Guatemala – February 2026

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GUATEMALA is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in Latin America, with outstanding nature, culture, and history.  GeoTours Guatemala includes rainforests, volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, waterfalls, wildlife, Mayan sites, indigenous culture, colorful markets, colonial cities, and excellent dining and shopping opportunities.

LAND COST = $1790 – includes lodging in a double/twin room, breakfasts, private tour bus, one domestic flight, many entries/activities, and Matt and/or Suzan Ebiner as group leader.  Single rooms are limited and cost +$600.  Discounts for GeoTours alumni and early registration.

NOT INCLUDED – Airfare from the USA, meals not listed above, drinks, tips, shopping, personal expenses.

AIRFARE is additional.  Flights from Los Angeles to Guatemala (GUA) are nonstop, under 5 hours, and relatively inexpensive (under $500 round-trip LAX-GUA-LAX on Avianca).  GeoTours will provide flight recommendations.  Participants can fly from any airport (not just LAX) to Guatemala and can spend more time traveling on their own before or after the tour.

Sun         2/22/26                 Depart USA                                                                          

Depart USA and arrive in Guatemala the same day.  One-hour drive from the airport to Antigua, with beautiful colonial buildings, comfortable temperatures, and fine restaurants and shopping.  Stay at Hotel Aurora, an old colonial mansion just 2 blocks from the main plaza.  It is possible to leave the USA a day or two earlier to have more time in Guatemala.

Mon       2/23/26                 Antigua                                                                 

Enjoy the ambience of Antigua, with a morning orientation walk to see the highlights of the old town, including the plaza and colonial-era churches.  There are excellent restaurants and plenty of shops to browse.  Option to do an afternoon hike up Volcano Pacaya, with the possibility of riding a horse part way up.  Night #2 in Antigua.

Tue         2/24/26                 Antigua to Panajachel                                                        

Our private bus takes us 2.5 hours through the highlands to Panajachel, a town located on beautiful Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages.  Hike in Atitlan Nature Reserve with forest and monkeys, with an option to go zip-lining.  Two nights in Panajachel at Hotel Jardines del Lago or equivalent.

Wed       2/25/26                Lake Atitlan                                                                         

Take a 30-minute boat ride on the lake from Panajachel to another lakeside village, then hike an hour along the shore to another village.  The trail climbs uphill a bit, which provides great views across the water of three volcanoes.  Visit more villages by boat before returning to Panajachel for night #2.

Thu         2/26/26 Panajachel – Chichicastenango – Cobán 

Our bus takes us 1.5 hours from Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango, a highlands town whose population is mostly indigenous.  Thursday is market day, with villagers coming from long distances to buy and sell.  Chichi is one of the most colorful markets in all Latin America, a feast for photographers and a good place to shop for souvenirs.  Lunch in Chichi and then continue 5 hours to Cobán.  One night in Cobán at Casa Kirva or equivalent.

Fri           2/27/26                Cobán – Rio Dulce

Travel 6 hours to the lowland town of Rio Dulce, with two excellent stops en route.  First stop at Boqueron Gorge, with a short river trip in a dugout canoe through an impressive canyon.  Then visit Finca Paraiso, a hot waterfall that plunges into a cool river, with another opportunity to swim.  One night at Hacienda Tijax or equivalent, located on a river amidst mangroves, with comfortable cabins and a nice swimming pool.

Sat          2/28/26                Rio Dulce – Yaxha – El Remate                                       

Option to go kayaking at sunrise or to walk in the rainforest.  Drive 4 hours to El Remate for lunch.  Afternoon visit to Yaxha, one of the great ancient Mayan cities of Guatemala, with temple-pyramids and more.  Two nights in El Remate at Hotel Gringo Perdido or equivalent, located on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá.

Sun         3/1/26                  Tikal                                                                                       

Visit the ancient Maya city of Tikal, one of the greatest ancient cities of the Americas, situated amidst luxuriant rainforest with lots of wildlife.  Afternoon is free to relax at the hotel, with the opportunity to swim in the pool or the lake.  Night #2 in El Remate.

Mon       3/2/26                  El Remate – Flores – Guatemala City – Antigua           

Morning flight from Flores to Guatemala City.  Transfer to Antigua for our final day in Guatemala.  Last minute shopping opportunities, or take an optional afternoon excursion to hike Volcano Pacaya, with beautiful views at sunset.  One night in Antigua at Hotel Aurora.

Tue         3/3/26                  Depart Guatemala                                                              

Fly back to the USA from Guatemala City and arrive home the same day.  Or stay longer in Guatemala to explore on your own.

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