The Flag
Sky blue and white
Two sky-blue bands framing a white one represent the oceans on either side of the country and the purity of its ideals. At the center stands the national coat of arms.
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All-Inclusive Experience
Hosted Cultural Journeys Through Guatemala
Discover Guatemala, the heart of Central America, a land of volcanoes, living traditions, extraordinary culture and year-round springlike beauty.
Carefully organized and hosted journeys for senior travelers and retirees who want to experience Guatemala with comfort, meaning, and good company. Guatemala awaits. Welcome to the Land of Eternal Spring.
All-Inclusive8 Days · 7 NightsSmall Boutique GroupsEnglish Assistance
About
Who Is MJ?
MJ is the reflection of the curious spirit.
The one who still believes there is always something new to discover, a new story to hear, a new flavor to taste, and a new friend waiting somewhere in the world.
MJ represents those who travel not only to see places, but to connect with people, cultures, traditions, and moments that become lifelong memories.
MJ believes that life has a beautiful way of leading us to places we never imagined, where unexpected experiences become some of our most treasured memories.
That spirit of curiosity, connection, and adventure is what inspired the MJ AND FRIENDS Guatemala Experience.
And now, MJ would love to invite you to discover Guatemala.
Guatemala
Why Guatemala?
A Country Rich in Culture, Nature and Living History
Antigua Guatemala
Cobblestone streets, colonial arches and volcano views in a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Lake Atitlán
A volcanic lake surrounded by Maya villages, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Tikal & the Ancient Maya
Temple pyramids rising above the rainforest canopy: available as our VIP Extension.
Coffee, Cacao & Textiles
Living traditions of the highlands: fine coffee, ceremonial cacao and handwoven textiles.
Colonial Antigua, the volcanoes around Lake Atitlán, the great Maya cities of the rainforest, and the coffee and cacao traditions of the highlands come together in one journey, guided by people who call this country home.
Culture
Our National Symbols
Every nation tells its story through symbols. These eight official symbols of Guatemala offer a first glimpse of the culture you will experience with us.
The Coat of Arms
Quetzal, scroll and rifles
A quetzal perched on a scroll dated 15 September 1821: the day of independence: framed by crossed rifles and swords, with laurel branches for victory.
The National Anthem
Himno Nacional de Guatemala
With lyrics by José Joaquín Palma and music by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful anthems in Latin America.
The Quetzal
National bird
A brilliant green bird with a long tail feather, sacred to the Maya and a lasting emblem of freedom: it is said the quetzal cannot live in captivity.
The Monja Blanca
National flower
The white nun orchid, found in the cloud forests of Alta Verapaz, was declared the national flower in 1934 as a symbol of peace, beauty and art.
The Ceiba
National tree
A majestic tree with a wide canopy, considered sacred by the Maya as the link between the earth, the sky and the underworld.
The Marimba
National instrument
The wooden marimba is the sound of Guatemalan celebration: you will hear it at markets, festivals and, of course, at our Farewell Gala Dinner.
Tecún Umán
National hero
The K'iche' Maya prince who defended his people in 1524, honoured every 20 February as Guatemala's national hero and a lasting symbol of courage and identity.
The Experience
Designed for a Different Kind of Traveler
Each experience combines culture, nature and time to relax, with thoughtful planning that allows travelers to enjoy Guatemala comfortably and at an enjoyable pace.
This is not a rushed tour.
We believe travel should feel the same way life is meant to be lived: with fewer rushes, more laughter, meaningful conversations, and time to truly appreciate the beauty around us.
Many guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends.
The Route
Your Journey Across Guatemala
A gentle, unhurried route from Guatemala City to the colonial streets of Antigua and the shores of Lake Atitlán, all by private transportation.
- Approx. 45 min
Private transportation
Guatemala City → Antigua Guatemala
- Approx. 2 hrs 30 min
Private transportation
Antigua Guatemala → Lake Atitlán
- Approx. 2 hrs 30 min
Private transportation
Lake Atitlán → Guatemala City
Itinerary
Your Guatemala Experience
A carefully designed journey for you to experience the essence of Guatemala in an authentic, comfortable and enriching way.
Guatemala Experience
8 Days · 7 Nights
Night 1
Guatemala City
Day 1 · Guatemala City
Welcome to Guatemala
Travelers arrive in Guatemala City according to their respective schedules, then check in at the hotel with time to settle in, rest and refresh after the journey. In the evening, we gather for a Welcome Dinner that officially marks the beginning of the Guatemala Experience and our first night together.
Highlights
- Welcome Dinner
Night 1 · Guatemala City
Nights 2–3
Antigua Guatemala
Day 2 · Guatemala City → Antigua Guatemala
Discovering Colonial Antigua
After breakfast, we check out and depart for Antigua Guatemala, where we arrive at the hotel to check in, leave our luggage and settle in. We begin exploring at a relaxed pace through cobblestone streets, plazas and colonial architecture before lunch. During the afternoon, we continue discovering Antigua's history, heritage and colonial atmosphere, then return to the hotel to rest and refresh before dinner in Antigua.
Highlights
- Central Park
- Santa Catalina Arch
- San José Cathedral and its ruins
- Colonial streets of Antigua
Night 2 · Antigua Guatemala
Day 3 · Antigua Guatemala
Cacao, History & Culture
After breakfast, the day begins with an exploration of cacao, its cultural importance and its ancestral significance within Maya culture. We continue through Antigua's historic landmarks before lunch, then spend the afternoon discovering textiles, locally made products and Guatemalan crafts, with additional time to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace. We return to the hotel to rest and refresh before dinner.
Highlights
- Cacao Workshop
- Church and Convent of La Merced and its monumental fountain
- Santa Clara
- Las Capuchinas
- Handicraft Market
Night 3 · Antigua Guatemala
Nights 4–5
Lake Atitlán
Day 4 · Antigua → Lake Atitlán
Maya Cuisine, Lake Atitlán & San Juan La Laguna
After breakfast, we check out and travel toward Lake Atitlán while enjoying the landscapes of the Guatemalan highlands. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and leave our luggage before a Mayan cooking experience featuring traditional ingredients, flavors and techniques that form part of the region's culinary heritage, followed by lunch. The afternoon continues through Panajachel and across the lake, enjoying its extraordinary views, before a community experience in San Juan La Laguna centered on local art, traditions, textiles, handicrafts and daily life. After enjoying San Juan La Laguna, we'll have dinner in town and, after dinner, return to the hotel.
Highlights
- Mayan Cooking Experience
- Panajachel
- Boat Ride on Lake Atitlán
- San Juan La Laguna
Night 4 · Lake Atitlán
Day 5 · Lake Atitlán
Nature, Coffee & Lake Views
After breakfast, we begin by discovering the biodiversity and natural beauty surrounding Lake Atitlán, then learn about Guatemalan coffee from cultivation to preparation and its importance to local communities. Following lunch, we return to the hotel for time to rest and refresh. Later, we enjoy panoramic lake views before dinner.
Highlights
- Birdwatching Tour
- Coffee Tour
- Mirador La Cruz
Night 5 · Lake Atitlán
Nights 6–7
Guatemala City
Day 6 · Lake Atitlán → Guatemala City
Return to Guatemala City
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at Lake Atitlán before lunch and hotel check-out. We then begin our journey back to Guatemala City, where we'll check in at the hotel and have time to rest and refresh before dinner.
Night 6 · Guatemala City
Day 7 · Guatemala City
History, Culture & Farewell Gala Dinner
Begin the day after breakfast by exploring Guatemala City's cultural and historical side. Following lunch, we continue through some of the city's most important landmarks before returning to the hotel to rest, refresh and prepare for our final evening together. In the afternoon and evening, we'll walk through Ciudad Cayalá, enjoy its surroundings and finish with a Farewell Gala Dinner celebrating the conclusion of the Guatemala Experience and the memories created throughout the journey before returning to the hotel.
Highlights
- National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
- La Aurora Zoo
- National Palace of Culture
- Ciudad Cayalá
- Farewell Gala Dinner
Night 7 · Guatemala City
Day 8 · Guatemala City
Until We Meet Again, Guatemala
After breakfast, this will be the final morning of the journey, with time to prepare luggage and complete hotel check-out according to each traveler's departure plans.
End of the Guatemala Experience.
VIP Petén Extension+3 NightsTotal Journey: 11 Days · 10 Nights
Optional extension. For travelers choosing the VIP Petén Extension, the journey continues after the first seven nights.
Nights 8–9
Petén
Day 8 · Guatemala City → Petén
Tikal & Playa Tres Naciones
Breakfast is arranged according to the domestic flight schedule before flying from Guatemala City to Petén. After arrival, a guided experience at Tikal National Park explores its temples, plazas, history and extraordinary natural surroundings, followed by lunch. We then continue to Playa Tres Naciones with time to enjoy the surroundings and relax before transferring to the hotel for check-in and dinner.
Highlights
- Tikal National Park
- Playa Tres Naciones
Night 8 · Petén
Day 9 · Petén
Cráter Azul & Flores Island
After breakfast, we travel to experience crystal-clear waters and their natural surroundings, with lunch coordinated according to the excursion schedule. We continue to Flores, where there is time to walk through its colorful streets, enjoy its atmosphere and admire views of Lake Petén Itzá. The day closes with dinner in Flores before returning to the hotel.
Highlights
- Cráter Azul
- Flores Island
- Lake Petén Itzá
Night 9 · Petén
Night 10
Guatemala City
Day 10 · Petén → Guatemala City
One Last Night in Guatemala
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning in Petén with time to prepare luggage and check out before the domestic flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel and have time to rest and refresh. In the afternoon and evening, we walk through Ciudad Cayalá, enjoy its atmosphere and share a final dinner together before returning to the hotel.
Highlights
- Ciudad Cayalá
- Final dinner together in Ciudad Cayalá
Night 10 · Guatemala City
Day 11 · Guatemala City
Until We Meet Again, Guatemala
After breakfast, this will be the final morning to prepare luggage and complete hotel check-out according to each traveler's departure plans.
End of the Guatemala Experience + VIP Petén Extension.
The order of activities may vary depending on weather, local conditions, or group needs. Every experience described is always included.
Dates & Price
A boutique cultural experience: thoughtfully priced
Next Departures
2027 Guatemala Experience
8 Days • 7 Nights
Maximum 12 travelers per departure
From $3,320 USD per person
To ensure a personalized boutique travel experience.
Limited AvailabilityBoutique Small-Group Experience
Couples
Two travelers sharing one room
Early Bird · First 3 Couples
Early Bird Offer
US$3,320
per person
US$3,620
Regular Price
Only 3 Early Bird couple spots remaining
- 4–5 starhotels
- Meals andactivities included
- Small-groupexperience
Solo Travelers
Private room
Early Bird · First 3 Solo Travelers
Early Bird Offer
US$3,870
per person
US$4,170
Regular Price
Only 3 Early Bird solo spots remaining
- Private roomincluded
- Meals andactivities included
- Small-groupexperience
8 Days / 7 Nights
Number of travelers
2
Special pricing for couples and small groups
From
$3,320
$3,620
per person
Early Bird · First 3 Couples
All prices are listed in United States Dollars (USD).
Group total
$6,640
Reservation deposit
$3,320 total
A boutique small-group experience: maximum 12 travelers per departure to keep every journey personal.
What's included
- 8 days / 7 nights accommodation in selected 4 & 5-star hotels
- Private transportation and private driver throughout the entire journey
- Dinner included on arrival day
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included on all full itinerary days
- Breakfast included on the final departure day
- Meals and beverages included throughout the itinerary.
- Unlimited purified water throughout the journey.
- Up to 3 alcoholic beverages included (optional) per traveler, per day. Non-alcoholic alternatives are always available.
- Coffee Tour
- Guatemalan Cacao Experience
- All admissions and activities described in the itinerary
- Bilingual hosting and assistance throughout the journey
- Professional photography and digital travel album
- Farewell Gala Dinner
- Exclusive MJ AND FRIENDS Welcome Kit
Meals and beverages included throughout the itinerary. Unlimited purified water throughout the journey. Up to 3 alcoholic beverages included (optional) per traveler, per day. Non-alcoholic alternatives are always available.
What's not included
- International airfare
- Additional alcoholic beverages beyond the included daily allowance
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs and gratuities
- Anything not expressly listed as included
Meals and beverages included throughout the itinerary. Unlimited purified water throughout the journey. Up to 3 alcoholic beverages included (optional) per traveler, per day. Non-alcoholic alternatives are always available.
Reservations
Choose Your 2027 Travel Date
Select a month to view available departures.
February 1, 2027
7-night Guatemala Experience
Ends: February 8
Optional 3-night Petén Extension
Final departure: February 11
February 15, 2027
7-night Guatemala Experience
Ends: February 22
Optional 3-night Petén Extension
Final departure: February 25
Reservations for each departure remain open until all 12 places have been filled.
Group Size & Exclusivity
A boutique small group of just 12 travelers
Unlike large group tours, every MJ AND FRIENDS departure is intentionally limited to just 12 travelers. This allows us to provide a more personal, comfortable, and meaningful cultural experience where every guest feels like part of the family.
Personalized attention from the host throughout the entire experience.
Greater comfort during transportation and activities.
Easier interaction with local guides and artisans.
A relaxed, thoughtfully planned travel pace.
Meaningful friendships and stronger connections within the group.
A more authentic cultural experience without the feeling of traveling in a large tour group.
VIP Extension: Ancient Maya Experience
VIP Extension
VIP Petén Extension: US$1,110 per person.
For travelers seeking an even deeper and more exclusive Guatemalan experience, our VIP Extension takes you to the breathtaking Tikal National Park and the surrounding Maya sites, one of the greatest archaeological treasures of the Maya civilization, surrounded by lush rainforest and extraordinary wildlife.
4 Days / 3 Nights
+ US$1,110per person
The VIP Extension is paid in full with your first payment and requires passport information, since it includes round-trip domestic flights. Available only as a companion to the main 8-day Guatemala Cultural Experience.
What's Included in the VIP Extension
- 3 additional nights: 2 nights in Petén and 1 final night in Guatemala City
- 4–5 star hotel accommodations
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the intermediate days of the extension
- Breakfast on the final departure day
- Purified water throughout the extension
- Natural beverages with meals
- Up to 3 optional alcoholic beverages per traveler per day
- Round-trip domestic flights between Guatemala City and Petén
- Private transportation during the Petén extension
- Airport transfers associated specifically with the included domestic flights
- Admission fees for all attractions included in the Petén itinerary
- Tikal National Park
- Cráter Azul
- Island of Flores
- Playa Tres Naciones
- Guided Tikal experience
- Hosted assistance and coordination throughout the extension
Personalized Journey
GuatemalaYour Way.
We create private, tailor made experiences designed around your interests, pace and travel style.
Prefer a private journey?
LET’S DESIGN IT TOGETHER.
What Our Travelers Say
Every review below was written by a verified MJ AND FRIENDS traveler after completing their journey through Guatemala.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for every guest
Every traveler must have valid travel insurance in place before the experience begins. It's a simple step that gives you and us complete peace of mind throughout the journey.
Coverage for medical emergencies and accidents
Protection against flight delays and cancellations
Coverage for lost or delayed luggage
Support for trip interruptions or unexpected situations
Travel With Confidence
Thoughtfully planned.Personally accompanied.
Carefully selected destinations, with our team by your side throughout the journey.
Reserve Your Place
Begin your Guatemala journey
Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience warm and personal. When you're ready, we'll walk with you through every step of your reservation.
Estimated completion time: 5–7 minutes. Your progress saves automatically.