GUATEMALA LUXURY TRAVEL

TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL GUATEMALA

Guatemala is a country of striking contrasts, from lush jungles and volcanic highlands to sparkling lakes and deep cultural heritage. Once the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization, the country is home to extraordinary archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage sites, while living Mayan traditions continue across its highland communities today.

Our luxury Guatemala tours uncover the country through its landscapes and cultural depth. Explore ancient Mayan ruins deep in the jungle with expert guides, wander Antigua’s cobbled streets and historic architecture, and journey across the sapphire waters of Lake Atitlán framed by dramatic volcanic peaks. In the highlands, encounter traditional village life and vibrant local markets that reflect centuries of living heritage.

Carefully tailored to each traveler, our private Guatemala experiences combine boutique accommodations, immersive cultural encounters, and seamless service to reveal one of Central America’s most remarkable destinations

GET INSPIRED WITH THESE LUXURY TOURS TO GUATEMALA

Every Blue Parallel tour is tailor-made by our travel experts, based on your unique travel preferences. Discover our bespoke Guatemala itineraries and explore the regions Blue Parallel are specialists in.

WHERE TO GO IN GUATEMALA

From the colonial charm of Antigua to the serene waters of Lake Atitlán, the lush jungles of Petén, and the ancient majesty of Tikal, learn more about Guatemala’s highlights.

Colorful streetscape in Antigua, Guatemala with the colonial Santa Catalina Arch in the background

Antigua

This charming colonial city is characterized by cobblestone streets and colorful houses. Your expert guide will show you the historical center, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 because of its well-preserved Guatemalan Baroque style architecture. In some cases, only the beautiful facades of the buildings remain after the 1773 earthquake, while others were specially designed to withstand the tremors and are still intact today. During the colonial era, Antigua was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, part of the Spanish Empire, for some 200 years until it was moved to Guatemala City after a devastating earthquake.

Landscape featuring a dock leading into Lake Atitlan at sunset, with volcanoes in the distance

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, reaching depths of about 1115 feet. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan boasts spectacular views of the three surrounding volcanoes. The natural beauty of the crystal blue lake is complemented by the prevalent indigenous culture found in the traditional lakeside villages where traditional dress is still worn. In one of the villages, a master textile artist works to recuperate and preserve traditional weaving techniques. Visitors will also find a fascinating blend of Catholic and indigenous spiritual beliefs in this area, which can be experienced with a visit to the shrine to the folk deity, Maximon, which moves to a new house in the village each year.

View of ancient Mayan ruins peeking above the canopy at the pre-Colombian citadel of Tikal

Tikal

Set apart from other ruins by its location deep within the Guatemalan jungle, the pyramids of Tikal are some of the most remarkable examples of ceremonial architecture from the Mayan civilization. Tikal once supported an estimated population of 100,000 people who inhabited it from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. Now, this UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site is ruled by toucans, parrots, and monkeys, which visitors will hear as they explore these impressive ruins with a private guide. Archaeologists have identified over 3,000 structures, and in its heyday, the city probably covered as much as 25 square miles (65 sq. km).

BLUE PARALLEL CREATES TAILOR-MADE ITINERARIES TO GUATEMALA

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WHERE TO STAY IN GUATEMALA

We select the most distinctive accommodations for our bespoke tours to Guatemala, from colonial boutique hotels in Antigua to serene lakeside retreats and secluded jungle lodges near ancient Maya ruins. Browse some of our favorites below or explore our portfolio of preferred properties.

WHEN TO VISIT GUATEMALA

Guatemala’s varied landscapes of volcanic highlands, colonial cities, tropical lowlands, and ancient Maya ruins create distinct regional climates across the country, shaping when each destination is best explored. Discover more about the best time to visit Guatemala.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
ANTIGUA
LAKE ATITLAN
TIKAL

WHEN TO VISIT GUATEMALA

Guatemala’s varied landscapes of volcanic highlands, colonial cities, tropical lowlands, and ancient Maya ruins create distinct regional climates across the country, shaping when each destination is best explored. Discover more about the best time to visit Guatemala.

  • ANTIGUA: January, February, March, April, November, December
  • LAKE ATITLAN: January, February, March, April, November, December
  • TIKAL: January, February, March, April, November, December

SEE WHAT OUR TRAVELERS HAVE TO SAY

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

An amazing trip and the guides were over the top. The itinerary was perfect, with great additions as we went. We loved it, especially the picnic at the Mayan ruins on the lake. I wish we could give 100 stars on this one — David, Melvin and Darwin were just fantastic! I was so grateful that Blue Parallel recommended Guatemala as we would never have gone there otherwise given the travel warnings at the time. It was magical and could not have been handled better by Blue Parallel and their team.

Caryl Hart

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I worked closely with Blue Parallel to plan a trip for my family of six to Belize and Guatemala. I was impressed by their concern to detail — they wanted me to tell them very specifically what we wanted to do, what we valued in a place to stay, what kind of food we liked and how we liked to travel. It was clear that Blue Parallel wanted my family to have the trip of our dreams. And we did! We had eight perfect days and nights! We stayed in beautiful, comfortable places, learned from wise and enjoyable guides and managed to cram countless great experiences into a too short vacation. Blue Parallel is really an amazing group to work with. I wish they planned trips all over the world so that I could use them every time my family traveled!

Dabney Grinnan

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We had a fabulous time in Guatemala. We found everything to be exceptional. All the privately prepared food was excellent — the picnics and the private house at Casa Palopo. Adolfo and Melvin, our primary guides are lovely and well-informed persons as well as their drivers. We would definitely want to work with them again. We also enjoyed our tour of Antigua with Jane. What I most liked about Meson Panza Verde is its character and access to the rest of Antigua. I loved the concert on our final night at Panza Verde and the table that was chosen for us. What was particularly good for us about this trip was the number of people we met from all walks of life and their openness to us being there and answering all questions. We left Guatemala feeling as if we had made some new friends!

Paul Pulver / Vice President at Costco Wholesale

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blue Parallel made excellent choices for us. We really enjoyed our guides. They were incredibly informative and we had long and in depth conversations with them from the politics of Guatemala, the history, ethnic makeup, social classes, to the flora and fauna. Aldolfo and Jose were a wealth of information on these subjects and Melvin was so well versed in Mayan history and culture that we didn't feel the need to sit the with arranged anthropologist.

Sue Crothers

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

All of the guides were EXCELLENT. Blue Parallel does an unbelievable job of hooking you up with people who are not only knowledgeable, but fun to hang out with as well!

Kathryn Ordway

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The trip went exceedingly well. All of the guides and drivers were very good and they were always on time meeting us at the airports and for the activity planned. They were also very attentive to my handicap and helped me numerous times during the trip. We were also impressed that they all had some knowledge of local birds and were able to contribute to our interest in birding. You did a great job in putting together a super itinerary. The highlight of the trip was the three days on the catamaran with Fred and Marina; they went above and beyond in taking care of our every need. The food onboard was the best of the trip and the catamaran was very comfortable. This was a wonderful trip we will never forget.

Leonard James Berlik / Executive Vice President at ICI

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