Guatemala Escorted Tours

Escorted Tours to Guatemala

Beyond the busy capital, Guatemala’s landscapes are a drama of brooding volcanos, beautiful lakes, and river canyons; dotted here and there with little towns, where Mayan customs and traditional crafts meet on colonial cobbled streets.

Why choose a tour in Guatemala?

Guatemala spreads from east coast shores on the Caribbean to historic cities in the central and western highlands, and Mayan monuments in the northern forests. Its fascinating landscapes are more than matched by the complexity of its cultures, with 500 ‘national dress’ costumes a testament to the traditions of its many indigenous peoples.

The highlands are home to most of the larger settlements, including Guatemala City, the country’s capital, and economic, cultural, and governmental hub. Founded in the 18th century and rebuilt in the 20th, after the 1917 earthquakes, it encapsulates the character of the nation with its modern tower blocks and old-world houses, elegant squares, volcanic backdrop, and palpable energy.

At the foot of a trio of volcanos, Antigua was the colonial capital from 1543 until the devasting earthquake of 1773. The city has survived destruction and all but abandonment, mostly restoring what Nature razed to the ground. Its cobbled streets are as vibrant now as in its heyday, and even the parts preserved as ruins are beautiful ruins.

Set on the shore of Lake Atitlán, Panajachel is the largest and the liveliest settlement in this relatively remote highland region; where the Mayan culture is thriving, most notably on the lake island enclave which continues the traditional way of life.Nestled in misted hills, characterful Chichicastenango is known for its colourful craft market, indigenous religious beliefs, and the 16th-century Church of Santo Tomás, regularly hosting both Catholic and Mayan rites.

In the coastal east, Puerto Barrios backs Amatique Bay and is the gateway to boat trips, between banks of jungle flora and the Rio Dulce cliffs, to isolated Livingston, accessible only by riverboat.
Off the beaten track, in the lower Motagua Valley, the UNESCO listed archaeological site of Quiriguá has stairways leading to astonishing craftsmanship in 8th-century Mayan monuments, from temples to carved stelae of gods and mystical creatures.

The north is less visited, but no less impressive. On Lake Petén Itza, the island of Flores is linked by a causeway to shoreline Santa Elena, stuffed with multi-coloured houses, and crowned by the stark-white, twin-domed cathedral. Hidden deep in the rainforest, Tikal National Park houses the relics of a huge Mayan city, Yax Mutal. Said to have held 100,000 citizens in its golden days, it is now a superb UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jules Verne’s journeys in Guatemala are teamed with touring to the highlights of neighbouring Honduras and Mexico.

When to go on Guatemala holidays

The country’s tropical climate is wet year-round by the eastern Gulf of Honduras, hot year-round in the lowlands, and cooling with the higher altitudes of the mountains. In general, conditions are driest from November to April, hottest in March/April, and most humid in the May to October rainy season.

Jules Verne’s departures are between November and February, the most comfortable months for touring all areas. During these months, daytime temperatures are 28° at the Caribbean coast, hover around 28-30° in the North, and range from 23 to 26° in the central highlands.

Who are Guatemala tours suited to?

Guatemala is vivid and vibrant, with ancient, colonial, and modern landmarks, splendidly varied landscapes, beautiful craftworks, and a beguiling blend of customs and cultures. A tour here will be a rewarding experience for anyone with an enthusiasm for cultural sites and traditions, history, topography, photography.Touring in small groups of like-minded travellers, Jules Verne’s journeys enhance the immersive experience.

Why book Guatemala tours with Jules Verne?

With 45 years’ experience and a passion for creating extraordinary adventures, Jules Verne takes you to iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, with expert tour guides who share their local knowledge, and show you hidden gems. Our journeys in Guatemala include a cruise on Lake Atitlán to the island village of the living Maya; and experiencing a traditional Mayan ceremony, on the outskirts of Chichicastenango.

Our guided tours to Guatemala are ABTA and ATOL protected, so you can book with complete confidence.