Guatemala Short Visit - 5D/4N

Guatemala Indian colors photo courtesy of ViaventureA wonderful short introduction to the diverse attractions of Guatemala from the Spanish colonial splendor of Antigua to the volcano encircled Lake Atitlan, from the colorful local Maya Market at Chichicastenango to the lush rainforest and famous ancient Maya Temple site of Tikal. Since this is a private program (you do not join another group or party) with private minibus transfers at all times and private guided tours, you can further customize your visit with different upgrades.

The Highlands region is an outstanding cultural universe. Its inhabitants, belonging to the Maya Kaqchiquel, Tzutujil, and Quiché groups, keep alive their cultures, the manifestations of which can be admired by the visitor. Today, few markets in the world are as famous as the Chichicastenango market where thousands of persons come together on Thursdays and Sundays in an impressive spectacle which goes beyond mere trading. The day before market day, peasants from all region travel long distances, bringing their products with them. They spend the night in the arcades which surround the plaza, waiting for the market to start. Vegetables, fruits, grains, lime and soap blend with the handicrafts, particularly huipiles and wooden masks.

EI Peten, the northernmost department of Guatemala was once the center of the ancient Maya people. Reminders and remains of this civilization are found within an area covering more than 125,000 square miles and five countries. Today, we still call this “El Mundo Maya” the World of the Maya who lived not only in Guatemala, but in Belize, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. The monumental Mayan ceremonial center at Tikal lies northwest of Flores. The many ruins include plazas, an acropolis, pyramids, temples and a museum.

Lake Atitlan view - photo courtesy of ViaventureIncluded: Services as specified in the selected level
Not Included: Airfare, services and meals not specified as included

Accommodation:

  • Superior Hotels: • Panza Verde – Standard Suite in Antigua • Hotel Atitlan - Standard Room at Lake Atitlan • Camino Real Tikal - Standard Room in Tikal Area • Westin Camino Real - Deluxe room in Guatemala City • Bonifaz - Standard Room in Quetzaltenango • Santo Tomas or Mayan Inn - Standard Room in Chichi • Villa Caribe - Suite in Rio Dulce Area • Unicornio Azul - Standard Room in Huehuetenango Area • Hacienda San Lucas - Standard Room in Copan Meals: • American breakfast throughout (Except Panza Verde which only offers Continental Buffet Breakfast) Guides & Tours: • Private minibus transfers at all times, private guided tours
  • Standard Hotels: • Meson de Maria – Standard Room in Antigua • Posada de Don Rodrigo - Standard Room in Lake Atitlan • Casona del Lago – Standard Room in Tikal Area • Holiday Inn – Standard room in Guatemala City • Bonifaz - Standard Room in Quetzaltenango • Santo Tomas - Standard Room in Chichicastenango • Catamaran - Standard Room in Rio Dulce area • Unicornio Azul - Standard Room in Huehuetenango Area • Don Udos - Standard Room in Copan Meals: • Continental breakfast throughout Guides & Tours: • Private minibus transfers at all times, private guided tours

Tikal pyramid view photo courtesy of ViaventureSketch Itinerary with Highlands only

  • Day 1 Antigua - Guests are met & transferer (unguided) to Antigua (1hr). Overnight
  • Day 2 Architecture & History Tour (B) (Guide HD) - Morning walking tour of Antigua: main square, Palace, Cathedral, La Merced Church & San Francisco Church (all entrances included). Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan 1N
  • Day 3 Chichi Market (B,L) (Guided) - Transfer to market at Chichi. Time for shopping and seeing Maya rituals being performed in the Catholic Church before transfer to Guatemala City Airport for flight to Flores. In Flores, transferred to hotel in the rainforest. Tikal Area 1N
  • Day 4 Tikal (B,L) (Guide HD) - Transfer to Tikal National Park to explore the UNESCO protected Mayan Temple site of Tikal. After lunch, guests have time to relax and refresh before flight back to Guatemala City. Guatemala City 1N
  • Day 5 Depart - Morning transfer to the airport. (B)

Possible Upgrades: • Welcome dinner • Informal lecture / discussion on Guatemalan history • Pillow gifts for guests • Upgrade with a Helicopter Transfer • Upgrade with a Luxury Picnic Lunch at Tikal

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Also tagged with: Independent Journeys, Central America, Archaeology, Jungle, Guatemala, Special Destinations, Mundo Maya, Educational, Shopping, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Special Interest, Classic Visit, Rain Forest, Hosted Tours


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