Towering volcanoes, verdant highland farms, lush cloudforest and bustling markets make a spectacular backdrop for our multisport Guatemala travel adventure. We bike and hike along paths used for centuries by the Maya, and paddle the azure waters of the volcano-fringed Lake Atitlán. As we explore the fertile landscape and rich Maya heritage of Guatemala by land and water, we're welcomed into the homes and lives of our native hosts. Breaking from our physical endeavors, we're immersed in the culture and traditions of our gracious hosts during a home stay in the highlands. Take some time to explore the colonial city of Antigua before bidding farewell to the natural and cultural treasures of Guatemala.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Antigua
Fly into Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antigua.
Day 2: Pacaya Volcano (L)
At Pacaya National Park begin your Guatemala adventures with a hike ascending the famed Pacaya Volcano. This two and a half hour hike takes us to the top of the volcano. You are likely to feel the ground shake as the volcano rumbles beneath your feet. At the top, look down into the glowing lava of the crater. If the day is clear, enjoy stunning views of the coast and the El Salvador boarder. In the afternoon you return to Antigua where you can opt to take a bike ride along the foothills of the volcano.
Day 3: Highland Bike - Totonicapan Homestay (L,D)
Venture into the spectacular highland region, Alaska. The paths in this area are the same ones used by countless generations of Maya to move about the country. In the distance, volcanoes command the horizon. Bike past ancient farms, adobe houses, patches of forest and sacred sites still used for Maya offerings. In the afternoon, it's a wild downhill bike ride past highland farms, pine forest and ridges with wonderful views toward Totonicapan (called Toto by locals).
In Toto, meet your K'iche family hosts who are graciously opening their homes. You'll have the chance to visit Casa de la Cultura and Don Miguel Hernandez -- workshops of ceramic artists, weavers, mask makers and wood workers. The community is eager to introduce us to all aspects of life here, but you are also welcome to spend all your time with your host family -- help in the garden, practice some of the Mayan K'iche language, or learn to weave.
Day 4: Zunil Ridge (B,L)
Following breakfast, continue exploring the beautiful highlands. A few hours hiking along the Zunil Ridge you will start to notice the warming temperatures and increasing bird activity that heralds our entrance of the cloudforest. Keep a look out for the quetzal, a brilliant green bird revered by the ancient Maya. Today, it is a symbol or Guatemala. The evening is spent in the K'iche city of Quetzaltenango.
Day 5: Cerro Quemado
It's back on mountain bikes today as you begin your journey into a valley the locals call "America's Vegetable Garden". But first, spend the morning at the vegetable market in Almolonga. It's easy to see why this region is so celebrated for its vegetables as you peddle past neat rows of crops stretching for miles into the distance. Today's riding takes us down through tropical lowlands, crossing rivers, ravines, dry lava beds, hanging bridges and local coffee fincas. In the evening, arrive at Lake Atitlán and take a boat ride to your hotel.
Day 6: Lake Kayaking and Hike
The morning begins in the kayaks for a paddling trip along the shores of Atitlán to the foothills of Cerro de Oro. During your kayaking trip you'll pass Maya fisherman in traditional reed boats setting their nets for the day. As we pass men tilling fields of corn, women doing laundry on the lake shore, and large houses owned by wealthy Guatemaltecos, you'll gain a new perspective on the rural lives and social problems of this beautiful country. Next we hike into the impressive Cerro de Oro hillside rich in Maya history and spectacular views. After our hike, transfer into the village of Santiago Atitlan.
Those who are interested in an active afternoon can hike along the lakeshore, taking in the beautiful scenery and watching the local villages as they carry out their daily activities. You might wander through the lively market and try bartering skills with the savvy local vendors. Or you might join indigenous visitors from nearby villages in paying homage to the Maximon, a peculiar smoking and drinking deity. You could also canoe on the lake, learn backstrap weaving, or rent a bike and explore the countryside on your own.
Day 7: Return to Antigua
Rise early for a visit to Santa Catarina village and a hike through small fields and farmland until we reach a spectacular lookout over Lake Atitlan. Later, you'll return to Antigua and take our last look at this beautiful city.
Day 8: Return Home
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night home stay
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: vans, mountain bikes, kayaks, ferries, public bus, and your own feet on the trek!
An active Guatemala tour with mountain biking, hiking, and lake kayaking. Added to this, share a moment in the lives of the local Maya of Totonicapan. Hiking is moderately strenuous at times. No experience necessary for lake kayaking.
Start Dates 2008: May 17, June 14, Jul 12, Aug 9, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Nov 29, Dec 13
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$255
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$85 for meals not included, US$33 international departure tax, US$40 optional excursions, money for souvenirs!
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
Multi-activity
Cultural Journey
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
