Easter in Guatemala: Semana Santa
8 days from £2,150
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met by our local representative and taken to your hotel in Antigua. It’s a journey of about one hour along a winding paved road.
The elegant Villa Colonial is on a tree-lined street, 20 minutes’ walk from Antigua’s main square. True to its name, the building boasts a colonial façade and rooms around a large tropical courtyard garden. The buildings are attractively painted in soft pastel colours, and part of the hotel is designed to look like a colonial street with rooms on either side.
Set on two floors, there are simply decorated rooms with tile floors, private bathrooms, smart TVs, Wifi and either a shared balcony or patio.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar with views of the surrounding volcanoes, as well as an events rooms, and small, shallow pool in the garden.
The city is a colonial work of art, with cobbled streets, overhanging tiled roofs and a beautiful, leafy central plaza. There’s an abundance of huge ruined churches, convents and monasteries, testament to a time when Antigua was the country’s capital and its main religious centre. You’ll have time to absorb this fascinating city, including on a walking tour of the historic centre. It seems that every doorway opens onto a fragrant tiled courtyard. A dramatic backdrop of smouldering volcanoes and ruined churches and convents surrounded by parkland bear witness to the city’s destruction a volcanic eruption in 1773.
Today the city will be gearing up for the celebrations, but Antigua is always a welcoming place to relax and unwind, do some shopping in tempting boutiques and art galleries, and enjoy the excellent food in a large range of restaurants and pavement cafés. Wander around the courtyards and enjoy the floral displays in beautifully tended gardens.
The elegant Villa Colonial is on a tree-lined street, 20 minutes’ walk from Antigua’s main square. True to its name, the building boasts a colonial façade and rooms around a large tropical courtyard garden. The buildings are attractively painted in soft pastel colours, and part of the hotel is designed to look like a colonial street with rooms on either side.
Set on two floors, there are simply decorated rooms with tile floors, private bathrooms, smart TVs, Wifi and either a shared balcony or patio.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar with views of the surrounding volcanoes, as well as an events rooms, and small, shallow pool in the garden.
Good Friday sees you attending Antigua’s ‘Semana Santa’ (‘Holy Week’) Easter celebrations, famous around the world for their spectacular colour and elaborate celebrations, in which the whole city takes part. Huge processions wind their way through the city’s cobblestone streets carrying giant floats. Traditionally, men dressed in purple robes carry a float bearing a statue of Christ, followed by women dressed in black carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary.
The most visually impressive are the beautifully hand-made carpets of brightly coloured sand, sawdust and flowers, intricately interwoven, which are laid along the full length of the parade route. Vibrant patterns and images depicting scenes from the last days of Christ cover the streets, creating what looks like rivers of colour. You will be able to witness the San Cristóbal El Bajo and San Francisco processions today, and may be able to add your own touch of colour by contributing to the laying of the carpets.
The elegant Villa Colonial is on a tree-lined street, 20 minutes’ walk from Antigua’s main square. True to its name, the building boasts a colonial façade and rooms around a large tropical courtyard garden. The buildings are attractively painted in soft pastel colours, and part of the hotel is designed to look like a colonial street with rooms on either side.
Set on two floors, there are simply decorated rooms with tile floors, private bathrooms, smart TVs, Wifi and either a shared balcony or patio.
The hotel has a restaurant and bar with views of the surrounding volcanoes, as well as an events rooms, and small, shallow pool in the garden.
Head off west this morning to the highlands, dominated by watchful volcanoes and compact farming villages.
En route to Lake Atitlán, visit Iximché, an archaeological site which was the former capital of the Maya-Kaqchikel civilisation. In 1524, the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala was founded by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Today Iximché is still an important site with a ceremonial area used by the Kaqchikel Spiritual Guides to carry out their rituals. End the day at your hotel in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
This is one of the most captivating lakes in the world and its beauty has been eulogised by poets and travellers. On a sunny day, the closely forested volcanic cones are reflected in cobalt waters. Traditional villages and indigenous agricultural settlements skirt its fertile shores, each with its own character and identity, its own dialect and often a unique costume still worn by the proud inhabitants.
This friendly, secluded hotel has a pool terrace, a warm pool fed by hot springs and beautiful views of Lake Atitlán. Villa Santa Catarina is located a few metres from the lakeside in the village of Santa Catarina Polopó, 4km from tourist resort Panajachel. It’s a good choice for a quiet retreat away from the busy resorts.
The property has an attractive colonial style and peaceful setting overlooking the docks with a small landscaped garden, good-sized swimming pool and relaxing, warm pool fed from nearby springs. The grounds are overlooked by an open-air terrace restaurant, bar and games room.
There are bright, comfortable rooms set on two floors with terraces or balconies. Activities including boating, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing and tours to other lakeside indigenous villages can be arranged from the hotel.
Take a guided tour to Chichicastenango, a chilly mountain town with a mystical air. The symbols and practices of Catholicism sit alongside or even amalgamate with esoteric Mayan religious ceremonies, centred round the simple, whitewashed façade of the church. There is a vast, busy market on Sundays featuring textiles, clothes and tapestries of striking colour and extraordinary intricacy, as well as extravagant hand-carved masks and good-quality leather goods. Local farmers both barter and sell an array of fruit and vegetables from the surrounding villages.
Continue to San Antonio Palopó, a lakeside village which lies in a natural amphitheatre formed by the mountains behind it. Ascending the hill from the dock, the village consists of narrow streets of adobe houses with roofs of thatch or corrugated tin, and a fine 16th century church. The inhabitants are renowned for their colourful costumes and headdresses. Return to Panajachel for the night.
This friendly, secluded hotel has a pool terrace, a warm pool fed by hot springs and beautiful views of Lake Atitlán. Villa Santa Catarina is located a few metres from the lakeside in the village of Santa Catarina Polopó, 4km from tourist resort Panajachel. It’s a good choice for a quiet retreat away from the busy resorts.
The property has an attractive colonial style and peaceful setting overlooking the docks with a small landscaped garden, good-sized swimming pool and relaxing, warm pool fed from nearby springs. The grounds are overlooked by an open-air terrace restaurant, bar and games room.
There are bright, comfortable rooms set on two floors with terraces or balconies. Activities including boating, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing and tours to other lakeside indigenous villages can be arranged from the hotel.
Take a motor launch across the lake to Santiago de Atitlán. Cruising over the waters, calm and silent in the morning, you’ll have wonderful views of the various shoreline hamlets and pocket-sized cultivated fields alongside some grand houses, and beyond to the gently sloping bottle-green volcanoes which encircle the water.
You are greeted as you alight at Santiago by enthusiastic children, and the town is an excellent place to buy brilliantly coloured textiles. The children may also offer to guide you to the current resting place of the smoking, drinking, be-hatted and roguish local idol, Maximón, who is moved to a different house each year, and looked after by a diligent entourage. He’s certainly not politically correct but he will help you with your problems in exchange for a suitable financial donation.
Drive to Guatemala City and take an hour-long flight to Flores, in the dense sticky jungles of northern Guatemala, and from here you continue to your lodge.
This tranquil jungle lodge is located on a private nature reserve on the shores of shady Petenchel and Monifata lakes. Villa Milla is ten minutes’ drive from Flores and 45 minutes from the majestic Mayan site of Tikal.
The lodge has bright rooms within octagonal blocks or cabins, each with air-con, ceiling fan, private bathroom and small balcony. In keeping with the tranquil atmosphere, there are no TVs.
The hotel is surrounded by beautiful, tropical gardens and benefits from magnificent lake views. Facilities include an attractive swimming pool, thatched restaurant and a bar overlooking the lake, which is home to crocodiles so strictly no swimming allowed.
There are over 10km of well-marked trails to explore and the lodge also has its own deer enclosure. Mountain bikes and horses can be hired.
There will be a guided tour of the Mayan archaeological site at Tikal. Steep-stepped and vertiginous temples emerge high above the rainforest canopy; the views over the site from one of these ancient skyscrapers are unforgettable. Spend the day wandering through the palace complexes. Tikal was one of the largest and most important Mayan city states, reaching its peak around AD800 prior to its mysterious demise. The pyramids and temples seem frozen in time, but you’re brought back to the present by the roar of curious howler monkeys and lithe spider monkeys as they swing through the trees; and by flashes of colour as toucans and parrots take flight.
Take to the air again and fly back to Guatemala City for the night.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Guatemala - Antigua and the highlands
Once one of Spanish America’s greatest cities, Antigua is now a beautifully preserved colonial gem of cobbled streets, shady plazas and pastel-coloured façades. Surrounded by three volcanoes and within easy reach of the Highlands’ vibrant markets and traditional villages, Antigua Guatemala holidays offer one of Central America’s most captivating introductions to the country.
Guatemala - Lake Atitlan and villages
Lake Atitlán holidays showcase one of the world’s most captivating lakes, where volcanic peaks rise above shimmering waters and traditional Maya communities preserve centuries-old customs and distinctive dress. Combining spectacular scenery, indigenous culture and a relaxed pace of life, it offers one of Guatemala’s most memorable travel experiences.
In just a week, you are invited to enjoy a holiday which not only embraces the pageantry of the world-famous Easter celebrations in Antigua, but manages to squeeze in the country’s main highlights.
You’ll be amazed by the variety in such a small geographical area: volcanoes, smoking or stifled by vegetation, glass-clear shimmering lakes, treeless grasslands and valleys choked with orchards and kitchen gardens.
Across all this the wonderful culture, a blend of Mayan, and Spanish colonial; pre-Columbian religion and ritual blended with Christianity – see it in the market at Chichicastenango, the pocket-sized rural communities on the fringe of Lake Atitlán, the long abandoned jungle-stifled Mayan temples and pyramids at Tikal. Imagine being able to do as much as this in 7 days at home…
Maggie Wilson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
8 days, 7 nights: Antigua 3; Lake Atitlán 2; Tikal 1; Guatemala City 1.
- Accommodation
We use a mix of hotel standards from mid-range upwards, choosing accommodation we think is great value, comfortable, well-located and which showcases a touch of local character. Properties will vary in heritage from modern to traditional-style countryside properties (haciendas).
- Transport
2 flights (longest 1hr); 2 scenic road journeys.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, lunch day 7.
- Guides
Our local, trusted and carefully selected partners understand the expectations of our customers very well, and their staff and guides are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return. On this holiday, you will be joined by different guides for each activity and or region, ensuring you benefit from specialised expertise and knowledge, often from someone local to the area.
- Optional Excursions
As well as any included activities, this Private Journey includes some free time for optional excursions. As optional excursions are often subject to availability, we recommend you discuss and arrange them with your Travel Expert as early as possible before you depart.
- When is the best time to visit Guatemala?
The best weather conditions in the upland areas are during the dry season Dec – May. It can be cold in the highlands in winter, while the jungle areas are hot and humid all year round. Culture lovers may opt to spend Easter in Antigua.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Guatemala?
The official language spoken in Guatemala is Spanish and indigenous indian languages mainly derived from Maya.
- What is the official currency of Guatemala?
The official currency in Guatemala is Quetzal. Notes can be withdrawn using a UK credit or debit card from the many ATMs. There’s at least one in most main towns. You may have ask your bank to authorise withdrawals before you leave the UK and each transaction is limited to about £100.
- What is the time difference between the UK and Guatemala?
The time difference between the UK and Guatemala is GMT-6 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Guatemala?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- Which other countries combine well with Guatemala?
A visit to neighbouring Belize, where there are luxury eco-lodges, superb diving and snorkelling all embraced in British Caribbean cultural heritage; Copán, the ruined Mayan City of northern Honduras with its intricate carvings, accessible from Guatemala by road.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Guatemala?
Semana Santa, Easter. Celebrations throughout the country; especially impressive in Antigua.
Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, 1-2 Nov. Celebrated throughout the country.
Traditional fiestas: There are many festivals in Guatemala from giant kite flying near Antigua to wild horse racing in remote Todo Los Santos.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Take a guided walk around the colonial city of Antigua, the country’s former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit a coffee farm.
Take part in timeless scenes of rural life at an authentic Mayan market.
Explore the most impressive of all Mayan sites with a knowledgeable guide to bring the ruins to life.
Hunt for souvenirs at a colourful Mayan market and visit the mystical church of Santo Tomás.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Lovely, popular hotel with a residential feel, mimicking colonial street architecture. Pastel colours and a large tropical courtyard with fountains and a pool complete the scene.
Quiet hotel with a landscaped garden and pool, at a remove from the bustle of Panajachel.
Secluded and tranquil lakeside lodge with stylish modern décor and decked relaxation areas overlooking the lagoon.
Papagaio
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
Featured Articles
To round the corner of a mountain and see the lost citadel of Machu Picchu unfold beneath you remains one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Latin America, one of those dreamlike experiences that makes travelling here truly extraordinary.
The Pantanal wetlands cover an area almost the size of the British Isles and offers better wildlife opportunities than the Amazon. Writer and photographer Alex Bellos discovers them.
Small, breathtakingly beautiful Costa Rica is a treasure trove for the nature lover. Trees laden with orchids are home to quetzals and hummingbirds, while the Caribbean shore hosts volcanic beaches and palm-sheltered coves.
