Journey into the highlands of Guatemala to discover the modern Maya culture, as well as steep-sided temples and other vestiges of the Maya past. Along the way, the warmth and hospitality of Guatemala's people will make you want to return time and time again. A fabulous introduction to Guatemala travel! Start by wandering through rows of vendors at Chichi's magnificent market, and spend a few nights along the shores of the volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan. Explore colonial Antigua, the rainforest of the Peten, and finally the majestic ruins of Tikal.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Antigua
Fly into Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antigua.
Day 2: Chichicastenango
Today we rise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango to begin our Guatemala travels. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region, who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. 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 azure-colored water to our charming lodge in the village of Santiago Atitlan.
Day 3: Lake Atitlan
This morning after admiring the placid waters of the lake, we set out about town on a walking tour. Maya continues to thrive in the highlands of Guatemala. 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 brightly-colored, hand-woven 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
We 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. This morning we tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored fascades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city.The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, or just people watch in the main plaza.
Day 6: Chiminos Lodge (B,L,D)
From Antigua we fly to Flores and transfer onward to the Chiminos Island Lodge, an eco-archaeological preserve in the forested Peten region. From your mahogany bungalow you're enveloped by the sounds of the jungle: parrots, toucans, and myriad other bird species share their song, while the uncanny roar of nearby howler monkeys adds a primal feel to the jungle. As the sun begins to set, we'll head out on a guided rainforest hike to see what wildlife we can spot.
Day 7: Maya Ruins (B,L)
The ruins of Aguateca are among the best preserved and restored Maya sites in Guatemala. We spend the morning here learning about the Classical Mayan period before returning to the lodge in time for lunch. Enjoy your Guatemala surrounding during a three hour transfer by boat and bus brings us to the shores of Lake Peten Itza. Relax and settle in for the evening.
Day 8: Tikal (B,L)
The ancient Maya began building Tikal around 600 B.C., and for the next 1500 years the area was an important religious, scientific, and political center. Tikal's towering pyramids rise above the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries. Pyramids to honor dead kings were built, administrative buildings rose, storage houses appeared and houses for royalty were carved out of the jungle. Tikal became one of the greatest centers of Maya culture and sprawled over 46 square miles with more than 4000 structures in the core city center alone. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, brocket deer, white lipped peccary, coati-mundis, scarlet macaws, toucan, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. The morning is spent exploring these ruins with an expert guide. In the afternoon fly to Guatemala City where we overnight. A perfect finish to your Guatemala adventures!
Day 9: Return home
Accommodations: 4 nights comfortable hotels, 1 nights jungle lodge, 3 nights charming lakeside lodge
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: vans, bus, boat, local flights
An insider's look at Guatemala...an emphasis on Maya culture, with plenty of time to explore colonial Antigua, the beautiful Lake Atitlan and Tikal. An easy Guatemala tour for anyone who's culturally curious.
Start Dates 2008 : Jul 26, Aug 23, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 22, Nov 27, Dec 20, Dec 27
Start Dates 2009 : Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, May 30, Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$220
Note: Flights Guatemala-Flores-Guatemala are not included. Please add US$280(flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$110 for meals not included, US$33 international departure tax, US$5 airport tax to Tikal, US$10 entrance fee to Tikal, US$75 optional excursions, money for souvenirs!
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Antigua: Share US$45, Single US$75
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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