Guatemala
Be inspired and make a round trip through Guatemala, completely custom made.
An independent tour of Guatemala means a journey through a country full of culture and nature. First, discover the fascinating secrets of the Maya and the historic cities. Next, get to know the colorful ethnic groups and authentic villages. Experience pristine nature with vast lakes, mystical cloud forests, active volcanoes, and tropical rainforests. Also, climb a volcano, trek to the Mayan city of El Mirador, and finally spend the night in the most unique places. Discover the most authentic country in Latin America!
Why go on a round trip through Guatemala?
Unique culture
Active volcanoes
Colorful markets
Vast lakes
Authentic villages
Classic Mayan cities
Pristine rainforests
Photo impression of our round trips through Guatemala
Areas in our trips through Guatemala
Guatemala boasts an ancient culture with colonial cities, authentic villages, colorful ethnic groups, and Mayan cities. In addition to that, the country has pristine nature with vast lakes and active volcanoes. Furthermore, you can spot countless bird species in the cloudforests and rainforests. Below is an explanation of a number of areas you can discover during our independent tours through Guatemala, among others.
Antigua
Antigua is often the starting point for any individual tour of Guatemala. After all, this city is located just 45 minutes from the capital, Guatemala City. Antigua is a colorful and colonial city with many sights. First, stroll through the cobblestone streets past atmospheric squares, colorful buildings, Baroque churches, and centuries-old ruins. Also, see Antigua’s most photographed landmark, the Arco de Santa Catalina. Additionally, enjoy the view of the city and the nearby Agua volcano from the Cerro de la Cruz. Climb the Pacaya and Acatenango volcanoes and visit the local (souvenir) market, and take a tour of a local coffee plantation.
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The crater lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters and is surrounded by active volcanoes and small villages. First of all, it is highly recommended to take a boat trip across the lake with a local guide and visit the surrounding villages. This allows you to learn more about the cultures and traditions of each village and its inhabitants. Every village is known for something, such as art, coffee, or weaving. Secondly, it is also incredibly fun to engage in an activity in nature, such as kayaking on the lake, horseback riding over the hills or climbing a volcano. In short, Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful places during your independent tour of Guatemala.
Chichicastenango
The village of Chichicastenango is known for the largest market in Central America. Chichicastenango, also abbreviated as ‘Chichi’, is an important trading post and meeting place for the Maya. First of all, you will find the weekly market there, which takes place every Sunday and Thursday. Take a look at the Santo Tomas church, where you can see traders displaying their crafts, incense being burned, and food being offered to the Mayan god of the Earth. Additionally, it is the ideal place to buy souvenirs! During our independent tours of Guatemala, you often visit the village on the route from Antigua to Lake Atitlán (or vice versa, of course).
Tikal
Tikal is a Mayan city in northern Guatemala. It was once one of the largest Mayan cities in the world. It is remarkable that the entire city lies hidden in the pristine rainforest. In addition to the many ruins and temples, you will often see howler monkeys swinging through the trees and coatis walking along the paths. Many ruins tower above the rainforest. Tikal should certainly not be missed during a tour of Guatemala.
Tip! Book a tour that takes you to the park at sunrise, before the crowds arrive. Enjoy the sounds of the rainforest from one of the highest tempels in the park.
Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is a nature reserve in the green valley of Alta Verapaz. The reserve is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Guatemala. The nature reserve is known for its azure blue pools. The pools flow downwards and merge into one another. The water flows into the Cahabón River. You can swim at the pools and enjoy nature. You also have a beautiful view from the viewpoint.
Rio Dulce/Livingston
Would you like to experience the Caribbean atmosphere of Guatemala? Discover the surroundings of Rio Dulce and the Caribbean village of Livingston. Take a boat trip along the river and enjoy the pristine nature. Livingston is, after all, only accessible by boat. Here you can get to know the Garifuna people and the local culture. Hike to the waterfalls and relax wonderfully at Playa Blanca. In short, the Garifuna people, the music, the cuisine, and the culture make the village definitely worth a visit.
Other areas in our round trips through Guatemala
Of course, Guatemala has much more to offer. This is what makes an independent tour of Guatemala so varied and special. Are you curious about the special and unique places? Naturally, we have visited all the places ourselves and have good local contacts. Unico Travel is happy to advise you on the most beautiful areas and accommodations to stay in. Please contact us or request a travel proposal.
Reasons to take a tour of Guatemala
1. Colonial Antigua
Antigua is the ideal place to start your independent tour of Guatemala. The city is located just a short distance from the capital, Guatemala City. Stroll through the cobblestone streets past colorful houses, churches, ruins, and parks. Also, discover the local markets and dine in one of the many atmospheric restaurants. Additionally, Antigua is the ideal base for doing excursions in the surrounding area. From Antigua, for example, you can visit a magnificent bird area and climb volcanoes, as well as visit indigenous villages, and much more.
2. Unique natural phenomena
A unique natural phenomenon in Guatemala is, for example, Semuc Champey, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Guatemala. During the tour, discover the turquoise pools located in the middle of the pristine rainforest. Hike to the viewpoint and enjoy magnificant sight. You can even swim in the caves there.
3. Lake Atitlan
One of the most beautiful places on your independent tour of Guatemala is Lake Atitlán. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, each with its own traditions and customs. During a tour with Unico Travel, you will first take a boat tour across the vast lake with panoramic views. Next, together with a private guide, you will discover the surrounding villages, such as San Juan La Laguna, San Marcos, and Santiago. You will spend the night in a luxurious hotel near the village of Panajachel. Take a kayak trip and enjoy the view of the volcanoes. Additionally, learn more about Guatemala’s culture in the surrounding villages and get to know the local people.
4. Climbing volcanoes
Guatemala boasts no fewer than 37 volcanoes, some of which are still active. You can climb a number of volcanoes, such as the Acatenango, Santa Maria, Pacaya, San Pedro, and Chicabal. The most accessible volcano to climb is the Pacaya volcano. Unico Travel can arrange a guide for you to climb this volcano together. In short, a unique experience!
5. Guatemalan cuisine
Discover the local cuisine. Food in Guatemala consists mainly of corn and beans. Breakfast often consists of tortillas, fried plantains, and eggs. For lunch, people often eat rice or potatoes and meat or chicken and some vegetables. Dinner is virtually the same. It is mainly the snacks that are very tasty. For instance, you can buy small bites at markets and stalls, such as hot corn on the cob, tacos, and tamales (stuffed corn snacks wrapped in corn husks).
With Unico Travel on a round trip to Guatemala
We would love to put together your dream journey to Guateamala. At Unico Travel, you always stay in unique locations and in charming, small-scale hotels. Before you receive a tailor-made itinerary us, we prefer to speak with you personally. That way, we know exactly which places and accommodations suit you best. Are you interested in travelling to Guatemala? Contact us!