Guatemala
MAYAN CULTURE: Jaguar Pyramid and other ruins
Guatemala is Central America in miniature. Bordered by Mexico, Belize and Honduras, Guatemala has everything from ruins to rainforests and colonial churches to Indian markets.
Antigua, the original capital, is set in the midst of three volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango and a wonderful town of colonial tranquillity and Mayan colour. Aldous Huxley once described Lake Atitlan as the ‘most beautiful lake in the world’. Here you will enjoy the peace and serenity of the landscape whilst exploring Mayan villages and religious mysteries. Chichicastenango’s vibrant market is the best place to shop for arts and crafts and is a photographer’s paradise. Journey further north to discover Mayan ruins hidden amongst the dense jungle. At Tikal, explore monumental pyramids peaking out over the tropical canopy. Guatemala and Belize together offer relaxation, adventure, romantic honeymoons or family holidays. There really is something for everyone.
Flights & Facts:
Fly to: Guatemala City - daily via Miami.
Flying Time: Guatemala - 12hrs; Belize 12hrs 30 mins.
Time Difference: GMT -6hrs
Visas: Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements: Yellow fever if arriving from an infected area
Best time to travel: Nov - Apr.
Weather:
Guatemala’s rainy season runs from May to October, and the dry season from November to April. The climate also varies according to altitude. The low-lying jungle areas such as El Peten are generally hot and sticky, in contrast to the highlands which are pleasantly warm during the day but can be very cool at night. Belize is hot and humid throughout the year but also has distinct seasons. The wet season runs from mid-May to November and the dry season from February to April. In between, temperatures are at their coolest.
A&K Recommends
-
Central and South America | Guatemala
Duration: 10 days
Antigua (3 nts) - Lake Atitlan (2 nts) - Tikal (3 nts) - Guatemala City (1 nt)
• Colourful markets and villages
• Colonial city of Antigua
• Beautiful volcanoes and lakes
• Wonderful archaeological sites
Active | Culture
from £2,085 per person
-
Central and South America | Guatemala
Duration: 13 days
Antigua (2 nts) - Tikal (1nt) - Mountain Pine Ridge (3 nts) - Chan Chich (2 nts) - Ambergris Caye (4 nts)
• UNESCO Site of Antigua
• Private charter flights
• Mayan ruins of Tikal and Caracol
• Wonderful rain and pine forest
• The world’s second largest barrier reef
Culture | Wildlife
from £2,975 per person
-
Central and South America | Guatemala
12 rooms
Casa Palopó is a beautiful hotel terraced into the hillside overlooking Lake Atitlan. Named after the nearby village, it offers Guatemalan décor and alfresco dining. Here your days are spent ...
from £78 per person per night
-
Central and South America | Guatemala | Antigua
25 rooms
Mesón Panza Verde is a short walk from Antigua’s main plaza. The inn has 12 rooms and is ‘quintessential’ Antigua with an inviting central courtyard. A rooftop terrace offers views ...
from £45 per person per night
-
Central and South America | Guatemala | Antigua
9 rooms
Casa Encantada is a boutique hotel, centrally located in colonial Antigua. The hotel offers nine rooms Antiguan in décor, a rooftop terrace and plunge pool. Throughout the hotel framed huipiles ...
from £45 per person per night
-
Central and South America | Guatemala | Tikal
10 rooms
La Lancha lies on the shores of Lake Peten Itza and forms part of Francis Ford Coppola’s hotel collection. It is the perfect base from which to explore Tikal and ...
from £49 per person per night
-
Central and South America | Guatemala
Duration: 1 day
Enjoy one of the finest archaeological sites in Latin America. Accessible by private 40-minute charter flight, Copan in Honduras is an easy day excursion from Antigua. It displays a wealth ...
• Renowned archaeologist guide
• Intricate stone carvings
• Fascinating Maya site
Culture
from £299 per person