Guatemala: Artisans, Adventure & Cultural Immersion

Ho
Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
144 reviews
Jul 15 - 26, 2023
Group size: 6 - 10
Guatemala: Artisans, Adventure & Cultural Immersion
Guatemala

Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
144 reviews

Jul 15 - 26, 2023
Group size: 6 - 10

About this trip

Click here to view a detailed itinerary of this exciting trip! 


Upon touching down in Guatemala City, your Heart of Travel Tour Leader will be waiting to greet you and accompany you to the colonial town of La Antigua Guatemala. Before you arrive in this picturesque little town, you'll buzz through the busy urban streets of Guatemala City. 


Once settled into Antigua you'll be able to enjoy all that the town and surrounding areas have to offer from coffee farms, to artisan chocolate & wine, beautiful historic buildings, cheerful marimba music, delicious food, colorful markets, and quiet mornings, and bustling nightlife. There is no shortage of activities in Antigua, trust us!  


The fun doesn't stop there, during our adventure in Guatemala we will also explore the massive Tikal ruins that loom over the jungle canopy, home to many species of birds, monkeys, jaguars, and other critters. After an exciting adventure in the north, we will enjoy a peaceful day floating leisurely down the expansive Río Dulce before arriving on Guatemala's Caribbean coast. 


Finally, our trip will conclude with a visit to the famed Lake Atitlán, where we will spend the night with local families and learn more about cultural customs and traditions in the area along with the artful skill of weaving. 

What’s included

  • 11 nights accommodations
    10 nights in boutique hotels, 1 night with local family
  • Transportation
    All transportation within Guatemala including domestic flights, private shuttles, boats, etc.
  • Entrance & Guide Fees
    Entrance fees, tickets, local guides for all activities indicated on itinerary
  • Meals
    11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners each with one beverage included
  • Spanish immersion
    Opportunities for those interested in practicing their Spanish, just let us know!
  • Airfare assistance
    We will help you find the best flight deal for your trip
  • 24/7 Assistance
    Heart of Travel tour leaders (fully bilingual) available 24/7 during your trip

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    To/from Guatemala
  • Meals
    Meals not indicated on the itinerary
  • Additional Beverages
    Beverages not indicated as included on the itinerary
  • Additional tours
    Extra activities done individually during your free time
  • Tips
    To local guides and drivers

Available Packages

Double Occupancy

Per person price when booking double occupancy for a 12 day/11 night trip in Guatemala including visits to Antigua, Flores, Tikal, Río Dulce, Tecpán and Lake Atitlán. 

$2,595
Deposit:$750
Single Occupancy

Per person price when booking single occupancy for a 12 day/11 night trip in Guatemala including visits to Antigua, Flores, Tikal, Río Dulce, Tecpán and Lake Atitlán. 

$2,995
Deposit:$750

Available options

Basic I Online Travel Spanish Course
$99

Learn the basics of Spanish for your upcoming trip with our online, self paced Basic Travel Spanish Course! Access granted within 48 hours.



Your Organizer


Ho
Heart of Travel
144 reviews
The Heart of Travel was born out of a deep-rooted love and passion for travel, art, history, food, nature, culture and adventure as well as a call to give back to the communities and people that had already provided us with so much. The travel industry has long been bombarded with double decker tour busses, beach front resorts and cruise ships, often at the expense of the local communities. As a response to this failing system, we began a boutique travel company that allows clients to explore new places in an authentic and non-touristy way, offering travelers a more intimate and unique experience all while removing the stress and hassle of researching, planning, bargain hunting, reserving and more that goes along with planning a trip or vacation.

Reviews

The trip was such an immersive experience that gave us the opportunity to meet generous people who opened their homes and places of business to us. I loved the hands-on experiences - making our own lithograph prints, painting our own alebrijes, helping to make mole and other traditional meals, and participating first-hand in altar decorating. Dilan was an incredible tour guide with tons of knowledge, energy and connections that made each visit personal and meaningful. Our native tour guide, Victor, was also incredibly knowledgable and came with a different perspective to appreciate. Oaxaca is a magical place with rich culture, history, art, food, mezcal and people.
By Emily W for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 12, 2024
This was such an incredibly special experience for me. I lost my father in 2009, and after losing my mother earlier this year, I wanted to connect with our Mexican culture. Dia de Los Muertos is full of such beautiful traditions I never knew about. It was the perfect way to honor my lost loved ones. The group is full of diverse people who come together through our love of Mexico. The excursions are filled with beautiful landscapes, natural treasures, archeological sites and skilled artisans. I can’t recommend this trip enough!
By Valerie A for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 12, 2024
No words to describe how wonderful every aspect of this trip was. Nothing but positives from me.
By Charles N for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 12, 2024
What an amazing experience. We were blessed with Cris and Vanessa. We felt safe, engaged and were constantly in class, learning..... we felt like family. Thank you Heart of Travel. We will definitely only use you in our future travels.
By Charles N for Heart of Travel Custom Trip: CDMX Extension on Nov 09, 2024
The trip was incredible! There’s no way I would have had the cultural immersion I experienced had I done this trip on my own. While the tour itself was amazing, I truly can’t speak highly enough of our guide Cris Gerlach. She is a very kind soul who’s way of speaking can set you at ease in any situation. SHE is what took this experience above and beyond my wildest expectations. I would go on any trip she leads. Only a couple “cons” if you will. I was pretty disappointed about missing the big parade for day of the dead. I was really looking forward to that experience. And our last dinner at El Destilado. The food wasn’t that great, and the service took forever. 3.5 hours to be exact, and they were sold out of most of the bottles of wine we chose on their wine list. I totally understand that it was busy in Oaxaca so my expectation is not unreasonable. This experience should either be earlier in the trip, or left off altogether. That being said, I can’t wait to book future trips with Heart!
By Amy S for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 07, 2024
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References

Heart of Travel is the best for magical and ethical vacations! Chelsea and her incredible team first won me over in Guatemala in 2023 as they planned a beautiful trip that allowed us to see and experience so many different places, people, and things. A helicopter ride, a volcano hike, spa day, meeting the most badass Mayan weaver!!, a once-in a lifetime sunset tour in Tikal - done. I'm still trying to get over this trip lol. They knocked it out of the park again in Cuba for NYE! Chelsea and the spectacular Paloma had us dancing multiple nights away, eating the BEST food, and seeing ALL the sights while also giving us ample opportunity to support the Cuban people and educating us on why that is so important. You will leave their trips with new memories, new friends, and possibly, some new perspectives. Do it!!!
By Amber S on 08 Feb, 2024
KL
Words can’t begin to express the way this trip impacted me! Every single person we met was so amazing, so kind, and truly opened their hearts and lives to us! Cuba, you have left an undeniable mark on my soul… Your people, your colors, your food, your history… Thank you for sharing this world with us! Cannot wait for our next trip! We love you 🥰
By Krista L on 24 Jan, 2024
I just returned from a two week trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. The trip was an incredible balance of learning, discovery, and recreation. Both the local guides and the Heart of Travel coordinator, Chiva, were excellent!!! The accommodations, food, and itinerary were fantastic. I will definitely travel with Heart of Travel again.
By Lina A on 27 Jun, 2023
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