Signature Guatemala: Mountains, Markets and Mayan ruins

Guatemala, with its strong Mayan identity, brims with culture and tradition. Observing day-to-day life in this exotic and colourful Central American country is a fascinating experience, whether exploring its more famous highlights or going a little off the beaten track. Our Signature Guatemala holiday contrasts the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal in the Petén rainforests with a glimpse of how the Maya live today, visiting the modern Mayan markets and communities which thrive to this day in the highlands west of Guatemala City.

You will explore the vast complex of temples at Tikal, perhaps Central America’s most atmospheric ruined Mayan city, its haunting pyramids shrouded in exotic bird and monkey-filled jungle. Explore arty, volcano-framed Antigua, one of the continent’s most beautiful Spanish colonial cities, and a wonderfully relaxing base for a couple of days. Move into the western highlands, the heartland of the Maya to this day, where tradition and ritual survives in the vibrant market towns and villages of the Quetzaltenango basin. Experience the Friday market at San Francisco El Alto, among the largest and most authentic in the country, where the Maya arrive from surrounding communities to trade and barter. Finally it’s time to unwind in the spiritual surroundings of Lake Atitlán, fringed by volcanoes, visiting traditional villages, each with their unique dress code of handcrafted, intricate textiles.

Our holiday is timed to begin on a Saturday in order to coincide with market days in the highlands, which fall on specific days of the week. However, our Travel Experts know Guatemala well and can tweak or extended the itinerary according to your wishes and interests.