Your family's holiday journey commences with a morning arrival at La Aurora International Airport, where you will be greeted by a private driver for your transfer into the highlands. As you wind through the mountain passes, you will catch your first glimpse of the towering Volcán de Agua before entering the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city, Antigua.
Spend your first afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets to reach the vibrant Parque Central, where local families gather to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Capture a classic family photo under the iconic lemon-yellow facade of the Santa Catalina Arch before stepping inside the ruins of the Catedral de San José to admire its majestic open-air naves.
For a memorable Christmas dinner, your family can enjoy a refined meal at Mesón Panza Verde, known for its elegant ambiance and nightly live music. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to see the festive holiday lights illuminating the stone courtyard of the Convento de las Capuchinas before ending your first night with a toast at Cafe No-Sé, a legendary candlelit bar famous for its artisanal mezcal and bohemian spirit.
Start your second day with a visit to the striking baroque Iglesia de la Merced, where the intricate white stucco patterns against the canary-yellow facade provide a perfect backdrop for your morning tour. Afterward, wander toward the historical Tanque La Unión, a grand colonial-era wash house, before delving into the region's artistic past at the nearby Museo de Arte Colonial.
Continue your architectural journey by wandering through the museum-filled corridors of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, where you can explore ancient crypts and colonial kilns set within the ruins of a 17th-century monastery. Later, take a short stroll to the Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande to admire its majestic baroque facade and the tranquil gardens housing the shrine of Hermano Pedro.
As dusk falls, ascend to the overlook at Cerro de la Cruz to witness the colonial city lights glimmering against the backdrop of the smoldering Volcán de Fuego. Afterward, enjoy an elegant dinner at Sobremesa, a combination of an art gallery and gourmet restaurant, before ending your evening with a unique craft cocktail at the hidden speakeasy Ulew Cocktail Bar.
Your family will begin the journey north with a private transfer to La Aurora International Airport to board a scenic domestic flight over the Guatemalan highlands. Upon landing at Mundo Maya International Airport, you will be whisked away to the charming, pastel-colored island town of Flores. The morning concludes with a relaxing stroll along the waterfront malecón, offering your first views of the tranquil Lake Petén Itzá.
Head out onto the water for a private boat tour of the lake, stopping at Jorge's Rope Swing where your family can enjoy a refreshing swim and the relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Afterward, cross over to the village of San Miguel to hike up to the Mirador Canek, a wooden observation tower providing a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and its surrounding turquoise waters.
As the sun sets over the water, your family can settle in for a lakeside dinner at Restaurante San Telmo, where quirky décor and a balcony terrace provide the perfect setting to enjoy fresh Petén cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the heart of the island to visit the vibrant Plaza Central before ending the night with a signature drink in the lush, garden courtyard of [Los Amigos Hostel & Restaurant](https://amigoshostel.com/restaurant/).
Your family will rise before dawn to enter Tikal National Park under the cover of night, trekking through the jungle to reach the summit of Temple IV just as the morning chorus of howler monkeys begins. From this majestic vantage point, you will watch the sun rise over the mist-shrouded silhouettes of Temple I, Temple II, and Temple III. Afterward, descend from the canopy to explore the architectural marvels of the Great Plaza, walking through the ancient heart of the Mayan empire as the jungle fully awakens.
After a break for lunch, venture into the dense forest to explore the vast astronomical complex known as the Mundo Perdido, where you can admire the massive Great Pyramid and its unique architectural design. Your family can then follow the shaded jungle trails to the Plaza of the Seven Temples, keeping a keen eye out for toucans and spider monkeys that frequent the canopy above the ancient stone structures.
As the jungle shadows lengthen, head to the lesser-visited Temple VI, also known as the Temple of the Inscriptions, to admire the ancient hieroglyphic carvings in the softening light. For a final immersive experience, enjoy a candlelit dinner at the [Jungle Lodge Tikal Restaurant](https://www.junglelodgetikal.com/restaurant), where the sounds of the night forest provide a wild soundtrack to your meal before retiring to your eco-lodge within the park boundaries.
Your family will bid farewell to the Tikal rainforest and travel toward the shores of Lake Yaxhá to explore the atmospheric ruins of Yaxhá National Park. You will wander through the East Acropolis and scale the park's iconic wooden scaffolding to reach the top of Temple 216, providing your family with a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding primary forest and deep blue lagoons.
Following your lakeside exploration, your family will transfer to Mundo Maya International Airport for a quick afternoon flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, a private shuttle will whisk you back to the colonial charm of Antigua, where you can spend the late afternoon settling back into your hotel and enjoying a relaxed walk through the bustling Plaza de Armas.
For an exceptional dinner, head to Héctor's Bistro, where your family can enjoy French-influenced cuisine in a cozy, heritage setting. Afterward, visit the Casa del Ron to sample the world-renowned Zacapa Rum in their sophisticated tasting room. End the night with a quiet walk past the illuminated ruins of the Convento de Santa Clara, admiring the dramatic shadows cast on its stone walls under the starlight.
Your family will depart early for the scenic drive to the base of Pacaya Volcano, where you will begin a guided trek through lush pine forests and surreal fields of dried lava. Along the trail, you will reach the Ventana de Lava to witness active steam vents and enjoy the unique experience of roasting marshmallows over the subterranean heat. The ascent concludes with breathtaking panoramic views of the neighboring Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Acatenango piercing through the morning clouds.
After descending the volcano, your family will head to the Santa Teresita Hotel & Spa to soothe tired muscles in a circuit of thermal pools naturally heated by the subterranean volcanic activity. Once you are rejuvenated and back in the city center, take a short stroll to the [Jade Maya](https://jademaya.com) museum to observe master artisans carving the sacred stone of the Maya and learn about the cultural significance of this precious mineral.
Treat yourselves to a hearty dinner at Bistrot Cinq, where your family can relax with sophisticated cocktails and steak frites in a lively colonial bistro setting. Afterward, head to the rooftop of Cafe Sky for a nightcap, enjoying the cool evening breeze and a final panoramic view of the illuminated city rooftops and the dark silhouettes of the surrounding volcanoes.
Your family will begin the final morning of the year by immersing yourselves in the vibrant chaos of the Mercado de Antigua, where you can browse stalls filled with exotic fruits and colorful holiday decorations as the city prepares for tonight's celebrations. Next, wander through the aisles of Nim Po't, a renowned textile hall, to admire the intricate artisanal weavings and hand-carved ceremonial masks from the surrounding highland villages. Conclude your morning at Fernando's Kaffee, where you'll participate in a hands-on chocolate workshop to learn the ancient Mayan process of transforming cacao beans into festive artisanal treats.
After your chocolate workshop, enjoy a peaceful stroll to the sprawling ruins of Convento de la Recolección, where the family can explore the massive tumbled masonries and hidden archways that tell the story of the city's seismic history. Later, head to the rooftop of the [Antigua Brewing Company](https://antiguabrewingco.com) to sample a flight of local craft beers while watching the vibrant New Year's Eve preparations unfold in the streets below.
Celebrate your final evening of 2026 with a celebratory dinner at Angeline, where your family can enjoy a refined tasting menu in a candlelit colonial courtyard. Afterward, join the festive crowds near the Santa Catalina Arch to witness the spectacular midnight fireworks display that illuminates the vibrant city streets. Conclude the countdown in Parque Central, ringing in 2027 amidst live music and the jubilant energy of the local New Year's celebrations.
Your family will welcome the first morning of 2027 with a scenic visit to Finca Filadelfia, where a guided tour explores the lush coffee groves and the traditional drying patios of this historic estate. Following the tour, celebrate the holiday with a celebratory New Year's brunch at Restaurante Cafetenango, savoring gourmet regional dishes while overlooking the verdant slopes of the Alotenango Valley.
After your brunch, take a scenic drive to the [Valhalla Macadamia Farm](https://www.google.com/search?q=Valhalla+Macadamia+Farm+I+want+to+go+to+Guatemala%2C+leaving+from+Los+Angeles+on+December+25%2C+returning+on+January+1+or+2.+I+want+to+include+Antigua+and+Tikal.+I%27m+traveling+with+family.+There+are+four+of+us+and+we+are+all+adults.+official+site), where your family can enjoy a guided walk through the organic orchards and learn about sustainable nut processing. Conclude your afternoon at the [Centro Cultural La Azotea](https://www.google.com/search?q=Centro+Cultural+La+Azotea+I+want+to+go+to+Guatemala%2C+leaving+from+Los+Angeles+on+December+25%2C+returning+on+January+1+or+2.+I+want+to+include+Antigua+and+Tikal.+I%27m+traveling+with+family.+There+are+four+of+us+and+we+are+all+adults.+official+site), exploring the Casa K'ojom museum of Mayan music and the Rincón de Sacatepéquez textile museum to gain a final, deep appreciation of Guatemala's rich indigenous heritage.
For your final dinner in the highlands, gather the family at El Tenedor del Cerro to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and panoramic views of the city's twinkling lights from its hillside terrace. Afterward, take a peaceful stroll down to the Iglesia de la Escuela de Cristo to admire its illuminated facade, then conclude your New Year's Day with a nightcap of artisanal spirits at The Little Tapas Bar.
Start your final day with a hearty traditional breakfast at Sabe Rico in Antigua before your private transfer departs for the capital. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, you will take a brief driving tour of the historic center to witness the grand Palacio Nacional de la Cultura and the neoclassical architecture of the Catedral Metropolitana before continuing to the airport for your flight home.
Once you arrive at La Aurora International Airport, spend your final afternoon browsing the duty-free shops for last-minute artisanal treasures or premium beans at Guate-Go. Relax with your family in the comfortable Global Lounge as you reflect on your jungle adventures and colonial discoveries before boarding your return flight home to Los Angeles.
As you soar above the Chiapas Highlands, your family can watch the final sunset of your holiday before the descent back into the bright lights of the Los Angeles Basin. Upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, gather your belongings at the Tom Bradley International Terminal and share a final toast to the incredible history of the Maya you discovered together.