Join us for an exciting, activity-filled Guatemala trip on our all-inclusive, family friendly, glatt Kosher vacation program!
Trip Dates:
Winter Tour One: December 23-30, 2026
Winter Tour Two: December 26-January 3, 2027
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 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*
DAY 1 - MONDAY
WELCOME TO GUATEMALA!
Visitors arrive to La Aurora airport in Guatemala City and continue to hotel. Dinner and orientation.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 2 - TUESDAY: TOUR ANTIGUA
Walk the picturesque cobblestone streets and see some of Guatemala's vibrant cultural street scenes in the former capital of Guatemala. Antigua was founded in the 16th century. Eat at 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, for 2 hours, in the town outskirts. Visit a decommissioned monastery museum.
Dinner and overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY: PACAYA VOLCANO, AFTERNOON OPTIONS
Morning:
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. Box lunch.
Horseback up the volcano (available for additional fee.)
Afternoon - pick one:
OPTION 1: Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed interactive fantasy-filled attraction with fantastic views and world famous photo opportunities. Boxed lunch.
OPTION 2: Relax lakeside. Buffet lunch followed by boating and a zip line.
Dinner and overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 4 - 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 San Juan, to see how to make native cloth, coffee, honey and chocolate. Visit a butterfly farm, and go kayaking. Explore the culture, see the villagers in traditional outfits and eat at the Chabad of San Pedro.
Dinner and overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 5 - 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 (underground market), and Ciudad Cayala. Return to hotel in time to prepare for Shabbat.
Shabbat services with local community, dinner.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 6 - 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 government & connection to Israel. Optional walk to Zoo for a tour.
Melavah Malkah poolside at the Hotel.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 7 - SUNDAY: VISIT TIKAL
Early start! Box breakfast and lunch.
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 reserve 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. Boxed breakfast & lunch at the location & return to Guatemala City for a late dinner.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
DAY 8 - MONDAY: DEPARTURE
Departure day. For those with later flights, optional cultural & museums tours can be booked.
Tour ends after davening and breakfast.
Bienvenidos, Cuate!
Thank you for choosing Guatemala Kosher
Adventures by CRKA. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
www.costaricakosheradventures.com
* Please note: Itinerary, activities, days of adventures are subject to
change due to weather and logistical reasons 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.