
11 days / 10 Nights
Guatemala Luxury Archaeological and Cultural Expedition
$ 9,699 / person

WeTravel
From Antigua’s courtyards to Lake Atitlán’s villages and the jungle temples of Yaxhá and Tikal, experience Guatemala with time to understand—sunrise at Tikal, private boat crossings, and Pacaya’s volcanic landscapes—while every transition is handled seamlessly.


At a Glance
Price & Deposit
From $9,699 per person (double occupancy)
Deposit: $1,500 per person
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Start / End
Guatemala City, Guatemala (La Aurora International Airport)
Best Season
May–October (green season)
Group Size
Minimum 2, maximum 12 guests
Activity Level
Moderate (includes walking tours, archaeological sites, and a volcano hike)
Important Note
Because we use carefully selected boutique hotels and limit group size, space fills quickly. We recommend securing your preferred departure early to avoid disappointment.
Reasons to Act Now This is a small group Guatemala luxury tour with limited space at boutique properties such as El Convento and Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge, which regularly fill in advance. If you have preferred dates, room types, or are coordinating travel with others, we strongly recommend you Check Availability now to secure your place.
Guatemala Expedition Tour Description
Watch the first light rise over the jungle canopy from Temple IV in Tikal, cross Lake Atitlán by private boat as volcanoes frame the horizon, and walk through active Maya communities where traditions are lived, not displayed. This is Guatemala experienced with depth, access, and clarity.
Guatemala reveals itself in layers—Maya civilization, indigenous identity, and Spanish colonial history—set within landscapes shaped by volcanoes, highland lakes, and rainforest. This expedition is designed to connect those layers in a way that makes sense, so each place builds on the next.
In Antigua, you begin with architectural and historical context, followed by a hands-on culinary experience that connects you directly with contemporary local life. At Lake Atitlán, private boat travel links you to highland communities such as San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, where textile traditions, natural dyes, and active spiritual practices reflect a living Maya culture.
The journey then moves north to Petén, where archaeology and environment become inseparable. At Yaxhá, temples rise above forest and water in a quieter, more immersive setting. At Tikal, a pre-dawn ascent reveals the scale of the ancient city before a full day of guided exploration across pyramids, causeways, and ceremonial plazas.
Throughout the journey, geography remains part of the experience—from the Pacaya Volcano to the waterways of Lake Petén Itzá and the Santa Bárbara Museum. Designed with NPE’s balanced pacing, the result is a Guatemala expedition that prioritizes understanding, comfort, and seamless execution.
Why Choose This Guatemala Expedition

Signature NPE Pacing That Lets You Go Deeper
You spend meaningful time in each destination so you can fully understand what you are seeing instead of rushing from site to site. The result is deeper insight, less travel fatigue, and a journey that feels both intellectually rewarding and genuinely comfortable.

Archaeology With Real Context, Not Just Photo Stops
You gain a clear understanding of the Maya world through expert interpretation that explains how cities were planned, what architecture meant, and why these places mattered. Instead of simply seeing impressive ruins, you leave with real knowledge and context.

Culture You Meet Up Close
You connect directly with local families and artisans, gaining insight into traditions that are still part of daily life. These are not staged visits, but meaningful interactions that help you understand Guatemala’s living culture from the inside.

Landscapes That Explain the Story
You experience Guatemala’s landscapes as part of the journey, not just the backdrop. From volcanic terrain to rainforest waterways, each environment helps explain the history, culture, and geography of the region in a way that connects the entire itinerary.

Boutique Accommodations in Places That Matter
You stay in carefully selected hotels that combine comfort with location, so you remain close to the experiences that define the journey. This reduces unnecessary travel time and allows you to stay immersed throughout the expedition.
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Who This Journey Is For
This Guatemala luxury expedition is designed for travelers who value depth over speed and substance over surface-level touring. It is ideal for guests seeking a well-led, small group Guatemala tour with meaningful cultural context, strong guiding, and seamless logistics. You will appreciate this journey if you are drawn to Maya archaeology, indigenous highland communities, colonial history, and landscapes that range from volcanoes to rainforest, and if you prefer a balanced pace with boutique accommodations and private transfers throughout.
Who This Journey Is Not For
This expedition is not designed for travelers seeking budget travel, large bus groups, nightlife-focused experiences, or a fast-paced itinerary that prioritizes volume over understanding. The program includes walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites and a moderate hike on Pacaya Volcano, so it is not suited for those requiring a fully sedentary itinerary.
Why Choose New Paths Expeditions
Experienced Leadership and Strong Local Partnerships
You travel with experienced NPE Master Guides and expert local guides, supported by strong local partnerships that help deliver cultural exploration, archaeological visits, and meaningful access throughout the journey.
Seamless Logistics, So You Can Stay Present
All ground transportation, airport transfers, and on-the-ground coordination are arranged so you can focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics.
Signature NPE Pacing
This itinerary is designed with a balanced rhythm that allows time to understand each destination instead of rushing through it, creating a more rewarding and comfortable experience.
Access That Goes Beyond the Surface
From private boat crossings on Lake Atitlán to carefully arranged cultural encounters and site access, the program is built to provide meaningful, well-coordinated experiences rather than standard visits.
Thoughtful Preparation for Confident Travel
Before you depart, NPE provides guidance on what clothing and gear will make your travel through Guatemala comfortable, along with practical support for flights, timing, and on-the-ground details.
Dedicated Personal Support From Start to Finish
From your first inquiry to your return home, your Expedition Advisor supports every step, helping you prepare, coordinate details, and travel with confidence.
Testimonials
Linda M.
This Guatemala expedition exceeded my expectations. The pacing was thoughtful from the start, especially the time in Antigua before moving toward Lake Atitlán…
Robert K.
Tikal alone would have been worth the journey, but this expedition offered so much more. The boutique hotels were excellent and the guiding at Yaxhá was outstanding…
Susan L.
Lake Atitlán was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The boat crossings, village visits, and volcano views made it unforgettable…
James T.
What impressed me most was the organization behind the scenes. The internal flight, transfers, and site timing were clearly well planned, and Tikal at sunrise was unforgettable…
Patricia D.
Antigua was the perfect introduction. The architecture, history, and relaxed walking pace allowed us to ease into the journey, and each region added a deeper layer of understanding…
Michael R.
One of the most complete programs I’ve experienced in Latin America. Mayan archaeology, colonial history, indigenous culture, and natural beauty in perfect balance…
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Want More Details About This Trip?
Your Free Guatemala Expedition Guide
Download your complimentary Guatemala Expedition Guide with the full 11 day itinerary, practical planning notes, accommodation details, and deeper insight into Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Yaxhá, and Tikal. Created for thoughtful travelers, it helps you evaluate pace, activity level, logistics, and overall fit before you reserve.
- Day by Day Itinerary Overview
- Boutique Hotels and Regional Routing
- Archaeological Highlights at Yaxhá and Tikal
- Practical Notes on Flights, Timing, and Activity Level
Free PDF · Instant download · Shareable · No spam ever

Itinerary
Getting There
Your expedition package does not include international flights. You should arrive in Guatemala City before 2 pm on Day 1, with your room available from 2 pm that day. If you plan to arrive earlier or require early check-in, your Expedition Advisor can assist with additional hotel nights at group rates, subject to availability. One domestic flight within Guatemala is required as outlined below and will be secured by NPE once your reservation is confirmed. Please note that domestic airfare is non-refundable once issued.
- Day1

Welcome to Guatemala and Transfer to Antigua
Upon arrival, meet an NPE representative and transfer by private vehicle to Antigua. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey.
Overnight: El Convento Boutique Hotel.
- Day2

Antigua Walking Tour and Community Cooking Class
After breakfast, enjoy a privately guided walking tour of Antigua with historical and cultural context throughout, then lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel to San Miguel Escobar for an hands on cooking experience with a local Guatemalan family, where you learn traditional techniques, prepare a regional dish, and share dinner together.
Overnight: El Convento Boutique Hotel.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day3

Pacaya Volcano Hike
After breakfast, drive to Pacaya National Park and begin a moderate hike through farmlands and pine forest, ascending to lava flows with wide views over the highlands. Enjoy a freshly prepared artisanal pizza lunch with views of the crater before hiking back down. Return to Antigua in the afternoon for relaxation, followed by dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant.
Overnight: El Convento Boutique Hotel.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day4

Iximché Visit and Transfer to Lake Atitlán
After breakfast, depart Antigua on a private transfer toward the Guatemalan highlands, stopping at Cerro de la Cruz for a final panoramic view of the city, before continuing on your scenic journey to Lake Atitlán (approximately 3 hours). En route, visit the Iximché Archaeological Site, once the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom, where you walk among ceremonial plazas and temples as your guide explains the site’s history and spiritual significance. After lunch, continue to Lake Atitlán and check in at your lakeside hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Atitlán.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day5

San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán Village Visit
This morning, board a private boat to San Juan La Laguna, known for vibrant murals, local galleries, and handwoven textiles dyed with natural colors, where you meet artisans and learn about traditional weaving and dyeing. Continue by boat to Santiago Atitlán to visit the shrine of Maximón and gain insight into Tz’utujil Maya culture that remains present in daily life and spiritual practice. After lunch, return to your hotel for a relaxed evening on the lake.
Overnight: Hotel Atitlán.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day6

Chichicastenango Market and Transfer to Guatemala City
Depart Lake Atitlán for Guatemala City, stopping in Chichicastenango to explore one of the most colorful indigenous markets in the Americas. Visit Santo Tomás Church, where Mayan and Catholic traditions intersect and ceremonial rituals may be observed, then continue to Guatemala City for dinner and rest.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Guatemala City.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day7

Flight to Flores, Lake Petén Itzá Boat Tour, and Santa Bárbara Museum Visit
Transfer to Guatemala City Airport for your domestic flight to Flores. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge in Petén, then take a private boat tour on Lake Petén Itzá, visiting Santa Bárbara Island and its archaeological museum, which houses more than 5,700 Maya artifacts from the Preclassic, Classic, and Late Classic periods.
Overnight: Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day8

Yaxhá Full Day Tour
Travel to Yaxhá, a major ceremonial center in northeastern Petén and one of Guatemala’s most remarkable yet lesser visited Maya sites, with more than 500 structures, including 40 stelae, 13 altars, and 9 pyramids. Explore the site with expert interpretation, enjoy lunch during the visit, then return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day9

Sunrise at Tikal and Full Day Exploration
Rise before dawn for a Tikal sunrise experience. Walk through dense jungle to climb Temple IV and watch the sun emerge over the misty canopy. After sunrise, enjoy a boxed breakfast on site, then continue with a full day guided exploration of temple complexes, pyramids, and ceremonial plazas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with opportunities to observe wildlife such as parrots, macaws, toucans, and monkeys. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant deep in the jungle before returning to your lodge. Dinner is accompanied by a traditional marimba performance at the lodge.
Overnight: Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge.
(B)
(L)
(D)
- Day10

Flight to Guatemala City and Popol Vuh Museum Visit
After breakfast, transfer to Flores airport for your domestic flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, meet your private driver for transfer to your next destination. Enjoy an early lunch at a nearby restaurant before visiting the Popol Vuh Museum, one of Guatemala’s most prestigious cultural institutions, named after the Maya sacred text and featuring a significant collection of pre Columbian artifacts. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Guatemala City.
(B)
(L)
- Day11

Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Guatemala City Airport for your international flight home.
(B)
Important Note
With decades of experience and strong local partnerships, we have carefully designed this itinerary to maximize cultural immersion, historical exploration, and meaningful encounters with Guatemala’s landscapes, while ensuring excellent accommodations. However, unpredictable circumstances such as weather, flight delays or cancellations, labor strikes, road conditions, traffic, hotel overbookings, and other unforeseen factors may require adjustments while on site. Expedition guides, accommodations, and activities may change without prior notice due to circumstances beyond our control. No refunds will be provided for program changes beyond the control of New Paths Expeditions.
Guatemala Expedition Map

Want More Details About This Trip?
Your Free Guatemala Expedition Guide
Download your complimentary Guatemala Expedition Guide with the full 11 day itinerary, practical planning notes, accommodation details, and deeper insight into Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Yaxhá, and Tikal. Created for thoughtful travelers, it helps you evaluate pace, activity level, logistics, and overall fit before you reserve.
- Day by Day Itinerary Overview
- Boutique Hotels and Regional Routing
- Archaeological Highlights at Yaxhá and Tikal
- Practical Notes on Flights, Timing, and Activity Level
Free PDF · Instant download · Shareable · No spam ever

What’s Included
- Pre-Departure Support: Dedicated NPE team and complete expedition materials to help you prepare with confidence before departure.
- Accommodations: 10 nights as noted in the itinerary, including El Convento Boutique Hotel (Antigua), Hotel Atitlán (Lake Atitlán), Hyatt Centric Guatemala City, and Las Lagunas Luxury Lodge (Petén), selected for both comfort and proximity to key experiences.
- Meals: Meals as noted (B, L, D), including lunches and dinners at carefully selected local restaurants that reflect regional cuisine.
- Transport: All ground transportation, including airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days, and private vehicles for touring throughout the program.
- Flights (Domestic): One domestic flight within Guatemala is required. NPE arranges and secures this flight to ensure smooth logistics. The cost is billed separately once ticketed and is non refundable per airline policy.
- Guiding and Leadership: Services of experienced NPE Senior Leaders throughout the expedition, along with English speaking local guides.
- Sightseeing and Entrance Fees: All sightseeing, entrance fees, excursions, and visits as outlined in the itinerary.
- Support Services: Full on the ground support, including drivers, transfer assistance, and local staff, plus gratuities for luggage porters, transfer assistants, and restaurant staff at included meals.
- Water: Bottled water during included meals, transfers, and guided tours.
What’s Not Included
- International Flights: Airfare to and from Guatemala City.
- Passport and Visa Fees: Any required passport renewal or related documentation costs.
- Excess Baggage Charges: Fees imposed by airlines for additional or overweight luggage.
- Gratuities (Guides and Drivers): Tips for local guides, local naturalists, and drivers are not included and are at your discretion.
- Personal Expenses: Items such as laundry, telephone calls, email access, minibar charges, and other incidentals.
- Travel Insurance: Trip cancellation, travel delay, baggage loss, and medical or evacuation insurance.
- Unforeseen Expenses: Costs resulting from delays or changes beyond the control of New Paths Expeditions.
Book With Confidence
Deposits and Payments
A $1,500 per person deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining balance is due 120 days before departure. One domestic flight is required and arranged by NPE; it is billed separately once ticketed and is non refundable per airline policy.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email. Charges are based on the date of receipt:
- 121+ days before departure: $1,000 cancellation fee, plus any non refundable domestic ticket cost if issued
- 119–91 days before departure: 50% of the expedition cost, plus issued domestic ticket cost
- 90 days or fewer before departure: No refund
If We Cancel
If New Paths Expeditions cancels the journey due to low participation or extraordinary conditions, all monies paid to NPE are refunded in full. NPE is not responsible for other expenses, including non refundable airline tickets.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, including trip cancellation, interruption, baggage, medical coverage, evacuation, and repatriation. An Expedition Advisor can provide guidance on appropriate coverage.
Personal Care Throughout
From the moment you inquire until you return home, your Expedition Advisor supports your planning and preparation. You will receive detailed pre-departure guidance to ensure you feel fully prepared and confident before departure.
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Recognized for Regenerative Travel Leadership
Our focus on sustainability and regenerative travel led Forbes to publish a full feature on our efforts. At NPE, every expedition is designed to make a lasting impact: protecting species and ecosystems, supporting local communities and archaeological research, training future guides, and ensuring the places we explore truly thrive.
By traveling with New Paths Expeditions, you become part of this mission—helping us leave every destination better than we found it.
Want More Details About This Trip?
Your Free Guatemala Expedition Guide
Download your complimentary Guatemala Expedition Guide with the full 11 day itinerary, practical planning notes, accommodation details, and deeper insight into Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Yaxhá, and Tikal. Created for thoughtful travelers, it helps you evaluate pace, activity level, logistics, and overall fit before you reserve.
- Day by Day Itinerary Overview
- Boutique Hotels and Regional Routing
- Archaeological Highlights at Yaxhá and Tikal
- Practical Notes on Flights, Timing, and Activity Level
Free PDF · Instant download · Shareable · No spam ever

Frequently Asked Questions
Planning and Availability
How do I Check Availability for this Guatemala luxury tour?
How far in advance should I reserve?
What is the group size?
Is there a single supplement?
Can I travel privately instead of in a group?
Flights, Arrival, and Timing
Are international flights included?
What time should I arrive in Guatemala City on Day 1?
Which airport do I use?
Is airport assistance provided?
Is the domestic flight included in the tour price?
Do you recommend arriving a day early?
Hotels, Comfort, and Logistics
Which accommodations are used?
Can hotels change?
Is Wi-Fi available?
How much time is spent in each region?
What is the transportation like?
Meals and Dietary Needs
Which meals are included?
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Is bottled water provided?
Are gratuities included?
Archaeology, Culture, and Guiding
Which Maya and cultural sites are included?
Will we see sunrise at Tikal?
Will we have expert interpretation at the archaeological sites?
Is an archaeological expert included?
Is this more like a Guatemala cultural tour or an archaeological expedition?
Activity Level, Health, and Weather
How physically demanding is the expedition?
What should I pack?
What is the weather like in October?
What health precautions should I consider?
Passports, Money, and Practicalities
Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
What currency is used, and should I carry cash?
Are credit cards widely accepted?
What condition should my US dollars be in if I plan to exchange cash?
Safety, Support, and Next Steps
Who supports us on the ground?
What happens if the itinerary needs to change?
Who do I contact with questions about fit, timing, or logistics?
EXPEDITION PLANNING
Start Here
Download the complete expedition details or speak directly with your Expedition Advisor to shape this journey around your travel style.
or call 888-832-7280
Guatemala Luxury Archaeological & Cultural Expedition
From $9,699 i
Deposit: $1,500
Small-Groups or Private:
⏰ Limited Spots Available
⚠️ Popular Dates Filling Fast
Note: Our peak dates regularly sell out 9–12 months in advance, so book early to avoid disappointment
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Choose Your Departure
Guatemala Expedition Dates & Prices
Compare departure dates, pricing, and booking status for this small-group Guatemala expedition through Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Yaxhá, and Tikal.
Book with Confidence
One domestic flight is required during the program. It is arranged by New Paths Expeditions and billed separately once ticketed.
Domestic airline tickets become non-refundable once purchased and cannot be transferred to another participant. Cancellation Policy Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email.
121 days or more before departure: USD 1,000 cancellation fee, plus any non-refundable domestic ticket cost if already issued.
119–91 days before departure: 50% of the expedition cost, plus the cost of any domestic air tickets issued.
90 days or fewer before departure: no refund available. Payments & Final Balance Final balance is due 120 days before departure.
The expedition price is per person, based on double occupancy, in U.S. dollars.
International airfare is not included. Domestic air is arranged separately by New Paths Expeditions and billed once ticketed.
Plan Your Expedition
✨ Your Free Guatemala Expedition Guide
Your complimentary PDF includes the complete 11-day itinerary, detailed routing between Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Yaxhá, and Tikal, accommodation insights, and practical planning notes for travel in Guatemala.
Group size is intentionally limited to maintain comfort and depth of experience. Domestic flights and boutique properties have restricted capacity. Download your guide today and evaluate the pace, activity level, and overall fit with confidence. Your privacy is always respected.

Make It Private
Tell us your preferred dates and who’s traveling. We’ll craft a private version of this expedition, same pacing, same experts, tailored to you.
- 📅 Flexible start & end dates
- 👥 Couples, families & friends
- ⭐ Same quality, private pace
- ✅ No obligation
- ✅ Expert advice
- ✅ Your privacy respected


