Guatemala Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Guatemala Strenuous Tours & Trips

111 Guatemala trips. Tours from 58 tour companies. 351 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous
Mexico, Belize & Guatemala Adventure 14D/13N (from Cancun)
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Caye Caulker, Flores, Panajachel

Highlights

  • Trek the active Pacaya Volcano See the Tikal & Chichen-Itza Ruins Sleep in a family home in Panajachel

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Guatemala - Land of the Maya
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Acropolis, Antigua, Bar, Caribbean, Central America, Chichicastenango, Copan, Fes, Flores, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Santiago, Santiago Atitlan, Tikal

Highlights

  • From the ancient ruins of Tikal to Maya villages on Lake Atitlan, experience Guatemala
  • Explore the intriguing site of Copan in Honduras
  • Wildlife spotting on the 'Rio Dulce'

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed to change Tour Leaders after 2 days as we had begun to bond with Regneesh but Abhi, his replacement, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured our needs were met. I felt he went beyond what I would have expected of a guide in catering for my lack of ability to walk far in the extreme heat. Our driver was equally thoughtful and we felt we were in safe hands. The content of the trip was exactly as it said on the tin. I didn’t feel that the trip lacked content but I would have been more than happy to spend an extra night in Thekaddy and perhaps visit the Periyar Reserve, and an extra night on the houseboat (which was of an excellent standard) would have been great. The accommodation and food was of a good standard throughout, including the home stay. All in all, a first class trip."

Trip dates & details
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Big Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Adventure 21D/20N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Caye Caulker, Flores, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

Highlights

  • Learn about the culture of local indigenous communities See the incredible ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque & Tikal Hike the active Pacaya Volcano & swim in crystalline waters

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Contrasts of Mexico
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Flores, Mexico City, Palenque, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Tehuantepec, Tikal, Tulum, Xunantunich

Highlights

  • Explore some of the very best Aztec & Mayan sites of Mexico
  • Experience the local life & colour of Indigenous villages
  • Discover little-explored ruins, hidden by rainforest

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed to change Tour Leaders after 2 days as we had begun to bond with Regneesh but Abhi, his replacement, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured our needs were met. I felt he went beyond what I would have expected of a guide in catering for my lack of ability to walk far in the extreme heat. Our driver was equally thoughtful and we felt we were in safe hands. The content of the trip was exactly as it said on the tin. I didn’t feel that the trip lacked content but I would have been more than happy to spend an extra night in Thekaddy and perhaps visit the Periyar Reserve, and an extra night on the houseboat (which was of an excellent standard) would have been great. The accommodation and food was of a good standard throughout, including the home stay. All in all, a first class trip."

Trip dates & details
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Contrasts of Mexico + Yucatan Peninsula Extension
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Flores, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Mexico City, Palenque, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Tehuantepec, Tikal, Tulum, Valladolid, Xunantunich

Highlights

  • Explore the impressive Aztec & Mayan sites of Mexico, plus enjoy the best of the Yucatan
  • Experience the local life & colour of Indigenous villages
  • Discover little-explored ruins, hidden by rainforest

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed to change Tour Leaders after 2 days as we had begun to bond with Regneesh but Abhi, his replacement, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured our needs were met. I felt he went beyond what I would have expected of a guide in catering for my lack of ability to walk far in the extreme heat. Our driver was equally thoughtful and we felt we were in safe hands. The content of the trip was exactly as it said on the tin. I didn’t feel that the trip lacked content but I would have been more than happy to spend an extra night in Thekaddy and perhaps visit the Periyar Reserve, and an extra night on the houseboat (which was of an excellent standard) would have been great. The accommodation and food was of a good standard throughout, including the home stay. All in all, a first class trip."

Trip dates & details
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Central American Explorer
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Bar, Boquete, Caribbean, Central America, Copan, Granada, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Ometepe, Panama Canal, Panama City, Roatan, Salvador

Highlights

  • Journey through six contrasting Central American countries on this epic adventure
  • Explore colourful colonial towns & sacred Mayan sites
  • Unwind on the Caribbean beaches of Bocas del Toro

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed to change Tour Leaders after 2 days as we had begun to bond with Regneesh but Abhi, his replacement, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured our needs were met. I felt he went beyond what I would have expected of a guide in catering for my lack of ability to walk far in the extreme heat. Our driver was equally thoughtful and we felt we were in safe hands. The content of the trip was exactly as it said on the tin. I didn’t feel that the trip lacked content but I would have been more than happy to spend an extra night in Thekaddy and perhaps visit the Periyar Reserve, and an extra night on the houseboat (which was of an excellent standard) would have been great. The accommodation and food was of a good standard throughout, including the home stay. All in all, a first class trip."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Central American Highlights
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Acropolis, Antigua, Braulio Carillo National Park, Central America, Chichicastenango, Copan, Granada, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Managua, Monteverde, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Pacific Coast, Palma, Panajachel, Salvador, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Juan, Santiago, Santiago Atitlan

Highlights

  • Take in the highlights of five fascinating Central American countries in just two weeks
  • Discover rich wildlife, rainforests and volcanoes
  • Explore colourful colonial towns and sacred Mayan sites

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Although short in comparison to other trips to India which I’ve done with Explore, it was an extremely full and informative trip. It was unfortunate that we needed to change Tour Leaders after 2 days as we had begun to bond with Regneesh but Abhi, his replacement, was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and ensured our needs were met. I felt he went beyond what I would have expected of a guide in catering for my lack of ability to walk far in the extreme heat. Our driver was equally thoughtful and we felt we were in safe hands. The content of the trip was exactly as it said on the tin. I didn’t feel that the trip lacked content but I would have been more than happy to spend an extra night in Thekaddy and perhaps visit the Periyar Reserve, and an extra night on the houseboat (which was of an excellent standard) would have been great. The accommodation and food was of a good standard throughout, including the home stay. All in all, a first class trip."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Guatemala, Belize & Mexico Adventure 14D/13N (from Guatemala City)
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Caye Caulker, Flores, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

Highlights

  • Trek the active Pacaya Volcano Sleep in a family home in Panajachel See the Tikal & Chichen-Itza Ruins

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
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20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous

Guatemala Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
351  Reviews
See all Guatemala tour reviews
Excellent
133
Great
54
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
2
K

Kelly E.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them.

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them. They ensured I was safe throughout the trip ...

J

Jon H.

Feb 2023

Written on

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days.

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days. I had such a good time on each daytrip and going to each attraction. I was intrigued by...

T

Tom Walker

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip.

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip. It was awesome to go on the exhilarating excursions. I could not believe all of this way for o...

S

Susan T.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler did an amazing job keeping me busy with interesting and exciting activities on this trip.

The entire time I was in Guatemala, I seemed to forget about the stresses and worries of homelife, which is exactly what I wanted out of a trip. CharlieTheTraveler d...

B

Brianna M.

Feb 2023

Written on

The company was well-organized and I enjoyed every activity they planned for this trip!

Although I have a friend from Guatemala who has told how magnificent the country is, I had never gone. One night I was doing research when I came across CharlieTheTr...

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Guatemala Tour Selection Trips

  • Unless you’re truly ready for some driving adventures, don’t even think about renting a car in Guatemala, where rules of the road are virtually non-existent. 
  • Local public buses – typically crowded and accident prone -- are also highly problematic for getting around.
  • Taking a guided tour of Guatemala is the best guarantee of safety against road accidents and street crime, which is common in certain parts of the country. 
  • Since Guatemala is relatively compact, you can combine most of the top attractions in a well-run week-long tour. 
  • If one of your goals is to spot the elusive quetzal, a resplendent but reclusive tropical bird, your best chance is to find a tour that specializes in birding.

Additional details

The most prominent language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish. The major cities do have English speakers but it is always a good idea to carry with you a translation book or app. It is also advised that you use the “usted” conjugation when speaking to locals as a form of respect.

Guatemala has a very diverse and expansive history that can be seen prevalently throughout the country. There are several historic Mayan sites in Guatemala, Tikal and El Mirador being the most popular. The city of Antigua exhibits Guatemala’s Spanish influence during colonial times with many of its building dating back to that era.

Ways to Travel in Guatemala 

There are a variety of ways to travel Guatemala. If you’re trying to get a genuine feel for the country, exploring Guatemala over land is probably your best bet. Guided tours take care of the hassle of figuring out navigation and let you focus on the scenery. Guatemala bus tours are generally more affordable, though it is advisable to book with a reputable group tour company for safety reasons. 

Many travelers try to get a feel for Central America by visiting Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico in tandem. Or, visit one of Guatemala’s islands, such as Antigua, on your way to the French Guadeloupe from the British Virgin Islands.

Another way to experience Guatemala’s natural beauty is to go on an eco tour. On this environmentally friendly style of tour, you're sure to see the lush greenery that surrounds the country. Lago de Atitlán is a great place to see Guatemala’s colorful shrubbery and crystal clear waters.

Guatemala also has many volcanoes, many of which are still active today. The most popular volcano to visit is the active volcano Pacaya because it is only an hour away from Antigua and is relatively easy to hike compared to the other volcanoes with a higher elevation.

Guatemala Travel Safety

There are certain safety precautions that should be taken into account when visiting Guatemala.

Before your trip, make sure you know where your country’s embassy is in case of an emergency. If you are a citizen of the United States, then you should enroll in STEP which sends you safety notifications while on your trip.

When traveling around Guatemala, always be aware of your surroundings. In the cities, especially Guatemala City, be extra careful at night. It is also advised that you refrain from traveling between destinations at night. Traveling with a tour company is always recommended to ensure your safety.

What to do in Guatemala at night?

Because of safety concerns, visitors staying outside of resorts are also concerned about what they can do safely at night. Tourists are particularly cautious about what to do in Guatemala City at night.

Zone 10 is the nightlife center of the city, though it is recommended to only take cabs called by your hotel or restaurant for getting around the city. 

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