Immerse yourself in Maya culture and create friendships that will last long after your Guatemala travel adventures are over. This Guatemala culture adventure begins with a visit to the colorful markets of Antigua. Spend a couple days with a Maya host family and let them introduce you to their culture and their Guatemala. Then we'll take a trip to serene Lake Atitlan and explore its volcano-fringed shoreline. Your final days are spent visiting the workshops of local artisans - test your bargaining skills at these bustling markets!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Antigua
Fly into Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antigua.
Day 2: Explore Antigua
This morning we explore Antigua's bustling markets where the local Maya gather to buy and sell everything from enormous avacados to intricate weavings. 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. 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 to experience Guatemala travel at your own pace.
Day 3: Maya Hospitality in Totonicapan (D)
This morning we move towards the highland town of Totonicapan. On our way we stop at the fascinating archaeological site at La Democracia to see an amazing collection of Olmec stone carvings. Before continuing on we’ll visit a small private museum to see some of the unique Maya artifacts from the area’s sites. We then leave the Maya past and venture forth into the present, traveling through the farming valley of Zunil, where we can see the most colorful church in Guatemala, San Andres Xecul, before arriving at the highland village of Totonicapan in the late afternoon.
Here a community of over twenty K`iche families reaches out to visitors with the vision of bringing people into their homes to share their culture with the outside world. In return, your host family is eager to learn about your life back home. We’ll arrive in time to share a communal evening and overnight with families.
Day 4: Totonicapan/Lake Atitlan (B,L)
Enjoy the morning market in Toto. Don't expect a guided group tour of this bustling local market. This is part of your host family's weekly tradition, and you'll be accompanying them around this early morning market as they do their shopping. After the market we'll have a chance to visit the workshops of ceramic artists, weavers, mask makers, and wood workers. After lunch we're off to Lago Atitlan, often referred to as the most beautiful lake in the world. Our home for the next few days is a charming lodge in the village of Santiago de Atitlan.
Day 5: Shores of Lake Atitlan
Today you are free to explore as you wish. Go canoeing on the lake, horseback ride to a nearby cloudforest, or rent a mountain bike. It's also worthwhile to visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious deity. Meet up with our local guide and learn about the mystical undercurrents of the area, or visit Maya Saints in the brotherhood houses and watch some of the day's Maya rituals.
Day 6: Chichicastenango
Today we rise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. 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. The market disperses in the early afternoon and we travel back to Antigua where we have a relaxing night at the hotel to complete our Guatemala travel experience.
Day 7: Return Home
Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: Vans, ferries, bus
A look at the insider's Guatemala with an emphasis on Maya culture and plenty of time to explore colonial Antigua and beautiful Lake Atitlan. An easy trip for anyone who's culturally curious. Includes a one night home stay.
Start Dates 2007: Apr 7*, May 5, Jun 2, Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 25, Sep 22, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15
*Easter season departure date
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$140
Personal Budgeting: Allow $120 for meals not included, $33 international departure tax, $75 for optional excursions, and money for souvenirs!
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Antigua: Share $40, Single $70
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Cultural Journey
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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