Let’s be honest. When someone suggests taking a trip somewhere in Latin America, a few familiar places come to mind. Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru…and so on…but Guatemala?
For many travelers, Guatemala doesn’t quite strike their brain with electricity the way other potential destinations do. Not necessarily because they don’t want to go there but because they don’t quite know what to expect! It’s unfamiliar territory and the temptation to stick with somewhere tried and tested feels like a safe bet.
But here’s the thing about staying within your comfort zone: you already know what’s there.
And Guatemala has a rather compelling case for venturing beyond it.
With knowledgeable local guides and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff on our next Guatemala Yoga Adventure.
Curiosity Goes a Long Way
Picture cobblestone streets winding between centuries-old buildings, colourful markets spilling into town squares and volcanoes standing watch over the rooftops. Now that’s an image you already know and love, right?
Welcome to Antigua.
It’s the perfect introduction to Guatemala and invokes a lot of the familiar aspects of other spots in Latin America. You’ll naturally wander aimlessly (as one does on cobblestone streets) and get a great feel for everyday life in Guatemala.
Then, things are going to get a little more interesting.
Hop aboard a local chicken bus (yes, that’s really what they’re called) to visit the village of Santa María. Explore the local market, meet residents dressed in traditional traje, get your hands a little dirty learning traditional backstrap loom weaving at a women’s co-op and visit the village cemetery for a guided offering ceremony with a local shaman. It’s a fascinating and unique way to get to know Guatemalan traditions and the ways in which local communities continue to honor their loved ones.
These opportunities offer you plenty of quality time spent with locals and the chance to encounter a way of life very different from your own!
Now that you’re getting a sense of what you think Guatemala is all about, we’ll head north.
Just When You Think You’ve Seen What Guatemala Has To Offer…
The scenery changes. Colonial streets give way to lush jungle, quiet lagoons and some of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Central America.
But not every day needs to be packed with new skills and cultural discoveries. Guatemala offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, too.
In the north, you’ll spend time along a beautiful lagoon, where you can kayak, swim, book a massage or simply enjoy some downtime. There’s also a boat trip to Isla de Monos, where spider monkeys have made their home after being rescued from captivity and released on the island. They’re accustomed to the daily boat visits and you may even find one hopping aboard for a ride. Keep your camera handy (and held tightly!)
We’ll also explore the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mayan world… but it’s our time in Uaxactún that offers something particularly special.
Here, a living Mayan community shares a landscape rich with ancient history. We’ll spend the night glamping, learn from local residents and enjoy an evening meal among ruins that have stood for centuries.
Not exactly your average Tuesday evening.
Between these jungle adventures, encounters with spider monkeys, time on the lagoon and opportunities to learn from local women’s co-ops, Guatemala has a wonderful habit of surprising you just when you think you’ve got a handle on it.
And woven throughout it all? Yoga.
A chance to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy a little familiarity amid the unfamiliar.
New Experiences Are Better With Good Company
We get it. Trying unfamiliar things in a new place can sound overwhelming, but there’s a difference between stepping outside your comfort zone and being completely out of your depth. That’s what we’re here for!
You’ll experience Guatemala with an experienced yoga teacher-leader, knowledgeable local guides, a thoughtfully planned itinerary and a group of fellow travelers who also were willing to step out of their comfort zone, all alongside you. We’ve taken care of the logistics so that you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about what comes next.
Countless opportunities to try something new, meet people you might never otherwise encounter and explore places that weren’t previously on your radar—all without having to figure out every detail yourself!
And perhaps that’s what makes this kind of travel so rewarding.
There’s something to be said for arriving somewhere without knowing exactly what you’ll find. For discovering that a place you knew little about has far more to offer than you could have imagined.
Ready to Try Something Different?
You don’t need to become a fearless adventurer overnight, develop a sudden interest in public transportation, or master the art of weaving before you arrive. You just need to be open to a different kind of vacation.
Guatemala packs a lot into one trip that you probably won’t find on your average vacation. You’ll learn a few things, try a few things, and come home with some stories that are considerably more interesting than another week at the beach.
We’re always grateful to be part of a community that celebrates meaningful travel and the adventures that make it possible. Take a peek at what’s happening with Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards here.
Ready to experience Guatemala for yourself? Join us on either our February 21-28, 2027 trip or our April 18-25, 2027 trip. Just show up curious.
And give Guatemala a chance to surprise you.
We have a feeling you’ll be very glad you did.