Mayan Mythology and Beautiful Beaches: A Couple’s Trip to Guatemala and Mexico

Colourful cobblestone streets, picturesque venues, impressive architecture, local flavours, dreamy weather and surreal backdrops are on the agenda during this leg of your trip. Surrounded by volcano views, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua Guatemala is one of Central America’s oldest and most beautiful cities. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with ancient Mayan ruins and colonial-era buildings alongside modern shopping malls and trendy neighbourhoods. From the stunning National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to the vibrant street art in the Cuatro Grados Norte district, there’s no shortage of attractions to explore. And for a culinary treat, we’ll reserve you a table for two at the famous fine-dining restaurant Quiltro.

Following a lazy lie in and a delicious hotel breakfast, your chauffeur will drive you to Solola, a two-hour-and-15-minute journey. This small town of the shores of Lake Atitlan is known for its stunning natural beauty, with mountainous terrain, lush forests and crystal-clear lakes. Twice a week, people from different indigenous communities travel to the village with their beans and maize to sell at the colourful market. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the stalls are treasure troves of traditional handicrafts, textiles, local food and other goods. Admire the sublime surroundings as you’re driven for a further one-hour-40-minutes around Lake Atitlan to your base for the next two nights. After taking in the panoramic views from the hotel’s terraces and your room, be sure to check out the restaurant, particularly the customary Guatemalan afternoon tea and tasty tortilla bar. Otherwise, there’s the infinity pool, spa, gym and – for active travellers – canoe trips on the lake itself.

Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by three towering volcanoes and is home to numerous small villages, each with its own culture and traditions. Discover three of the Mayan communities located on its banks, including the terraced crops of San Antonio Palopo, the weavers of San Juan, and the coffee plantations of San Pedro. After a glorious half-day of boat rides, history and heritage, it’s back to the hotel’s sun loungers for a well-earned spot of R&R. Alternatively, culture vultures can take a leisurely stroll around Panajachel, which serves as the administrative centre of the region, where there are shops, bars and restaurants aplenty. Casa Cakchiquel, a meticulously restored hotel, houses an impressive exhibition of Guatemalan photography, while the 16th-century church of Saint Francis of Assisi will seduce architecture lovers.

After admiring the views of Lake Atitlan for the final time, your private chauffeur is on hand to drive you back to Guatemala City ahead of your short flight to Flores. The five-hour drive includes a fascinating stop at the highland town of Chichicastenango to see its world-famous market. Take in scenes of local Mayans wearing traditional dress, bold textiles piled high, and flower sellers lining the steps of San Tomas church. After browsing the stalls hand-in-hand, enjoy some delectable dishes prepared by a local chef. The flight time from Guatemala City to Flores is just one hour. Following your private transfer, settle in for two nights at Lake Petén Itza. Guatemala’s second-largest lake is a sparkling expanse at the heart of the hot, humid Petén Basin, and was one of the earliest cradles of Mesoamerican civilisation. Your hotel is tastefully furnished featuring romantic rooms that are private yet open to the elements. The restaurant is the perfect place to tuck into the distinct flavours of modern Mesoamerican cuisine, while the lake is a haven for water sports and lazing on jetties. Take a dip in the pool, go horse riding in the surroundings or enjoy a relaxing couples’ massage in the hotel grounds.

The ancient town of Flores – the last Mayan city to fall to the Spanish in 1697 – is an ideal base for exploring the lake and surrounding area. The lush rain forests at its fringe are home to numerous archaeological riches, including Tikal – one of the most important and impressive Mayan sites in the world. Enjoy a private guided tour of the ruins, which are located deep in the jungle, to learn about Tikal’s history and the daily life and customs of the Mayan people who lived there. Explore the large plaza with its two ancient temples and acropolises that were once the centre of Mayan civilisation and spot incredible jungle wildlife, including monkeys and toucans. Afterwards, the tour continues at the Morley Museum in Flores, which boasts an impressive range of artifacts and exhibits including pottery, jewellery and sculptures unearthed during early excavations of the royal tombs. It’s the perfect place to round off an unforgettable day of cultural immersion. Adventurers can also choose to visit the lost world of El Mirador by helicopter.

It’s time to bid goodbye to gorgeous Guatemala. You will be privately transferred to Flores airport for the one-hour-and-40-minute flight to Cancun, where you’ll be chauffeur driven to the beautiful and tranquil destination of Tankah Bay. Located on the Caribbean Coast of Mexico, just south of Tulum, the bay is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches and lush tropical vegetation. Check in to your beachfront hotel for an idyllic three-night seaside stay and enjoy the views from the balcony of your cosy room before sampling the restaurant’s healthy international food. The hotel also boasts a top-notch wellness offering with a beautiful pool, a spa and morning yoga classes. Enjoy swimming, kayaking and snorkelling in the warm Caribbean Sea or perfect the art of doing nothing by lazing on the secluded beach.

With two days at your disposal, there’s enough time to sample the area’s pleasures as well as soaking up its incredible culture. Once you’ve had your fill of seaside hedonism, consider a day exploring Tulum, once a powerful rival of inland Chichen Itza. Dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the ancient ruins, including the Temple of the Frescoes and the castillo – formerly a lighthouse and lookout point – showcase the area’s rich history as well as it’s stunning natural beauty. The town itself is known for its vibrant arts scene and is home to several galleries as well as boutiques, restaurants and a lively street market selling a range of local handicrafts.