From mist-veiled volcanoes to ancient Maya temples, Guatemala is a country of soul and contrasts, where colorful highland towns, sacred lakes, and jungle-cloaked ruins unfold within a day’s journey. One morning you might wander cobbled streets in colonial Antigua, the next you are gliding across Lake Atitlán at sunrise, volcanoes rising on all sides.
In the highlands, markets bloom with handwoven textiles and rituals rooted in centuries of Maya tradition. Down jungle trails in the north, Tikal rises above the treetops as howler monkeys echo through the canopy. Each region offers something distinct: artisan villages, hot springs, cloud forests, and stories told through fire ceremonies and shared meals.
Here, luxury feels grounded and intimate. Boutique haciendas, private guides, and immersive experiences offer connection, not just comfort. Sip coffee at its source, hike an active volcano, or take part in a ceremony led by a Maya elder. In Guatemala, every journey becomes a layered, living story.
Why Travel to Guatemala?
- Wake to mist over Lake Atitlán, then visit Maya villages known for weaving, healing, and tradition.
- Climb to the top of a Tikal temple at sunrise as howler monkeys call through the jungle.
- Wander Antigua’s pastel streets, from leafy courtyards to rooftop terraces with volcano views.
- Hike a volcano, then soak in a thermal pool with sweeping views of the highlands.
- Witness a traditional fire ceremony guided by a Maya spiritual leader.
- Taste single-origin coffee at the farm, roasted and brewed just for you.
In Guatemala, colonial cities, sacred lakes, and ancient temples lie only hours apart. Explore vibrant markets, sail across volcanic lakes, and climb jungle pyramids at dawn. This is luxury with soul, authentic and unforgettable.
- Wake to mist over Lake Atitlán, then visit Maya villages known for weaving, healing, and tradition.
- Climb to the top of a Tikal temple at sunrise as howler monkeys call through the jungle.
- Wander Antigua’s pastel streets, from leafy courtyards to rooftop terraces with volcano views.
- Hike a volcano, then soak in a thermal pool with sweeping views of the highlands.
- Witness a traditional fire ceremony guided by a Maya spiritual leader.
- Taste single-origin coffee at the farm, roasted and brewed just for you.
- Belize & Guatemala
Guatemala & Belize Explorer
- A cultural journey from Guatemala’s Mayan ruins to Belize’s reefs, with lakes, caves, and island bliss.
- 15 days
- from $5,500 pp
- Guatemala
Wild, Immersive Guatemala
- Volcano hikes, helicopter views, and candlelit moments. An intimate journey through Guatemala’s striking landscapes.
- 10 days
- from $3,800 pp
- Belize & Guatemala
Pyramids to Paradise
- Explore ancient temples, caves, and coral reefs on a family-friendly journey from jungle trails to Caribbean shores.
- 12 days
- from $5,000 pp
- Guatemala
Volcanoes, Markets & Mayan Magic
- A colorful family adventure through volcanoes, lakeside villages, and the echoing ruins of Tikal.
- 8 days
- from $3,000 pp
Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán
Perched on the shores of Lake Atitlán, this Relais & Châteaux retreat blends unpretentious sophistication with Guatemalan spirit. Sixteen suites overlook the water, each uniquely designed with vibrant textiles, hand-crafted details, and artful bathrooms. Terraced gardens, an infinity pool, and sweeping views make it one of the lake’s most unforgettable stays.
El Convento Hotel, Antigua
Located in Antigua’s historic center and painstakingly built in the style of a 15th-century convent, El Convento is a charming 26-suite hotel that blends Guatemalan and colonial décor with modern luxury amenities. The property’s spacious, comfortable rooms are complemented by warm, welcoming common areas, and a garden courtyard complete with a rectangular lap pool.
Hotel Atitlán, Lake Atitlán
Cradled between Lake Atitlán and surrounding volcanoes, this lush retreat is a feast for the senses. Stroll through botanical gardens, sip coffee on your terrace with sweeping lake views, and let kids roam freely in the expansive outdoor spaces. With hand-carved furniture and a laid-back elegance, Hotel Atitlán invites families to slow down and soak in the magic of the highlands.
Porta Hotel, Antigua
Tucked just beyond the cobblestone bustle of central Antigua, Porta Hotel offers a peaceful retreat wrapped in colonial charm. With wood-beamed ceilings, garden courtyards, and a tranquil pool, it’s a place where elegance meets ease. After volcano hikes or market wanderings, return to crackling fireplaces and quiet corners—perfect for resting and reconnecting.
La Lancha, Santa Elena
Tucked in the rainforest near Tikal, Francis Ford Coppola’s lakeside lodge is a secluded, elegant retreat overlooking the calm waters of Lake Petén Itzá. Ten suites blend traditional Guatemalan and tropical design, offering comfort and character. A split-level pool and thatched-roof restaurant serve up lake views, fresh fish, and grilled meats in a serene, open-air setting.
Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Flores
On a private lakeside reserve just outside Flores, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel is a jungle-cloaked escape where luxury and nature intertwine. Wooden bungalows rise above the water on stilts, offering sunset views and the soothing hush of the forest. After exploring Tikal or cruising among lake islands, unwind in the pool, listen for howler monkeys, and let the stillness of the wild take over.
Regional Expertise
With deep roots across Central and South America, we’ve traveled every terrain, by road, air, and river. Our team curates bespoke journeys grounded in personal insight, from secluded island retreats to sunrise hot air balloon rides above the rainforest. Every itinerary is handpicked, perfectly paced, and thoughtfully tailored to you.
Seamless & Personalized
From the first conversation to your final day abroad, we design each trip around your style, interests, and rhythm. You’ll receive curated options, stress-free planning, and no-pressure guidance, along with 24/7 support throughout your journey. With thoughtful extras along the way, your experience feels as smooth as it is unforgettable.
Responsible Travel
We believe indulgence and impact belong together. Our journeys support local communities, cultural preservation, and conservation across the region. There are no added fees for doing good. Our partners fund our work, so your investment stays where it matters most. Travel with Osaviva and experience luxury that gives back.
Tikal National Park
Deep in the Petén jungle, Tikal is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the Americas. Towering pyramids rise above the canopy, while jungle trails wind past temples, ball courts, and ancient plazas. Howler monkeys echo through the trees as toucans and parrots flash overhead. Arrive at dawn to climb Temple IV and watch the mist lift from the forest, revealing a lost city alive with history and wildlife.
Antigua’s Colonial Charms
Once the capital of Spanish Central America, Antigua offers a blend of baroque elegance, modern creativity, and warm hospitality. Stroll cobbled streets lined with pastel facades, leafy courtyards, and crumbling church ruins framed by volcanic peaks. Rooftop terraces serve craft cocktails and panoramic views, while boutique hotels and family-run cafés bring historic mansions to life. It’s a place where every detail feels considered and every corner invites you to linger.
Volcano Adventures in the Highlands
Guatemala’s volcanic spine offers some of the most thrilling and scenic adventures in Central America. For a moderate trek, hike the lava fields of Pacaya, where steam vents still rise from the earth and panoramic views stretch across the highlands. For serious hikers, an overnight ascent of Acatenango brings you face to face with the erupting cone of nearby Fuego, which glows and rumbles through the night. Whether roasting marshmallows on molten rock or waking to sunrise above the clouds, these highland volcanoes offer unforgettable encounters with the raw beauty of nature.
Chichicastenango Market
Held each Thursday and Sunday, the market in Chichicastenango is one of the largest and most vibrant in Central America. Beneath a sea of color, vendors sell everything from handwoven textiles and carved masks to fresh produce and ritual offerings. Just steps away, the white facade of Santo Tomás church blends Catholic and Maya traditions in a cloud of incense and marimba music.
Coffee at Origin in the Highlands
Guatemala is famous for its high-altitude Arabica coffee, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than at the source. Visit a small-scale finca near Antigua or Atitlán to walk the rows of coffee plants, learn the roasting process, and share a freshly brewed cup with the farmers who make it all possible. It’s a taste of Guatemala’s land, labor, and tradition, served with a view.
Respect local traditions
Guatemala’s Indigenous cultures are vibrant and sacred. Dress modestly in villages and ask before taking photos.
Regional travel may be slow
Roads are winding and mountainous. Private transfers or short domestic flights are best for comfort and time.
Pack for varied elevation
The highlands are cool and breezy, while jungle regions like Petén are hot and humid. Layers are key.
Quetzales & cards
Guatemala’s currency is the quetzal. Credit cards are accepted in major hubs, but carry cash for local markets and villages.
Spanish spoken
Spanish is the official language, though in tourist areas and hotels, English is often spoken.
Altitude awareness
Cities like Antigua and Lake Atitlán sit over 5,000 feet. Stay hydrated and ease into highland adventures.
