Land of Eternal Spring

Discover the heart of the Mayan world

Ancient temples rising over the jungle, volcanoes wrapped in cloud, lakes the colour of jade. Begin your journey to Guatemala.

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This is not a government website. Tierra Maya is an independent third-party processing and travel service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any government agency. Government services may be available directly at a lower cost.

Why Guatemala

A country that holds 4,000 years in a single horizon

From the towering pyramids of Tikal to the living markets of the highlands, Guatemala is where Mesoamerican history still breathes. Thirty-seven volcanoes, more than twenty Mayan languages, and some of the finest coffee on earth — all within a country smaller than England.

37Volcanoes
3UNESCO sites
22Mayan languages
23°CYear-round avg.
Top Destinations

Eight places that define Guatemala

Hand-picked landmarks, each one a reason to come — and a reason to stay longer.

UNESCO · Petén

Tikal National Park

The greatest of the Mayan cities, where temple roofs pierce the rainforest canopy and howler monkeys greet the dawn.

◷ Sunrise tours⌖ North Guatemala
UNESCO · Colonial

Antigua Guatemala

Cobbled streets, pastel facades and baroque ruins framed by three volcanoes. The most beautiful colonial city in Central America.

◷ City breaks⌖ Sacatepéquez
Highlands

Lake Atitlán

A vast volcanic crater lake ringed by Mayan villages — called by many the most beautiful lake in the world.

◷ Boat & villages⌖ Sololá
Nature

Semuc Champey

A natural limestone bridge holding a staircase of turquoise pools above a roaring river. Pure jungle magic.

◷ Swimming & caves⌖ Alta Verapaz
Culture

Chichicastenango Market

The largest indigenous market in the Americas — textiles, masks, incense and ceremony every Thursday and Sunday.

◷ Market days⌖ El Quiché
Adventure

Acatenango & Pacaya

Hike above the clouds to watch neighbouring Fuego erupt at night, or roast marshmallows on the glowing slopes of Pacaya.

◷ Volcano treks⌖ Near Antigua
Caribbean

Río Dulce & Livingston

Cruise a jungle gorge to the Caribbean coast and the Garífuna town of Livingston — a different rhythm entirely.

◷ River & coast⌖ Izabal
Highlands

Quetzaltenango (Xela)

Guatemala's second city — a hub for Spanish schools, hot springs, weaving cooperatives and rugged volcano country.

◷ Language & hikes⌖ Western Highlands
Experiences

However you like to travel

Six ways to fall for the country — pick one, or weave them all into a single trip.

Mayan Archaeology

Tikal, El Mirador, Yaxhá and Quiriguá — walk through the cities of an empire that mapped the stars.

Volcano Trekking

Summit Acatenango, witness Fuego's eruptions and stand on the lava fields of active Pacaya.

Coffee & Cacao

Tour highland fincas, cup single-origin beans and trace cacao from pod to ceremonial cup.

Lakes & Rivers

Kayak Atitlán at dawn, raft the Cahabón and drift the jungle canyon of Río Dulce.

Living Culture

Highland markets, backstrap weaving, Garífuna drumming and the rituals of Semana Santa.

Wildlife & Jungle

Spot toucans, jaguars' tracks and the resplendent quetzal in cloud forests and biotopes.

Travel Packages

Curated journeys, ready to go

Flexible itineraries with private transfers, hand-selected stays and local guides. Prices per person, based on two sharing.

5 Days · 4 Nights
The Highlights
$890 / per person
  • Antigua guided city tour
  • Pacaya volcano half-day hike
  • Lake Atitlán & village boat tour
  • All private transfers
  • 4 nights boutique hotels, breakfast
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Most Popular 8 Days · 7 Nights
The Adventure
$1,640 / per person
  • Everything in The Highlights
  • Tikal sunrise tour & flight to Petén
  • Acatenango overnight volcano trek
  • Semuc Champey pools & caves
  • Highland coffee finca experience
  • 7 nights, breakfast + select meals
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10 Days · 9 Nights
The Grand Tour
$2,480 / per person
  • Everything in The Adventure
  • Río Dulce & Livingston Caribbean leg
  • Chichicastenango market day
  • Quiriguá stelae & Quetzaltenango
  • Private guide throughout
  • 9 nights premium stays, most meals
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Travel Info

Everything you need before you fly

The essentials, in plain terms, so you can plan with confidence.

When to go

Best Season

The dry season runs November–April, with clear skies and cool highland evenings. Green season (May–October) brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Money

Currency

The Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, and ATMs are common in cities and main towns.

Language

What's spoken

Spanish is the official language, alongside more than twenty Mayan languages. English is spoken in hotels and tour services.

Getting around

Transport

Private shuttles and domestic flights (to Flores/Tikal) are the easiest options. Tourist shuttles connect all the main hubs.

Health

Stay well

Drink filtered or bottled water. Check recommended vaccinations with your doctor and consider altitude when in the highlands.

Climate

What to pack

Layers for cool highland nights, light clothing for the lowlands, sturdy shoes for volcanoes and a rain jacket in green season.

Culture & Cuisine

A table as rich as its history

Guatemalan cooking is built on maize, chillies and centuries of tradition. Try pepián, a deep, smoky meat stew that may be the national dish; jocón, a bright green herb sauce; and tamales wrapped in banana leaf for every celebration.

Beyond the plate, the country's culture lives in its textiles — every village weaves its own patterns and colours — and in festivals like Semana Santa, when Antigua's streets bloom with elaborate sawdust carpets.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

No. We are an independent third-party travel and processing service. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, and any official government services may be available directly at a lower cost.

Five days covers the highlights around Antigua and Lake Atitlán. To add Tikal, the volcanoes and Semuc Champey comfortably, plan for 8–10 days.

Absolutely. With private transfers and guided itineraries, the main routes are well-established and welcoming. Our packages are designed to keep logistics simple.

November to April offers the driest, clearest weather. The green season (May–October) is lusher and quieter, with rain usually falling in short afternoon bursts.

Yes — every package is a starting point. Once you apply, our team tailors the route, pace and accommodation level to suit you.

Your journey starts here

The Mayan world is waiting

Tell us how you like to travel and we'll shape the rest. It takes just a few minutes to begin.

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This is not a government website. Tierra Maya is an independent third-party processing and travel service, not affiliated with any government agency. Official government services may be available directly at a lower cost.

Independent travel experiences across Guatemala — the heart of the Mayan world.

Disclaimer: Tierra Maya is a privately operated, independent third-party travel and processing service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government department or official body. Any government-issued documents or services referenced may be obtained directly from the relevant official sources, potentially at a lower cost. Fees charged by Tierra Maya are for our independent services only.
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