Visit the highlands of Guatemala, discover the local markets and explore the ruins of Tikal before heading off to Belize for the second part of your trip. Smoking volcanoes, mysterious traditions, and warm hospitality describe the Guatemalan highlands and the discoveries in this trip. Visit the magnificent ruins of Tikal before crossing into Belize to journey through cathedral shaped caves, and explore winding trails along the Roaring River.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Antigua
Fly into Guatemala City and transfer to your hotel in Antigua.
Day 2: Chichicastenango
Today we rise early for a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, shadowed by mountains and surrounded by valleys, has many shamanic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region. Rising early, they set out their colorful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon and we travel to the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, a deep caldera lake flanked by three majestic volcanoes. A passenger boat takes us across the water to our lodge in Santiago Atitlan village.
Day 3: Lake Atitlan
This morning enjoy and beauty of the lake before setting out about town on a walking tour. Villagers in Santiago Atitlan still adhere to the traditional lifestyle of the Tz'utuhil Maya and on our walk we'll see many people cloaked in hand-woven, brightly-colored clothing. Along Santiago's main street are art galleries filled with oil paintings depicting busy market scenes and typical life in the highlands. We may also visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious and revered deity.
Day 4: Lake Atitlan
Board the lancha this morning for our return trip across Lake Atitlan. A few miles down the curvy mountain road known as the Interamericana, we reach the town of Solola. The main plaza is home to one of the most authentic markets in the highlands, and we'll spend some time wandering through the stalls, admiring the palette of colors created by mounds of fruits, vegetables, meats, housewares and clothing. After our sensory feast, we return to colonial Antigua for the evening.
Day 5: Antigua
Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored facades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. This morning we tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, or just people watch in the main plaza to complete your Guatemala travel experience.
Day 6: Tikal (L)
This morning we fly east to the tropical lowlands of the Peten and the home of the ancient Maya. After checking into your hotel, you'll join up with a group of other adventurers for a half-day tour of Tikal.
Here you'll encounter towering pyramids rising above the thick jungle canopy, and learn how the city thrived as an important religious, scientific, and political center for 1500 years. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to a vast variety of jungle wildlife. After lunch, the day is yours to explore the ruins before returning to your hotel near Flores.
Day 7: Maya Mountains (B,D)
Rise this morning for a short flight to Belize City and transfer to your jungle retreat. Time permitting, stop at the unique Belize Zoo. Your jungle lodge is tucked next to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Roaring River. Surrounded by pristine forest, your days at the lodge are filled with natural discoveries exploring the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains and the mysteries beneath.
Day 8: Rio Macal and Xunantunich (B,L,D)
We have breakfast at the Garcia Sisters, where they prepare a traditional Maya meal. These five sisters have been instrumental in reviving the art of Yucatec Maya slate carving and maintaining the language, culture and traditions of the Maya in Belize. After breakfast, paddle down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coatimundis and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, we will visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, once a major ceremonial site. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala.
Day 9: Caracol and Water Wonders (B,L,D)
Today we'll continue our explorations of the ancient Maya with a visit to the ruins of Caracol. Surrounded by breathtaking Belizean jungle, a visit to the ruins offer massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Maya city. With time we'll stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave.
A stop at the pools makes for an inviting dip, especially after spending the afternoon hiking under the hot Belize sun. Even for those who prefer to keep dry, the beauty of the pools is well worth the stop. Not far from the pools is the Rio Frio Cave. This is the largest cave in Belize. Approaching the cave's enormous mouth invites a magical, almost frighteningly fantastic, sensation. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Maya, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.
Day 10: Actun Tunichil Muknal (B,L,D)
We wake early for our unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. Our journey takes us deep into the Belizean jungle to the opening of the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal - the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. At the entrance we gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade into the emerald colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth. We'll follows the river's flow through wet and dry caves encased in hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. Our final destination is the spectacular primary chamber where ancient kings and priests made blood sacrifices to appease the Maya gods. Our lights illuminate the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards of ancient rituals.
Tunichil is an active archaeological site, so we're careful not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and ceramic pieces before returning to the light above ground. This is a fairly rigorous trip and travelers should be in good shape. For those looking for an alternative trip, a visit the the Barton Creek Cave is an excellent choice for any age. There are also other activities available for those who prefer life above ground.
Day 11: Return Home (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Belize City and catch your international flight home.
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights comfortable cabanas
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: vans, ferries, bus, private minibus, local flight, your own feet!
An exciting tour for the culturally adventurous, visiting Maya highlights in Guatemala and Belize.
Start Dates 2008: Aug 23, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 22, Dec 20, Dec 27
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$365
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Note: Internal flight not included Guatemala City - Flores. Flight cost approximately $160 (flight cost subject to change). You may buy this with your international ticket or we can bill you for this when you book
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$130 for meals, US$5 airport tax to Tikal, US $10 Tikal Entrance Fee, US$37 internal departure tax, US$35 international departure taxes, US$75 optional excursions, and money for tips and souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Antigua: Share US$45 Single US$75 Belize City: Share US$55, Single US$110
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Guatemala
Archeology/History
Rainforest
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