Discover Guatemala
Overview
Discover a land of vibrant traditions, colourful highland markets, timeless charm, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes on this unforgettable 9-days, 8-nights journey through the heart of Guatemala. From picturesque lakeside scenery and authentic Indigenous culture to beautifully preserved architecture and lively artisan villages, this immersive experience showcases the country’s rich heritage and natural beauty at every turn.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Guatemala
- Guatemala City
- Chichicastenango
- Quetzaltenango
- Almolonga
- San Andrés Xecul
- San Francisco El Alto
- Panajachel
- San Juan La Laguna
- Antigua Guatemala
- Iximché, Tecpán, Guatemala
- Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Guatemala (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 8 nights accommodation in your selected category (4 nights in Guatemala City, 1 night in Chichicastenango, 1 night in Quetzaltenango , 1 night in Panajachel, 1 night in La Antigua Guatemala)
- Daily breakfast
- More Moments activities included:
- Full-day heritage tour
- Half-day Chichicastenango City tour
- Full day Highlands tour
- San Juan La Laguna visit
- Half-day La Antigua Guatemala City 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
Guatemala City
Daytime flight to La Aurora International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterwards, you'll proceed to 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 your hotel to check in.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 2
Guatemala City
Spend the day at your own pace, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and unique charm of Guatemala City. Surrounded by a rich blend of culture, history and modern energy, the city offers the perfect setting to relax, explore independently, and soak in the local ambiance. Whether you choose to unwind, stroll through lively neighbourhoods, or simply take in the rhythm of daily life, this full day at leisure invites you to experience the capital in a way that feels personal, authentic and unforgettable. For those wishing to enhance their experience, optional activities may also be available and can be arranged directly with your local representative at an additional cost (payable locally).
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3
Guatemala City – Iximché – Chichicastenango
After an early breakfast and check-out, you'll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and begin your full-day journey towards Chichicastenango, known as the the “Land of the K’iche’ Maya,” En route, you'll explore key highlights of Guatemala City, followed by a visit to a fascinating archaeological site along the way.
After your archaeological site visit, continue your journey to your hotel in Chichicastenango. Upon arrival, proceed with your check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day heritage tour
Your adventure begins with a captivating half-day city tour, showcasing some of the most iconic landmarks, including the National Palace, the Cathedral, and the Civic Centre complex. You will also explore residential neighbourhoods, offering a broader perspective of this rapidly growing metropolis.
The journey continues to Iximché, a significant archaeological site dating back to the 15th century and once the capital of the Kaqchikel (Cakchiquel) Maya. The site features impressive architectural remains, including pyramid-temples, palaces, two Mesoamerican ball courts and traces of painted murals.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Chichicastenango – Quetzaltenango
After breakfast and check-out, you'll embark on a captivating half-day guided tour of Chichicastenango, a town renowned for its vibrant culture, colourful traditions and rich indigenous heritage.
Following your tour, you'll continue through the scenic Guatemalan highlands toward Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela. The drive offers a glimpse into the country’s dramatic mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and ever-changing countryside, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at 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 Chichicastenango Market, followed by the Church of Santo Tomás, where you may witness captivating traditional religious ceremonies. As you explore the town’s cultural highlights, including its bustling market and key historical sites, you will gain a fascinating insight into local Maya traditions and daily life, offering an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Quetzaltenango – Almolonga – San Andrés Xecul – San Francisco El Alto – Lake Atitlán – Panajachel
After breakfast and check-out, you'll set out on a full-day journey through Guatemala’s captivating highlands, where colourful traditions, vibrant local culture and breathtaking mountain scenery come together to create an unforgettable experience. Along the way, discover charming communities, lively markets, and striking landscapes that offer a deeper glimpse into the country’s rich heritage and everyday life.
Your journey concludes in one of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural settings, where tranquil waters and dramatic volcanic backdrops create the perfect atmosphere to unwind. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Highlands tour
You'll start your day in Almolonga, exploring its vibrant market known for locally grown vegetables and fruits exported across Central America and Mexico. You'll then continue to San Andrés Xecul, home to a striking 16th-century temple with a bright-yellow façade inspired by the traditional huipil, adorned with saints, angels, corncobs, and quetzal birds. Next, you'll visit San Francisco El Alto, where a traditional highland market brings locals together in front of City Hall. You'll continue to Lake Atitlán, one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, set within a volcanic crater with shimmering azure waters. Surrounded by twelve indigenous villages, it offers a deep connection to Guatemalan culture and the traditions of the K'iche', Cakchiquel, and Tzutuhil peoples.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Panajachel – San Juan La Laguna – La Antigua Guatemala
After breakfast and check‑out, your local tour guide will take you on a scenic drive toward one of Guatemala’s UNESCO World Heritage cities, La Antigua Guatemala. En route, you'll enjoy a stop in San Juan La Laguna, known for its rich indigenous heritage and lakeside charm.
After the visit, you'll continue onward to La Antigua Guatemala, where you will check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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San Juan La Laguna visit
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, you'll take in breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and charming lakeside villages. Upon arrival in the picturesque village of San Juan La Laguna, you'll discover its rich indigenous culture through visits to local art cooperatives, traditional weaving workshops and colourful streets adorned with murals. Enjoy your time exploring and interacting with local artisans.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
La Antigua Guatemala – Guatemala City
After breakfast and check‑out, your local tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin today’s highlight, a captivating half‑day city tour of La Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic charm and landmarks.
Following the tour, you will continue your journey toward Guatemala City. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Your adventure begins with a visit to the Central Plaza, the heart of the city and a testament to Guatemala’s rich heritage. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the antique Cathedral, the Municipal Government Building and the impressive Palace of the Captains General, this area showcases centuries of architectural grandeur. As you continue exploring, discover historic churches and monasteries, observe artisans working on traditional foot‑looms to weave vibrant textiles and visit a jade factory where this ancestral stone is transformed into beautiful, handcrafted jewelry.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Guatemala City
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure, offering the perfect balance of comfort and flexibility. Take this time to unwind, recharge, and make the most of your surroundings at your own rhythm. For those looking to further connect with local traditions and culture, an optional activity is available, which can be booked and paid for locally through your representative.
Meal(s): Breakfast
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
Room Specifications
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 7, 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
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Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfer services
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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.