Guatemala: The Bucket List Trip

Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Guatemala City

Ho
Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
140 reviews
Duration: 9 days
Group size: 6 - 12
Guatemala: The Bucket List Trip
Antigua, Lake Atitlán & Guatemala City

Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
140 reviews

Duration: 9 days
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

Heart of Travel is thrilled to offer small group tours to Guatemala in 2024. Over the years we have fallen in love with Guatemala and look forward to sharing our passion for this fascinating country with you. Dive into the country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, talented artists and craftsmen, and so much more.


To view the detailed itinerary for this trip please click here


For additional information about this trip please visit our website here.. Continue scrolling to review the most common FAQ along with details regarding registration, payments, and cancellations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does double occupancy mean?

Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion or roommate OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven # of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.


What does single occupancy mean?

Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another traveler. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know. 


What are "additional nights"?

Often times travelers desire to add on an extra night of accommodation at the beginning or end of the trip. You can book additional nights through us by adding them to your cart at the time of registration. Likewise, they can be added later if you are unsure of your plans at the time of enrollment. Note the price is per room.


Will Heart of Travel help me book my international airfare?

Heart of Travel does not book international airfare for trip participants nor are we responsible for changes or delays in your reservation or flight. However, we will be more than happy to research and provide information on suggested flights. Simply provide us with the airport code for any airports that work for you to fly in/out of and we will be glad to take a look! 


I have special dietary restrictions and/or medical needs or concerns. Can you accommodate me?

Yes! Heart of Travel has years of experience accommodating a range of dietary restrictions and preferences, even in some remote locations. Just let us know what you need and we've got your back. As for medical needs or concerns, Heart of Travel does its absolute best to accommodate all trip participants' preferences, needs, and abilities to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy and has a good time. If you have a medical condition or concern that needs to be discussed in greater detail please let us know as soon as possible so we can set up a time to chat and make sure we fully understand your needs and can prepare accordingly. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip has not  been canceled by Heart of Travel, rather you have chosen not to join the trip for whatever reason, including COVID-19, the following policy will apply:

  • Cancellation 151 days or more before the trip start date: Fully refundable 
  • Cancellation 91 - 150 days before the trip start date: Loss of deposit, the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 
  • Cancellation 60 – 90 days before the trip start date: 50% Refundable 
  • Cancellation 59 or fewer days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed, however, you could apply 70% of your payment towards a future trip to the same destination or 50% towards a Heart of Travel trip to an alternate destination. 

*If you can’t make it on a trip but someone else can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your registration and dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, the new participant would be responsible for covering this fee. 

TRIP POSTPONED OR CANCELED by Heart of Travel

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not possible due to COVID-19 (be it due to border closures or because we’ve determined the trip is not in the best interest of travelers and/or employees) we will notify participants immediately of the cancellation or postponement of the trip.

  • If the trip is canceled with 75 days of notice or more, travelers will have the option to receive a full refund, join the trip on the postponed dates, or transfer the amount paid to an alternative trip. 
  • In the event, the trip is impacted less than 74 days before the start date the trip, it will not be canceled but rather postponed. This means there is no refund, however, you can receive a full 100% credit for the amount paid, good towards any other Heart of Travel trip to any destination at any time, or wait to go on your original trip at the new dates. 

Travel Insurance

While adventure and connection through cross-cultural experience is our passion, we understand that there are inherent risks when it comes to international travel. Here at Heart of Travel, we believe in leaving places better than you found them, and part of making an impact is partnering with companies that share our values. That’s why we recommend purchasing Insured Nomads Travel Insurance before your upcoming travels. Insured Nomads Travel Insurance believes in safe, ethical travel that minimizes harm and leaves a positive impact on local communities. 


Travel insurance is a sustainable practice because when you purchase a plan, this ensures you have the financial means to care for yourself should you get sick or hurt while traveling. This lessens the burden you may impose on a local community’s medical resources and guarantees that each worker gets paid for their services. Travel insurance also allows you to rest easy, knowing you’ve got someone in your corner should you get sick or experience travel disruptions. Visit Insured Nomads Travel Insurance and shop their available policies here. Have any questions? Insured Nomads offers incredible customer service and will make sure to find the perfect plan for you.


Disclaimer: Heart of Travel is a partner of Insured Nomads Travel Insurance. We offer their travel insurance plans and earn a commission for each plan sold. This does not impact your pricing in any way. Here at Heart of Travel, we are not insurance experts. Please contact Insured Nomads Travel Insurance for any questions regarding coverage, your plan, and filing a claim. Be sure to visit Insured Nomad’s website for complete coverage information. 

Payment Plan

Our standard payment plan involves a refundable deposit at the time of registration. The remaining balance is then divided into 2 additional installments. The trip is due in full 91 days before the departure date. If you pay with a credit/debit card you will automatically be enrolled in auto-payment and future payments will automatically be deducted from your account. 


If you are interested in an alternative payment plan involving smaller monthly payments or custom payment dates please reach out to us at hola@theheartoftravel.org. We are happy to set up personalized payment plans and can offer interest-free payment plans for up to 12 months. 

What’s included

  • 8 nights accommodation
    4 & 5 star accommodation at boutique hotels and homestays
  • 18 meals
    Includes water, coffee, tea, juices. Some meals include 1 to 2 alcoholic or premium non-alooholic beverages
  • In country transport
    Ground, air, water as indicated on itinerary
  • Entrance fee + tickets
    For all activities included on the itinerary
  • Local guides & hosts
    Dignified compensation for local guides, artists, artisans and hosts' time, skills, knowledge and hospitality
  • Tour Leader
    Bilingual Tour Leader from the Heart of Travel Team
  • Regional Host(s)
    Bilingual Regional Trip Host(s) from Guatemala
  • Welcome Packet
    Detailed Welcome Packet with information to prepare for trip including packing list, recommended books and movies, health and safety tips and much more!
  • Digital Itinerary
    Detailed itinerary on Travefy and accessible on the mobile app Trip Plans. The best way to stay up to date and connected!
  • Whatsapp Concierge Line
    Whatsapp Concierge & Client Services Line available from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm CST for general assistance and 24/7 for emergencies.

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    To/from Guatemala City
  • Meals not stated
    Any meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Alcoholic drinks + sodas
  • Trip/Travel Insurance
    Recommended, not required
  • Additional tours
    Additional tours/activities done individually during free time(we can assist in coordinating these for you)
  • Tips
    To drivers, local guides, Tour Leader & Trip Hosts

Available Packages

Trip Price
Deposit:$750

Per person price in a double occupancy spot. 

$2,995
Deposit:$750

Available options

Single Supplement Charge
$550

Additional fee for solo travelers booking a private room and bathroom for 1 person.

Additional Night Lodging
$165
Deposit: $0

Additional fee for extra nights in Guatemala City before or after the official start and end dates of the trip. Fee is per room.

Basic Travel Spanish Online Course
$119
Deposit: $0

Looking to brush up on your Spanish? Add our Basic Travel Spanish online course to your cart for just $119 USD at check-out.

Your Organizer


Ho
Heart of Travel
140 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 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
Amazing experience! Truly a one of a kind trip and heart does such an amazing job with the planning and implementation of every part of the trip. They are so personal and full of real knowledge from living in Latin America. I wouldn’t change this experience for the world. I highly recommend. If you’re even slightly thinking you’ll enjoy it just book it!
By Julia B for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 05, 2024
This was my first experience with a travel agency and it exceeded me expectations! I was pleasantly surprised by additional service that I wasn't expecting including private rides to and from the airport for myself and all of my employees during a work visit to Mexico City. I will definitely use this service in the future!
By Alexandra W for Custom Travel: Puebla Day Trip on Oct 15, 2024
I highly recommend booking your vacation with Heart of Travel. I just got back last week from the Caribbean Escapes: Costa Rica and Panama trip and I am still thinking about it - and wondering where to go next! From the detailed planning that went into the itinerary to our fabulous tour leader, Cris, along with all of the wonderful local guides, this was an amazing experience.
By Leslie M for Caribbean Escape: Discovering Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro 2024 on Oct 10, 2024
This was my second trip with Heart of Travel and I couldn't have asked for more. The trip coordinator, local guides, itinerary, lodging, and food were all fantastic. I usually plan my own trips, but HOT affords opportunities for meaningful interactions with local community members and remote sites that would be challenging to find on one's own. A+ !!!
By Lina A for Caribbean Escape: Discovering Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro 2024 on Oct 10, 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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