Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Set out to discover the rich culture and history of Guatemala on this journey through Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Guatemala City. Your students will walk through the picturesque streets of Antigua, hike the Pacaya Volcano, and discover San Juan la Laguna. Your group can also look forward to learning more about Indigenous culture and history at Chichicastenango, explore the Mayan city of Yaxhá, and discover the archaeological marvels at Tikal National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Guatemala City
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Antigua
Day 2
Antigua guided walking sightseeing tour
Antigua, one of the world’s best conserved colonial cities, is a magical and captivating small town that makes one feel that time might have stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! A few things you will find are art galleries and exhibits, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more. Colonial architecture, fine arts, terracotta, ceramics, wooden sculptures, a great variety of traditional costumes and weavings. Find out the secrets of Antigua on this walking tour. Your guide will explain in detail some of the main heritage buildings around Antigua such as The Cathedral, San Francisco and La Merced.
Pacaya volcano hike
Day 3
Community-based coffee experience
Travel to Lake Atitlán
Day 4
Lake Atitlán Tour Director-led sightseeing
With three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlán is for sure the best way to be introduced to the indigenous culture in the highlands of Guatemala. Atitlan is characterized by its natural beauty and surrounded by gorgeous views. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it "the most beautiful lake in the world."
Lake Atitlán boat cruise
Enjoy a private boat to visit San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, two very special and different towns around the Lake. Santiago is home to Maximon, a venerated pagan saint who smokes tobacco and drinks moonshine. He resides in a different house each year. San Juan la Laguna is a bit quieter town, less visited and is home to several textile coops and art galleries.
Day 5
Chichicastenango Tour Director-led sightseeing
Chichicastenango is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Thursday and Sundays and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. Each person hawks his or her products in a riotous cacophony of color, dialects and costumes, smoke, and smells.
Travel to Guatemala City
Day 6
Fly to Peten
Yaxhá guided tour
Yaxhá is one of the largest Maya cities in Petén, and together with the other cities located in this park, played an important role in the social and political organization of the Central Maya Lowlands. This city was inhabited from the Middle Preclassic (1000 - 350 BC) to the Postclassic (900 - 1200 AD) and reached its highest development during the Early Classic, maintaining an important role in the Maya World for over 1,500 years. Much of its political history is known from carved monuments found at the site.
Day 7
Tikal National Park guided excursion
Tikal, once a thriving city and ceremonial center of the ancient Maya, reached its peak during the Late Classic Period (600–900 AD). Home to towering pyramids and temples, it played a vital role in Maya civilization for centuries. Excavated by the University of Pennsylvania between 1956 and 1969, Tikal is the largest excavated site in the Americas and Guatemala’s most renowned cultural and natural preserve. Upon arrival, a Maya Trails representative will transfer you to Tikal National Park, where your guide will walk you through its architecture, history, and theories about the Maya’s mysterious decline. With luck, you may also spot monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans among the ruins.
Fly to Guatemala City
Day 8
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 3 Days in Belize
Explore the Xunantunich Ruins on a guided visit, climbing El Castillo for breathtaking views. Continue into the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve for a guided tour of waterfalls, caves, and tropical wildlife. Visit the Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center to learn about native species and conservation efforts. Cap off your adventure with a snorkeling tour at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Alley, where you'll swim among vibrant coral reefs, nurse sharks, and rays before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.