Mysterious Guatemala Vacation
14 days/13 nights
$1570
P/P Double Occupancy
Guatemala is a mystery to be revealed…a secret to be uncovered. Come and discover for yourself the natural and cultural wonders this country has to offer: volcanoes, lakes, markets, ancient ruins, cities and towns. Surely you’ll be captivated!
Day 01 Arrival to Guatemala (B)
Upon arrival to Guatemala City you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Lodging at the Marriott in Guatemala City
Day 02 Guatemala / Chichicastenango (B)
This morning you’ll be transferred to the South Pacific Coast, where you’ll visit Las Ilusiones Archeological Museum in La Democracia. Then, you’ll be transferred to Chichicastenango. Lodging at the Mayan Inn in Chichicastenango
Day 03 Chichicastenango / Quetzaltenango (B)
Today you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous and colorful open-air market which sells local food, flowers and handicrafts such as woodcarvings, clothing, and more. You’ll also be able to visit Santo Tomas Church, which is over 400 years old church and still used today for local rituals and practices. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to Quetzaltenango. Lodging at the Bonifaz in Quetzaltenango
Day 04 Quetzaltenango / Lake Atitlan (B)
Quetzaltenango is the second largest Guatemalan city and is home to a great many eco-tourism options. It’s surrounded by volcanoes and misty mountains. The city is popular for its tradition of glass blowing, and has many galleries and gift shops showcasing this impressive art form. You’ll visit the open-air animal market of San Francisco El Alto, San Andres Xecul Church and the gorgeous Almolonga Valley. Then, you’ll be transferred to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel), located in the Guatemalan highlands. Lodging at the Villa Santa Catarina in Lake Atitlan
Day 05 Atitlan / Antigua (B)
Lake Atitlan, an immense and beautiful lake is said to be the deepest in Central America, and it’s the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Here you will find lush animal and plant life and many villages and towns still inhabited by Mayan descendants. Today you’ll join an excursion to the picturesque lake-side village of Santiago Atitlan. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Antigua. Lodging at the Villa Colonial in Antigua
Day 06 Antigua / Guatemala (B)
Antigua is famous for its Spanish baroque architecture. This area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its many ruined churches, cobblestone streets, and strong culture. Today you’ll visit the best spots in Antigua: colonial buildings such as churches, convents and monasteries. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Guatemala City. Lodging at the Marriott in Guatemala City
Day 07 Guatemala City / Copan (B)
Today, you’ll head towards Copan in Honduras, passing through El Progreso and Zacapa. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Mayan ruins of Copan. This site was of huge importance about 1500 years ago. Today, the remains of this kingdom feature stone carvings, stelae and buildings. Lodging at the Posada Real Hotel in Copan
Day 08 Copan / Puerto Barrios (B)
After breakfast, you’ll return to Guatemala, heading towards Puerto Barrios. Along the way, you will visit Quirigua Archeological Site, well known for its stone sculptures, some of which are truly masterpieces. Lodging at the Green Bay Hotel and Resort in Puerto Barrios
Day 09 Puerto Barrios / Rio Dulce (B)
Today you’ll join an excursion to Livingston, once Guatemala’s main Caribbean port. The place is known for its diverse culture, gorgeous tropical climate, and incredible seafood. Then you’ll visit San Felipe Castle, before carrying on to Rio Dulce. Lodging at the Catamaran Hotel in Rio Dulce
Day 10 Rio Dulce / Flores (B)
You’ll have this morning to spend at your leisure. After lunch, you’ll be transferred by land to Flores or Tikal. Lodging at Del Patio Hotel in Flores
Day 11 Ceibal (B)
Today, you’ll take a sightseeing tour to Ceibal. This archaeological site offers more of the ruined remnants of the Mayan civilization. It was first inhabited as early as the ninth century BCE and contains many elaborate structures including what may be the oldest circular observatory in classic Mayan culture, a must-stop location during your trip to Guatemala. Lodging at Del Patio Hotel in Flores
Day 12 Yaxha (B)
Today, you’ll visit Yaxha, a vast archaeological site containing over 500 Mayan structures. Here you will not only enjoy the many temples, alters, and intricate Mayan carvings, but also the surrounding turquoise lagoons and tropical vegetation. Lodging at Del Patio Hotel in Flores
Day 13 Tikal / Guatemala City (B)
Visit the famous Tikal, the monumental site of an enormous Mayan civilization left in ruins, that’s been attracting archaeologists from all over the world. The ruins of Tikal include over 3,000 structures including, temples, platforms, and intricate plazas. In the afternoon, take your flight back to Guatemala City. Lodging at the Marriott in Guatemala City
Day 14 Departure (B)
You’ll be transferred to the airport.
Prices Include
- Transportation throughout the itinerary
- English speaking guide throughout the itinerary
- Daily breakfast
- Excursions mentioned (including entrance fees)
- Accommodations in suggested hotels (or similar 3-4 star hotels)
Prices Do Not Include
- Airfare (domestic or international)
- Tips to Guide, Driver and Chambermaids
- Personal expenses such as: beverages, phone calls, laundry, etc.
- International airport exit tax ($30.00 per person)
- Domestic airport tax ($1.00 per person)
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- *Lodging can be either at Tikal or Flores
- The Seat in Bus Basis (Shared) Tour departs on Tuesdays
- Price is subject to change
- In some dates, in SIB the tour will run in German, French or Italian speaking guides.
- All rates are valid from January 1 through December 23, 2009, except during Easter week (April 4-12). Some hotels require a minimum 4 night’s stay during Easter, Christmas and New Year’s. For special group prices, please ask!
