7 Reasons to Travel to Guatemala with Llama Travel

1. Small Groups

At Llama Travel, our group size averages 11 people, with a maximum of 18, making it easier to get around Guatemala’s cities, lively markets and remote jungle locations. Smaller groups mean less waiting around, more flexibility during visits, and a smoother overall experience. You also have more opportunities to interact with your guide, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s history, culture and landscapes.

Antigua

2. Explore the Maya highlights of Guatemala

All Llama Travel’s Guatemala itineraries include the country’s most important Maya site of Tikal, as well as the chance to explore the lesser-visited, but equally beautiful, sites. The carefully paced and expertly guided tours lets you fully appreciate their history and setting. From vast jungle cities to quieter, lesser-visited ruins, each visit is well planned, allowing time to explore without feeling rushed and have a comfortable experience.

a) Wander the jungle temples of Tikal

Tikal is Guatemala’s most iconic Maya site, set deep within dense rainforest. Ancient temples rise from the jungle, with howler monkeys and birds creating a dramatic soundtrack. With Llama Travel, you are accompanied by expert guides on a guided tour, giving you time to explore the main plazas and temples while learning about the city’s role as a powerful Maya stronghold and enjoying the atmosphere of this remarkable site.

Jungle temples of Tikal

b) Discover the lesser-known site of Yaxha

Yaxha offers a very different experience to Tikal and is often far quieter. Surrounded by jungle and overlooking a lagoon, the site has impressive temples, causeways and plazas that can be explored at a relaxed pace.

Yaxha

3. Explore the cultural highlights

At Llama Travel, we balance Guatemala’s historical highlights with time to experience its culture. Our itineraries include historic towns, lively markets and everyday life, all explored at a relaxed pace to give you an insight into local traditions and heritage.

a) Wander the cobblestoned streets of Antigua

Antigua is one of Central America’s most beautiful colonial cities. Explore its cobbled streets and historic landmarks at your own pace, or join our optional Colonial Antigua excursion. Visit the ruins of Santiago Cathedral, La Merced Church and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, with views of cloud-shrouded volcanoes rising up behind the charming, colourful streets.

b) Visit the thriving Chichicastenango market

Chichicastenango is home to Guatemala’s most famous market and offers a vivid insight into local life. On our guided market excursion, you explore stalls selling textiles, handicrafts, flowers and produce, while learning about the traditions behind the crafts and the cultural importance of this long-established market. You also visit Santo Tomas church, where Maya-Quiche rituals are conducted.

Chichicastenango market

c) Explore the villages on the shores of Lake Atitlan

Apart from being one of the most picturesque areas of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is home traditional villages and ancient traditions. One of the towns on Lake Atitlán’s shore, Santiago Atitlan, is most commonly associated with the folk saint of Maximon. The origins of Maximon are not very well understood. One idea is that he a catholic priest who looked after aboriginals in the 17th century. Another belief is that he is the incarnation of the Maya god of sexuality. 

4. See amazing natural wonders

At Llama Travel, we include Guatemala’s natural highlights alongside its cultural and historical sights. From peaceful lakes to dense jungle landscapes, our itineraries allow you to experience the country’s diversity.

a) Sail on beautiful Lake Atitlán

From Antigua, travel by road to Lake Atitlán, a beautiful volcanic lake set in Guatemala’s highlands and surrounded by steep hills and volcanoes. Take a boat across the lake to visit traditional Maya villages such as San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, each offering a glimpse into local life and culture.

Lake Atitlan

b) Listen to the howler monkeys in the jungle of Tikal

The jungle surrounding Tikal is alive with sound, especially from the howler monkeys that live in the treetops. Their deep calls echo through the forest, adding to the atmosphere as you explore the ancient temples. It is a memorable way to experience Guatemala’s wildlife alongside its Maya heritage.

Howler Monkeys

5. Combine with Costa Rica

Our Guatemala holidays are flexible, letting you combine your trip with the natural wonders of Costa Rica for an even more rewarding adventure. Visit San Jose, the lively capital surrounded by coffee plantations, cruise the jungle waterways of Tortuguero, where you may spot sloths, monkeys and colourful birdlife and relax in the volcanic hot springs of Arenal, then end your holiday unwinding on the white-sand beaches and calm waters of Manuel Antonio. You can also extend your trip to the Corcovado Coast for unique wildlife in one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats.

Hanging Bridges, Arenal

6. Extend your trip with a visit to Panama

After exploring Guatemala’s ancient sites, colourful towns and natural landscapes, you can extend your journey with a visit to Panama for a contrasting experience. Begin with a half-day guided city tour in Panama City, visiting the Miraflores Locks and visitor centre to watch ships pass through the famous Panama Canal and learn about its history and significance. Continue to Casco Viejo, the historic old town, where you can stroll through cobbled streets and admire its colonial architecture.

Having seen the canal from the shore, you can then join our Partial Panama Canal Transit excursion, taking a boat ride through the locks to experience first-hand how the canal system operates.

Panama Canal Transit

7. Speak to an Expert

Our travel experts have experienced Guatemala first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Inspired by this, and want to experience the best of  Guatemala for yourself? Order a free brochure to find out more about our Guatemala itineraries, or contact us to speak to one of our Travel Consultants today.

Found this blog useful? Sign up for our newsletter for more holiday tips and advice!