Mayan Kitchen cooking class in San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 12 November 2024

Located just around the corner from the central docks of San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlan, Mayan Kitchen, run by the wonderful Anita, offers Maya cooking classes. Our first stop is the market to buy ingredients and meet the local vendors. We then make our way to the cozy kitchen patio overlooking Lake Atitlan to start cooking authentic Guatemalan food. Finally, we’ll sit down and enjoy our well-earned, delicious meal. Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours.

Architectural Digest "20 most beautiful cities in the world": Antigua

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 12 September 2024

Architectural Digest has released a list of what it deems the 20 most beautiful cities in the world, compiled based on each destination’s historical significance, nature spots, cultural landmarks and architecture. In spot number 5 is the colonial city of Antigua.

When visiting Antigua, stay at the small, colonial boutique-hotel Casa Faustina (video on right).

Here is the whole Architectural Digest list:

1. Adelaide, Australia

2. Tallinn, Estonia

3. Portsmouth, Dominica

4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

5. Antigua, Guatemala

6. Singapore

7. Paris, France

8. Chefchaouen, Morocco

9. Chiang Mai, Thailand

10. Luxor, Egypt

11. Istanbul, Turkey

12. Kyoto, Japan

13. Barcelona, Spain

14. Cape Town, South Africa

15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

16. Florence, Italy

17. Djenné, Mali

18. New York City, US

19. Amsterdam, Netherlands

20. Jaipur, India

Condor Verde voted Guatemala’s Best MICE Organiser 2024

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 12 September 2024

We are very happy to announce that Condor Verde has been voted “Guatemala’s Best MICE Organiser 2024” in the prestigious World MICE Awards. The winners were unveiled on 4 September at a glittering ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City.

Heating pizza on a volcano, canoeing on a volcanic lake, tasting the world’s best rum, climbing ancient ruins, and meeting Mayan communities. We look forward to organizing your next MICE event in amazing Guatemala!

Little-known festivity: Miercoles de Chilate in Rabinal

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 9 July 2024

Corpus Christi is the celebration of the body and blood of Christ and occurs on a Thursday in May or June (next: 19 June 2025). In the Achí Maya town of Rabinal - located 80km north of Guatemala City - Corpus Christi is preceded by ‘Miercoles de Chilate’, a celebration that begins on Wednesday morning with the making of chilate, a traditional beverage of corn and cacao. Women then carry the chilate in ceramic urns on their heads to the town square, and after a blessing, the drink is served in colorful, painted gourds called jicara. As part of the celebrations, there are processions and performances in the streets by masked dancers, representing characters from the pre-Columbian culture. These festivities are an excellent example of religious syncretism, very common in Guatemala.

'Atitlan Recicla' women’s cooperative on Lake Atitlan

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 9 July 2024

‘Atitlan Recicla’ is an initiative with the objective of reducing contamination in Lake Atitlan while generating income for women through collection, classification, treatment and commercialization of recyclable waste. 

The cooperative of women recyclers collect and classify according to the type of recyclables (cardboard, paper, metal, glass, aluminum, and plastics), and the materials are then sold to national recyclers. The income allows women to support their families and the education of their children.

We can spend a few hours with these entrepreneurial women and learn about their wonderful work in Lake Atitlan.

Day of the Dead festivities in Guatemala

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 8 May 2024

We all know and love Mexico's colorful Dia de Muertos, celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. But did you know that Guatemala has wonderful festivities as well? On November 1st, All Saints Day is celebrated with "Barriletes Gigantes" and "Skach Koyl".

Barriletes Gigantes: With gigantic, colorful kites, the towns of Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez - located 30 minutes from Antigua - celebrate All Saints Day on November 1st. The kites are hand-made from paper and cloth with bamboo frames by the villagers, and painted with flowers, animals, and geometric patterns. It is believed that the higher the kites fly, the better their messages will reach the dead. We can include this festivity in a tailormade Guatemala itinerary.

Skach Koyl: The Mayan villagers of Todos Santos Cuchumatan - located 4h 30min north of Lake Atitlan in the highlands - celebrate All Saints Day on November 1st with the Skach Koyl horse race. The riders start preparing for the event on the night of October 31st by drinking copious amounts of Quetzalteca liquor. In the morning, they’re intoxicated and ready for the race to begin. The race track extends from one end of the village to the other, and the men ride back and forth several times, until the last man standing - or in this case, sitting on a horse - wins. Among all this craziness there is also marimba music, folcloric dances, and traditional food. We can include this festivity in a tailormade Guatemala itinerary.

Meeting with Guatemala's Minister of Tourism

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 18 March 2024

During this year's ITB in Berlin, 5 - 7 March, Condor Verde's CEO Daniel Dornheim had the pleasure of talking with Guatemala's new Minister of Tourism, Harris Whitbeck (of CNN fame).

We at Condor Verde are very excited about his innovative vision to transform Guatemala into a must-visit destination in Latin America.

Guatemala's Holy Week 2025
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 18 March 2024

Guatemala's Holy Week is a UNESCO Cultural Heritage and one of the country’s most notable events. It is both a religious and cultural celebration that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Processions, vigils, and funeral marches are held; seasonal food is served; the fronts of houses and buildings are decorated; carpets, orchards and altars are created.

UNESCO has noted that these practices and traditions have been transmitted to younger generations for centuries, and that they promote tolerance, inclusion, mutual respect, and appreciation.

Please ask us for a tailormade Guatemala itinerary for Holy Week 2025. For example:

Day 1: Arrival Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua

Day 2: Antigua walking tour and coffee plantation

Day 3: Antigua Holy Week activities

Day 4: Antigua - Chichicastenango market - Lake Atitlan

Day 5: Lake Atitlan Holy Week activities

Day 6: Lake Atiitlan Maya vllages by boat

Day 7: Lake Atitlan - Guatemala City

Day 8: Departure or optional 1-night extension Tikal

Hobbitenango: community-based tourism

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 26 January 2024

Hobbitenango, nestled in the misty mountains just outside of Antigua, is a nature park inspired by the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Here, we'll find mountainside lookout points offering stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, a giant swing, two restaurants, and three hobbit-style guesthouses for overnight guests.

Hobbitenango was dreamed up by husband and wife duo Hanna and Roberto as a playful place to enjoy nature, but since its opening in 2015, it has transformed into a pioneer for community-based tourism in the region. More than 100 people from the local village of Vuelta Larga, once the poorest in the state, have been trained and given employment here.

Hobbitenango can be reached in 25 minutes by car from Antigua. Adventure-seekers might want to arrive with an ATV tour.

The 24 best places to go in 2024

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 26 January 2024

Guatemala is one of the 24 places to visit in 2024. According to Conde Nast Traveller, "the country’s mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, staggering natural beauty, and now expanding infrastructure for tourism in the form of restaurants, hotels, and tours makes 2024 the year to explore Guatemala."

New UNESCO World Heritage Site:

National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 15 December 2023

UNESCO has named 42 new World Heritage Sites, one of them in Guatemala. Tak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala. Its 1700-year history spans a period that saw the transition from the Olmec civilization to the emergence of Mayan culture. Tak’alik Ab’aj was vital to the long-distance trade route that connected the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in today's Mexico to present-day El Salvador. Ideas and customs were shared extensively along this route. Sacred spaces and buildings were laid out according to cosmological principles, and innovative water management systems and ceramics can be found. Today, Indigenous groups of different affiliations still consider the site a sacred place and visit it to perform rituals.

Recommended excursion: Mayan jungle crossing

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 15 December 2023

On this exciting three-day journey, we will be crossing the Mayan jungle from the community of Cruce Dos Aguadas to Tikal. The nature surrounding us is spectacular, and we will see archaeological treasures such as El Zotz. Overnight is in tents under the stars. Adventurous spirit needed!

Hotel Paniste in the Coban region

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 12 December 2023

Paniste is a boutique hotel located in San Cristobal Verapaz (Coban region), featuring 14 beautiful rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. Excursions in the Coban region include:

• Biotopo del Quetzal, a large area of cloud forest created to protect the resplendent quetzal.
• Semuc Champey, a 300m-long natural limestone bridge, on top of which is a stepped series of turquoise and emerald-green pools .
• Grutas del Rey Marcos, a cave system with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
• Candelaria caves, an impressive cave system stretching for some 29km, sacred to the Q'eqchi Maya.
  

New: Guatemala electronic entry form
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 28 August 2023

Visitors to Guatemala can now fill out their entry form electronically. This can be done from 3 days before the date of travel. Once completed, a QR code will be generated, which visitors can have on their phone or printed out. Link to electronic entry form

Finca San Cayetano near Antigua
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 23 June 2023

Finca San Cayetano, located 18km southwest of Antigua, is a coffee plantation with the most amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. After a coffee tour we can enjoy a delicious lunch in its beautiful restaurant.

New flight Atlanta - Guatemala City

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 18 May 2023

US low cost carrier Frontier Airlines has launched a new non-stop services from Atlanta to destinations across North and Latin America, including Guatemala City (GUA). 

Bicycle zip-line on Lake Atitlan
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 28 March 2023

A former coffee plantation being reclaimed by the forest, the Reserva Natural Atitlan offers a nature trail with hanging bridges, a butterfly garden, eight zip-lines, and wildlife such as spider monkeys and coatis. But a fun addition are two bicycle zip-lines, where you can ride side-by-side and enjoy great views over the forest and Lake Atitlan.

Guatemala's Holy Week new UNESCO Cultural Heritage
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 2 March 2023

Last month, the Holy Week in Guatemala was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Holy Week is one of Guatemala’s most notable events. It is both a religious and cultural celebration that commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Processions, vigils, and funeral marches are held; seasonal food is served; the fronts of houses and buildings are decorated; carpets, orchards and altars are created.

UNESCO noted that these practices and traditions have been transmitted to younger generations for centuries, and that they promote tolerance, inclusion, mutual respect, and appreciation.

Santo Cielo glamping in Antigua

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 18 January 2023

Located just outside of Antigua and part of the exclusive Casa Santo Domingo brand, the 11 units (3 airstreams, 6 cabins, 2 containers) of this luxury camp are surrounded by nature, decorated with artwork by renowned local artists, and kitted out with luxury amenities.

Food with a purpose in Livingston

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 1 December 2022

Restaurant-school Buga Mama trains young Guatemalans for a degree in sustainable tourism from the Maya Ak'Tenamit Association. Each year, the association grants 400 scholarships to Maya, Garifuna and Ladino students of scarce resources. All profits from the restaurant go towards these scholarships. 

We will enjoy a tasting menu with typical Garifuna and Maya dishes. Great traditional food with a great purpose!

Iberia flights Madrid - Guatemala City

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 7 November 2022

On October 30th, Iberia re-introduced the route Madrid - Guatemala City. The goal is to offer daily flights again in 2023.

Ziplining and kayaking on Lake Atitlan

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 17 October 2022

Formed thousands of years ago in the crater of a volcano, Lake Atitlan is surrounded by steep, verdant hills, picturesque Maya villages, and large volcanoes. 

Two fun activities to do here are kayaking on Lake Atitlan and ziplining along the shore of the lake.

Guatemala incentive group

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 7 September 2022

We simply HAD to share with you some impressions from one of our wonderful incentive groups from Belgium. They recently visited Antigua, Tikal, Lake Atitlan, and Chichicastenango, and they had fun, fun fun. Have a look at this 2-minute video!

If your passengers only have one week of vacation time...

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 4 July 2022

... they can easily visit Guatemala's highlights! Here is our recommended itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua (45min)

Day 2: Explore Antigua

Day 3: Antigua to Lake Atitlan (2h) with stop at Iximche ruins

Day 4: Explore Lake Atitlan and its villages

Day 5: Lake Atitlan to Guatemala City (2h 30min) and flight to Peten/Mundo Maya (1h)

Day 6: Visit Tikal

Day 7: Flight to Guatemala City and international departure



If you have a few more days, you can do a beach extension on Guatemala's Pacific coast (did you know you can do whale watching there from December to April?) or hop over to Belize.

Request tailormade Guatemala itinerary

And if your passengers want to do this itinerary in style...
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 4 July 2022

... they can stay at these wonderfully luxurious hotels:

• Antigua: Meson Panza Verde
• Lake Atitlan: Casa Palopo
• Peten/Mundo Maya: Las Lagunas

Unique excursion: Volcano hike
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 21 June 2022

Guatemala is known for some of the world’s most exciting volcano hikes. Volcan Pacaya makes for a great ascent. After hiking through pine forest, we'll be treated to an otherworldly scene of volcanic ash and lava. A hike up Acatenango is more challenging, but we earn prime views of neighboring Volcan Fuego’s impressive eruptions.

TAG Airlines inaugurates flights from Guatemala to Oaxaca and Merida
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 8 June 2022

TAG Airlines inaugurated three new routes between Guatemala and Mexico:

Guatemala City (GUA) - Oaxaca (OAX)

Guatemala City (GUA) - Merida (MID)

Guatemala City (GUA) - Tuxtla Gutierrez* (TGZ)

These flights join the current routes:

Guatemala City (GUA) - Cancun (CUN)

Guatemala City (GUA) - Tapachula** (TAP)

Flores (FRS) - Cancun (CUN)

*Gateway to San Cristobal de las Casas and Palenque

**Gateway to the coffee-growing highlands

Iximche ruins & worship
By Condor Verde Guatemala • 13 May 2022

When Iximche was founded in 1465, the Kaqchiquel were at war with the Ki’che, and the town's location, atop a long narrow plateau with steep ravines on either side, was chosen for its natural defenses. The temples uncovered here are modest in scale, but Iximche remains an active site of Maya worship, and it's quite common to see locals lighting candles and incense and making offerings. (route map from Antigua, via Iximche, to Lake Atitlan)

Let's talk about Coban! (not Bruno...)

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 5 May 2022

Everybody has heard about Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal. But Coban? This region in the center of Guatemala offers wonderful destinations, including:

- Quetzal reserve

- Semuc Champey (video left) 

- Candelaria caves (video right)

- Grutas del Rey Marcos

Ask us for our Guatemala PowerPoint presentation with more details about all of Guatemala's amazing destinations.

A match made in heaven... Guatemala + Belize

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 6 Apr 2022

After a Guatemala itinerary including the colonial-era architecture and cobblestone streets of Antigua, the mystical Maya villages around Lake Atitlan, the colourful highland market of Chichicastenango, and the ancient Maya jungle ruins of Tikal, it is time for the beach!

Did you know that you can simply hop next door to Belize? Both Placencia and Ambergris Caye are amazing beach destinations.

Click here to see connection options between Guatemala and Belize.

New flights Guatemala - Merida and Guatemala - Oaxaca

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 16 Mar 2022

TAG Airlines has announced its new Guatemala City (GUA) - Merida (MID) route, with a frequency of four flights per week (Mo/We/Fr/Su). Operations will begin on 29 April 2022.

It has also announced its new Guatemala City (GUA) - Oaxaca (MID) route, with a frequency of three flights per week (Tu/Th/Sa). Operations will begin on 30 April 2022.

These flights are perfect for Mexico and Guatemala combination itineraries. Email us for a Mexico & Guatemala itinerary

Guatemala unique excursion: Painting Palopo

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 2 Feb 2022

The community project "Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo" uses art and traditional designs and colours to transform Santa Catarina Palopo, on the shore of Lake Atitlan, into a beautiful, thriving, and productive town. The objective is to bring the community together through art, celebrate traditional culture, and, importantly, power the local economy by attracting visitors.

Since 2017, the community has been working towards painting the town's 850 houses, as well as municipal buildings. To date, 688 houses have been painted.

On our visit we will learn everything about this remarkable project, explore the streets of Santa Catarina Palopo, and get a chance to leave our mark by painting on a wall.

Free Guatemala photos

By Condor Verde Guatemala • 2 Feb 2022

In our Guatemala download center you can find copyright-free photos that can be downloaded and used for free.