Our newest adventure, Guatemala offers Central America in concentrated form, its volcanoes are the highest and most active, and its Mayan ruins the most impressive. This journey takes us into the magical world of the Maya, learning about their folklore, crafts, natural medicine and deep spirituality. We include a 2 day visit as guests of a Mayan community, where our stay helps support an indigenous school. Plus great veggie/vegan food and optional yoga classes.

Tour in Brief

• The beautiful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Panajachel on volcano-framed Lake Atitlán
• Kakchiquel Maya community of Santa Cruz, staying 2 nights at the indigenous school Na’oj Mayab’ (women's craft project, interaction with school children and later performance of a Maya ceremony of protection)
• Tour of Lake Atitlán by boat, visiting the Tzutuhil Maya community of Santiago de Atitlán
• Iximché, the old Kakchiquel capital
• The fabulous ruins of Copán 'Baroque site of the Mayas' across the border in Honduras
• Maya site of Quiriguá famous for its tall inscribed stone stelae.
• The laid back Caribbean community of Livingston
• Playa Blanca, a coconut-palmed white sand beach, swimming in the warm Caribbean sea
• Classical Mayan rainforest site of Tikal
• Classical Maya ceremonial site of Yaxhá
• Vívero Verapaz orchid nurseries, near the old imperial city of Cobán
• Guatemala City, National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

Geography: Bordering Mexico to the North, Belize to the East, and with both Caribbean and Pacific coasts, over half of Guatemala is mountainous with a string of volcanic peaks, many exceeding 11,000 feet, plus picturesque lakes, agricultural lands and rain forest threading the country. Besides its physical beauty, it is the diversity of the land and its people that makes this country such a captivating destination. With a population of around 14 million, nearly half are indigenous Maya with their own strong culture. The other half is divided among Ladinos, the descendents of Europeans and Maya, Hispanic and a small African population. This creates a colourful human tapestry where the people are the product of the merger of pre-Colombian cultures with Spanish colonialism and the influences of modern America.

Tour Leader: This tour is led by VegiVentures Latin American tour manager and anthropologist Oda Seedhouse. Oda is well known for her expert knowledge, caring nature and safe tours. Oda also has a deserved reputation for creating access to people and places well off the beaten tourist track, and this tour will include many such opportunities. For example, we include a 2 day visit to an indigenous Mayan school, which will help to support the local community.

Food: We eat a varied diet, specially designed for us, in a variety of centres and restaurants. In the big cities you can find a blend of Spanish, Mayan, European and Asian cuisines. In smaller places (most of Guatemala) the indigenous food is fairly simple. We are sourcing the best vegetarian and vegan food available. For breakfast local fruit features strongly and includes: papaya, pineapple, fresh orange juice, water-melon, banana and fruit salad, plus sometimes: muesli, yogurt, pancakes, eggs or tortillas and beans. Here are some examples of menus we have arranged:

PRICE: from GBP 1475.00, including half board and all ground arrangements, excluding international flights.

 This holiday is limited to 15 people, we advise you to book early.