The Mayan Express
Overview
Experience the highlights of Guatemala on this well-balanced 9-day, 8-night journey designed to showcase the country’s rich contrasts and natural beauty. From vibrant urban beginnings to charming highland settings, each stop reveals a different side of Guatemala’s identity and atmosphere.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Guatemala
- Guatemala City
- Antigua Guatemala
- Chichicastenango
- 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)
- Round-trip economy class flights between Guatemala City and Flores, Petén
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 8 nights accommodation in select category (5 nights in Guatemala City, 1 night in Chichicastenango, 2 nights in Flores)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Half-day La Antigua Guatemala city tour
- Half-day Chichicastenango city tour
- Lake Atitlán 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. Afterward, you’ll 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 – La Antigua Guatemala – Chichicastenango
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll meet your local guide and depart on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to La Antigua Guatemala. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a captivating half-day city tour, exploring its rich history and beautifully preserved architecture. Your journey continues to Chichicastenango, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour
Your adventure begins in the heart of the city at the historic Central Plaza, surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the Antique Cathedral, the Municipal Government Building, and the impressive Palace of the Captains General. As you explore the charming streets, discover beautifully preserved historic churches and monasteries that reflect the city’s rich heritage and timeless character. Along the way, experience local traditions through visits to traditional foot-loom workshops, where artisans weave vibrant colourful textiles by hand, and a jade factory, where Guatemala’s treasured stone is carefully transformed into exquisite, handcrafted jewelry.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Chichicastenango – Lake Atitlán – Guatemala City
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 your journey to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Your scenic drive then continues through the country’s stunning highland landscapes toward Guatemala City. Upon arrival, you'll transfer 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
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.
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Lake Atitlán tour
This afternoon begins with a visit to the panoramic mirador overlooking Lake Atitlán, revealing breathtaking views of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by volcanoes, its crystalline azure waters fill an ancient crater, creating a stunning natural landscape. Beyond its beauty, the lake is deeply rooted in culture, bordered by 12 indigenous villages whose K'iche', Cakchiquel; and Tzutujil descendants preserve rich traditions passed down through generations.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
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 Mayan 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
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, the site 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 6
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 a guided tour of this remarkable natural and archaeological site awaits.
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 7
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, you'll 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 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
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
- Excess baggage allowance for domestic flights
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- Car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfer services
- Plane between Guatemala City and Flores
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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.