From May 12th to 28th I will be living and sharing the Guatemalan adventure in real time.
Awaken your adventurous self and travel with me from the comfort of your home!
Travel virtually with me
Would you rather live the experience yourself?
Then keep reading, this will interest you…
If you want to…
discover and experience the real Guatemala through all your senses,
connect with the local people to feel their warmth and life’s vision,
focus on enjoying the here and now, without worrying about the logistics, the language or which services to hire,
support local communities with your visit,
experience a gastronomic tour tailored to your taste and preferences,
stay in trendy, comfortable hotels to have a renewing night rest,
enjoy the weather in the land of eternal spring,
…I have a proposal for you!
Hi, I’m Paula!
100% Guatemalan: chapina in body and soul.
Respect
Tolerance
Coherence
Optimism
Authenticity
I was born, grew up, and made my life in Guatemala. I studied Hospitality Management and always worked in the field of gastronomy, event planning as well as customer service, which is my passion. I was General Manager of a social club with a large scale banqueting operation for more than 10 years.
In 2019 my husband, Hans, and I made the decision to move to The Netherlands with our sons. For them to know different cultures, perspectives, and most of all, for them to value what they take for granted every day.
We arrived in the Netherlands in mid-2019 and realized the curiosity and fascination that Guatemala produces in people. That’s how Let’s go to Guatemala was born. To share my love for this land through personally designed travels.
With my family and friends, I am always in charge of organizing the trips through Guatemala. From my father, I inherited the taste for adventure and driving on the road without a destination. From my mother, I inherited my love for comfort and quality service.
This is the perfect combination that always makes it easy for me to find unique accommodations, spectacular places, delicious food, and outstanding service.
Guatemala is the full package: culture, nature, and adventure.
My purpose is to design trips that allow the travelers to experience our Mayan heritage, our traditional and novel gastronomy, our heartfelt hospitality, and to make real connections while enjoying a biodiverse country.
“A very good sensation, the idea that there is always someone watching your back.”
Fred & Ellen
“A very good sensation, the idea that there is always someone watching your back.”
Fred & Ellen
Open all your senses and let me show you my homeland!
Join me in one of the trips planned for 2021
Oct. 30th – Nov. 13th
Nov. 28th – Dec. 12th
Our storyline
<Nothing to see here>
Day 1. Welcome to Guatemala!
You fly today to Guatemala City, the capital of the country that rests in a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. I will meet you upon arrival at Guatemala’s Airport. Once in our trendy hotel in Zona Viva we will have the opportunity to finally get to know each other in flesh and bone, and start the adventure in the best possible way.
Day 2. The contrasts of Guatemala City
We will discover a city of contrasts, a mix of modern and colonial architecture. We will visit the Historical and Civic Center, have our first experience with the Guatemalan markets at the colourful Central Market, and the cultural district, a developing area with a bohemian atmosphere where art, technology, and gastronomy meet.
During dinner we will enjoy one of the best views of the city.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3. Iximché Ruins and a glorious past
On our way to spectacular Lake Atitlán we will visit Iximché, the first capital of Guatemala and in 1524 the most important city of the Kaqchikel people.
We will enjoy a traditional Guatemalan lunch in one of the picturesque family owned restaurants in the highland mountains.
You will have the evening to leisure at our hotel with a beautiful view of the lake.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 4. The majestic lake Atitlán from the Indian Nose Hill
Early in the morning we will hike to the Indian Nose hill, where we will have the best view of the lake. Then we will take a boat tour to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain landscape and its three majestic volcanoes. We will visit several villages around the lake to discover that each of them has its own identity and charm.
A special dinner will be prepared for us in one of the best restaurants around Lake Atitlán.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5. Trading with our five senses in Chichicastenango Market
We will visit the traditional Chichicastenango Market, the largest in Central America, that opens every Thursday and Sunday. It’s a feast for the senses with villagers coming from all around to sell their products: colorful clothes and pots, vegetables and fruits, animals, beautiful carvings and traditional jewellery. We will arrive in Quetzaltenango early evening.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 6. Discovering Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango or Xela is a hidden gem and we will spend the morning discovering it.
During lunch we will share the culinary customs of the locals and then we will visit Casa Botrán, the museum of one of Guatemala’s most famous rum brands, for a sensory tour.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 7. The sacred Laguna Chicabal
Before we head to Antigua Guatemala, we will visit the magical and mysterious Laguna Chicabal considered to be one of the most sacred ecological sites in the Mayan Cosmovision.
Once in Antigua, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore its picture-perfect cobblestone streets.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 8. Antigua Guatemala. But first, coffee!
We can’t discover Antigua without doing a coffee tour. We will have the whole experience just outside the city, where we will also enjoy lunch.
Late in the afternoon we will visit the museums at Casa Santo Domingo and experience the tasting menu of one of Guatemala’s finest culinary representatives and one of my favourites too.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 9. Pacaya Volcano: Up to the inner Earth
Today we will hike the Pacaya Volcano.
We will enjoy the afternoon in a hot springs spa to relax and charge batteries for the next days. You will have the evening to leisure.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 10. Art and artisans of Antigua Guatemala
We will have a walking tour through Antigua and a private viewing of the collection at FUNBA, where we will appreciate some of Guatemala’s art history. We will enjoy lunch in this beautiful archive house.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 11. Yaxhá sunset: centuries-old temple with a view
It’s time to get wild, go to the jungle, and explore the remains of a centuries-old civilization.
We will fly early in the morning to Flores from Guatemala City. In the afternoon we will visit Yaxhá Mayan ruins to enjoy the sunset from the top of one of the temples.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Day 12. Tikal: Sunrise in the jungle
We will witness the awakening of the jungle and enjoy the sunrise in Tikal, one of the most important and impressive Mayan ruins in the world.
In the afternoon, we will visit Flores and you will have time to stroll this picturesque town at leisure.
Meals included: breakfast and box lunch.
Day 13. Underwater marvels in Cráter Azul
Today we are going to visit one of Peten’s hidden gems and a wildlife haven. We will take a tour to Cráter Azul, a big stream of crystal clear water where you can observe the underwater garden that hides underneath.
At the end of the day, we are going to start the farewell of our journey with dinner in Flores.
Meals included: breakfast, box lunch and dinner.
Day 14. Guatemala City: Welcome home!
We are flying back to Guatemala City.
I can’t let you go without taking you to my home. The place I grew up in, which is very close to the city.
We will prepare a homemade meal and I am sure you will enjoy exploring the nature trails as much as I ever did.
We will be back in the city early in the evening so you can have a good night’s sleep before your departure the next day.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch.
Day 15. ¡Hasta pronto!
I will help you arrange your last minute shopping and take you back to the airport. I hope you enjoyed your trip and thank you for letting me share with you my love for Guatemala. I still have many places to show you if you are up for a next time.
Meals included: breakfast.
To ensure meeting your expectations, this experience is designed following the
TRUST Method
Together
I will have your back in this adventure
Real
For the experiences to be authentic
Unique
And one of a kind
Service
Providing a personalized service
Tasteful
In addition to a memorable gastronomic experience
After this trip, you will…
feel renewed and grateful.
have new friends with similar interests.
feel connected with nature.
feel totally identified with Guatemala and its people.
want to go back to Guatemala rather sooner than later!
This trip is for you if…
…you love nature and adventure.
…you enjoy the journey as well as its destination.
…you believe that a good meal is one of the greatest pleasures in life.
…you want the comfort of a good night sleep after a busy and exhausting day.
…you go out of your way to meet the people and culture of the place you travel to.
This trip is NOT for you if…
…you just want to take your picture in front of the Mayan pyramids without learning about the culture behind it.
…you prefer to travel from point A to B without enjoying the journey in between.
…you prefer to travel on your own and not have travel companions to share the adventure.
…you will not step out of your comfort zone and try out new experiences.
…you don’t have a sense of humor.
What is included
Overnight stays in carefully selected accommodations.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
Domestic flight Guatemala City – Flores – Guatemala City.
All excursions on a private basis accompanied by an English speaking guide, unless stated otherwise in the program.
All entrance fees during the included excursions.
All road transfers based on private transport.
My accompaniment 24/7 during the 14 days of the trip.
Inclusion in a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before the trip.
Two online meetings to solve any questions, get to know each other and prepare to have the best experience.
Two trees will be planted through the Trees for All CO2 compensation program.
What is not included
International airfare to and from Guatemala.
Meals not included in the itinerary.
Expenses of a personal nature.
Travel and/or cancellation insurance.
Any vaccinations.
€2.950 per person
The travel sum is based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
Supplement for single occupancy €600.
Book your trip now!
A minimum of 6 travelers is required for the trip to take place.
To guarantee the best travel experience, the maximum group size is 12 travelers.
In order to meet its statutory obligation to provide a guarantee, Let’s go to Guatemala makes use of the guarantee scheme provided by VZR Garant.
We are affiliated with the Association of Small-scale Travel Organizations (VvKR). VvKR stands up for the interests of small, often specialized travel organizations. Via VvKR we join forces and share our expertise to achieve the greatest possible certainty and satisfaction for both the travel organization and the consumer.
Let’s go to Guatemala supports the Humanitarian Association Antigua al Rescate by donating 1% of its yearly revenues. Antigua al Rescate take actions to accompany vulnerable communities and/or groups of people in crises, to help them generate better life conditions.
Trees for All will plant two trees per traveller in compensation for their CO2 footprint. Trees for All is the most experienced carbon offset provider in the Netherlands. All their projects are certified and guarantee the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed.
In order to meet its statutory obligation to provide a guarantee, Let’s go to Guatemala makes use of the guarantee scheme provided by VZR Garant.
We are affiliated with the Association of Small-scale Travel Organizations (VvKR). VvKR stands up for the interests of small, often specialized travel organizations. Via VvKR we join forces and share our expertise to achieve the greatest possible certainty and satisfaction for both the travel organization and the consumer.
Let’s go to Guatemala supports the Humanitarian Association Antigua al Rescate by donating 1% of its yearly revenues. Antigua al Rescate take actions to accompany vulnerable communities and/or groups of people in crises, to help them generate better life conditions.
Trees for All will plant two trees per traveller in compensation for their CO2 footprint. Trees for All is the most experienced carbon offset provider in the Netherlands. All their projects are certified and guarantee the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed.
“In every way, I can tell you that Paula is a very professional person, highly competent and, above all, a correct person, very human, and always oriented towards excellence and the quality of what she does.”
María Elena Rocha
“In every way, I can tell you that Paula is a very professional person, highly competent and, above all, a correct person, very human, and always oriented towards excellence and the quality of what she does.”
María Elena Rocha
Important!
Take into account…
At the time being I have only two trips planned for 2021.
The group size is limited to 12 travellers.
Do you feel like going on an adventure?
Oct. 30th – Nov. 13th
Nov. 28th – Dec. 12th
FAQ
Blank
Guatemala is a great adventure on any tour you choose. “Roads were made for journeys, not destinations” is our mantra when we travel. Our knowledge of the country will guarantee you an experience that you could hardly live on your own.
I have special dietary requirements. Can this be accommodated during the trip?
Yes, as part of the process I will send you a form to fill in with some specific information including your dietary requirements.
I would like to extend my stay before or after the trip. How can you help me?
There is so much to see and do in Guatemala and I would like nothing more than to organize extra time for you to enjoy it. Let me know how many days before or after and I will prepare different options for you to consider.
Do you have special booking conditions during this time?
You can cancel and rebook up to 30 days prior to the start of the trip. In the event that the trip is postponed by Let’s go to Guatemala, you can get a full reimbursement or schedule your trip for a later date in 2021 or 2022.
How can I travel with confidence through Guatemala with the current COVID-19 situation?
Your safety is my priority. Health and safety procedures are in place from the moment you arrive and up to your departure, without diminishing you from having the time of your life.
A small group of a maximum of 12 travelers encourages connections, access to places overlooked by larger groups, and gives you plenty of personal space.
On the road, we will have our private vehicle, which undergoes a daily deep clean of all surfaces. Every passenger will have a specific seat assigned and masks will be required onboard the vehicle.
The accommodations have been carefully selected, they have the appropriate procedures to further protect your health and well-being. The restaurants and venues we will visit abide by the regulations and physical distancing is practiced.
What happens if I am not able to travel because of a COVID reason?
If you test positive for COVID-19 within 21 days of departure, you can reschedule a future trip.
You will have to provide an official COVID-19 positive test result within 21 days of the departure. If you cannot provide an official COVID-19 positive result dated within 21 days of departure, standard cancellation terms apply.
“She organized everything for me. She planned everything stupendously, looked for some hotels, even looked for some artisans’ contacts for me to go directly to them.”
Juan – The Family Monkey
“She organized everything for me. She planned everything stupendously, looked for some hotels, even looked for some artisans’ contacts for me to go directly to them.”
Juan – The Family Monkey
Open all your senses and let me show you my homeland!