Southwestern Guatemala: Ancient Civilizations, Maya Culture & Colonial Antigua

December 1–9, 2026 | 9 Days, 8 Nights

Southwestern Guatemala is home to fascinating Mesoamerican sites that few travelers ever visit. On this nine-day journey, we'll explore the archaeology of the region, discover the distinctive Cotzumalhuapa culture, travel through the Guatemalan highlands, visit colorful churches and local markets, and experience the landscapes and living cultures that make this part of Guatemala so remarkable.

Along the way, we'll travel into the mountains around Quetzaltenango, visit Casa Botran for lunch and a rum tour, and experience market towns and Maya communities before continuing to beautiful Antigua for three nights.

This is a journey for travelers who want to see a different side of Guatemala — one filled with ancient history, local culture, extraordinary landscapes, and places well beyond the usual tourist route.

Highlights of the Trip

• Explore early Mesoamerican sites including Kaminaljuyú, El Baúl, and Tak'alik Ab'aj, discovering the cultures that shaped this region over thousands of years.

• Visit Tak'alik Ab'aj, an important pre-Columbian site that reveals connections between Olmec and early Maya civilization. Among its remarkable sculptures is a colossal stone head whose origins continue to be debated by archaeologists.

• Travel into the highlands of Quetzaltenango, surrounded by mountains and spectacular scenery, and enjoy lunch and a rum tour at Casa Botran.

• Experience San Francisco El Alto on market day before visiting San Andrés Xecul, home to Guatemala's famous yellow church with its brilliantly decorated façade.

• Discover Iximché, the Late Postclassic capital of the Kaqchikel Maya, with its plazas, pyramids, ball courts, and ceremonial spaces.

• Experience local culture and market towns, with opportunities to see the traditions, textiles, architecture, and daily life of Guatemala's Maya communities.

• Spend three nights in Antigua, one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Antigua: The Perfect Finish to Our Journey

Antigua was founded in the 16th century and served as Guatemala's capital for more than 200 years. During that time, the city developed the remarkable architecture and urban character that continue to define it today.

Earthquakes repeatedly damaged Antigua, culminating in the devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773. The capital was eventually relocated to present-day Guatemala City, but Antigua survived. Its colonial buildings, historic churches, dramatic ruins, cobblestone streets, and surrounding volcanoes have made it one of Guatemala's most unforgettable destinations.

We'll have time to explore the city, enjoy our comfortable hotel, and take in Antigua at a relaxed pace. There may also be an opportunity to visit a nearby coffee plantation.

After days of archaeological sites, highland towns, markets, and mountain landscapes, Antigua will be a wonderful place to finish our journey.

Our Tour Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival to Guatemala City. Sleep at Hotel Barcelo.

Day 2: Kaminaljuyu, a Pre-Columbian site located at the edge of modern-day Guatemala City, has been described as one of the greatest archaeological sites in the New World. Unfortunately, most of it has disappeared. It is still regarded as essential to the growth of Maya culture. Next is Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, a Maya subculture, to visit the museum, then a possible visit to the site of El Baul, which is located on private property. The Cotzumalguapa culture has left us many sculptures. Sleep in Retalhuleu.

Day 3: After breakfast, drive 1 hour to Takalik Abaj. Takalik Abaj is a Pre-Columbian site in southwestern Guatemala that illustrates the transition from Olmec to early Maya civilization, with continuous occupation from around 1000 BCE to 1200 CE. Museo Casa Botran. Stop for lunch before taking the rum tour. Sleep in Quetzaltenango.

Day 4: Drive to San Francisco El Alto to visit the amazing market. After the market, visit the San Andres Xecul church. The afternoon could be free for those who would like to visit the Church of Zunil, an architectural jewel of colonial times located in the center of town, next to one of the largest markets in the region. The church reflects the fusion of Catholic and Mayan beliefs. The Zunil market is a vibrant space where visitors can appreciate the typical costumes of the K'iche' Maya population, making the market a cultural meeting point and a window into the daily life of the region.

Day 5: Drive to Antigua. On the way, we can stop at Iximche. It is a late Postclassic Maya city, once the capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom, featuring pyramids, plazas, ball courts, and a small museum. Founded around 1470 by the Kaqchikel Maya after separating from the K’iche’ kingdom, Iximche was a major political and ceremonial center. Evidence of human sacrifice and ritual activity has been found there. It served as the capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom until 1524, when Spanish conquistadors arrived. Sleep in Antigua.

Day 6: We have the whole day to explore Antigua. The city was strategically built following a grid pattern inspired by Italian Renaissance urban planning, making it one of the earliest examples of organized urban design in Latin America. There is so much to see there. The city was a showcase of Spanish Baroque architecture, but it was always susceptible to earthquakes in the region. Architects and builders adapted to the seismic reality. These adaptations helped, but they were not enough for the Santa Marta earthquakes. The city was struck by three more earthquakes in the 1700s, and the final earthquake on July 29, 1773, proved to be beyond what the architecture could survive. The colonial government declared the city uninhabitable and ordered the capital relocated to where Guatemala City stands today. Antigua was virtually abandoned, but not everyone left. What they left behind, and what they rebuilt, created the architectural landscape that makes Antigua one of the most visually distinctive cities in the Americas. There is plenty to see and also time to relax in our comfortable hotel.

Day 7: We will visit another famous market town, Chichicastenango. Next to the market is the 400-year-old church of Santo Tomás. It is built atop a Pre-Columbian platform, and the steps originally leading to a temple of the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization remain venerated. K'iche' Maya priests still use the church for their rituals, burning incense and candles. Return to Antigua.

Day 8: Our last day in Antigua. In the morning, this is our last chance to see anything we might have missed. Maybe a visit to a coffee plantation? In the afternoon, we will return to Guatemala City, to our hotel and our farewell dinner.

Day 9: Flights home from Guatemala City.

Almost Everything Is Included

As with our group tours, we take care of almost everything so you can concentrate on experiencing Guatemala.

Included: transportation during the tour, lodging, guides, meals, entrance fees, and tips.

Not included: airfare to and from Guatemala City, airport transportation, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and personal expenses. Our Guatemala City hotel also offers an airport shuttle.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Join Us in Guatemala

December 1–9, 2026 | 9 Days, 8 Nights

Explore ancient Mesoamerican sites, travel through Guatemala's highlands, experience Maya culture and local communities, and finish the journey in beautiful Antigua.

For pricing, availability, and more information, contact Dan Griffin at xtobodos@hotmail.com.