Authentic Guatemala
Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day, 8-night journey designed to immerse you in the very best of culture, history, and natural beauty. This thoughtfully curated experience blends vibrant traditions with breathtaking landscapes, offering a seamless balance between discovery and relaxation. From charming local encounters and rich heritage to serene scenes and iconic archaeological wonders, each moment reveals a new layer of authenticity and inspiration. Perfectly paced and full of unforgettable highlights, this journey invites you to connect with the spirit of the destination while enjoying an enriching and memorable travel experience from beginning to end.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Guatemala
- Guatemala City
- Chichicastenango
- Panajachel
- San Juan La Laguna
- Antigua Guatemala
- Sololá
- Flores
- Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
- El Ceibal, Petén, Guatemala
- Yaxhá National Park, Petén, Guatemala
- Tikal National Park, Tikal, Guatemala
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Guatemala (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- Round-trip boat transfer between Panajachel and San Juan La Laguna
8 nights accommodation in select category (3 nights in Guatemala City, 1 night in Chichicastenango, 1 night in La Antigua Guatemala , 1 night in Panajachel, 2 nights in Flores) - Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Half-day Chichicastenango city tour
- San Juan La Laguna tour
- Traditions of Lake Atitlán tour
- Half-day La Antigua Guatemala city tour
- El Ceibal tour
- Yaxhá National Park tour
- Tikal National Park tour
- Hotel taxes and porter gratuities
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport security domestic tax
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Guatemala City
Daytime flight to La Aurora International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterwards, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel to check in.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 2
Guatemala City - Chichicastenango
After an early breakfast and check-out, your local tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your journey through the Guatemalan Highlands. Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours toward the vibrant town of Chichicastenango, surrounded by mountains, valleys and traditional rural landscapes.
Upon arrival, you will take part in a guided half-day city tour before being transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
You’ll begin this afternoon’s adventure with a visit to the vibrant open-air market of Chichicastenango, one of the most famous and colourful indigenous markets in Central America. You’ll stroll through its lively maze of stalls overflowing with handwoven textiles, traditional masks, fresh produce, handicrafts, flowers, and local specialties. Experience the rich sights, sounds, and aromas that make this market so unique. You’ll continue to the historic Church of Santo Tomás, where ancient Maya traditions blend with Catholic customs, and where you may witness fascinating traditional religious ceremonies taking place on its iconic stone steps.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Chichicastenango – Panajachel – San Juan La Laguna – La Antigua Guatemala
After breakfast and check‑out, your local tour guide will take you on a scenic journey toward one of Guatemala’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, La Antigua Guatemala. En route, enjoy a stop in San Juan La Laguna, known for its rich indigenous heritage and lakeside charm.
After the visit, you will be taken back to Panajachel to continue onward to La Antigua Guatemala, where you will check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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San Juan La Laguna tour
You’ll begin today’s adventure with a scenic boat ride departing from Panajachel, gliding across the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán. As you cruise along the lake, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and charming lakeside villages. Upon arrival in the picturesque village of San Juan La Laguna, discover its rich indigenous culture through visits to local art cooperatives, traditional weaving workshops, and colourful streets adorned with murals. Enjoy time to explore, interact with local artisans and appreciate the authentic atmosphere that makes this village truly unique.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
La Antigua Guatemala – Sololá – Lake Atitlán – Panajachel
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll set off on a scenic journey towards Panajachel through the breathtaking highlands of Guatemala. En route, you’ll stop in the vibrant town of Sololá to visit its famous indigenous market, before continuing your journey to the spectacular Lake Atitlán, renowned for its shimmering blue waters, picturesque lakeside villages, and dramatic backdrop of surrounding volcanoes.
More Moments Activities Included
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Traditions of Lake Atitlán tour
Your adventure begins with a visit to the vibrant indigenous market of Sololá, where local Maya communities from the surrounding highland villages gather wearing their traditional handmade clothing, creating a colourful and authentic cultural experience. Continue to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, renowned for its crystal-clear azure waters and spectacular volcanic scenery. Surrounded by traditional indigenous villages inhabited by descendants of the Kʼicheʼ, Cakchiquel, and Tzutujil Maya nations, Lake Atitlán offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich folklore, culture and natural beauty of Guatemala.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Panajachel – La Antigua Guatemala – Guatemala City
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll embark on a half-day city tour of La Antigua Guatemala, one of the country’s most charming cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, you’ll continue your journey to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, you’ll proceed to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Your journey begins with a visit to the historic Central Plaza, the heart of the city, surrounded by remarkable landmarks including the antique Cathedral, the Municipal Government Building, and the impressive Palace of the Captains General. As you explore the charming cobblestone streets, discover beautifully preserved churches and monasteries that reflect the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The experience also offers insight into local traditions with a visit to traditional foot-loom workshops, where skilled artisans weave vibrant handmade textiles, as well as a jade factory, where this treasured stone is transformed into exquisite jewelry and handicrafts.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Guatemala City – Flores – El Ceibal – Flores
After check-out, a local representative will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Flores, often referred to as “the gateway to Tikal.”
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a local tour guide holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name, who will assist you with your transfer to the impressive El Ceibal, a remarkable Maya archaeological site located near Sayaxché along the banks of the La Pasión River.
Following your visit, you will return to Flores to check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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El Ceibal tour
This site is renowned for its exceptional collection of some of the finest and best-preserved sculptures from the Late Classic period. Set within a lush jungle environment, El Ceibal has remarkably withstood the passage of time thanks to the hardness of its local stone, which has resisted centuries of heavy rain, root growth, and falling trees. Often referred to as the “Maya Art Gallery,” El Ceibal offers a striking glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of the ancient Maya civilization. Among its most distinctive features is a rare round stone structure, an unusual architectural element within the Mesoamerican world, highlighting the site’s unique significance and historical value.
Meal(s): Boxed breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Flores – Yaxhá National Park – Flores
After breakfast, your local tour guide will take you on a scenic 1.5-hour drive through the lush landscapes of the region to Yaxhá National Park, where you will enjoy a full-day exploration of this remarkable natural and archaeological site.
Surrounded by dense jungle and rich biodiversity, the park offers an immersive experience into the heart of the ancient Maya world.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Flores, where you can unwind and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Yaxhá National Park tour
Explore ancient ball courts, ceremonial plazas, and residential quarters! Gain a deeper appreciation for the sophistication of the Maya civilization. Visit remarkable landmarks including the recently restored North Acropolis and the renowned Maler Group, before reaching the impressive Temple 216, soaring more than 90 feet above the surrounding jungle. The journey then continues to Topoxté, a fascinating archaeological site located on seasonal islands along the western shores of Lake Yaxhá. Its distinctive architecture, reminiscent of Tulum in the Yucatán region, reflects the importance of this settlement during the Postclassic period between 900 and 1,200 AD, offering a captivating glimpse into the final era of the ancient Maya world.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 8
Flores – Tikal National Park – Guatemala City
After breakfast, and check-out, you’ll meet your local guide in the lobby of your hotel and set off on an unforgettable journey to Tikal, the legendary “City of Voices” and the crowning highlight of your itinerary.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to Santa Elena Airport for your flight to Guatemala City.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tikal National Park tour
You’ll begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Twin-Pyramid Complexes “Q” and “R”, followed by the fascinating Lost World Complex, where the Great Pyramid and Temple 5C-49 stand as key highlights. You’ll continue through Temple III, the elegant Palace of the Windows, and the expansive Great Plaza, framed by the pyramids of the Grand Jaguar and the Masks, as well as the Palace of the Nobles. You’ll conclude your exploration at Pyramid IV, the tallest of the Mayan structures, where a climb to the summit rewards you with sweeping panoramic views over Tikal and its lush surrounding jungle.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Guatemala City – Canada
After breakfast and check- out, your local representative will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and take you to La Aurora International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king, 2 double or 2 queen-size beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 guests (any combination)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king, 2 double or 2 queen-size beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 guests (any combination)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king, 2 double or 2 queen-size beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 guests (any combination)
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king, 2 double or 2 queen-size beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 guests (any combination)
Ideal for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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- Dates of operation: October 26, 2026 - December 07, 2026 (Travel must be completed by December 15, 2026)
- Frequency: Tour operates Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
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Not included
- Gratuities
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary - Entrance fees to landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
- Wi-Fi access at hotels and restaurants
- Excess baggage allowance for domestic flights
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfer services
- Boat between Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna
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- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- Inter-City flights weight restriction for checked bags is 15KG, 1 bag per person
- If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
- Shorts and bathing suits are not permitted inside Santo Tomás Church in Chichicastenango. Please also note that photography is not allowed within the church.
- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.