Guatemala: Tikal & Beyond
Group Tour
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Overview
Guatemala is one of Central America’s hidden gems, a country of incredible diversity, with a history and a culture to match. Lush and volcanic and steeped in Mayan lore, it is a rich mix of natural wonder, native tradition and colonial elegance, much of it as yet unspoiled by the trappings of modern tourism. This incredible adventure takes us deep into the central highlands, where we can soak up the graceful charms of Antigua, gaze out across the breath-taking volcanic landscapes around Lake ...
Guatemala is one of Central America’s hidden gems, a country of incredible diversity, with a history and a culture to match. Lush and volcanic and steeped in Mayan lore, it is a rich mix of natural wonder, native tradition and colonial elegance, much of it as yet unspoiled by the trappings of modern tourism. This incredible adventure takes us deep into the central highlands, where we can soak up the graceful charms of Antigua, gaze out across the breath-taking volcanic landscapes around Lake Atitlan and visit the traditional Mayan villages of the Ixil region. We'll climb peaks with breath-taking views, pick coffee with local farmers, swim beneath waterfalls and in hot water springs, visit a national orchid farm, journey by boat via majestic lakes and meandering mangrove channels to the remote Mayan site of Aguateca, before visiting the unique community of the Garifuna on the shores of the Caribbean.
This is a quintessential Wild Frontiers adventure, offering something for everyone, a journey filled with fascination and fun, where the ancient and the modern worlds come together before the slopes of a volcanic landscape as timeless and beautiful as any on earth. Beyond the ruins of Tikal the Mayan spirit lives on, in the villages and settlements that cling to Guatemala’s low lying plains and fertile mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a combination of minibuses and motorised boats to get around the country.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will predominantly be in comfortable and characterful hotels and eco-lodges. In remoter areas such as in the Ixil region and at Semuc Champey the accommodation is of a simpler nature but is considered to be the best available. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tours starts in Antigua
Day 1 Tours starts in Antigua
Our journey begins in the central highlands of Guatemala, in the beautiful colonial city of Antigua. Nestling in a lovely valley that lies within the dominating embrace of three spectacular volcanoes: Agua (3766 m), Fuego (3763 m) and Acatenango (3976 m), the city is rightly considered one of the most graceful and picturesque in the Americas, despite suffering a series of devastating earthquakes during the 16th and 18th centuries. Founded by Spanish Conquistadors in 1543, the city today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of some note, its rich mix of Mayan and Spanish customs and traditions still permeating every aspect of Antiguan life.
Day 2 Antigua
Day 2 Antigua
A walking tour of the city affords an opportunity to explore something of its historical core in some depth. We will visit a number of its ruined churches and convents, including Iglesia San Francisco and Las Capuchinas. Our aim is to keep this day’s activities as flexible as possible, allowing you sufficient time to discover this wonderful city for yourself.
Day 3 Antigua
Day 3 Antigua
Guatemalan coffee is considered to be amongst the finest in the world, and this morning we will take a tour of one of the region’s small, independent coffee producers. Supported by a number of organisations that promote environmentally responsible agriculture, the tour affords a chance to see up close how the small coffee farmers go about their daily business. We will be able to see how the coffee is picked and washed, graded and then roasted over open fires, before being hand ground on a traditional grindstone. After lunch with the local farmers we’ll return to Antigua for some free-time ahead of dinner together.
Day 4 Antigua - Lake Atitlan
Day 4 Antigua - Lake Atitlan
Today we journey to the spectacular shores of Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America and considered by many one of the most beautiful in the Americas. An old caldera, the lake’s volcanic origins are still very much in evidence, the deep escarpments that surround it still being sprinkled with volcanic peaks that attest to its violent beginnings. Heading down to Lake Atitlan we then gaze upon a setting that Aldous Huxley once described as ‘...really too much of a good thing’. Covering over 130 square kilometres, the lake’s fertile shores are dotted with farms producing coffee and corn, avocados and strawberries, whilst the villages that blanket the basin still retain the deep seated traditions of their Mayan heritage. We continue to the village of Santa Catarina Palopó later this afternoon, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 5 Lake Atitlan
Day 5 Lake Atitlan
This morning we’ll take to the waters of Lake Atitlan, journeying across to the village of San Juan by boat. Our first port of call will be the Cerro de la Cruz lookout point to enjoy the views from above. This is a moderate walk of approximately 25 minutes. Returning to the village, we'll learn about a number of trades – including honey and cacao production. Famed for the traditional intricate textiles they produce using organic dyes, we’ll also visit a local textile cooperative to witness the weaving process first-hand. After visiting an art gallery bursting with colour, you’ll have some time for independent exploration. We’ll then hop back on the boat to the larger town of Santiago to visit Cofradía Maximón, a traditional Mayan deity, and the impressive St James the Apostle Church. There’ll also be a Tuk Tuk or two to help us along our way, a popular way to get around in this part of the world!
Day 6 Lake Atitlan - Nebaj
Day 6 Lake Atitlan - Nebaj
Today we continue by bus to the highland town of Chichicastenango, taking us up through a landscape of traditional Mayan villages that presents a rural setting that seems as timeless as the surrounding mountains. Chichicastenango is famed for its market and upon arrival there will be ample time to explore its dazzling array of colourful stalls, perhaps allowing us to pick up a bargain or two before we leave. There is an opportunity for those interested to take a stroll up to the 400-year-old Church of St Tomás. Built on top of a pre-Columbian temple, the church is steeped in a fascinating mix of Mayan and Catholic traditions. Here the scent of burning incense is often combined with the ritual slaughter of chickens as the gods of both religions are appeased. Departing the town after lunch we then head into the Quiche Province, home to the largest Mayan population still left in Guatemala.
Day 7 Nebaj
Day 7 Nebaj
Isolated amongst the high landscapes of the Cuchumatanese Mountains, the small towns of Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul make up the Ixil region. As scenic as it is traditional, the area is the heartland of the Ixil people, whose language and culture still cling to the steep, lush hills, untainted by the influences of the outside world. The tranquillity of the setting and the friendly nature of the people belie a history that is steeped in blood. Brutalized during the Spanish conquests and scene of some of the worst human rights abuses witnessed during the civil war of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the area today is amongst some of the most visually and culturally fascinating regions in the country. The people in this region are traditionally farmers and weavers by trade and the intricate complexity of their clothing (especially the women’s huiplies) present a rich cacophony of geometric shapes and brilliant colours.
Day 8 Nebaj - Lanquin
Day 8 Nebaj - Lanquin
After breakfast this morning we leave the mountains of Quiche behind and head east towards the city of Coban via the Uspantan road. This is an adventurous route - taking us into a region that is remarkably rich in flora and fauna and at the centre of one of the country’s major coffee-and cardamom-growing areas. Founded by Dominican friars in 1543 and declared an imperial city by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, Coban was developed by German coffee growers during the latter years of the 19th century. Surrounded by mountains, cave systems and lush forests, Lanquin and the area around Coban is home to both the rare Quetzal and the Monja Blanca orchid, Guatemala’s national flower. We will have lunch in Coban and visit a local orchid sanctuary before heading on to our jungle lodge, which will be home for the next two nights. Total driving distance and time: 189km, approx. 5.5hrs.
Day 9 Lanquin
Day 9 Lanquin
We head this morning for the beautiful Semuc Champey, located in a steep-sided valley and surrounded by tropical rainforest. The site consists of a 300-metre limestone bridge which spans the River Cahabón. The bridge itself is riddled with natural pools of clear mountain spring water (in which you will not be able to resist taking a swim) which eventually rejoin the Cahabón by way of a 40ft waterfall that cascades over the edge of the bridge into the river below. Semuc Champey is a veritable haven of natural biodiversity, with over 90 species of birds, some 34 species of mammals and over 120 varieties of trees and shrubs in the area. An hour’s hike takes you up to a viewpoint giving you a bird’s eye view of the entire area.
Day 10 Lanquin - Sayaxche - Chiminos
Day 10 Lanquin - Sayaxche - Chiminos
This morning we head for the small town of Sayaxche on the Rio La Pasión. Located close to El Rosario National and founded as a logging encampment in 1874, the settlement is our gateway to the rustic splendours of the Chiminos Island Lodge. Located on a protected portion of the beautiful Petexbatún Lagoon, the lodge is only accessible by boat and the 1-2 hour journey (dependant on water levels) from Sayaxche takes us deep into the heart of the Peten rainforest. On arrival we will find a lush refuge awaiting us that is ideal for bird watchers, with parrots and hummingbirds in abundance. At dusk the haunting sounds of howler monkeys will be sure to contribute towards this magical experience. Total driving distance and time: 174km, approx. 6hrs.
Day 11 Chiminos - Sayaxche - Flores
Day 11 Chiminos - Sayaxche - Flores
This morning we pay a visit to the ancient Mayan site of Aguateca, a UNESCO Cultural and Natural Heritage site that is accessible only by boat. Dating back to the Late Classical Period of Mayan development, the ruins are amongst the best preserved in the country, spanning a period of power that lasted from 600 AD until 830 AD. Once the capital of the Dos Pila/Aguateca dynasty, the site sits atop a 90-metre limestone bluff overlooking the waters of the lagoon. Surrounded by a defensive wall that stretches for nearly 5 kilometres, the city nonetheless fell to invaders sometime during the 9th century, its centre being destroyed by fire and its city streets left strewn with valuables and artefacts. At its peak, the city was one of the most densely populated in the Mayan world and its rapid abandonment provided archaeologists with a fascinating insight into the life of a Mayan city. After our visit we will transfer back to the shore and resume our journey north, travelling up to the charming town of Flores, spectacularly located on an island in the middle of Lago Petén Itza.
Day 12 Flores - Tikal - Flores
Day 12 Flores - Tikal - Flores
We’ll have a leisurely start this morning and there may be some free time in Flores to explore something of its densely packed streets and colonial architecture. Ideal for exploring on foot, Flores is filled with narrow cobbled streets and interesting plazas, its red-roofed buildings adding to its enchanting appeal. Leaving Flores mid morning, we will visit the remarkable ruins of Tikal, set within the lush landscapes of the Parque Nacional Tikal. Considered by many to be the finest collection of Mayan ruins on earth, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site lies encased in a remote jungle setting. Abandoned over a thousand years ago, the city was once one of the largest and most powerful in the Mayan world, its temples and pyramids spreading across an area of over 16 square kilometres. Deserted since the end of the 9th century AD the city lay lost for centuries, before it was rediscovered in 1848 and its temple complexes again stood testimony to the incredible ingenuity of Mayan engineering. The site is still only partially excavated and the jungle trails that wind through the expansive plazas and past towering Mayan pyramids, enhanced by the choral accompaniment of howler monkeys and toucans, only add to its feeling of remoteness. The views from atop Temple 4 provide vistas that overlook the jungle canopy and stretch out as far as Mexico and Belize. We will watch the sunset from Mundo Perdido Temple before returning to Flores.
Day 13 Flores - Yaxha - Rio Dulce
Day 13 Flores - Yaxha - Rio Dulce
Today will be an early start as we drive to the amazing site of Yaxha. Although less well known that Tikal, the ruins at Yaxha are very impressive with over 500 structures, including temples and and a twin-pyramid complex. Climbing to the top of one of the restored temples will give us a truly amazing panorama of the surrounding jungle and the Yaxha and Sacnab lakes, and we'll spend a few hours here, before returning to Flores. After lunch we hit the road once more and head south towards the Rio Dulce which flows into the warm waters of the Caribbean. Meandering its way through the verdant landscapes of the Rio Dulce National Park the ‘Sweet River’, as it is known in Spanish, runs from Lake Izbal down to the coast and the glittering waters of the Bahia de Amatique. Total driving distance and time: 339km, approx. 7hrs.
Day 14 Rio Dulce - Livingston
Day 14 Rio Dulce - Livingston
This morning we have a very special visit to Ak' Tenamit, an association that supports the educational development of indigenous communities within the region. We will get a glimpse into the valuable work that Ak' Tenamit does within the hospitality sector specifically, meet some of the students and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared within their facilities. Early this afternoon, we'll travel by boat down to the settlement of Livingston at the mouth of the Rio Dulce. Once the country’s main Caribbean port (before it was replaced by Puerto Barrios), Livingston is the cultural heartland of the Garifuna people and indeed is the only settlement of Caribs in the entire country. Descended from the black slaves, who were brought to the Caribbean to work on the plantations, the Garifuna settled in the area towards the end of the 18th century and have retained many of their traditions, as well as their music and language. Proud of their culture, the Garifuna have created something of a unique cultural enclave in Livingston, more Caribbean in outlook than Latin American. Food and music are a big part of life here, with seafood and reggae being a big attraction for both the locals and visitors alike.
Day 15 Livingston - Quirigua - Guatemala City
Day 15 Livingston - Quirigua - Guatemala City
The end of our astonishing adventure sees us heading back to Guatemala City today, via the archaeological ruins of Quirigua. Lying along the Motagua River in the south-eastern part of the country, the ruins at Quirigua date back to the Maya Classic Period (AD 200-900) and once lay at the crossroads of a number of trade routes than ran between Guatemala and the ancient site of Copán in neighbouring Honduras. Culturally, this site offers a fitting end to our country-wide exploration of Mayan civilisation, with an array of extraordinary preserved and deciphered stelae, depicting watershed events in Mayan history. After the visit we will continue back to the Guatemalan capital’s zona viva for a farewell dinner in the heart of one of the city’s affluent centres, offering a chance to reflect on an incredible journey of priceless encounters. Total driving distance and time: 293km, approx. 6hrs.
Day 16 Tour ends in Guatemala City
Day 16 Tour ends in Guatemala City
After breakfast we will transfer to the airport in time to catch the group flight.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Villa Santa Catarina, Lake Atitlan
Set above the shores of Lake Atitlan, Villa Santa Catarina boasts a stunning location, leafy garden and modern amenities. The bursts of colour and beautiful textiles used throughout its 38 rooms draw inspiration from the nearby village, famous for its traditional costumes. The stylish rooms either offer views of the pool, Lake Atitlan or the surrounding mountains. There is a wonderful restaurant and bar on site, but with Panajachel town only a ten-minute drive away, there are also other dining options available nearby.
Real la Villa, Nebaj
The three-star, four-storey Real La Villa hotel is located a five-minute walk from the centre of town. The ensuite rooms here are plain in style and come simply furnished with a bedside table and space to set luggage down. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the small restaurant and there is on-sitre parking. This a clean and comfortable option in the little-visited town of Nebaj.
Hotel El Recreo, Lanquin
The main wooden structure houses the reception and restaurant. The hotel is located just outside the entry to the small village of Lanquin, tucked away in the thick forests surrounding the village. Accommodation in the area is basic and El Recreo offers a rustic place to stay whilst visiting Semuc Champey. Rooms are within thatch-roofed bungalows with two rooms normally occupying one bungalow. They are made from natural, local resources and come with simple furniture and amenities. There is hot water but this isn’t always available. For some down time guests can make use of the hammocks outside each bungalow or, if feeling brave, there are two large, “natural” pools.
*Note, as the village is very small and the hotel sits on the main street, noise from the village can sometimes be an issue for light sleepers.
Chiminos Island Lodge, Chiminos
Arrive via an hour’s boat ride to find the hidden corner of the jungle where Chiminos Island Lodge is nestled on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Petexbatún. Accommodation at the eco-lodge is made up of private bungalows enveloped by the surrounding forests and with views out to the lagoon. Although simple the wooden structures are raised up and wonderfully finished with thatched roofs, a private deck, lots of mosquito-net-covered-windows, fans and hot water. Home cooked meals are prepared by the in-house chef Lily in between excursions and are enjoyed at the open-air restaurant surrounded by the jungle.
Villa Maya, Flores
About 20 minutes from the entry town of Flores, Villa Maya is a four-star hotel sat on a quiet lake protected by the surrounding rainforests. Its location offers a similar jungle experience to the lodges found deeper in the forests, whilst providing easy access to both the airport in Flores and the area’s exquisite Mayan ruins. The extensive grounds are styled with local wood - the exposed beams create a rustic charm - and Guatemalan textiles, and include facilities such as inside and outside dining, a bar and a small, outdoor pool. The outdoor terraces provide splendid spots to catch the sunrise or sunset over the lake.
Hacienda Tijax, Rio Dulce
Get back in touch with nature with a stay at the Hacienda Tijax, set within 400 acres of nature reserve and tucked into the rainforest. Previously a cattle farm, the reserve is now one of the best ecolodges in the region boasting beautiful waterfalls, a mangrove walk, and rubber and teak plantations. Tijax houses rustic cabanas spread across the reserve from the forest to the wetlands, some with private bathrooms and air-conditioning which we recommend. There are also family-style villas with small kitchens which can accommodate up to eight people. The nature and birdlife filled grounds have a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves a varied menu, but the highlight has to be the seasonal seafood, especially the snook-filet.
Villa Caribe, Livingston
Located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce river, Villa Caribe occupies a prime spot next to the merging of the Rio Dulce and the Caribbean Sea, offering a great seat from which to catch the Caribbean sun setting. The hotel has standard rooms and a few more upscale bungalows, approximately 45 standard rooms and 6 junior suites, putting it on the larger side for the small town. All rooms come with air conditioning and are simply styled with fresh, light décor. Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel and there’s a large outdoor pool on site, a restaurant with sea views and a bar serving cocktails. Arguably the best hotel option in the remote port town of Livingston, Villa Caribe also boasts private beach access.
Best Western Plus Hotel Stofella, Guatemala City
Located in the secure Viva zone (or Zona 10) of the capital surrounded by upmarket residential buildings, office buildings and the city’s commercial area, Hotel Stofella is around 10 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the city centre. Being part of the Best Western hotel chain, rooms are comfortable with classic style décor and all expected hotel amenities. The hotel has a restaurant and café serving international and Mediterranean fare and there is access to gym facilities.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Independent Coffee Farm Visit
Guatemalan coffee is considered to be amongst the finest in the world and serves as a livelihood to many rural communities and families in the mountainous regions of the country. No trip to Guatemala would be complete without exploring the production of the famous bean however, as we strive to get the most from our travels abroad, at Wild Frontiers we always aim to give back the same in return, and so we searched high and low for the best experience that allowed us to strike that balance. Rather than exploring a larger commercial operation, on this tour we take the group to a smaller, independent coffee farm located on the outskirts of the beautiful colonial town of Antigua. Supported by a number of organisations that promote environmentally responsible agriculture, the tour affords a chance to see up close how the small coffee farmers go about their daily business. Clients will be able to see how the coffee is picked and washed, graded and then roasted over open fires, before being hand-ground on a traditional grindstone. Concluding the tour, we will enjoy lunch with the local farmers for a chance to learn a bit more about one another.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
You
will see that our suggested group arrival flights leave a 5-6 hour connection
in the USA. We would recommend that you do the same for any outbound flights
transiting the USA in order to allow sufficient time to get through immigration
and in case of any flight delays.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| UA 905 | London Heathrow (LHR) 09:10 | Newark (EWR) 12:40 |
| UA 1551 | Newark (EWR) 18:35 | Guatemala Airport (GUA) 22:48 |
| UA 1903 | Guatemala Airport (GUA) 13:38 | Houston Airport (IAH) 16:40 |
| UA 005 | Houston Airport (IAH) 20:05 | London Heathrow (LHR) 10:50 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not require a visa for Guatemala. However, all travellers entering or exiting Guatemala by air must complete the immigration pre-clearance form prior to departure and present the confirmation email or screenshot of the QR code to airport officials. Similarly, those travelling on the suggested group flights will require a visa or a Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to transit the USA. If travelling on a British passport, you should just need an ESTA.
Please note that as of January 2016 US policy (subject to change) has stated that anyone wishing to travel to or via the USA must have a biometric passport. In addition, anyone who has travelled to several countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Cuba, Yemen or Somalia since March 2011, is required to apply for a US visa (rather than just an ESTA). If you are affected by this, the process is fairly straightforward and you can read more about it here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/us-visa.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Guatemala.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in some parts of Guatemala and precautions are essential. There is also a risk of Zika virus. You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
There is no real bad time to go to Guatemala but the months of November to April are generally considered the dry months and the best time to visit. At this time you can expect daytime temperatures to be in the late 20s (C) and night time temperatures to be low double figures. It can be fairly humid year-round.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that to get the most out of this trip, you should come prepared for some activity every day. While there is ample opportunity for walks in almost all locations, none of the walks are obligatory and therefore can be opted out of. Whilst vegetarians can be catered for the food choices may be limited.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except possibly at Chiminos Lodge where there are a limited number of cabins available.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 10932 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.