Thinking about Guatemala but not sure about going it alone? We got you. This nine-day adventure is the perfect mix of solo freedom and group connection — where you can explore on your own but never feel on your own. Kick things off in charming Antigua with a tortilla-making class in a colourful colonial kitchen, then boat across the dreamy waters of Lake Atitlán to visit vibrant Indigenous villages. Hike through jungle paths to the ancient ruins of Tikal, and soak in the steamy waterfall hot springs of Finca Paraíso. With a focus on community, culture, and connection, this is Guatemala the way it’s meant to be experienced — together.
Travel Style
Solo-ish Adventures
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Chokojol Juyu Community Visit & Lunch, Antigua Guatemala
Your G for Good Moment: Lake Atitlán Boat Ride and Community Visit, Lago de Atitlán
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Dinner Party: Guatemalan Cuisine Focused Cooking Class, Antigua Guatemala
We Day: The History & Local Indigenous Communities of Antigua, Antigua Guatemala
G Day: Lake Atitlan Communities & Cultural Immersion, Panajachel
Me Day: Rio Dulce Me Day, Rio Dulce. Complimentary arrival transfer. CEO-led walking tour of Antigua. Boat tour of Lake Atitlan. Tikal Tour with a local guide. Visit to Finca Paraíso. Free time in Antigua, Panajachel, Flores, and Rio Dulce. Internal flight between Guatemala City & Flores. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Learn to make tortillas in the colourful streets of Antigua, Explore the lakeside villages of Atitlán by boat. Walk among the ancient ruins of Tikal deep in the jungle. Soak in the hot waterfall and cool river at Finca Paraíso
How large will the group be?
Max 16, Avg. 14.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, plane, boat.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (8 nts).
Itinerary
Dinner Party: Antigua
Please ensure your flight lands by 3pm and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Antigua. After a brief welcome meeting, discover the secrets of Guatemalan cuisine during a hands-on, private cooking demonstration at a local culinary school. With an experienced chef by your side this sensory immersion into the region’s culture will demonstrate just how important food is in bringing people together across the world. From dishes like Pepián and Kak'ik, both of which are deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, to Hilachas, Tamales, and Rellenitos, your taste buds will be in heaven no matter which dish you learn to make. Your local culinary instructors will charm you with their personal stories and expert local knowledge, and you'll make new friends as you enjoy your own creations together. The experience will help you understand how Mayan culture and Spanish Colonial influence have blended together in a perfect harmony through food. Make sure to arrive by 3:00 pm so that you have time to get settled in and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and tonight's Dinner Party.
We Day: Antigua
Today is all about the history and local cultures of Guatemala. Start with a walking tour of Antigua alongside your CEO. Wander through its cobblestone streets and see colonial sites like the vibrant Central Park, the historic Cathedral, and the Palace of the Captains General. Then stop by the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, perfectly framed by the Agua Volcano. From the striking yellow façade of La Merced Church, to the peaceful ruins of the Capuchinas Convent, echoes of the past are around every corner. Next up is an unforgettable experience and at G Adventures-supported Chokojol Juyu, a vibrant training center dedicated to preserving the rich textiles and culture of the local community. Enjoy the unique opportunity to learn how to prepare Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, alongside talented children and youth who are passionate about their heritage. Then, gain insight from the women of the community into their textile traditions in which they use intricate techniques to create their beautiful crafts. Enjoy lunch surrounded by the warmth of local hospitality. Then, stop by a macadamia farm to learn about the founders' efforts here to find solutions to help local indigenous communities have access to more income, employment, and well-being through the planting of these nut trees. A day full of local connections and heartwarming interactions.
G Day: Lake Atitlan
Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an immersion into the beauty and culture of Guatemala’s stunning Lake Atitlan. Be on the lookout for a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. Board a boat in Panajachel and cruise across the water to the local community of Santa Cruz. Along the way enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes. Then, experience everyday life in this G Adventures-supported village. You’ll enjoy a delicious local Mayan lunch, and participate in a Mayan tree planting ceremony for a sense of Mayan culture and beliefs. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets before travelling by boat to San Marcos with unforgettable views of the lake and surrounding area. Remember to be on the lookout because who knows where you might end up to cap off this epic G Day.
Panajachel/Flores
Enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Atitlan during a liesurely morning. Have breakfast with a view, walk near the lake, and simply enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of Panajachel. In the afternoon, travel north on a flight to Flores, with its heavy Mayan influence in the northeast jungle Petén region. Flores is situated on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway. This unique location offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is also considered the gateway to nearby Mayan ruins and towering temples. Upon arrival take time to get settled and enjoy your new surroundings. Choose to find a cozy spot for an authentic Guatemalan dinner this evening with your newest travel friends.
Flores
Step back in time into the life of the ancient Maya with a guided tour today to the Tikal archaeological site. Set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, you will see this UNESCO World Heritage site along with your bilingual guide. See some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV and feel your heart thumping in your chest. Snap some photos and soak in the deep, ancient energy of this place. Return to Flores for more free time to relax, maybe journal, walk along the water, or grab an ice cold beverage to celebrate a day well spent.
Flores/Rio Dulce
After breakfast the group will drive from Flores to Rio Dulce, special for its unique combination of natural beauty, Caribbean influence, and diverse wildlife. This river runs through the lush rainforest landscape featuring cliffs, beaches, and hot springs. It is a haven for nature lovers and those wishing to experience adventure off-the-beaten-path. After having lunch on your own in the charming town, the group will enjoy an unforgettable visit to Finca Paraíso. This place is so special because it features a rare, natural phenomenon where hot and cold water sources converge. The waterfall cascades down a rock formation heated by the underground hot springs creating a steamy, warm waterfall combining with the cooler river below. It’s an ideal place to swim and find the perfect temperature to float and stare up at the jungle hovering above you. Return to Rio Dulce for free time to grab dinner on your own and recharge your social batteries. There’s no doubt that Guatemala will have captured your heart by now.
Me Day: Rio Dulce
It’s time for a day that belongs entirely to you! Choose to go on a scenic boat ride to the Caribbean town of Livingston and enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Or you can join your CEO on a visit to the nearby beach for some downtime by the water and in the sand. The choice really is all yours. You can decide to be as solo or social as you wish for the best of both worlds. Dinner in the evening will be at your leisure. Finding a hip foodie spot with your travel mates sounds like a fabulous idea.
Rio Dulce/Antigua
Enjoy breakfast in Rio Dulce before traveling back to Antigua. There will be a stop for lunch on your own along the way. Upon arrival to Antigua your CEO will take the group on an orientation walk downtown and then you will be free to do dinner as you please. Maybe gather together as a group of strangers that have become friends for a fantastic night of delicious food, laughter, and love in a beautiful place you will never forget.
Antigua
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling 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 USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (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.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
