Tours

Since Guatemala is still a developing tourist destination, many travelers choose to see the country by way of an organized tour. These organized tours can be found to fit any activity and just about any budget. Some of the more popular tours in Guatemala include archaeological, bird watching, adventure, historical, cities, and more.

Booking a Tour

Many people find it easier to book tours in advanced because this can be done online. Many of the more reputable tour agencies are based in the US and UK and usually sub-contract out much of the actual tour to local Guatemalan companies. Many of the websites for the Guatemalan based tour agencies are certainly lacking some visual appeal. Although they are poorly designed, they can fairly safe if you know how to protect yourself.

Tips For Booking Tours Online

• Use your best judgment on the website and company
• Always pay with a credit card or by PayPal so you have some protection
• Research the company before you book the tour
• Look for customer reviews on the tour
• See if the price includes taxes
• Do they offer round trip transportation from your hotel?

If you are on a budget or not much for planning ahead, you can always wait until you get into Guatemala to start planning and organizing tours. By booking tours in Guatemala instead of online, you will save some money by cutting out the middle man. Although these direct prices will be a little cheaper, you will still be paying a premium for organized travel.

Groups of people always have barging power. The more people that are in your group, the more of a discount you will probably get. Always ask about group discounts for any tour. If they don’t offer one, try haggling with them. more than likely they wont want to turn away a large group of people.

Archaeological Tours

Exploration of the Mayan ruins is one of the most popular tours in Guatemala. One of the most popular set of Mayan ruins are found in the city of Tikal. In its heyday, Tikal was the capital of the Mayan empire and has an impressive collection of ruins to wonder around. Most tours to the Tikal ruins are day long trips, but a few tour operators offer overnight trips to the area.

Adventure Tours

Aside from the archeological tours, Guatemala also offers a lot of opportunities for an adventure-based vacation. You can try mountain biking on tracks around the volcanoes and through the rainforests. Hiking, white water rafting, caving and horse back riding tours are also available.

Top 5 Adventure Tours in Guatemala

Best of Guatemala and Mexico , 13 Days , from US$1145

This tour visits Belize, Guatemala and Mexico and it starts in Antigua, where you’ll see the well-maintained colonial buildings set against a backdrop of volcanoes. Then, travel to Flores and visit the impressive Tikal ruins, one of the most impressive Mayan sites. Then head to San Ignacio for 2 days , followed by Caye Caulker and Tulum. The tour ends in Playa del Carmen where you can work on your tan before heading back home.

Explore Mexico and Guatemala , 10 days, from US$1125

This tour visits Guatemala and Mexico. It starts in Cancun where you’ll enjoy the sun and sand. Then it visits Chichen Itza , one of the best examples of Mayan architecture , before heading to Palenque. After that, you’ll be in San Cristobal de las Casas for two days, enjoying the cooler climate of the area. Then it’s time to visit Panajachel, a town located right on the lake, with volcanoes in the background. Enjoy the outdoor activities and then visit San Jorge. The last stop is in Antigua and then you’ll travel back home.

Guatemala and Belize Family Adventure , 12 days, US$3775

This 12 days tour visits Belize and Guatemala. It starts in Antigua where you’ll take a guided tour of the city. After a visit in the colorful Chichicastenango market, you’ll travel to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Then it’s time to visit Flores and the ruins of Tikal before heading to Belize. Ambergis Caye is next on the list and the tour ends in Belize City.

Mayan Discovery , 15 days, US$2470

The tour visits Belize, Guatemala and Mexico. It starts in Cancun and then you’ll visit Chichen Itza. Palenque is next on the list before you head to San Cristobal de las Casas. Right by the lake shore, Panajachel will enchant you. Then head to Antigua on the way to Tikal. San Ignacio follows and you’ll end the tour in Playa del Carmen.

Way to San Jose , 17 days, US$1370

The tour visits Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. It starts in Antigua and then you’ll cross the border to Honduras. Roatan Island is next on the list before visiting Comayagua. Then you’ll visit Nicaragua’s oldest city, Granada. On Ometepe Island you can hike on the volcano. Then you’ll visit Monteverde in Costa Rica. Next on the list is Arenal Volcano before ending the trip in San Jose.