semuc Champey Tour 3-day
Guatemala - Discovering Guatemala in 5 daysJonea
Guatemala Mayan ExplorerRoberto
Guatemala Overland in 11 daysDafna
Central America Introleonardo
Guatemala Highlight ToursDavid
Table of contents
- The best Guatemala tour packages
- Travel Guatemala your way
- Best tour companies for Guatemala tours
- Best places to start your Guatemala tour
- Discover Guatemala tours for every budget
- Guatemala tours for every type of group
- Top Guatemala travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Guatemala
- What our customers ask about Guatemala Tours & Trips
The best Guatemala tour packages
Compiled by
SteffGuatemala travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Guatemala 8 Days Tour (PRIVATE)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a great immersion in the lesser visited cities and communities of the Ecuadorian Andes mountains.”
Bettina, traveled in August
Guatemala's treasures await over 8 days, with lodging at the Radisson in Guatemala City and Boutique Los Pacos in Antigua. Highlights include Chichicastenango Market, Pacaya Volcano hikes, and Tikal's ancient ruins. Program costs approx. $410 per day including internal flights, breakfast, and expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Pacaya National Park, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Flores, Tikal Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- US$3,490
Heart of Guatemala
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour, the guide was fantastic. My only recommendation would be to spend less time in Quetzaltenango and more in Panajachel.”
Marcus, traveled in July
Colonial Antigua serves as the gateway to Guatemala's highlands. A chicken bus takes you to Almolonga's giant vegetable market and Chichicastenango's historic bazaar. The Temple of San Simon hosts shamanic rituals before a Lake Atitlan cruise to Santiago Atitlan's Maximon shrine. Five nights' accommodation and expert guides provided.
Duration 7 days Destinations Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,225
5% Off- US$1,164You save $61
Guatemala Overland in 11 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sites we went to were interesting and well-managed, and covered a wide-range of the country.”
Lucy, traveled in August
Guatemala's finest sights cost approx. $240 per day, featuring Tikal's Temple of the Great Jaguar and Quetzal Biotope's cloud forests. The journey winds through colonial Antigua's streets, across Lake Atitlán with its volcanic backdrop, to Chichicastenango's market, Santo Tomás Church, and textile cooperatives.
Duration 11 days Destinations Guatemala City, Quirigua, Río Dulce, Livingston, Flores, Tikal, Coban, Semuc Champey, San Agustin Lanquin, PurulháSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $2,549
10% Off- US$2,294You save $255
Glimpse of Guatemala 5D/4N
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Fun trip to Antigua, Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and best of all Tikal!”
Cheryl, traveled in April
Guatemala's landscapes range from Guatemala City to Antigua's preserved streets and Pacaya Volcano's 2500m summit. Traditional villages around Lake Atitlán showcase Santiago Atitlán's Maximon shrine and San Juan La Laguna's markets, concluding at Tikal's ancient Mayan complex.
Duration 5 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Pacaya National Park, Sololá, San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, Flores, Tikal Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$1,661
Guatemala - Discovering Guatemala in 5 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“At some parts it was even a private tour. I was overall happy with the tour.”
Ipek, traveled in May
This 5-day trip takes you through Guatemala's colonial heritage and volcanic landscapes. Walk through UNESCO-listed Antigua, checking out the Church of La Merced and Plaza de Armas, then browse Chichicastenango's indigenous market at the Church of Santo Tomás. A boat ride across Lake Atitlán gives you views of Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro volcanoes surrounding the water. In San Juan La Laguna, visit chocolate and textile cooperatives and learn traditional dyeing techniques. Accommodation includes 3-star or 4-star hotels with daily breakfast.
Duration 5 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlán, San Juan La Laguna Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $799
10% Off- US$719You save $80
Tailor-Made 8 Days Best Guatemala Tour with 4-star Hotels, Daily Depart (Private Guide)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Transfers were very smooth, very enjoyable trip.”
Nicholas, traveled in March
Rich Guatemalan heritage unfolds at UNESCO-listed Antigua and Tikal archaeological site. The centuries-old Chichicastenango market, Lake Atitlan's villages, and Yaxha's ceremonial center feature prominently. Luxury stays at Camino Real Antigua and Villa Maya included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Iximche, San Juan La Laguna, Flores, Yaxha National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- US$3,029
Guatemala's cultural mosaic spans 8 days from Antigua's colonial architecture to Tikal's Mayan pyramids. The route includes Iximche archaeological site, Chichicastenango's indigenous market, and Lake Atitlan cruises to Santiago Atitlan, with 3-star hotels and English guide services.
Duration 8 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Iximche, Chichicastenango, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, Flores, Tikal, Yaxha National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$2,441
Two days in the best of the Mayan world
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Archaeological site is huge but lots of photo stops and rests. El Mirador was more ancient than Tikal and more rugged in subtropical forest.”
Horng, traveled in November
Helicopter flights to El Mirador's La Danta pyramid complement in-depth Tikal tours. Comfortable stays in Flores Island hotels, on-site meals at archaeological locations, and expert English-speaking guides throughout.
Duration 2 days Destinations Guatemala City, Flores, El Mirador National Park, Tikal Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GTM Tour Guide and Travel Services From
10% Off- US$1,300
Acatenango volcano on Share tour 3 days/2 nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Loved the Acatenango volcano tour! The hike up of approx 5 hours was smooth. Plentiful rest stops.”
Horng, traveled in November
The volcanic majesty of Acatenango awaits on this overnight trek from Antigua. Professional English/Spanish guides lead you to prime viewing spots of active Fuego Volcano. A stay at Hotel San Jorge, included meals, and sunrise views from the crater round out the journey before returning to Guatemala City.
Duration 3 days Destinations Guatemala City, Antigua, Acatenango Volcano Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GTM Tour Guide and Travel Services From
10% Off- US$325
Duration 8 days Destinations Antigua, Santiago Atitlan, Panajachel, Chichicastenango, Guatemala City, Flores, Yaxha National Park, Tikal Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Guatemalan Adventure From
10% Off- US$1,690
Travel Guatemala your way
Best tour companies for Guatemala tours
Culture Trip runs a solid Guatemala tour that our customers really like - their "Gorgeous Guatemala" gets consistently good feedback, especially when Aura is leading the group. People tell us they appreciate how everything's properly organized and you get to do things regular tourists might miss. The pace keeps you moving but that's because they fit in all the essential spots you'd want to see. If you're watching your budget, Marvelus Tours offers good alternatives with their Guatemala Highlight Tours and their week-long Gorgeous Guatemala option. Just keep in mind that a few travelers mentioned some hiccups with the transport arrangements and sometimes had trouble getting quick responses from the company. These aren't deal-breakers, but worth noting if you like everything running like clockwork. The nice thing about both companies is they actually take you beyond the usual tourist spots - you're getting proper local experiences rather than just ticking off the main sites. Culture Trip seems to have the edge on organization and service quality, while Marvelus is the more budget-friendly choice.
Best places to start your Guatemala tour
Guatemala City kicks off most of our tours - 53 of our recent groups started there, while another 18 began in colonial Antigua. We've found booking about 33 days ahead works well for most people, giving you time to lock in good accommodations and preferred dates, especially when volcano hiking conditions are at their best. Our travelers who've done these trips tell us you'll want 2-3 days in Antigua to get used to the altitude before tackling any volcano climbs, and suggest taking at least 3 days to properly explore Lake Atitlan's villages by local boat. Want good value and nice weather? Look at October-November or March-April - you'll see fewer tourists but still get pretty stable conditions for outdoor activities.
Discover Guatemala tours for every budget
Guatemala budget tours8 tours
Starting from
$38
per day
Guatemala tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Guatemala travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
- Solo Travelers58 tours
- Couples45 tours
- Seniors (50+)49 tours
- Family37 tours
Best time to visit Guatemala
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter in Guatemala really shines from November through February, with several excellent routes worth considering. Starting in Antigua, you'll walk those old cobblestone streets before heading up Pacaya Volcano - our travelers love that you can actually cook pizza using the volcanic heat as the sun sets. There's also a great route through the highlands to San Andres Itzapa where you'll join a traditional shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon and then ride those famous painted chicken buses to local markets. Over at Lake Atitlan, the winter tours include boat trips to Santiago Atitlan where local families welcome you into their homes to share their Maximon shrines and show you what daily life is like on the lake.
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- Spring 2026
Spring opens up perfect weather for getting into Guatemala's culture. The 5-day routes combining Antigua's colonial areas with Lake Atitlan's indigenous villages are particularly popular with our customers. You'll join local women for corn workshops, visit chocolate cooperatives in San Juan La Laguna and learn how they create those intricate textile patterns using traditional dyes. Some tours stop at the Candelaria Caves - our travelers tell us exploring these underground rivers with local guides who know every twist and turn makes for quite an adventure. For those wanting more activity, spring tours often include hikes around Lake Atitlan's three volcanoes and visits to coffee plantations where you'll follow the whole process from growing and picking to roasting and brewing.
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- Summer 2026
Summer tours connect Guatemala's ancient Maya sites with its natural areas. The fullest routes begin in Guatemala City and head to Quirigua Archaeological Park, where you'll find the Maya world's tallest carved stelae reaching over 10 meters high. You'll take boats through the Rio Dulce canyon to reach Livingston's Garifuna community, with its unique mix of reggae music and coconut bread recipes. Many summer trips include early morning visits to Tikal - our customers say watching the sunrise from Temple IV is something they never forget. Some tours add the Quetzal Biotope reserve, where you can spot ancient trees growing up to 120 feet tall while learning about the 50 different species in Guatemala's cloud forest system.
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- Fall / Autumn 2026
Fall offers ideal conditions for mixing volcanic landscapes with living Maya traditions. Several routes start with evening hikes up Pacaya volcano, taking you through humid forest to reach active volcanic cones. Lake Atitlan plays a big part - our travelers particularly enjoy kayaking along the shoreline and visiting the artist workshops in San Juan la Laguna. The cultural side continues at Iximche's ancient Maya ruins, where local spiritual guides share traditional customs and ceremonies. Some fall tours include optional zip-lining across Lake Atitlan, which our customers say gives you amazing views of the three volcanoes surrounding the water.
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What our customers ask about Guatemala Tours & Trips
What's the best way to get around Guatemala?
If you're hopping between major spots like Antigua Lake Atitlan or Flores tourist shuttles are your best bet - they're basically comfy minivans that fit 10-14 people and run on set schedules costing around -30 per trip. Want to go local? Jump on a chicken bus (they're actually converted US school buses) running everywhere from 6am to 6pm for just ## Exploring Maya Heritage and Ancient Ruins Wondering about Guatemala's incredible Maya sites? You'll definitely want to check out Tikal it's probably the most famous and impressive one. There's also Iximche, Ceibal and Yaxha which are equally fascinating but less crowded. Each site tells its own story of ancient Maya civilization and you'll get a real sense of their architectural genius. ## Volcano Hiking Adventures Let's talk about hiking Pacaya - it's an active volcano and yes you can actually hike it! Tours head up there regularly and it's become quite a popular thing to do. The real question isn't just about whether you can do it but more about being prepared and knowing what to expect. Safety measures are in place and guides know exactly how to handle the conditions. ## Lake Atitlán Activities and Experiences Lake Atitlán is simply stunning and there's so much to do here. You can hop on boats to visit indigenous villages, go kayaking on those crystal-clear waters or base yourself in lovely lakeside towns like Panajachel and Santa Cruz La Laguna. The lake's surrounded by volcanoes and the views are absolutely incredible no matter where you look. ## Local Transportation - The Famous Chicken Buses Ever heard of chicken buses? These are Guatemala's colorfully decorated former US school buses and they're quite an experience. You can catch one to local markets just like many Guatemalans do. They're definitely not luxury transport but they're authentic affordable and honestly part of the whole Guatemala experience. ## Cultural Immersion Opportunities Guatemala offers some really special cultural experiences that go deep into Maya traditions. You can participate in authentic Maya ceremonies, visit the mystical Temple of San Simon for shamanic rituals and explore the bustling Chichicastenango market. Want to go even deeper? Some tours even arrange stays with Maya families where you'll get to experience daily life firsthand and really understand local customs. -5 it's quite an experience! For longer journeys like Guatemala City to Flores you've got overnight buses with Linea Dorada - they've got decent reclining seats for the 10-11 hour trip though honestly flying might be worth it to save time.
Where can I find the real authentic Guatemala off the tourist track?
You'll love San Andrés Itzapa where local traditions come alive at the Temple of San Simon - bring some rum or tobacco if you want to join in the ceremonies. Over in Almolonga they've got this amazing Thursday market nicknamed "The Garden of Central America" with the biggest vegetables you've ever seen thanks to rich volcanic soil. For nature lovers Ram Tzul's private cloud forest is incredible - you can hike to waterfalls spot rare quetzal birds and even stay overnight in traditional eco-lodges at 2300m up in the mountains.
How can I really experience Mayan culture beyond just seeing the ruins?
There's so much to discover! You can join authentic Mayan ceremonies with local shamans at Iximche - it's especially powerful during solstices. In San Juan La Laguna you'll find women's cooperatives where you can learn traditional backstrap weaving and see how they make those vibrant colors from indigo and cochineal. Want to live like a local? Try a homestay in San Jorge La Laguna where families will teach you to make pepian and grind corn their way. Don't miss Chichicastenango market Thursdays and Sundays where Maya priests still perform ancient rituals on the church steps.
Which places give you both adventure and cultural experiences?
Pacaya Volcano is perfect for this - it's a moderate 2-hour climb up to 2552m where you'll see active lava flows four other volcanoes and yes you can actually roast marshmallows up there! Lake Atitlan's amazing for kayaking between indigenous villages each with its own character - San Juan's got art galleries Santiago's known for Maximon ceremonies and Santa Cruz keeps traditional weaving alive. At Semuc Champey you've got these stunning 300m-long limestone pools above underground rivers plus you can explore K'ekchi Maya villages and go cave exploring by candlelight.
What should I know about staying safe while exploring Guatemala?
Guatemala's generally pretty safe for tourists but stick to the well-traveled routes and use official shuttle services between cities. When you're heading up volcanoes like Acatenango or Fuego definitely go with a guide - you'll need proper gear and time to adjust to the altitude. It's really appreciated if you learn some basic Mayan greetings in K'iche' or Tz'utujil especially around Lake Atitlan's communities. Keep smaller bills in quetzales for markets and local transport save your dollars for hotels and tour bookings.