Join us for an exciting, activity-filled Guatemala trip on our all-inclusive, family friendly, glatt Kosher vacation program!
Trip Dates:
Summer: August 18-25, 2025
Winter: December 24-21, 2025
Guatemala boasts a rich Mayan culture. There are gorgeous colonial towns full of charm and lush rainforests full of life. ancient ruins, lovely lakes, and rumbling volcanoes. We will spend Shabbat with the local Jewish community – a little less then 1000 Jews live in Guatemala currently, most living in Guatemala City. Jewish immigrants arrived at the beginning of the 20th century from Germany and Middle East countries, followed in the 1920s by Eastern European Jews. Many came via Cuba and considered Guatemala only a stop until they could obtain visas to the United States.
Guatemala was not favorably disposed to Jewish immigration, and it attempted to limit their arrival. In 1932, the government ordered the expulsion of all peddlers, the primary work of most Jewish immigrants to Central Americas, They went door to door & sold necessities on credit In 1936, under the influence of the substantial German community in Guatemala, legislation was enacted to curb immigration of all people of “Asian origin” – which included Jews! We will have local historians explain the complex relationship between the Jews of Guatemala & Central America and the host countries in the region.
Please check out our PDF brochure for further trip information.
Please feel free to contact us for questions or more information.
A Costa Rica Kosher Adventures tour includes much more than a hotel and food. We take care of every aspect of your vacation including all Glatt Kosher meals under strict supervision of local Kashrut authorities, daily Minyanim, airport transfers, 7-days of guided touring. What better way to experience fascinating Guatemala. Just sit back and relax and let us take care of all of the details.
At the top of Central America, Guatemala is one of the most exciting countries in the region. Some of the things we will do in Guatemala:
- Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
- Walk & bike the UNESCO listed city of Antigua
- Hike Active Volcanoes
- Relax in Lake Atilan
- Enjoy Waterfalls & Lush Rainforest Jungle
- Shop in Colorful Chichicastenango Market
guatemala tour - itinerary*
Monday: Arrival day -
Check-in & orientation. Your tour starts with dinner. Overnight at Barcelo Hotel.
Tuesday: Tour Antigua -
Walk the picturesque cobblestone streets and see some of Guatemala’s vibrant cultural street scenes. Antigua was founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors and was the capital of Guatemala until the late 18th century. Visit one of the largest Chabad houses in South America and hear about Jewish culture of the city. We will practice our Spanish skills in a shopping market, then ride bikes in the town outskirts. Head to a kosher brewery that overlooks the active Fuego volcano and watch it erupt as the sun goes down. Overnight in Guatemala City.
WWednesday: Pacaya Volcano Tour -
Pacaya Volcano is a complex volcano, consisting of an older stratovolcano, domes & flows. Pacaya has erupted at least 23 times since 1565. Take a 3-mile hike in the volcano area & enjoy its otherworldly scenery. Visit Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed interactive fantasy-filled attraction with fantastic views and world famous photo opportunities. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Thursday: Lake Atitlan -
Lake Atitlan is a massive volcanic crater filled with water and ringed by steep, verdant hills and eleven charming traditional Mayan villages situated around the lakeside. Each village offers a unique perspective on Mayan culture.Start off in Panajachel and board a boat to visit a few more towns surrounding the lake. Visit a butterfly farm, go paddle boarding, kayaking, cliff jumping or swimming in the lake. Explore the culture, see the villagers in traditional outfits and visit the Chabad of San Pedro. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Friday: Guatemala City Tour
After davening and breakfast, board the bus and head to Guatemala city to tour the local area before Shabbat.Destinations may include: National Palace, Maguen David Synagogue, Mercado Central (market), Ciudad Cayala. Return to hotel in time to prepare for Shabbat. Shabbat services with local community, dinner and overnight in Guatemala City.
Saturday: Shabbat with community
Spend Shabbat in Guatemala City with the local Jewish community. Lecture by local scholar on the history of Jews in the region, relations with the local governments & connection to Israel. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Sunday: Transfer to Flores, Tikal Jungle Monuments Parks
Tour Tikal - the largest excavated site in the American continent which contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization. It is Guatemala’s most famous cultural and natural reseve and was declared a national park in 1955 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.
Tikal is 220 square miles of lush jungle surrounding the Maya Monuments. We will see the highlights of this amazing site. Box lunch at the location & return to Guatemala City for a late dinner banquet. Overnight in Guatemala City.
Monday: Departure
Departure day. For those with later flights, optional cultural & museums tours can be booked. Tour ends with breakfast.
Bienvenidos, Cuate!
Thank you for choosing Costa Rica
Kosher Adventures.
* Note that August is rainy season and due to
weather the itinerary is subject to change. The
itinerary is also subject to change at the discretion
of the tour operator.
PRICING
| All Inclusive Trip | COST PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| Adult (Based on double occupency) | August: $3,300 December: $3,600 |
| 3rd or 4th in a room (above age 9) | $2,200 |
| Child (under age 9, sharing room with 2 adults) | 40% of adult price |
| Infant (under age 2) | $600 |
| Single Supplement (per room) | $600 |
Travel Tips!
- Languages spoken in Guatemala are Spanish and English.
- Currencies accepted are both US Dollars and Guatemalan Quetzales (GTQ). Credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Make sure your passport is valid at least six months past arrival date.
Visa - we can help you verify if you need one. - From the jungle to the beach, this is a warm sunny climate. Suggested items to pack:
- hiking shoes, tennis shoes, sandals, and water sport sandals (depending on your activities)
- Short AND long sleeve quick dry shirts and jackets. Short AND long quick dry socks with pockets
- Large REI type packable towel (sometimes the hotel does not let you take theirs on trips)
- Water bottle
- Light weight rain jacket
- Light jacket or sweater, night time temps dip into the 50’s
- Sunhat
- Don’t forget your swimsuit
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars (10x42 works nicely)
- Zip lock bags to protect the inside of your luggage from liquids.
Tap water in Guatemala is generally clean and safe to drink. In some areas of the country (mainly on the Caribbean side and non-touristy areas), it’s best to stick to bottled water if in doubt, bottled water is widely available.