Nature and Archaeology
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day, 10-night journey through a captivating blend of vibrant culture, rich history and breathtaking natural beauty across Central America. This carefully crafted experience combines lively urban charm, traditional highland communities, lush tropical landscapes, and serene river settings, offering a seamless balance of discovery and relaxation. Explore a world of ancient civilizations through awe-inspiring archaeological treasures surrounded by dense jungle and timeless mystique, while also enjoying encounters with local traditions and authentic cultural heritage.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Guatemala
- Guatemala City
- Santa Cruz Verapaz
- Lanquín
- Rio Dulce
- Flores
- Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá, Las Viñas, Guatemala
- El Ceibal, Petén, Guatemala
- Yaxhá National Park, Petén, Guatemala
- Tikal National Park, Tikal, Guatemala
- Honduras
- Copán Ruinas
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Guatemala (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- One-way flight in economy class from Flores, Petén Peten to Guatemala City
- Shared transfers for all the services within your itinerary
- 10 nights of accommodation in your select category (3 nights in Guatemala City, 2 nights in Santa Cruz Verapaz, 1 night in Copán, 1 night in Rio Dulce, 3 nights in Flores)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per the itinerary
- More Moments activities included:
- Coffee experience tour in Santa Cruz Verapaz
- Semuc Champey tour
- Copán Ruins tour
- Ruins of Quiriguá tour
- Half-day Rio Dulce boat cruise
- 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
- Guatemala / Copán border 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 neighborhoods, 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 – Santa Cruz Verapaz
After an early breakfast and check-out, you’ll meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a scenic 4.5-hour journey to the Alta Verapaz Department, one of Guatemala’s most verdant and biodiverse regions, renowned for its cloud forests, caves, rivers and rich indigenous heritage.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a delightful coffee experience tour at Casa Aurora Café Reserva before continuing to your hotel in Santa Cruz Verapaz. Upon arrival, you’ll check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Coffee experience tour
The coffee experience tour invites you to discover the rich traditions and flavours of Guatemala’s coffee culture in a stunning natural setting. Visit a beautiful coffee plantation, where you will learn about the entire coffee-making process, from cultivation to roasting, while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and fresh mountain air. The tour also includes time to explore a charming orchid garden featuring a variety of native species in a peaceful and lush environment. Combining culture, nature and relaxation, this memorable experience offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Guatemala.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Santa Cruz Verapaz – Lanquín – Santa Cruz Verapaz
After breakfast, you’ll meet your local guide in the lobby of your hotel and set off on a scenic 2.5-hour journey to Lanquín, widely known as the “Gateway to Semuc Champey.”
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy an exciting tour of the region’s magnificent natural pools, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Following the tour, you’ll continue your journey to your hotel in Cobán for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Semuc Champey tour
One of Guatemala’s most breathtaking natural wonders! Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, this spectacular destination is renowned for its series of crystal-clear turquoise pools flowing over a natural limestone bridge. The tour offers a perfect escape into nature, combining stunning scenery, refreshing landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of Alta Verapaz. With its vibrant greenery, cascading waters and tranquil surroundings, Semuc Champey promises a truly memorable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Santa Cruz Verapaz – Copán
After an early breakfast and check-out, your local tour guide will accompany you on a scenic 6-hour journey to Copán, Honduras.
Upon arrival at the border crossing, you will complete the necessary immigration formalities. Once cleared, you’ll continue your journey to Copán, Honduras, where a captivating and guided visit to the renowned Copán Ruins awaits.
Following the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can unwind and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Copán Ruins tour
One of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Central America. As you enter the park, intricate stone sculptures emerge at every turn, offering a glimpse into the artistic mastery of the ancient Maya. Stroll into the dramatic expanse of the Great Plaza, where Copán’s cultural brilliance truly comes to life, showcasing the largest collection of Mayan sculptures in the region. Take your time to explore and admire the beautifully carved stelae, majestic temples and the remarkably preserved ball court, each element telling a story of a sophisticated and fascinating civilization.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Copán – Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá – Rio Dulce
After breakfast and check-out, your local tour guide will take you on a scenic 4.5-hour drive toward Río Dulce.
Upon reaching the border between Honduras and Guatemala, you will complete the necessary customs and immigration formalities before continuing your journey.
Along the way, enjoy a fascinating stop at the Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quiriguá before continuing onward to your hotel in Río Dulce.
Upon arrival, check in and take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy your surroundings at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Ruins of Quiriguá tour
Discover the rich legacy of an extraordinary ancient civilization as you explore this remarkable archaeological site. Marvel at its impressive collection of monuments, including 12 intricately carved stelae and four striking zoomorphs, which are massive, sculpted stones depicting sacred mythological creatures. As you walk through the site, admire the sheer scale and artistry of these creations, set among unrestored temples that offer an authentic glimpse into the past. The precise dates recorded at intervals of 800 days reflect the advanced knowledge and sophistication of the Maya, making this a truly captivating journey through history.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Rio Dulce – Flores
After breakfast and check-out, your local tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin today’s highlight: an exciting half-day river boat cruise along the magnificent Río Dulce. As you glide through its serene waters, take in the lush landscapes and natural beauty that make this region so unique.
Following this experience, continue your journey with a scenic 4-hour drive toward Flores, often referred to as the “gateway to Tikal.” Upon arrival at your hotel, proceed with check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day Rio Dulce boat cruise
Undoubtedly one of the country’s most unique natural attractions. As you glide across its tranquil waters, immerse yourself in a rich and vibrant ecosystem, where lush riverine forests line the shores, and the calls of howler monkeys echo through the canopy. Admire the untouched beauty of the surrounding landscape, with hidden bathing spots and pristine natural settings along the riverbanks.
Along the way, discover a series of islands and islets that serve as nesting grounds for thousands of aquatic birds, creating spectacular displays as they soar overhead or gather along the water’s edge. As the river widens, it opens into the breathtaking El Golfete, a vast 60-square-kilometre expanse that feels like both a river and a serene inland lake, offering a truly unique and peaceful perspective of this extraordinary region.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Flores – El Ceibal – Flores
After breakfast, you will meet a local tour guide in the hotel lobby to begin an enriching full-day exploration of El Ceibal, a remarkable archaeological site located in northern Petén Department.
Following the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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El Ceibal tour
Your tour begins with a scenic 2-hour drive to this magnificent Classic Period archaeological site of the Maya civilization located in the northern Petén Department, 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): Breakfast and lunch
Day 9
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 10
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 11
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.
Hotels may consist of a combination of 3 and 4 star properties.
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.
Hotels may consist of a combination of 3 and 4 star properties.
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
Adventure tours
Go off the beaten path with bucket-list itineraries. Tour packages include:
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Local flights (select packages only)
- Private airport transfers (select packages only)
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Local transportation (select packages only)
- More Moments activities or excursions
- Aeroplan® points
Important Information
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- Dates of operation: October 26, 2026 - December 05, 2026 (Travel must be completed by December 15, 2026)
- Frequency: Tour operates on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays on a weekly basis
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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 from Flores to Guatemala City
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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.
- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.