At Most of these sites you will find archaeologists at work. Many sites are reached via boat on jungle rivers and lakes. Some hiking is required. Participants must be physically fit. This program is scheduled on request. Expert guide. Most meals are included.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY
Participants will be met on arrival and escorted to Hotel San Carlos in Guatemala City's fashionable Zona Viva. Tour orientation at the hotel.
Day 2:
GUATEMALA'S VERAPAZ REGION
Early drive through a tropical cloud forest which is home to the elusive Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird. Brief hike in the cloud forest to admire the flora and to look for the colorful Quetzal (no promises). As you descend from the cloud forest to the lowlands you will pass through coffee and cardamom plantations to the lands of the Maya Kekchi people. Arrive at the Candelaria Caves in time for dinner and overnight at the Cuevas de Candelaria Lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
CANCUEN AND ITS SPECTACULAR PALACE
Morning transfer via road and river boat to the Maya site of Cancuen. In 2001 archaeologists discovered a spectacular seventy-two room Maya Palace here. Excavation is still in progress. Dinner and overnight at the Cuevas de Candelaria Lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
CUEVAS DE CANDELARIA
Explore the Candelaria Caves. The Maya believe these caves are an entrance to the underworld. Following lunch drive to Sayaxche for a boat ride on the Rio Pasion and across Lake Petexbatun to the Chiminos Island Lodge. Time to explore before dinner and overnight at the Chiminos Island Lodge.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
AGUATECA MAYAN RUINS
Perched on a high outcrop on the southern tip of Lake Petexbatun, you will see the temples of Aguateca. The site has a magical atmosphere, encompassed by dense tropical forest and with a superb view of the lake. Following lunch continue to Flores for overnight at the Hotel Peten Esplendido on the shore of Lake Peten Itza.
(B) (L)
Day 6:
WAKA AND THE MAYAN QUEEN
After breakfast enjoy the lush scenery along the San Pedro River as your boat approaches Waka Archaeological Site, which was previously called "El Peru". In May of 2004, archaeologists discovered the 1,200 year old tomb and skeleton of a Mayan queen. She apprears to have been the leader of a city that was once home to tens of thousands of people. Waka was inhabited as early as 500 BC but reached its peak between 400 and 800 AD. Dinner and overnight at the Guacamaya Research Center.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
LA JOYANCA
Morning scenic boat ride followed by a jungle hike to the archaeological site of La Joyanca. This Mayan city was brought to the attention of the public by French archaeologists in 2002. Return to Flores this afternoon for overnight at the hotel Peten Esplendido on the shore of Lake Peten Itza. Tonight dinner is on your own. You might enjoy walking into the island village of Flores to try one of the attractive waterfront restaurants.
(B) (L)
Day 8:
HOLMUL AND YAXHA
Visit the partially excavated site of Holmul. Continue to Yaxha with its towering pyramids and large concentration of buildings in its central plaza. German archaeologists are currently at work here. Afternoon return to Flores Airport for flight to Guatemala City. Farewell dinner and overnight at the Hotel San Carlos.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
DEPARTURE
Breakfast and transfer to airport.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
INCLUDED: Bilingual expert guide, all land and boat transportation, flight from Flores to Guatemala City, entrance fees, eight nights accommodations, meals as per itinerary.
SCHEDULE: Tour can be scheduled upon request.
PRICE WITH FOUR PARTICIPANTS: Double $1,597. Single occupancy: $1,844.
PRICE, private tour for two: Standard Double $1,945; Standard Single $2240
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Archeology/History
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