This is a unique Guatemala travel experience for the culturally adventurous! Explore colonial Antigua's cobblestone streets, travel to the off-the-beaten-track highland town of Totonicapan, visit the workshops of local artisans and bargain over weavings at bustling indigenous markets. Immerse yourself in Maya history and culture at the ruins of Tikal. Colorful markets, smoking volcanoes, mysterious traditions, and warm hospitality describe the Guatemalan highlands and the discoveries in this trip.
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
Awake in beautiful Antigua. Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth ruins of 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 explore Antigua's bustling markets where the local Maya gather to buy and sell everything from enormous avacados to intricate weavings to begin our Guatemala travels. The markets might look like all business, but sometimes more local gossip gets traded between far flung friends and family than produce! 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 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)
This morning is market day in Toto, but 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 canoing on the lake, horseback riding 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. Rising early, they set out their colorful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon and we travel back to Antigua to spend the night.
Day 7: Tikal (L,D)
Take a morning flight east to the tropical lowlands of the Peten and the home of the ancient Maya. After meeting up with your guide, continue on to the ruins of Tikal for a private tour. 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 howler and spider monkeys, white lipped peccary, toucans, coati-mundis, brocket deer, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. After lunch, the day is yours to explore the ruins. In the evening, we'll return to the shores of Lake Peten Itza to settle in to your hotel.
Day 8: Return Guatemala City
This morning is free to explore the lakeside town of Flores. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guatemala City, where we spend the night close to the airport for your flight tomorrow to complete your Guatemala travels.
Day 9: Return Home
Accommodations: 7 nights comfortable hotels, 1 nights home stay
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...an emphasis on Maya culture, with plenty of time to explore colonial Antigua, the beautiful Lake Atitlan and Tikal. An easy trip for anyone who's culturally curious. Includes a one night home stay.
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$125 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!
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Antigua: Share US$45, Single US$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
Archeology/History
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