Our adventure to the Land of Eternal Spring begins as we depart Sydney and fly to Central America. We cross the international date line and land in Guatemala City on the same day.

We transfer to the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight: On flight / Antigua Guatemala

Once the colonial capital of Guatemala, Antigua Guatemala is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts travellers from all over the world. One of the reasons it is so famous is because of its iconic Holy Week traditions celebrating Semana Santa. Be amazed as the streets of Antigua are transformed into intricate alfombras, spectacular “carpets” made from coloured sawdust, flowers and fruit, all meticulously crafted by local families and religious brotherhoods. An atmosphere of deep devotion imbues this Sunday as we watch processions accompanied by sacred music.

We will also attend a worship service to connect with local Christians and share fellowship on this very special Palm Sunday.

Overnight: Antigua Guatemala

Antigua is a delightful colonial town that blends centuries-old history with modern charm, all tucked away in a beautiful valley surrounded by three volcanoes.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic centre that dates from 1543 and is one the earliest and most outstanding examples of city planning in Latin America.

Visit Parque Central, the city’s plaza and vibrant hub, which is surrounded by colourful, historic buildings that reflect the city’s 16th-century colonial history. Admire the Cathedral of San José, Palace of the Captains General, Municipal Government building and iconic fountain (La Fuente de las Sirenas) as well as stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.

We stroll the cobblestone streets learning about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, seeing colonial churches and monasteries as well as local handicrafts being made. Admire colourful textiles woven on primitive foot looms and visit a jade factory to see this sacred Mayan stone transformed into beautiful jewellery.

Overnight: Antigua Guatemala

Travel through the scenic Guatemalan highlands to Lake Atitlán. Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it is renowned for its deep blue waters framed by volcanic peaks. The lake is surrounded by twelve indigenous villages, whose residents maintain centuries-old Mayan traditions. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to appreciate the beauty and serenity of this unique region.

Overnight: Lake Atitlán

We cross the lake by boat to San Juan La Laguna to see how Christian religious traditions combine with the local Tz’utujil Maya culture. On this Holy Wednesday (Miércoles Santo) the streets are decorated with fruit-laden arches, and baskets of fruit and flowers. These displays are in preparation for the later “Traída de Frutas” (Fruit Bringing) procession where baskets of fruit are taken to various churches.

San Juan La Laguna is known for its vibrant local art and natural textile dyes, and we visit Santiago Atitlán, where Catholic and Mayan traditions coexist. Observe weavers at work, meet local artisans, and gain insight into the rich cultural heritage that thrives along the lake.

Overnight: Lake Atitlán

Today, we travel to the highland town of Chichicastenango where 98.5% of the population is indigenous Mayan K’iche. Here ancient traditions remain strong, and the local faith involves a blend of Christianity and Maya spirituality. A good example of this is the main 400-year-old church of Santo Tomás, built atop a Pre-Columbian temple platform it is a place where both Catholic Saints and Mayan deities are venerated.

Get a taste of tradition with a cooking demonstration of foods such as Pulique, a flavourful stew with pre-Columbian origins, commonly served during ceremonies, festivities, and special occasions. Learn how local dishes are rooted in the Mayan worldview, where food is sacred and deeply connected to life and community.

Enjoy time at leisure.

Overnight: Chichicastenango

Witness how modern-day Mayas commemorate Good Friday as the town comes alive with vibrant sawdust and flower carpets, religious ceremonies and traditional rituals.

Chichicastenango holds one of the most important Holy Week processions in the region and the evening concludes with the burning of Judas, locally known as “Shutish”, a symbolic ritual marking the end of the day’s ceremonies.

Overnight: Chichicastenango

We start our day with an immersive cultural walking tour of Chichicastenango, with visits to Santo Tomás Church, El Calvario Church, and the small yet interesting Chichica-stenango Museum, where some artefacts are over 3,000 years old.

Gain firsthand insight into the living traditions and spiritual heritage of Guatemala’s indigenous people when we visit Casa Diego Ignacio. Admire a display of ancestral masks and traditional local attire with a chance to paint our own ceremonial mask and dress up for a group photo. For those who wish to there is also the opportunity to participate in a traditional Mayan ceremony.

Overnight: Chichicastenango

He is Risen! Easter Sunday is a very special day in Chichica-stenango; joyous, colourful resurrection processions mark the end of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the church steps are filled with incense, flowers, and worshippers.

Depending on the time you may wish to join the traditional morning mass at Santo Tomás Church as well as the group’s own Easter worship service as part of the Church of the Travelling Saints.

Visit the famous Chichicastenango market, one of Central America’s largest indigenous markets and a bustling hub of colour and culture. Vendors sell everything from textiles, handicrafts and pottery to food, flowers, medicinal plants, candles, pom and copal (traditional incense), cal (lime stones for preparing tortillas), pigs and chickens, tools and more.

This afternoon we will transfer to Guatemala City for our flight to Flores, the gateway to the Petén region and ancient Mayan sites. Set in the Petenera Jungle, our hotel faces the serene blue-green waters of Lake Yaxhá and offers spectacular sunsets. What a way to spend Easter Sunday!

Overnight: Tikal

Set between two lagoons on the north-eastern side of the lake is the impressive Yaxhá archaeological site. Over 1,400 monuments have been discovered here including incredible plazas and ceremonial structures such as the soaring 30 metre Temple 216 which offers a 360-degree view of the lake and surrounding jungle.

This afternoon, we explore Topoxte, a postclassic site (900–1200 AD) spread across five seasonal islands; buildings here are reminiscent of the famous Mayan port of Tulum, Yucatan (Mexico).

Overnight: Tikal

Step back over 2000 years in time at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s believed the Maya settled here in 900 BC with Tikal growing over the centuries into a ceremonial, cultural, and commercial centre, becoming one of the most important and powerful cities in the Maya world. The central part of the ancient city alone contains 3,000 buildings and covers about 16 square kilometres. Wow!

Learn about the social, spiritual, and architectural genius of the Maya civilization as we explore the Lost World Complex, Great Plaza and the 47-metre high, nine-tiered limestone pyramid that is the Temple of the Great Jaguar. Yet even this iconic structure is dwarfed by the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent, widely recognised as the tallest, most massive pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, rising 70 metres above the forest floor.

Travel through lush landscapes to the Caribbean region of Río Dulce to settle into our delightful hotel, our home for the next two nights. Located on an island between Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala, and Río Dulce Gorge, the hotel offers sensational views across the water.

Overnight: Río Dulce

Río Dulce is Guatemala’s hidden gem, a lush escape from the bustling cities and the perfect place to relax in a tranquil environment. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through Río Dulce, listening to the sounds of the howler monkeys as we navigate between steep cliffs, mangroves and tropical vegetation.

Several islands along the river are the nesting grounds of thousands of aquatic birds, a truly beautiful sight when they take flight. We travel through El Golfete, a section of the river that is so wide it is considered both a river and a lake, to arrive in Livingston, famous for its melting pot of cultures.

The town is a centre of the unique, Garifuna culture, a blend of African, Carib-Arawak, and European influences that is believed to originate from a 1635 shipwreck. Recognised by UNESCO, the Garifuna people maintain many traditional practices of their ancestors, creating their distinctive rhythmic Punta music, traditional drumming and cuisine.

Overnight: Río Dulce

Our last full day in Guatemala and we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quiriguá, renowned for having the tallest stelae (intricately carved columns) in the Maya world. Marvel at the 12 massive Stelae, some over 10 metres high, enormous carved stones of mythological animal forms and other monuments, all created without metal tools.

We travel to Guatemala City for our final Group Dinner, a time to share favourite holiday moments and thank God for this special travel opportunity.

Overnight: Guatemala City

Time to bid “Adios” to Guatemala, a truly unforgettable country, and to say “Dios los bendiga” – God bless you.

Overnight: In flight

We arrive early morning into Australia, grateful for this unforgettable tour and the many memorable experiences shared with like-minded people.