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 colourful 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 colour, 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 centre 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
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre 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
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
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
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.