Solo-ish Guatemala

Please ensure your flight lands by 14:00 and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Antigua. After a brief welcome meeting, discover the secrets of Guatemalan cuisine during a hands-on, private cooking demonstration at a local culinary school. With an experienced chef by your side this sensory immersion into the region's culture will demonstrate just how important food is in bringing people together across the world. From dishes like Pepián and Kak'ik, both of which are deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, to Hilachas, Tamales, and Rellenitos, your taste buds will be in heaven no matter which dish you learn to make. Your local culinary instructors will charm you with their personal stories and expert local knowledge, and you'll make new friends as you enjoy your own creations together. The experience will help you understand how Mayan culture and Spanish Colonial influence have blended together in a perfect harmony through food.
Make sure to arrive by 2:00 pm so that you have time to get settled in and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and tonight's Dinner Party.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive cooking class with an expert local chef at a culinary school in Antigua. Step inside Guatemalan culture through the aromas and flavours of each dish and its combination of ingredients. Known for dishes like Pepián, a rich stew, and Kak'ik, a turkey soup, both of which are deeply rooted in Mayan traditions. Or other popular dishes like Hilachas (shredded beef stew), Tamales (corn dough with various fillings), and Rellenitos (sweet plantain fritters), this class will allow you to leave with the knowledge of how to bring a few of these delicious dishes back home. It’s the perfect way to step out of your comfort zones and mingle with fellow travellers over the delicious food of Guatemala.Accommodation - Posada San Vicente

Today is all about the history and local cultures of Guatemala. Begin the day with breakfast and a visit to a local macadamia farm, where you'll learn how the cultivation of these trees has created sustainable income opportunities for surrounding communities. Then head to G Adventures-supported Chokojol Juyu for a meaningful cultural experience. Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan lunch prepared by the local community before participating in a Quitapenas Doll workshop, where you'll discover the story behind one of Guatemala's most beloved traditions and create your own keepsake. In the afternoon, stop at Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views of Antigua before joining your CEO on an orientation walk through the city's cobblestone streets, colonial landmarks, and vibrant plazas. Finish the day with free time to continue exploring this UNESCO World Heritage city at your own pace. A day full of local connections and heartwarming interactions.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit a local macadamia nut farm and see how these nuts are processed. Try some of the products and learn about the vision behind the owner's farm and dedication to helping indigenous populations in Guatemala have better access to jobs, wages, and well-being that will help support their families and preservation of traditions.Activity - Delve into an unforgettable experience at Chokojol Juyu, a vibrant training center dedicated to preserving the rich textiles and local indigenous culture of Antigua's community. Learn how to prepare Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, alongside talented children and youth who are passionate about their heritage. Then learn from the women of the community as they share insights into their textile traditions which showcases the intricate techniques and stories behind their beautiful crafts, including a Quitapenas Doll workshop. Afterwards, sit down for lunch together surrounded by the warmth of local hospitality.Activity - On a CEO-guided orientation walk of Antigua's historic sites, you'll wander through its cobblestone streets and see colonial sites like the vibrant Central Park, the historic Cathedral, and the Palace of the Captains General. Then, stop by the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, perfectly framed by the Agua Volcano. See the striking yellow façade of La Merced Church and the peaceful ruins of the Capuchinas Convent. Finish the walk along Calle de los Pasos to the Church of San Francisco, home to the tomb of Saint Hermano Pedro. In 'gradas del cerro de la cruz" you'll have an amazing view of Antigua.Accommodation - Posada San Vicente

Experience the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of Guatemala's Lake Atitlán on an unforgettable G Day. Travel from Antigua to Panajachel before boarding a boat across the lake to the community of San Marcos. Enjoy a delicious community lunch with Konojel, followed by a special G surprise that offers a deeper connection to local Mayan traditions. Continue by boat to San Juan La Laguna, where you'll visit the Rupalaj textile cooperative to learn about the traditional natural dyeing process and try weaving on a backstrap loom. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the colorful streets, local markets, and artisan shops of San Juan before returning to Panajachel by boat. Remember to be on the lookout because who knows where you might end up on this epic G Day.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Spend the day exploring the stunning natural beauty of Guatemala's Lake Atitlan and the small local communities along the shores. Board a boat in Panajachel and cruise across the water to the local community of San Marcos. Enjoy a delicious local Mayan lunch, and participate in a Mayan tree planting ceremony for a sense of indigenous culture and beliefs. Test your communication and bargaining skills in the colourful local markets before travelling by boat for unforgettable views of the lake and surrounding area. Be on the lookout for a fun surprise along the way.Activity - Enjoy a traditional community lunch with Konojel in San Marcos before experiencing a special G surprise inspired by local Mayan traditions. Afterwards, travel to nearby San Juan La Laguna to visit the Rupalaj textile cooperative, where local artisans will demonstrate traditional natural dyeing techniques and invite you to try weaving on a backstrap loom. Enjoy free time to explore the village's markets and artisan workshops before returning to Panajachel.Activity - Experience what it takes to create traditional textiles through a natural dyeing demonstration and backstrap loom weaving experience.Accommodation - Kamol Bey

Enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Atitlan during a liesurely morning. Have breakfast with a view, walk near the lake, and simply enjoy the sounds, smells, and sights of Panajachel. In the afternoon, travel north on a flight to Flores, with its heavy Mayan influence in the northeast jungle Petén region. Flores is situated on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, connected to the mainland by a causeway. This unique location offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The town is also considered the gateway to nearby Mayan ruins and towering temples. Upon arrival take time to get settled and enjoy your new surroundings. Choose to find a cozy spot for an authentic Guatemalan dinner this evening with your newest travel friends.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Spend a free morning on your own in Panajachel. Enjoy the views from the shores of Lake Atitlan and have a slow, leisurely breakfast among the blue water and rising volcanoes in the distance.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Free_time - Get settled in Flores this evening. Choose to go for a walk by yourself if you're craving some alone time, or grab a few pals and find a cute local spot to have an authentic Guatemalan dinner.Accommodation - Hotel Petén

Step back in time into the life of the ancient Maya with a guided tour today to the Tikal archaeological site. Set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, you will see this UNESCO World Heritage site along with your bilingual guide. See some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV and feel your heart thumping in your chest. Snap some photos and soak in the deep, ancient energy of this place. Return to Flores for more free time to relax, maybe journal, walk along the water, or grab an ice cold beverage to celebrate a day well spent.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Back in Flores enjoy free time to recharge. Spend it alone or with members of the group. Go for a walk, listen to a podcast along the shores of the lake, or find a fun, local spot to grab a cold beverage and celebrate a day well spent amid ruins and ancient history.Accommodation - Hotel Petén

After breakfast the group will drive from Flores to Rio Dulce, special for its unique combination of natural beauty, Caribbean influence, and diverse wildlife. This river runs through the lush rainforest landscape featuring cliffs, beaches, and hot springs. It is a haven for nature lovers and those wishing to experience adventure off-the-beaten-path. After having lunch on your own in the charming town, the group will enjoy an unforgettable visit to Finca Paraíso. This place is so special because it features a rare, natural phenomenon where hot and cold water sources converge. The waterfall cascades down a rock formation heated by the underground hot springs creating a steamy, warm waterfall combining with the cooler river below. It's an ideal place to swim and find the perfect temperature to float and stare up at the jungle hovering above you. Return to Rio Dulce for free time to grab dinner on your own and recharge your social batteries. There's no doubt that Guatemala will have captured your heart by now.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a few hours to swim in the hot and cold water of Finca Paraíso. This unique natural phenomenon is well worth a visit. The underground hot springs heat up the water cascading down the waterfall to make a steaming falls that collides with the cold river below creating the perfect temperature to swim and float around beneath the jungle trees.Free_time - Get settled in beautiful Rio Dulce. Enjoy the sounds of the jungle around you and have a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant on your own or with the group.Accommodation - Hacienda Tijax

It's time for a day that belongs entirely to you! Choose to go on a scenic boat ride to the Caribbean town of Livingston and enjoy a visit to the G Adventures–supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project here. Then, walk around the grounds before a sit-down lunch of delicious local flavours. Or you can join your CEO on a visit to the nearby beach for some downtime by the water and in the sand. The choice really is all yours. You can decide to be as solo or social as you wish for the best of both worlds. Dinner in the evening will be at your leisure. Finding a hip foodie spot with your travel mates sounds like a fabulous idea.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.Accommodation - Hacienda Tijax

Enjoy breakfast in Rio Dulce before traveling back to Antigua. There will be a stop for lunch on your own along the way. Upon arrival to Antigua your CEO will take the group on an orientation walk downtown and then you will be free to do dinner as you please. Maybe gather together as a group of strangers that have become friends for a fantastic night of delicious food, laughter, and love in a beautiful place you will never forget.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.Free_time - Enjoy a final evening in Antigua. Take photos, walk around the centre of town, and perhaps attend an optional group dinner to commemorate a fantastic Solo-ish experience in Guatemala.Accommodation - Posada San Vicente

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.