100% customisable travel idea
Guatemala and Honduras From Lake Atitlán to Copán, the Maya world along the water's edge
Guatemala - Atitlán - Antigua - Río Dulce - Flores - Honduras - Copán
100% customisable travel idea
Guatemala - Atitlán - Antigua - Río Dulce - Flores - Honduras - Copán
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival in the capital, private transfer to the Zona Viva. Stay the night at a modern hotel with a rather North American feel thanks to its panelled restaurant, drapes and cream tone-on-tone. The rooms are comfortable and decorated in pastel colours. The swimming pool is one of those facilities that is very welcome after a flight. The spa provides the finishing touch to restore your energy levels. In the kitchens (plural, as there are several options), the chefs demonstrate their professionalism and the breakfast is very comprehensive. In short, this is an international-standard establishment you can count on, ideal for a smooth landing.
Meet your driver-guide and set off for Lake Atitlán.
Your stop along the way - The archaeological site of Iximche. East of Atitlán, the ancient Kaqchikel capital (15th century) still has a mostly intact urban complex. Although the conquistadors spared it in view of their alliance with the Kaqchikel, the city was later burned by Spanish deserters. The ruins are still powerfully evocative.
You continue along the road and take another detour to reach the market in Solala. Twice a week, villagers from the mountains come down with their beans and corn. They also buy what they need up there. You can recognise each other by your costumes, and it all makes for a colourful scene.
Stay for two nights by the water in Santa Catarina Palopo. The rooms offer views of the pool, Lake Atitlán and the volcanoes. The garden invites you to relax and unwind in its tropical charm. The decor is rustic, tasteful and relaxed. The facilities are of a good standard. The restaurant serves national and international cuisine, with the expertise of the team lending the dishes a welcome touch of sophistication.
On your itinerary - Lake Atitlan and its Mayan villages. The lake's three volcanoes make it one of the most beautiful landscapes in America, and perhaps in the world. Numerous Mayan villages are located on its shores, including Santiago Atitlan, San Antonio Palopo, San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, etc. Rather than by road, people reach them by small boats that serve as taxis. Although they all share the same civilisation, each has its own unique character, such as the terraced fields of San Antonio Palopo, the weavers of San Juan, and the coffee plantations of San Pedro. Spend half a day exploring three of these communities, then return to your deckchair. Or, for example, take a solo trip to Panajachel, which serves as the administrative centre for the area. There you will find shops, bars and restaurants.
Departure for Antigua. On the way, a stop at the Chichicastenango market is a must. Every Thursday and Sunday, the Chichi market brings together Indians from all over the Guatemalan highlands in a riot of colours and a sea of goods. This event, which reflects both craftsmanship and a way of life, is not to be missed. In some places, it is difficult to make your way through the crowds. The best thing to do is probably to let yourself be carried along by the crowd.
Optional - Chichicastenango with a local; traditional ritual with a Mayan priest.
Continue on to Antigua. Return the rental car and check in for three nights at a hotel in the centre that was built in 1926. The delightful tropical garden is framed by galleries where the shade is perfect for a siesta. The rooms display a refined Mesoamerican elegance and provide a pleasant feeling of privacy. Yellow, ochre, rust and beige tones dominate. The atmosphere of the dining room where breakfast is served echoes that of the rooms, with antique flooring, dark wood furniture and doors opening onto the garden.
It is surrounded by volcanoes: Agua, 3,761 metres; Fuego, 3,764 metres; and Acatenango, 3,977 metres. The panorama is incredible, but it reminds us that the earth's movements cost Antigua its place as capital. After the earthquake of 1773, the authorities gave up and moved the government bodies elsewhere. On the other hand, this is partly why the city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has remained close to its former state and was restored without compromising its fundamentals as a Spanish colonial city that was laid out in a grid pattern from its Plaza de Armas. There is no shortage of valuable buildings, whether Renaissance, Baroque, public or private, and you can stroll around immersed in a certain overseas romanticism.
Optional - Climb the Pacaya volcano.
Meet your driver-guide and drive to Copán, Honduras, which is just a few miles from the border. Check in for two nights in a colonial-style hotel with a street-facing gallery and paved courtyard in Copán Ruinas. The facilities are simple but well maintained. The decor makes extensive use of regional crafts and pre-Hispanic motifs. The warm colours so popular in Central America are evident throughout. The rooms provide basic but comfortable accommodation. Breakfast is served on site.
On your itinerary - Macaw Mountain Bird Park. This bird park is not far from the archaeological site and allows visitors to observe, in almost wild conditions, birds that have escaped illegal trade or been entrusted to the centre by owners who no longer want them. Their colours, large size and notoriety have made macaws the stars of the show. However, other birds also captivate visitors, such as the tocard toucan, the Aztec conure, the chacamel ortolane, the pajuil penelope and the great hocco.
Already planned - The archaeological site of Copán with a private guide. In the 7th century, Copán was one of the most powerful cities in the Mayan world. What remains today eloquently testifies to its former greatness, in particular the main complex, with its agora, religious buildings, ball court and monumental staircase (featuring the longest known Mayan text on its risers - quite a challenge for epigraphists). The sculpture museum houses the most representative steles, bas-reliefs and altars. Finally, archaeologists wanting to know what Copán was built on dug tunnels into the ground of the site to assess its foundations. Two of these galleries can be visited. All this and much more is explained to you by a private guide.
It's time to return to Guatemala. After a few miles, the border appears. A few more miles, and your destination for the day is an excuse for another stop.
On your itinerary - The archaeological site of Quirigua. The city flourished in the 8th and 9th centuries in the Motagua Valley. Tall royal steles carved with virtuoso artistry remain from this golden age. There are also blocks of rock covered with bas-reliefs. It is a second-rate city that seized its chance under an audacious ruler for a few decades.
Continue along the road until you reach the Rio Dulce. The rest of the journey is by motorised canoe through the national park. Spend the night at the mouth of the river. The rooms open out onto the sea and are simply furnished and decorated in bright colours. There is just enough Creole atmosphere, breeze and fan to feel at home. The main attraction, of course, is the large garden with swimming pool and private beach. In the restaurant, the chefs prepare fish and seafood in the local style. The bar honours the Caribbean cocktail tradition. And the massages offered by the hotel will relieve all your fatigue.
Return by canoe on the Rio Dulce, then drive to Flores. Two-night stay on the shores of Laguna Petenchel. The hotel's architecture is modern, elegant and light. It blends beautifully into its surroundings, halfway between water and jungle. Visitors enjoy high-quality comfort, with natural materials in the rooms and common areas, light and spaciousness. Plus service that lives up to expectations. The kitchen serves international cuisine with local touches. The triangular swimming pool under palm trees serves its purpose. The bar is a great hub for activities. Bicycles can be hired on site for exploring. The old town of Flores is not just on the edge of Lake Peten Itza, but actually on it, and deserves more than just a passing glance.
On your itinerary - A day at the archaeological site of Tikal with a private guide. Tikal was the centre of a powerful Mayan kingdom. Major construction work began here around 400 BC, and the city was occupied until the 10th century. Today, it is a leading archaeological site that is in particularly good condition. The great square at the centre of the complex is impressive for its monumental density. There are two temples and two acropolises, whose grey limestone contrasts with the green of the forest. You will realise the prestige enjoyed by this political, religious and economic centre, which had a tumultuous relationship with Teotihuacan, the metropolis of the Valley of Mexico. And the visit continues. The scale of the achievement, its virtuoso aesthetics and its balance are truly admirable. The Morley Museum displays objects unearthed during the first excavation campaigns of the royal tombs and is unmissable.
Domestic flight to the capital, then international return flight. Spend the night on board and arrive the next day.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your trip
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
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