Begin your journey of Guatemala in the celebrated market of Chichicastenango. Bargain your way through the rows of vendors and emerge with local arts and crafts, and vegetables and fruits. Spend the next couple nights along the beautiful shores of volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan. Your last Guatemala travel days are spent back in historic Antigua to explore its decorative cathedrals, its lively markets, and the friendly people that make Guatemala such an exceptional place to visit.
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
Rise early for a visit to 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 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
Enjoy the placid waters 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 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 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 complete your Guatemala travel experience.
Day 6: Return Home
Accommodations: 3 nights comfortable hotels, 2 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, boat, bus
A look at the insider's Guatemala with an emphasis on Maya culture. Includes plenty of time to explore colonial Antigua and beautiful Lake Atitlan. An easy trip 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
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$145
Personal Budgeting: Allow $100 for meals not included, $33 international departure tax, $75 for optional excursions, and money for souvenirs!
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share $45, Single $75
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
Ecotourism
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