6 Day itinerary in Guatemala, Central America & Caribbean
Embark on an unforgettable Guatemalan adventure exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal and the natural wonder of Semuc Champey. Dive into rich cultural experiences and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes. From hiking through lush jungles to discovering hidden waterfalls, this tour offers... Read More
By Bamba Travel Inc
Physical Difficulty
Recommended Age
Operated in
GUIDANCE
starting point
trip type
trip attributes
Cultural
Start/End
Night
Hike up the active Pacaya volcano
Experience Semuc Champey
Visit ancient Tikal ruins at dawn
Hike up the active Pacaya volcano
Experience Semuc Champey
Visit ancient Tikal ruins at dawn
Accommodation Categories
Day 1: Antigua - Lanquin, Guatemala
Antigua to Lanquin
Type: Shuttle
Times: 08:00
Duration: 8 hours
Transfer from Antigua to Lanquin
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Lanquin, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm
Day 2: Lanquin, Guatemala
Semuc Champey & Kanba Caves Tour
Departure Time: 09:00 hrs
Duration: 10 hrs
Take a hike through the mysterious caves of Kanba (activity at your own risk) which are filled with extraordinary limestone formations distributed among an endless stretch of different chambers (so far, the end of the cave system has not yet been discovered) housing a sharp pointed rock altar where ancient Maya once performed sacred rituals. The Maya people of Guatemala continue holding spiritual ceremonies here and believe that the cave is the "heart of heaven" where the secrets of many centuries are held.
Enjoy some free time to swim and go river tubing in the crystalline waters of Semuc Champey where there are natural pools filled with fresh mountain spring water above a 300-meter long limestone bridge. Flowing underneath the bridge is the Cahabón River where you will have time to swim in the cool waters in a beautiful natural surrounding immersed in native flora and fauna. At the end of the bridge you will visit waterfalls over 40-feet in height where the water from the pools rejoins the Cahabon River. The color of the water is constantly changing depending on factors such as the season, sun and rainfall, a characteristic of the national park that makes this place an idyllic and awe-inspiring setting to experience and take photographs.
Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm
Day 3: Lanquin - Flores, Guatemala
Lanquin to Flores
Type: Shuttle
Times: 08:00
Duration: 9 hours
Transfer from Lanquin to Flores
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Flores, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm
Day 4: Flores - Guatemala City, Guatemala
Tikal Early Morning Day Tour
Departure Time: 04:30, 06:00, 08:00 hrs
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Depart Flores at 4:30 am this morning for your early morning experience to Tikal archaeological site. Walk among giant pyramids towering over 200 feet at dawn to feel the magical vibration of Tikal and its historic splendor. Listen to the jungle sounds of exotic birds, monkeys and small mammals and feel the humid jungle air on your skin as the Maya inhabitants of this site felt it 2000 years ago. Immerse yourself in the jungle at dawn for an early morning tour through the archaeological site to experience the jungle come alive as it wakes up at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get in touch with nature and marvel at the majestic pyramids hidden away in the jungle.
This magical ancient city is teeming with native flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a jaguar walking leisurely through the park, although large numbers of visitors have caused the wildlife to move further into the jungle away from the noise. Howler monkeys here are famous for their loud growling sounds which may surprise you from a tree top overhead. Keep an eye out for colorful birds throughout the park such as toucan, parrots, eagles and quetzals.
Tucked away in the vast Peten Region that covers 222 square miles of lush jungle in the northwest corner of Guatemala lie the ruins of the most magnificent archaeological site and important Maya citadel in Mesoamerica. Tikal National Park, declared as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979, is the largest excavated archaeological site on the American continents and is one of the most important natural reserves of Central America.
It is known that Tikal, meaning “Place of Voices” in Maya, was one of the most powerful cities of their era covering more than 16 square kilometers and dominating other tribes in the surrounding region as well as interacting with neighboring cultures as far as Teotihuacan in the Valle de Mexico. The site was estimated to house between 10,000 - 90,000 inhabitants before being abruptly abandoned over 1000 years ago.
*If you prefer, you can purchase your entrance tickets at any Banrural bank in Flores the day before the tour to avoid waiting in line.
Flores to Guatemala City (Overnight)
Type: Bus
Times: 21:00
Duration: 8 hours
Transfer from Flores to Guatemala City
Day 5: Antigua, Guatemala
Pacaya Volcano Trek
Departure Time: 14:00 hrs
Duration: 8 hrs
Get up close and personal with an active volcano and brag to your friends about it. Hike up the Pacaya Volcano slope fo two hours and then trek onto dry lava that resembles a moon-like landscape. Look up to catch an eruption from the active volcano if you're lucky (depending on the activity of the volcano you may or may not see eruptions or lava). Take unforgettable photos in a landscape so surreal that you feel like you are walking on the moon. Admire the breathtaking landscape and views of neighbouring volcanoes peeking through the clouds around you. Take your time returning to the base of the mountain as you make your way down the slippery, muddy slopes. (Note: Horses can be rented for the trip up and back.)
We recommend wearing comfortable trekking shoes and bringing a flash light and a walking stick (or rent one for a few dollars from local kids before you start your hike). It gets dark and steep on the mountain if you are going up in the afternoon. If you are travelling during rainy season bring a raincoat or poncho... you will definitely need it! Bring bottled water for the trek and some extra cash to buy snacks afterwards or pack a few power bars in your day pack to take with you.
Guatemala City to Antigua
Type: Shuttle
Times: 11:00, 14:00
Duration: 1 hours
Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua
You will be picked up at your accommodation/meeting point for your shuttle transfer to Antigua, where you’ll be dropped off at your next accommodation/meeting point.
Accomodation Type: Hostel Dorm
Day 6: Antigua, Guatemala
Free Day - End of the Trip
Transport
Extras
Not Included
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