Discover Guatemala through its people, landscapes, traditions, and cuisine on a thoughtfully hosted journey designed for first-time visitors who want more than a checklist of attractions.
9 Days · 8 Nights · 7 Full Experience Days · Maximum 12 Guests · Fully Hosted
Guatemala's Signature Journey
Guatemala in 9 Days
A Complete Introduction to Guatemala
Designed for first-time visitors, this nine-day journey combines seven full days of cultural experiences with a relaxed arrival day and a carefully coordinated departure.
You will explore colonial Antigua, experience Lake Atitlán, discover Guatemala City, and learn directly from local cooks, artisans, coffee producers, and cultural specialists. Two dedicated Trees n Trails hosts accompany the journey, managing the details from your arrival in Guatemala through your airport departure.
The arrival and departure days are intentionally lighter, giving you time to settle in, meet your hosts, and leave Guatemala without unnecessary pressure.
Highlights
Visit one of Guatemala's most renowned coffee estates
Learn traditional Guatemalan cooking
Experience chocolate making from bean to bar
Explore the communities surrounding Lake Atitlán
Meet local artisans and cooperatives
Discover Antigua with time to explore beyond the landmarks
at a glance
| Duration | 9 Days / 8 Nights | |||
| Experience days | 7 Days | |||
| Welcome | Airport welcome, private transfer, briefing, and welcome dinner | |||
| Departure | Breakfast, checkout, and coordinated airport transfer | |||
| Destinations | Guatemala City · Antigua · Lake Atitlán | |||
| Group Size | Maximum 12 Guests | |||
| Activity Level | Easy to Moderate | |||
| Accommodation | Boutique Hotels | |||
| Meals | Breakfast Daily + Selected Lunches + Welcome & Farewell Dinner | |||
| Transportation | Private Transportation Throughout | |||
| Hosted By | Two Dedicated Trees n Trails Hosts | |||
| Best For | First-time visitors seeking authentic cultural travel |
ITINERARYSeven full days of thoughtfully curated experiences, framed by a relaxed arrival and seamless departure.
GUATEMALA IN 9 DAYS
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Arrive at Guatemala City International Airport, where our team welcomes you and coordinates your private transfer to the hotel. Settle in before meeting your hosts and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner and introduction to the journey ahead.
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Travel to Antigua through Guatemala's volcanic highlands. Visit a coffee estate and plantation to discover how Guatemalan coffee is grown before exploring the city's historic streets with your hosts.
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Learn to prepare traditional Guatemalan dishes in a hands-on cooking class before discovering the country's chocolate traditions in an artisan workshop.
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Travel into Guatemala's highlands before crossing Lake Atitlán by private boat, visiting communities where local traditions remain part of everyday life.
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Spend the day exploring villages around Lake Atitlán through local cooperatives, artisans and cultural experiences that reveal everyday life beyond tourism.
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Visit a natural reserve before returning to Antigua for a relaxed afternoon.
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Explore Antigua through its artisans, jade traditions, local markets and a relaxed afternoon for you to enjoy free time to wander at your own pace.
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Travel to Guatemala City to understand the country's modern identity through museums, neighborhoods and carefully selected local experiences.
Enjoy your final day before gathering for a farewell dinner celebrating Guatemala's regions and culinary traditions.
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Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Airport transfers are coordinated according to each guest’s flight schedule.
Experiences You'll Remember
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Discover Guatemala Through Coffee
Visit one of the country's iconic coffee estates to understand why Guatemalan coffee is recognized worldwide.
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Cook Alongside Locals
Traditional recipes become stories about family, history and culture.
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Chocolate From Bean to Bar
Learn the role cacao has played in Guatemala for centuries while creating your own chocolate.
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Explore Antigua With Your Host
Wander Antigua's cobblestone streets with your dedicated host, discovering the history, architecture and hidden corners that give the city its character.
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Meet Communities Around Lake Atitlán
Visit lakeside villages by private boat while learning how each community preserves its own traditions, crafts and way of life.
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A Farewell Dinner That Tells Guatemala's Story
End your journey with a private twelve-course tasting menu where every dish represents a different region, ingredient or tradition from across Guatemala.
GUATEMALA, LAND OF THE ETERNAL SPRING.
Every journey we host is designed with intention, from the atmosphere we create to the way each day flows.
Hospitality First
Our hosts don't simply guide the trip, they create an atmosphere where every guest feels welcomed, known and cared for.
Thoughtfully Curated
Every hotel, restaurant and experience has been selected because it contributes to understanding Guatemala.
Small Groups
With no more than twelve guests, every journey remains personal and flexible.
Everything Thoughtfully Included
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From the moment you arrive until your departure, the essential details of your journey are taken care of. Accommodation, transportation, meals, experiences, and dedicated hosting are thoughtfully arranged so you can focus on discovering Guatemala—not managing logistics.
Accommodation
Eight nights in carefully selected four-star boutique hotels
Double or single occupancy, depending on the selected rate
Hotel taxes and standard service charges
Meals
Daily breakfast throughout the journey
Carefully selected lunches and dinners included in the itinerary
Hands-on Guatemalan cooking class
Traditional chocolate-making experience
Welcome dinner on arrival
Farewell dinner celebrating Guatemala's cuisine
Dietary accommodations when requested before departure
Transportation
Private transportation throughout the journey
Airport arrival and departure transfers
Transfers between Guatemala City, Antigua, and Lake Atitlán
Private boat transportation on Lake Atitlán
Experiences
All scheduled cultural experiences, workshops, and guided visits
Entrance fees to included attractions
Coffee plantation experience
Antigua walking experience
Guatemalan cooking class
Chocolate-making workshop
Lake Atitlán community visits
Artisan and cooperative experiences
Reserva Natural Atitlán
Museums and cultural sites included in the itinerary
Hosting & Support
Two dedicated Trees n Trails hosts throughout the journey
Pre-departure planning and travel guidance
On-trip coordination and guest support
Travel insurance
Standard gratuities
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Not included
Travel
International airfare
Passport or visa expenses
Transportation outside the scheduled itinerary
Personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal purchases
Laundry
Room service
Spa treatments
Optional additions
Optional evening activities
Additional nights
Room upgrades
Private customizations
Petén extension
Unscheduled activities
Journey Pricing
Clear pricing, thoughtful inclusions, and flexible options for scheduled or private departures.
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Shared Accommodation From $2,990 per guest
Single Accommodation $3,450 per guest
Eight nights in boutique hotels
Two meals per day
Welcome and farewell diners
Private ground transportation
Scheduled activities and entrance fees
Dedicated Trees n Trails host
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Standard gratuities
Optional additions are priced separately and confirmed before final payment.
Extra nights before or after the journey
Additional evening activities
Room upgrades
Private customizations
Petén extension
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1. Reserve your place: A 50% deposit confirms the reservation.
2. Final payment: The remaining balance is due 45 days before departure.
3. Confirmation: Guests receive their registration details, payment schedule, and pre-trip information after the deposit is completed.
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Scheduled departures
Pricing applies to published small-group departures with a maximum of 12 guests.
Private departures
Private journeys are available for two or more guests and are quoted separately based on travel dates, group size, room selection, and requested customizations.
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Prices are per person and subject to availability. Final pricing may vary by departure date, hotel availability, room configuration, and requested modifications.
Deposit and all payments are non-refundable.
Know Before You Go
Frequently Asked Questions
We've designed this journey to be comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable for most travelers. The itinerary includes light to moderate walking, occasional uneven terrain, and a short volcano hike, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy each destination at a relaxed pace.
Scheduled departures take place during Guatemala's most pleasant months of the year. We recommend arriving in Guatemala City on the first day of the journey, and we'll provide detailed pre-arrival guidance, packing recommendations, and travel information before your departure.
If you have dietary requirements, allergies, or accessibility needs, simply let us know before your trip. We'll work closely with our local partners to accommodate your needs whenever possible.
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The complete journey lasts nine days and eight nights. It includes seven full experience days, a relaxed arrival day with a welcome dinner, and a departure day with coordinated airport transfers.
Does the arrival day count as a tour day?
The arrival day is part of the hosted journey but is intentionally light. It includes airport reception, private transportation, hotel check-in, a journey briefing, and a welcome dinner.
Are activities scheduled on the departure day?
No formal activities are scheduled. Breakfast, checkout, and airport transportation are coordinated around guest departure times.
When should I arrive?
Guests should arrive in Guatemala City on the official arrival day. Detailed timing guidance will be provided before departure.
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Reserve your place with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due 30 days before departure. Once your reservation is confirmed, you'll receive your complete travel information, payment schedule, and pre-departure guide.
Deposits and any other payments are non refundable. Our complete booking terms and cancellation policy are provided before your reservation is finalized.
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We designed Guatemala in Seven Days for travelers who want more than a checklist of destinations. Rather than rushing from place to place, this journey combines Guatemala's most iconic locations with meaningful cultural experiences, local cuisine, and genuine hospitality.
Every hotel, restaurant, workshop, and local partner has been selected with intention to help you understand Guatemala through its people, traditions, and landscapes. Our goal isn't simply to show you the country—it's to help you feel welcomed by it.
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No. This is a land-only journey, allowing you to choose the flights that best fit your schedule.
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The journey is designed for most travelers with a low to moderate fitness level. It includes light walking, a short volcano hike, and comfortable daily activities. Our volcano hike can be considered of moderate effort for those who hike or exercise regularly. Otherwise, consider it medium to high effort because of inclination and the altitude at which the whole country lies.
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Yes. Please let us know before your departure, and we'll work with our partners to accommodate your dietary needs whenever possible.
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Scheduled departures are limited to 12 guests to ensure a more personal and comfortable experience.
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Absolutely. Private departures are available for two or more travelers and can be tailored to your preferred travel dates.
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Yes. Additional nights and optional extensions can be arranged before or after your journey. Please book a call to fine tune details and receive a quote. We are happy to help.
Your Journey Begins Here
Guatemala is more than volcanoes, colorful streets and beautiful lakes. It's the people who welcome you into their homes, the meals shared around a table, the traditions passed from one generation to the next, and the stories you'll carry home long after the journey ends.
If you're looking to experience Guatemala with curiosity rather than simply see it, we'd be delighted to host you.