GUATEMALA TOURS - 11 & 8 Day

Immerse Yourself In Culture With Our New 2025 Tours! 


CULTURAL TOURS TO GUATEMALA IN 2025

April 27th - May 8th, 2025 - open for booking! Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Tikal NP & Flores 

August 24th - September 1st, 2025 - open for booking! Antigua & Lake Atitlan

October 26th - Nov 5th, 2025 - open for booking! Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Day of the Dead in Sumpango for Kite Festival, Tikal NP 

Early Bird pricing expires March 1, 2025!!  

Imagine embarking on a journey that awakens your senses and ignites your spirit of adventure! A group trip to Guatemala is not just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Imagine wandering through ancient Mayan ruins, hiking up a volcano with breathtaking views, exploring vibrant open-air markets, supporting the local community, meeting skilled artisans and their crafts, and indulging in the flavors of traditional Guatemalan cuisine—all while being guided by an experienced local who knows the hidden gems and stories that make this country truly special. With every step, you’ll feel the warmth of the Guatemalan people and the pulse of their traditions, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this unforgettable journey and let the magic of Guatemala inspire your soul!

 


LET'S GO!
This is a unique opportunity for a guided international trip with a Central Oregon connection. By traveling with Blue Burro Imports, you benefit from Amy's years of experience exploring the region, and the relationships that she has fostered in the communities that you will be exploring. Amy is eager to introduce you to one of her favorite cities in the world (Antigua), the many talented artisans of Guatemala, its delicious coffee, the breathtaking Tikal national park, the people, its traditions, history and much more. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of this country? Get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant culture of this fantastic country!

A DREAM IS HAPPENING 
This is the beginning of a dream come true with the shop now offering 3 trips per year to explore the incredible country of Guatemala. Throughout the last 14 years, I've been deeply touched by Guatemala's rich traditions, breathtaking textiles, unique scenery, incredibly kind and humble people, and stunningly beautiful textiles!I You can't walk down the street without being welcomed a hundred times a day with a 'buen dia' by all. Guatemala is alive in its own unique way! Experience the smell of fresh coffee being roasted, blooming flowers everywhere, the stunningly adorned ladies in their native attire, church bells chiming every hour, chicken buses ablaze in color and lights, ancient cobblestone streets, and vibrant birds. Even imagine a volcano far away puffing out smoke, ladies shaping masa into fresh tortillas with their hands, and so much more! I can't help but want to share the love I have for Guatemala with everyone! It's truly captured my heart in so many ways!
Choose from 3 dates to make 2025 memorable: Late April for an 11-day tour, late August for 8 days, or join us for our final tour of the year for the Day of the Dead. Like April's tour, but on November 1st, we'll be at Sumpango for their famous kite festival during Day of the Dead! 


ARTISAN TOURS, MARKETS, COFFEE & MORE!

We will explore artisan workshops in Antigua, Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, Flores, and more. Witness demonstrations and buy their crafts! Visit the famous Chichicastenango Market, tour a coffee farm near Antigua, and explore many more additional attractions


AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK - VOLUNTEER DAY
I'm very excited to share that our trips will include one day of volunteering with Worthy Village in Panajachel, around Lake Atitlan, where we will deliver water filters to needy families. A portion of the trip proceeds will be donated to purchase water filters for a handful of families. We will only have time to deliver a few filters based on our timing. We will travel to the chosen community around Lake Atitlan with a Worthy Village social worker to offer, meet the family, demonstrate the filters, and explore the community. We will have lunch with one of the families before returning to Panajachel in the late afternoon. Blue Burro Imports has sponsored a family since 2020 through Worthy Village and we love the work they
are doing around the lake.

 
LET'S TAKE A HIKE
The Pacaya Volcano hike is a planned group activity, but if you choose not to hike, you can stay behind in Antigua while we are away and have the afternoon to yourself. Pacaya is a popular volcano hike outside of Antigua. Many thousands of travelers hike it annually. Of course, if the volcano is active, we will use caution and not go. For some, it will be a good little challenge, and for others, it will be the hardest thing they will do all year. The main reason it is a difficult hike is due to the intense incline. Over just 1.6 miles one way, you will climb 1,496 feet in elevation. The total distance of the hike is 3.2 miles round-trip. It’s an out-and-back route, so you head up for 1.6 miles and back down the same way. This is an unforgettable experience!

 

TIKAL NATIONAL PARK

Immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of Guatemala. This remarkable destination was once the epicenter of the Mayan civilization, flourishing from around 200 to 900 AD.

Your adventure begins with a full day dedicated to exploring the majestic Mayan temples that rise above the lush jungle canopy. As you wander through the ancient ruins, you’ll encounter towering pyramids, intricately carved stone slabs, and expansive plazas that tell the story of a civilization that thrived in harmony with nature.

In addition to the temples, Tikal National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys swinging through the trees, colorful toucans perched above, and the vibrant orchids that bloom throughout the park. The natural beauty of Tikal complements its historical significance, making it a truly enchanting destination.

During our journey, our guide will offer intriguing perspectives on the history, culture, and importance of the Mayan civilization. They'll support us in understanding the rituals, daily life, and accomplishments of the Mayans, enriching our experience in Guatemala.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature, a day spent in Tikal National Park promises to be unforgettable. Prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of the Mayan temples and the lush landscapes that surround them.

DAILY ITINERARY

We have a lot of exciting days planned to connect you with all Guatemala has to offer! Are you a textile addict, a history buff, a photography lover, a people watcher, etc! Check out our daily schedule below. It provides a more in-depth look at our daily activities.

photo credit Wido Santos (Sumpango)

ABOUT AMY’S TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

I have vast international travel experience, visiting Guatemala every year for 14 years to buy for my retail store in Sisters, Oregon. For 13 out of 14 years, I ventured solo to Guatemala as a businesswoman, gaining profound knowledge of the country. I had the pleasure of taking my partner there last year, and he said I need to start taking people and doing tours! I absolutely love the country, its crafts, and its people! It's perfect because I have dreamed of sharing it with fellow world travelers and the timing feels right! So, let us go! Vamos a Guatemala! 
*You do not need to be fluent or know Spanish, but don't be surprised if you learn a little. We will have a guide/translator accompanying us during our entire trip!
OUR LOCAL GUIDE
I have been working with Yves Marchand, who has lived in Guatemala since the mid-90s. He and his wife and kids live in Guatemala City. I was recently referred to him by 2 very lovely customers who made a week-long trip with him and spoke highly of him and his services at Omnium Travel Guatemala. He is safe, trusted, and experienced. We're thrilled to have him or one of his professional guides, assisting us daily with translation and more!
 
TRIP DATES:
APRIL 27TH - MAY 8TH, 2025 
AUGUST 24TH - SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2025 
OCTOBER 26TH - NOVEMBER 5TH, 2025 (11 day tour + Day of the Dead)
*all tours have a minimum of 5 and max 12*

AIRPORT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:
(GUA) La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. 
No visa is required to enter Guatemala; just a passport is required.
The trip will start at your arrival at La Aurora Int Airport and end there. Depending on your arrival time, we will leave the airport together in our private shuttle, or a driver will come pick you up. You will get more info on that later...

TRIP COST 11-DAY & 8-DAY:
***Early Bird discount good until March 1, 2025 and or has a cap at 3 travelers per tours***
$3,300 per person - double occupancy, full or queen bed  
Early Bird pricing: $2,970 
$3,900 per person - single occupancy, queen bed typically 
Early Bird pricing: $3,510 

$2,700 per person - double occupancy, full or queen bed 
Early Bird pricing: $2,430
$2.900 per person - single occupancy, queen bed typically 
Early Bird pricing: $2,610

WHAT THAT DOES INCLUDE:

  • Breakfast each day at our hotel
  • Hotel accommodations in Antigua, Panajachel, and Flores (11 day trip), Antigua and Panajachel (8 day trip)
  • All tours, classes, excursions, and entry fees to museums, etc
  • Tikal National Park - flight to Flores and park entrance fee (11-day trip)
  • All ground transportation (private van)
  • Waterboat taxi transportation (private)
  • 2 lunches (coffee farm tour and volunteer day)
  • Guided Pacaya volcano hike
  • Imiche ruins
  • Private airport pickup and drop-off
  • Full time tour guide during our entire trip 
  • Donation to Worthy Village for the purchase of clean water filters for chosen families in need
WHAT THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • International airfare to and from Guatemala
  • Lunch (except for 2, which are included)
  • Dinner
  • Tips (range from 10-20% at restaurants and coffee shops, $2-5 for drivers and tour guides, but will vary based on duration of service)
  • Snacks, water, etc.
  • Documentation for travel - Passport 
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Health insurance

ACCOMMODATIONS:
We will stay three nights in Antigua, four nights in Panajchel, two nights in Lago de Flores and our last night in Guatemala City. All our accommodations will be in 3-star hotels with front desk services (not 24 hours, but usually until 10 pm). Our chosen hotels are listed below, but they are subject to change. Please know we will do our best to book similar hotels if they need to be changed. 
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENTS:
  • To reserve your spot, a deposit of $900.00 is due at booking. Once I receive your deposit, I will send you a welcome letter and a waiver to sign and return. 
  • Your second payment to complete the trip cost is due 2 months prior to trip date. Your deposit will not be refunded if the balance is unpaid.
  • We will send the payment invoices out via our website, which can be paid online with a card. If you live locally, I would appreciate cash or a check.
  • Payment plans are an option, contact Amy for more info 
REFUNDS:
  • The $900.00 deposit is nonrefundable 2 months prior to trip.
  • If you cannot join us and must cancel 30 days before trip, you will be offered a credit for a future trip but no refund. 
  • Arriving late or leaving Guatemala early for any reason will not result in a refund.
  • Please double-check that the dates work before booking and paying for your deposit! If you have questions on the payments and refunds, please don’t hesitate to call because we know it’s confusing. 
*If there are insufficient registrants for the trip, the trip will be canceled, and the money will be returned*
 
MINIMUM TRAVELERS:
We have a minimum of 5 travelers and no more than 12. This will be an intimate group and a great way to travel and experience the country!
BOOKING:
Please call to schedule an appointment to talk with Amy about whether the trip is a good fit. If all is good, Amy will send you an invoice for the trip deposit. 
Amy Abramson of Blue Burro Imports
170 W Cascade Ave
Sisters, Oregon 9759
Amy@blueburroimports.com
*please expect 48 hours for an email response or returned phone call*
PASSPORTS:
Be sure you have a valid passport for this trip. Check to make sure it is valid through 2025. Applying for a passport can take up to 1.5 months. Expediting a new passport or renewing a current one can happen sooner but with an extra expedited cost. Make sure your passport is valid through most of 2025. Some countries do not like the passport to expire within 6 months of the trip. 
TRAVEL/TRIP INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is suggested but not mandatory. If you are interested in travel insurance, you can compare travel insurance options on this website: https://www.squaremouth.com/
*Please keep in mind that Guatemala is a developing nation. Our itineraries and accommodations are subject to change. If we must rebook, we will do our best to match it with similar accommodations and/or activities. Patience and cultural understanding are expected from all guests, and your hosts will do their very best to accommodate you (within reason). Please note that Guatemala runs at a different pace, unlike the USA; some things, such as meal service, banks, and grocery store lines, will take longer. Patience is the key to this journey; it teaches us something valuable we get to learn and possibly appreciate*
 
A medium degree of fitness is required for our tours. You need to be able to walk a mile or more easily. We will encounter taller-than-normal curbs and sidewalks, rough terrain, old and worn cobblestone streets, rocky paths, and slippery surfaces due to possible rain or wear, as well as sometimes hilly terrain. 

 

 Trip Summary: 

Day 1. Guatemala City Airport - Travel to Antigua

Day 2. Antigua : Historic town center tour and more

Day 3. Antigua : coffee tour De La Gente and more

Day 4. Antigua - Pacaya Volcano - Basket Community - Travel to Panajachel

Day 5. Panajachel - Chichicastenango Market Day - Panajachel

Day 6. Volunteer Day around Lake Atitlan

Day 7. Lake Atitlan boat tour to San Juan (weaving community) and more

Day 8. Panajachel - Iximche - Guatemala City Airport - Flight Flores

(August 8-Day trip does not include Flores & Tikal National Park)

Day 9. Tikal National Park 

Day 10. Isla de Flores - Woodworking Tour - El Remate

Day 11. Guatemala City Airport - Good Byes

*We can send you a more detailed itinerary with lovely photos and more daily info, just shoot is an email asking! 

 

Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact or email Amy. Excited to get your message and start our adventure together!

 Amy

amy@blueburroimports.com

  

 Having my laundry weighted to get washed

 

I'm excited for your journey with me in Guatemala!

Amy