Guatemala
EXPORE THE ANCIENT WISDOM OF THE MAYA & UNDERSTAND CURRENT SOCIAL ISSUES
about this journey
Join Ethos Journeys on a transformative expedition that bridges the realms of social impact and indigenous wisdom— a journey that beckons you to the captivating landscapes of Guatemala. Nestled in Central America, this country boasts not only stunning natural beauty but also a tapestry of rich indigenous traditions that have endured the test of time. As we embark on this remarkable voyage, we invite you to explore the profound intersection of cultural heritage and social change.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Ibn Battuta
“A person susceptible to ‘wanderlust’ is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.”
PICO IYER
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”
ANAIS NIN
Guatemala, a nation steeped in Mayan heritage and vibrant diversity, opens its arms to those who seek to engage with its indigenous communities and unravel the layers of their ancient wisdom.
Our journey is more than a simple adventure; it is an immersion into a world where traditional knowledge is intertwined with contemporary challenges, where ancestral practices harmonize with modern aspirations, and where the echoes of history reverberate through the hearts of its people.
Join us on this journey to Guatemala — a land where the past, present, and future intermingle in a dance of possibility.
journey itinerary
Arrival in Guatemala City – La Aurora International Airport
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a bilingual guide and taken to your boutique hotel in Antigua. Antigua is said to be one of the world’s best-preserved colonial cities. The nearly 500-year-old city sits at the foot of three volcanoes and is lined with colonial-era mansions, churches and convents, boutiques, and art galleries—all with varying displays of aging yet colorful facades. In 1979, UNESCO declared the colonial city of La Antigua Guatemala a World Cultural Heritage Site, turning it into a recognized treasure of exceptional value before the eyes of the world.
We will gather in the hotel lobby/lounge area at approximately 6pm to welcome travelers and enjoy a welcome beverage together while meeting our guide for the week.
Accommodation: Casa Santo Domingo
In the 17th Century, the Convent of Santo Domingo was one of the largest in America, and in 1773, the earthquake of Santa Marta almost totally destroyed it. In 1989, the project known as Casa Santo Domingo was developed with the primary objective of rescuing the vestiges of the Convent and Temple buried under tons of rubble. Hotel Museum & Spa Casa Santo Domingo progressively emerged where each corner is a page lost in time that joins others to form a beautiful chapter of the great book of our history. Prepare yourself to be transported to another place and time in this innovative hotel.
Morning Antigua Walking Tour & Afternoon at Leisure
After breakfast, we will enjoy a walking tour of ancient “La Antigua”, as it is often called. This stunning city was the country’s capital for over 200 years. It offers a fascinating blend of European and Mayan culture, with its monumental sixteenth century Baroque churches and vibrant natural beauty. La Antigua has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an amazing collection of museums, churches, ruins, boutiques and galleries displaying a rich history of art and culture.
Optional Evening Cooking Class or Art Tour: In the late afternoon, participate in an optional two and a half hour, six course cooking class at La Tortilla Cooking School, or a three hour art tour to visit some of Guatemala’s most renowned artists.
Dinner is at leisure at any of Antigua’s quaint wine bars and fantastic restaurants. We highly recommend Hector’s, Los Tres Tiempos, Mezon Panza Verde or Epicure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Santo Domingo
After a delicious breakfast, choose how you immerse yourself in the wonders of Antigua. Explore our recommended list of art galleries and boutique shops, or opt for a guided art or weaving tour, hike a volcano or sit in on a Spanish class. We’ve heard time and again that travelers don’t feel that they have enough time to explore the magic of Antigua, so we’re leaving the day entirely open for you to do as you wish!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Santo Domingo
After breakfast and checking out of our hotel in Antigua, we will depart for our drive to Chichicasenango, or Chichi as locals call it.
Chichicastenango is home to the most colorful market in all of Latin America. Since before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, Mayan tribes have travelled far and wide to come to Chichicastenango to sell and trade their goods.
Upon arrival we’ll take a guided tour of the Santo Tomas church where Mayan rituals are held, the La Moreira traditional mask workshop, and the local cemetery with the stone idol of Pascual Abaj. Visiting the cemetery in Chichicastenango offers a fascinating glimpse into how Catholicism and indigenous Mayan beliefs have merged to honor the dead.
From wooden handicrafts to traditional healing remedies and vibrantly colored exotic fruits and vegetables, it seems that everything under the sun has passed through the streets of Chichicastenango. To the unseasoned traveller, the Chichicastenango market might seem a little overwhelming. But to anyone who likes all their 5 senses to be stimulated in every possible way, Chichicastenango is a sweet treat waiting to be sampled.
After lunch we’ll drive to our cozy lakefront hotel, where you will have time to enjoy a late afternoon hike, swim, kayak, or spa.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Porta Hotel del Lago
Framed by lush gardens and breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán and Guatemala’s three majestic volcanoes – Volcán San Pedro, Volcán Atitlán and Volcán Tolimán – Porta Hotel del Lago is a truly majestic destination for your time in Panajachel. You’ll find a tranquil, intimate and warm boutique hotel overlooking lake waters just steps from the town main attractions, shopping and restaurants. Here, the rich comforts of a modern hotel blend seamlessly with authentic Guatemalan design and décor to create a truly unique ambience.
This morning after breakfast we will boat across the lake to San Juan La Laguna, a quaint village home to a variety of naïf paintings created by self-taught artists depicting the town’s customs, history, and legends. We will share in a captivating visit to Casa Flor Ixcaco – a cultural haven inviting you to explore the vibrant tapestry of indigenous Mayan traditions.
San Juan La Laguna is one of the picturesque towns that surrounds the famous Lake Atitlán in the department of Sololá. Among the most notable attractions of this municipality is the famous Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint. It is an open-air viewpoint built with a circular structure that allows for a panoramic view.
Return by boat in the early afternoon to our hotel in Panajachel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Porta Hotel del Lago
This morning after breakfast, we’ll visit a pre-school classroom of Aula Mágica.
Day to be determined.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Porta Hotel del Lago
This morning after breakfast, we’ll depart from our Lake Atitlan hotel to return to Guatemala City for an afternoon flight to Flores in Northern Guatemala. Flores is located in Peten, one hour south of Tikal. It is surrounded by the third biggest lake in Guatemala, Lake Peten Itza.
Upon arrival in Flores we will take a short trip to our hotel, locaed in the Mayan Biosphere of Tikal.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Hotel
Jungle Lodge is directly related to the creation of the first stablished scientific campsite in Tikal, which lodged archaeologists from the University of Pensilvania, United States, for the exploration of the Mayan city. Stay in the heart of the Mayan Biosphere, in the first archaeological campsite of Tikal. Enjoy a comforting rest during your expedition. Each room offers architectural decorative details and amenities designed to deliver a splendid experience in the middle of the jungle.
After breakfast, meet our guide to begin our full day exploring the Tikal National Park.
Embarking on a full-day tour at Tikal National Park is like stepping back in time to the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. As the sun gently rises, casting an ethereal glow over the towering pyramids and dense jungle, the day begins with a sense of anticipation. The knowledgeable guide leads the way through the labyrinth of archaeological wonders, unraveling the mysteries of the temples, plazas, and intricately carved stelae. The jungle comes alive with the melodic symphony of exotic birds and the rustling of howler monkeys overhead.
Climbing to the majestic summit of Temple IV, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the vast canopy and the iconic temple peaks rising above the treetops. A leisurely lunch amidst the ancient ruins offers a moment of reflection, connecting with the spirit of this sacred site. The afternoon unfolds with more discoveries, including hidden gems tucked away in the foliage. As the day draws to a close, the sunset paints the temples in hues of gold and amber, casting a spellbinding aura over Tikal. The echoes of a bygone era linger in the air, creating memories that transcend time.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for time by the pool or a much-deserved spa treatment before dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Hotel
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Yaxha, the third largest Mesoamerican ruin in Guatemala, yet less popular than nearby Tikal, making it a fascinating archaeological site to visit without the crowds. Our guide lead us through the ruins, before returning to our hotel in the early afternoon for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Hotel
After breakfast we’ll return to the Flores airport for our flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival we’ll have private transport to our hotel in downtown Guatemala City, where we can unwind.
End our journey and time together over a 10-course ancestral Mayan tasting menu at Flor de Lis.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Westin Camino Real
Located in Guatemala’s most exclusive and modern district, minutes from local shopping, upscale restaurants, shopping galleries and entertainment. The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala is a stylish hotel and convention complex. Guests will enjoy our location, convenient to business and local culture. Offering a variety of services to make your stay more relaxing, guests will leave The Westin Camino Real, Guatemala feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
Departures throughout the day from the hotel to airport for departing flights.
Introduction
As we traverse ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and breathtaking landscapes, we will also engage in discussions that encourage dialogue between ancient wisdom and modern methodologies. This expedition serves as a bridge—a channel through which knowledge flows freely between diverse cultures and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the profound connections that bind humanity together.
International Flights
Please do not book your international flights until the journey has been confirmed and you’ve received the go-ahead from Ethos Journeys. Flights for this journey should arrive at and depart from Guatemala’s La Aurora International Airport (GUA).
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change anytime. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please get in touch with your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION NOTE
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed, and climbing stairs may be necessary.
Transportation
On this journey, we will travel by air-conditioned private van for all of the journey.
Suggested Packing List
Documents
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Essentials
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Windproof rain jacket
Warm Weather
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by hotels for a charge.
Visa and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). You will receive a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different, and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others, while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in Guatemala is the Quetzal.
ATMs are found within Guatemala’s main cities and generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if possible, as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card.
Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easily exchanged for local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash for emergencies, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some money is the ideal mix.
If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996 or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Health
DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink ONLY bottled water in Guatemala.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our journeys. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy, we require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of $200,000 USD is required.
We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage, and personal effects.
If you have credit card insurance, we require proof of trip purchase (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage, and emergency contact telephone number.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied with Ethos Journeys. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been prepared and provided in good faith. However, it is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of publishing. It may differ slightly from the one in any print materials. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements stemming from past travelers, comments, and our research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal to the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days before travel in case any changes affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region; any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and are subject to vary due to local circumstances.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
You must be 18 years old (except for minors accompanied by a parent or designated responsible adult) and in good health to join one of our tours. Acceptance of your booking is subject to our review of your application. We retain the right to request medical clearance or any other information or to refuse any applicant for any tour at any time for any reason whatsoever, at our sole discretion.
TO RESERVE
A 50% non-refundable* deposit is required to reserve your journey within seven days of submitting your trip registration, with the remaining 50% of the trip cost (including additional extensions or hotel nights) due by December 31, 2023.
Unless otherwise indicated, all prices are listed in US dollars ($) and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
* If you are unable to travel and cancel in writing more than 90 days from the trip start date, we will hold 50% of your non-refundable deposit amount for use toward an upcoming trip with Ethos Journeys.
TRAVEL INSURANCE – IMPORTANT & REQUIRED
As soon as you have made a deposit, we encourage you to take a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover your trip. Travel insurance policies will provide complete coverage against unexpected cancellation charges, flight delays or missed flights, medical costs incurred while traveling overseas, loss of money or baggage, or personal liability claims.
In the event of a claim for cancellation, loss, or damages, in the first instance, the Client and/or Agent should make such a claim through the insurance provider.
Also, note that travelers frequently believe that their credit card company supplies travel insurance, but time and again, learn that only flight costs are covered or there is a coverage limit. As such, we strongly encourage purchasing comprehensive travel insurance through providers like World Nomads or Travelex Insurance Services, where you can obtain tremendous and economical coverage.
REFUNDS & CANCELLATION
All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are refundable on the following basis:
- 90+ days before arrival date – 100% of the refundable portion, less domestic flight costs
- 89 to 60 days before arrival date – 50% of the refundable portion, less domestic flight costs
- 59 to 46 days before arrival date – 25% of the refundable portion, less domestic flight costs
- 45 days or less before arrival date – No refund
CLAIMS & REFUNDS
Refunds are not made for any missed services except for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see our Limits on Liability below. For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be received in writing within 30 days of the program’s termination and be accompanied by supporting documentation and/or a statement from the Operating Company verifying the claim. Any adjustment will be based on the actual price of the services involved and not on a per diem basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused sightseeing trips or meals. Ethos Journeys will not accept any liability for any claims not received within 30 days of the termination of your travel program. All claims for days missed while traveling should be made in writing within 30 days of the program’s termination.
For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be submitted to Ethos Journeys in writing along with supporting documentation within 30 days of the traveler’s return date from our planned itinerary. Ethos Journeys will make every effort to rectify situations of services rendered below standard. In this case, any refund would be made based on the actual price of the service(s) in question and not on a per diem basis.
If Ethos Journeys or its contracted partners cannot provide part or all of the travel itinerary, see the Changes section below.
CHANGES
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ethos Journeys may need to adjust the travel itinerary, which could alter your program’s final price or design. While we make all of your arrangements in good faith, unforeseen circumstances may make it necessary to change hotels, transportation, or tour arrangements before or during your trip. We reserve the right to make itinerary and price changes as deemed necessary. As none of the accommodation, transportation, and tour guide providers are by owned by Ethos Journeys, we cannot be held responsible for such circumstances. We will pass any additional cost (or savings) on to the traveler.
HOTEL CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
Hotel check-out time is usually 12:00 PM. Extended check-in/check-out time may be granted, subject to availability and agreement by the participating hotels.
PASSPORTS, VISAS & OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Be sure your passport is not close to expiring as some countries refuse valid passports soon to expire – generally, travel within six months of expiration will not be accepted. All travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have valid passports and visas, where necessary. Ethos Journeys cannot be held accountable for information on visa regulations or where local authorities do not obtain or accept passports or visas.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Ethos Journeys does not book airfare to and from the travel destination. Once the traveler confirms the travel itinerary, he/she is responsible for ensuring correct arrival and departure dates/times. Ethos Journeys will not be liable for mistakes or errors in airfare bookings made by independent third parties. Change fees and/or airfare penalties may apply for travelers who miss flights in the itinerary.
Air transportation can be affected by weather, schedule delays, or cancellations which can affect the design of your itinerary (see Changes above).
LIMITS OF LIABILITY
Ethos Journeys, its employees, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns, does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel, or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurants, ground handling, and other services from various independent suppliers. All such persons and entities are independent contractors.
As a result, Ethos Journeys is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person, entity, or third person. In addition and without limitation, Ethos Journeys is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services, whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist actions of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failures of aircraft or other means of transportation or for the loss of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.
RISKS
There are certain inherent risks in travel. These include but are not limited to hiking, walking safaris, climbing injuries, altitude sickness, and in all trips, dangers of animals, inaccessibility to medical attention, and difficulty in evacuation from remote locations in the case of a medical emergency. The passenger assumes all such risks concerning these possibilities and is now given notice that hospital and/or health facilities/personnel for treatment of serious medical problems are often unavailable and, further, that evacuation, if available, can be prolonged, complicated, and expensive. We assume no liability regarding the provision of medical care or evacuation services and, at this moment, provide notice that any of our staff or subcontractors who may provide emergency medical care in the field may not have had formal medical or first-aid training and would be acting only as a “good Samaritan.”
TRAVEL ADVISORIES/WARNINGS
The Traveler is responsible for informing about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department’s travel website at www.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating in any way to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits of Liability Clause, or any information relating in any way to the trip or to the journey itself shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration Orange County, FL, USA, following the rules of the Arbitration Association then existent.
TRAVELER REPRESENTATION
The Traveler represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself or other tour members. Ethos Journeys reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip. Ethos Journeys reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.
pricing
REGISTER BEFORE october 31, 2023
$2,495 USD per person DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$3,195 USD PER PERSON SINGLE OCCUPANCY
REGISTER AFTER october 31, 2023
$2,695 USD per person DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$3,395 USD PER PERSON SINGLE OCCUPANCY
INCLUDES
- 3 Nights Antigua Hotel
- 3 Nights Lake Atitlan Hotel
- 3 Nights Tikal Hotel
- 1 Night Guatemala City Hotel
- Round-Trip Flight for Tikal
- Private Transportation
- Bilingual Guide Throughout
- All Taxes & Gratuities
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Round-Trip Flights to Guatemala
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Optional Tour Experiences
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance (Required)
- Other Services Not Mentioned
NEED ADDITIONAL NIGHTS?
We will be happy to quote and arrange additional hotel nights if you wish to arrive a day early, or depart after the close of our journey.
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