About this trip
Seven days through the Guatemalan Highlands, starting and finishing in Antigua, with plenty of time to take in the country's mix of colonial towns, volcanoes and Mayan tradition.
You'll see the shamanic ceremonies around San Simon and Maximon, wander Chichicastenango's market, and travel by chicken bus and boat as part of getting around rather than just as sightseeing extras.
There's downtime on the shores of Lake Atitlan too, with views of volcanoes and Spanish colonial architecture, and the option to dig into Mayan culture further with a cooking class.
What you'll do
- Visit the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon
- Browse the stalls at Chichicastenango market
- Ride a traditional chicken bus
- Take a boat to the shrine of Maximon and meet the shamans who guard it
- Spend time on the shores of Lake Atitlan with volcano views
- Optional Mayan cooking class
- Expect heat and humidity — carry water and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours
- Leaders bridge language gaps, but knowing a few Spanish words helps with meeting locals along the way
Worth it if you value cultural depth and excellent guides. Think twice if you want packed itineraries or premium comfort.
- Tour guides (notably Isaias) are genuinely knowledgeable, friendly, and deeply accommodating throughout.
- Hotels in Antigua centrally located; most overnights excellent quality except Antigua properties themselves.
- Minibus cramped and uncomfortable; pace feels slow with insufficient city exploration or activities.
- Quetzaltenango gets disproportionate time; Panajachel would benefit from longer stay allocation.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Jul is cheapest — from £546, about 59% below the priciest month (Jan).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Antigua · 29 Jul – 30 Jul
Booked on their own sites, separate from your tour. We may earn a commission — it never changes your price.
Sort the essentials
Partner offersWe may earn a commission from partner offers. It never changes your price or our ranking.
More trips like this
Ranked on real fit — in case this one isn't quite yours.
Booked with the operator via TourRadar · we may earn a commission.
Want longer in Guatemala?
Working holidays, volunteering & more — £50 off with code 18TO35TRAVEL.
Powered by Global Work & Travel · we may earn a commission on bookings.