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Guatemala

A relative secret to the outside world

To Joaquín Muñoz, Guatemala was the place ‘from where the rainbow takes its colours’. To us, it’s the rainbow and the pot of gold. After one day on the ground – let alone one week – this will make perfect sense. Pastel-painted cities, huipil shirt weavers, lively markets displaying colourful fresh produce. ‘Vibrant’ doesn’t even come close. Just make sure to pack your camera.

From: $8,000 per person

BEST TIME TO GO

NOV-APR

FLIGHT TIME

West Coast – 5HR
Central – 3HR 30M
East Coast – 5HR

One Week to Wander, Black Tomato

The Trip Japan, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

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City, jungle, lake. An enriching trio if ever there was one. On this trip, we’ll take you from Antigua and Petén rainforest to Lake Atitlán – in a captivating whirlwind of colour, culture, history, and warm, welcoming locals. Best. Week. Ever.

One Week to Wander, Black Tomato

Days 1-4

Sweeping valleys and candy-coloured streets

Stay

Framed by spectacular views of the Volcán de Agua rising in the distance, Villa Bokéh – your home for the next three nights – lies just outside downtown Antigua. It’s impeccably stylish (rooms flooded with natural light and furnishings hand-crafted by local artisans) – all set within six acres of lush tropical gardens.

See

We like our morning bike rides best when the route is through the sweeping valleys surrounding Antigua – witnessing local life as you pedal past rural villages and scenic ruins. Reaching San Miguel Escobar, you’ll meet and work side-by-side with local small coffee farmers in their daily process – picking, pulping, sorting, grading. Then, you’ll roast the coffee over an open fire and grind it by hand to sample a cup. Rich, earthy and strong. And as fresh as it comes.

Guatemala, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Days 4-5

In the depths of the jungle

Stay

Few travelers can say they’ve spent a night deep in the heart of the Guatemalan jungle. Beside the sacred Mayan ruins of Uaxactún – where ancient grey-green stone emerges from between the trees – you’ll find your own luxury camp. Settled in your spacious and supremely comfortable tent, all that’s left to do is enjoy dinner beneath a sky full of stars.

See

One of the longest-occupied Mayan settlements, Uaxactún is unspoiled. We’ll show you around – by day and night. Your expert guide will explain a cluster of celestially oriented ruins that – even to this day – accurately pinpoint the sun as the seasons change. In the village, learn about the natural gum, allspice, and xate that the locals harvest. At dusk, climb an ancient lookout tower to watch the sunset (drink in hand, if you fancy). Think archaeological, cultural, and natural – all rolled into one.

Guatemala, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Days 5-7

Beyond the water’s edge

Stay

Arriving at Casa Palopó, you’ll feel right at home – and right away. Nestled in the hillside overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán, the suites and common spaces of this boutique hideaway are just as bright and beautiful as their surroundings. Sip cocktails on your private patio soaking up the sun or indulge in a rejuvenating in-room massage. Either way, you won’t want to leave.

See

Fringed by fertile farmland and no less than three volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is the deepest in Central America. Tzutujil fishermen cast lines from their “cayucos”, birds circle overhead. And you’ll paddle out in your kayak. Stroke by stroke, shore to shore. You’ll notice the water’s surface – sky blue and shimmering – and probably want to jump in. We won’t blame you. It’s oh-so-refreshing.

Guatemala, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Guatemala, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

Your added extra

A traditional Mayan blessing ceremony with a local Shaman, on the shores of Lake Atitlán – where you’ll be guided through the connection of different energies to the earth and sacred fire. Purposeful, transformative. Awakening.

Get in touch

Guatemala, One Week to Wander, Black Tomato, Luxury Travel

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