Still absorbing the magical enchantment of such a wonderful country!... Columbus Luxury Travel created the most amazing trip for my wife and I. We were picked up by private transport and Guatemala’s best guide, Juan Jesus (JJ) after arriving from our flight from California and taken to a smaller airport where our excellent helicopter pilot, Oscar, met us to taxi us to the next of several locations.
Our first destination was Guatemala’s Cloud Forest and National Reserve of Chelemhá, (located in Guatemala’s Alta Verapaz Department) where we stayed 2 nights in the Chelemhá lodge. This experience was breathtaking, literally and figuratively. For a couple in our 70’s it was quite a task hiking through the forest to find the rare and mystical Quetzal bird, Guatemala’s national bird, but well worth the walk. This is especially because the reward after returning to the lodge was masterfully created home-cooked meals, with not only Mayan influence, but also Swiss-born Armin’s (the lodge’s owner) European influence, including fresh-baked bread and locally sourced vegetables. Our guide JJ was absolutely amazing, taking the time continually throughout the experience to explain the area, the things we would see and what we should expect in every area.
Leaving Alta Verapaz, we continued on to Quiche, and over-nighted at the amazing farm of Mil Amores. The remarkable flight by helicopter between the mountains, following the river, was truly once-in-a-lifetime. This location definitely has a thousand things to love. Fresh made cheese from the farm’s own cows, beautiful rolling pastures tucked within the valley hidden between amazing mountain ranges, extremely friendly staff, and a welcoming community who tend to the many farm animals. After a wonderful countryside tour of the area on horseback, we continued onto our next location.
Our next stop can definitely be listed as the most beautiful lake in the world. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes, Lake Atitlán offers a continual incredible view, especially from our spectacular villa, the El Mirador located at the B’alam Ya Villas. In addition to the lake’s beauty, the villages surrounding the lake offer a completely unique experience of culture. The Mayans living in these villages continue to practice their traditional weaving and the cooperatives of women working together to sustain the community is truly impressive. After visiting San Juan, JJ also shared with us Santiago Atitlán, both villages accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. This village had a great offering for lunch and hosted distinctive spiritual symbolism of Maximon.
After a couple relaxing days at Lake Atitlán, we traveled by car to Antigua, Guatemala, our final stop on this amazing trip. Here we enjoyed Columbus Luxury Travel’s well known walking tour, and enjoyed the sites of San Francisco La Cathedral, La Merced, and of course the Santa Catalina Arch. JJ and his coworker, Esteban, are extremely knowledgeable about Antigua, and enthusiastic and passionate about every aspect of the tour. Our last day, we enjoyed a Chocolate workshop and celebrated the evening with traditional Mayan food and the Marimba dance. Certainly, Columbus Luxury Travel offered us a trip of a lifetime that we will never forget! "
26 April 2018
Anynomous
" Hola quiero el numero de antigua, yo vivo en guatemala "
07 February 2018
Anynomous
" My partner, Debra, and I did a walking tour of Antigua with JJ and found him tremendously interesting and helpful. He began the tour with an overview of Guatemalan history and specifically the history of Antigua. That was followed by visits to various tourist sights again with a great narrative explanation of the point of interest. JJ's command of English is quite good and his enthusiasm for his country and city quite palpable. We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get to know Antigua. "
18 December 2017
Anynomous
" The BEST vacation EVER !!! Columbus Travel guides, JJ and Stephan made this a presidential style vacation without parallel. We saw ALL aspects of Guatemala from the markets, fine dining and accomodations to the various spiritual and artistic aspects of the country. We managed to pack in a month's worth of memories in 10 days; most of them priceless. If you want to see this country in its entirety with all of its beautiful aspects, Columbus Luxury Travel is the only Way To Go ! "
15 January 2017
Anynomous
" This 11 day vacation over the Christmas holidays exceeded any expectations with unforgettable memories!
I’d like to preface this with high praises to Columbus Luxury Travel, in particular, both tour guides, JJ and Stephan. Everything was well planned and perfectly executed. Both Stephan and JJ have immense knowledge of the history and geography of this beautiful Central American country. If you are planning a vacation to Guatemala, I highly recommend Colombus Luxury Travel and their guides. Hands down!
In Antigua, the Spanish colonial architecture has a warm charm and perfect for photo enthusiasts. We visited the natural hot springs in the highland mountains with seismic activity observations. Gorgeous views!
We also explored Monterrico beach on the Pacific side with rich black volcanic sands, vast pristine natural beaches and even indulged in an ultra-light flight over the beach…amazing views! Sunbathers will fall in love with the Pacific coast and amazing beaches, also known as the French Riviera of Guatemala. The ancient city of Tikal, offered huge Mayan temples while walking amongst the lovely indigenous people.
While visiting the highlands, we throughly enjoyed the extensive views of Lake Atitlan in the midst of several volcano mountains…stunningly beautiful!!!
We also visited the Chichicastenango market, intermingling with the indigenous Mayans and their colorful textiles, handcrafts and exotic foods.
BEST VACATION EVER! Many thanks to Columbus luxury travels and our SPECIAL guides, Stephan and JJ! Love you guys!!!
Eydi Lampasona "
11 January 2017
Anynomous
" Caty, Esteban, and JJ are an absolutely amazing group. They are extremely knowledgable and passionate about their country and have a tremendous way of sharing their passion with others. I highly recommend Columbus Luxury Travel to anyone interested in travel in Central America! "
Anynomous
" Guatemala Experience of a Lifetime!
26 April 2018Still absorbing the magical enchantment of such a wonderful country!... Columbus Luxury Travel created the most amazing trip for my wife and I. We were picked up by private transport and Guatemala’s best guide, Juan Jesus (JJ) after arriving from our flight from California and taken to a smaller airport where our excellent helicopter pilot, Oscar, met us to taxi us to the next of several locations.
Our first destination was Guatemala’s Cloud Forest and National Reserve of Chelemhá, (located in Guatemala’s Alta Verapaz Department) where we stayed 2 nights in the Chelemhá lodge. This experience was breathtaking, literally and figuratively. For a couple in our 70’s it was quite a task hiking through the forest to find the rare and mystical Quetzal bird, Guatemala’s national bird, but well worth the walk. This is especially because the reward after returning to the lodge was masterfully created home-cooked meals, with not only Mayan influence, but also Swiss-born Armin’s (the lodge’s owner) European influence, including fresh-baked bread and locally sourced vegetables. Our guide JJ was absolutely amazing, taking the time continually throughout the experience to explain the area, the things we would see and what we should expect in every area.
Leaving Alta Verapaz, we continued on to Quiche, and over-nighted at the amazing farm of Mil Amores. The remarkable flight by helicopter between the mountains, following the river, was truly once-in-a-lifetime. This location definitely has a thousand things to love. Fresh made cheese from the farm’s own cows, beautiful rolling pastures tucked within the valley hidden between amazing mountain ranges, extremely friendly staff, and a welcoming community who tend to the many farm animals. After a wonderful countryside tour of the area on horseback, we continued onto our next location.
Our next stop can definitely be listed as the most beautiful lake in the world. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes, Lake Atitlán offers a continual incredible view, especially from our spectacular villa, the El Mirador located at the B’alam Ya Villas. In addition to the lake’s beauty, the villages surrounding the lake offer a completely unique experience of culture. The Mayans living in these villages continue to practice their traditional weaving and the cooperatives of women working together to sustain the community is truly impressive. After visiting San Juan, JJ also shared with us Santiago Atitlán, both villages accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. This village had a great offering for lunch and hosted distinctive spiritual symbolism of Maximon.
After a couple relaxing days at Lake Atitlán, we traveled by car to Antigua, Guatemala, our final stop on this amazing trip. Here we enjoyed Columbus Luxury Travel’s well known walking tour, and enjoyed the sites of San Francisco La Cathedral, La Merced, and of course the Santa Catalina Arch. JJ and his coworker, Esteban, are extremely knowledgeable about Antigua, and enthusiastic and passionate about every aspect of the tour. Our last day, we enjoyed a Chocolate workshop and celebrated the evening with traditional Mayan food and the Marimba dance. Certainly, Columbus Luxury Travel offered us a trip of a lifetime that we will never forget! "
Anynomous
" Hola quiero el numero de antigua, yo vivo en guatemala "
07 February 2018Anynomous
" My partner, Debra, and I did a walking tour of Antigua with JJ and found him tremendously interesting and helpful. He began the tour with an overview of Guatemalan history and specifically the history of Antigua. That was followed by visits to various tourist sights again with a great narrative explanation of the point of interest. JJ's command of English is quite good and his enthusiasm for his country and city quite palpable. We would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to get to know Antigua. "
18 December 2017Anynomous
" The BEST vacation EVER !!! Columbus Travel guides, JJ and Stephan made this a presidential style vacation without parallel. We saw ALL aspects of Guatemala from the markets, fine dining and accomodations to the various spiritual and artistic aspects of the country. We managed to pack in a month's worth of memories in 10 days; most of them priceless. If you want to see this country in its entirety with all of its beautiful aspects, Columbus Luxury Travel is the only Way To Go ! "
15 January 2017Anynomous
" This 11 day vacation over the Christmas holidays exceeded any expectations with unforgettable memories!
11 January 2017I’d like to preface this with high praises to Columbus Luxury Travel, in particular, both tour guides, JJ and Stephan. Everything was well planned and perfectly executed. Both Stephan and JJ have immense knowledge of the history and geography of this beautiful Central American country. If you are planning a vacation to Guatemala, I highly recommend Colombus Luxury Travel and their guides. Hands down!
In Antigua, the Spanish colonial architecture has a warm charm and perfect for photo enthusiasts. We visited the natural hot springs in the highland mountains with seismic activity observations. Gorgeous views!
We also explored Monterrico beach on the Pacific side with rich black volcanic sands, vast pristine natural beaches and even indulged in an ultra-light flight over the beach…amazing views! Sunbathers will fall in love with the Pacific coast and amazing beaches, also known as the French Riviera of Guatemala. The ancient city of Tikal, offered huge Mayan temples while walking amongst the lovely indigenous people.
While visiting the highlands, we throughly enjoyed the extensive views of Lake Atitlan in the midst of several volcano mountains…stunningly beautiful!!!
We also visited the Chichicastenango market, intermingling with the indigenous Mayans and their colorful textiles, handcrafts and exotic foods.
BEST VACATION EVER! Many thanks to Columbus luxury travels and our SPECIAL guides, Stephan and JJ! Love you guys!!!
Eydi Lampasona "
Anynomous
" Caty, Esteban, and JJ are an absolutely amazing group. They are extremely knowledgable and passionate about their country and have a tremendous way of sharing their passion with others. I highly recommend Columbus Luxury Travel to anyone interested in travel in Central America! "
07 January 2017