Prolong your vacation with this 5-day Guatemala extension! Explore the ancient Maya site of Quirigua, famous for its monumental stone sculptures, and learn about the traditions and cultures of the Maya. Cross one of the largest bridges in Central America in Rio Dulce and grab a headlamp and flashlight to explore the mysterious caves of Laquin. Making your way back to Guatemala City, stop in Semuc Champey and relax in its clear, turquoise waters - the perfect addition to your Guatemala adventure.
Highlights
Visit Quirigua, and ancient Maya archaeological site
Explore Lanquin and it's mysterious limestone cave
Discover Semuc Champey & a natural limestone bridge that crosses the river
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Today, from either Guatemala City or Antigua, meet your guide for your transfer to Livingston. Along the way, visit the ruins of Quirigua. An ancient Maya archaeological site, Quirigua covers approximately 1.2 square miles and is quite modest compared with some of the larger archeological sites in Guatemala. The site's importance and unique draw lies in its wealth of sculptures, including the tallest stone monumental sculpture ever erected in the New World.
Continue to Puerto Barrios, where you will board a boat to Livingston, a unique Garifuna town accessible only by water. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Spend a relaxed morning exploring Livingston’s streets and Garifuna culture. Then, board a boat to travel along the Rio Dulce, a lake and river system known for its scenic beauty and vibrant wildlife. The Rio Dulce is famously spanned by one of the largest bridges in all of Central America.
Glide past towering canyon walls, hidden hot springs, floating villages and Castillo de San Felipe, a Spanish colonial fortress built to defend against pirate attacks. Cruise by Bird Island, a haven for egrets, herons, and cormorants, before reaching your hotel.
In the morning, set out with your guide to Lanquin and visit its mysterious cave system. On the way, make a stop to visit the Castillo de San Felipe to explore the fortress before leaving Rio Dulce. Continue through scenic landscapes before reaching Grutas de Lanquín, a 62-mile limestone cave system featuring unusual rock formations. Declared a National Park in 1955, the caves are also home to thousands of bats that emerge dramatically at sunset.
In the evening, arrive in Lanquin and unwind in the relaxing ambiance of the hotel, lounging in hammocks, enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool, or savoring delicious meals crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Today, set out with your guide to Semuc Champey. A natural monument, Semuc Champey, famed for it's natural limestone bridge that passes over the Cahabon River. This bride is over 300 meters long (just under 100ft) and is home to a series of picture perfect natural pools. Hike to the viewpoint for breathtaking views of the stepped, turquoise pools below. Then, descend to the pools for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
For more adventure, explore the Kan’Ba Caves by candlelight and float down the river in an inner tube.
In the evening, transfer to Cobán for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Coban | Guatemala City
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide for today's adventures. First up, visit a local coffee farm and learn about the coffee bean picking, drying, and roasting processes, finish off the tour with a coffee tasting before loading up for your next stop. Continue on to a tour of an orchid farm before returning to Guatemala City. From here, continue your journey independently or begin your return trip home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400 plus the cost of internal airfare, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
