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Guatemala Highlights + Copan 12D/11N
The best Guatemala offers with a visit to the colonial highlands, the enchanting Rio Dulce region on the Caribbean coast and a discovery of the Peten with famous Tikal plus a visit to Copan in nearby Honduras. Enjoy the Spanish colonial splendor of Antigua, volcano encircled Lake Atitlan, the colorful local Maya Market at Chichicastenango and the lush habitat of the Rio Dulce and Peten’s Tikal.
A journey in Guatemala takes the visitor in a few minutes from the lush vegetation of the warm low lands zone to the cold of the pine forests. Come and discover a variety of incredible destinations in this country where the unique hospitality of its people and the mystique of their culture still inspires your senses. From Mayan culture to colonial architecture, from pristine volcanoes and rainforest to Inadian native markets, Guatemala welcomes all visitors.
The Maya - In the land known today as Honduras, the Maya-Toltec culture was born 3,000 years before Christ while Europe was still considered a land of barbarians. Scientists consider the Maya-Toltec civilization to have become the most developed indigenous culture in the world. Without a doubt, it was the most advanced in Middle America. Copan’s Pyramids, temples, and stone monuments justify the claim. They are in the northwestern zone of Honduran territory, near the border with Guatemala. At Copan, Mayan structures date back to at least 1000 years BC. Nevertheless, in the 10th century AD, this colossal metropolis of 3,450 buildings and more than 15,000 inhabitants, was mysteriously abandoned. So were several other Mayan city-states. The archaeological zone of the Mayas extends from the Tehuantepec Isthmus in Mexico to Honduran territory in Central America. Today, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras encompass the land that once belonged to them. In this vast geographical region, there are a number of archaeological ruins. Scientists come to unveil the mysteries of hieroglyphics, engraved stelae, altars, ceramic and jade objects in the land of the ancient centers, like Copan, Tikal, Chichen Itza and Uxmal. While the area is rich in minerals, the inhabitants only utilized the precious stones, particularly jade, and some metals like gold and silver, with sumptuary ends in mind.
Copan - The Copan Valley is the site of some of the most important sources of information on the ancient Maya civilization. The ancient city of Copan has always been referred to as the most artistically advanced and elaborate of all the Maya cities. The principal attractions are the main park, Las Sepulturas, Los Sapos, the museum located in the town, and the ‘tree stones’ or stelae surrounding the valley.
Departs on Wednesday or Sunday from January to mid-December but not including Easter Week & Thanksgiving.
Superior Hotels: • Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua (or Similar) • Hotel Atitlan at Lake Atitlan (or Similar) • Hacienda San Lucas or Marina Copan in Copan • Villa Caribe at Rio Dulce (or Similar) • Camino Real Tikal at Tikal (or Similar) • Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City (or Similar)
Included: • Transfers & Guiding as described • Breakfast each day and other meals as described. (B) Breakfasft, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner • Internal flights • Entrances to all visits mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included: • International Flights • Border Crossing Fees & Airport departure taxes • Drinks with included meals • Tips & Gratuities
Note on Guide: Guests are with the same guide throughout the tour and the guide will fly with them to the Flores area.
Sketch Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrive Guatemala City Transfer to Antigua
- Day 2 - Architecture & History Tour Guests will take a half day walking tour of Antigua. (3-4hr). The tour takes in the main square, Palace, Cathedral, La Merced Church & San Francsico Church. All entrances are included. Free Afternoon. (B)
- Day 3 - Azotea Coffee Farm, Maya Museum Guests visit the local woodcarvers in the village of Jocotenango & then the fabulous Azotea Coffee Farm & Maya Traditions Museums covering traditional music, costume & traditions. In the afternoon guests transfer to Lake Atitlan (3hrs). Lake Atitlan 2 Nights. (B)
- Day 4 - Visit San Juan & Santiago. This morning guests will take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (30min) to the village of San Juan La Laguna where they can visit the women’s textile cooperative to see hand weaving and natural dye process. Also here visit the studios / homes of the celebrated naïf painters. From here guests continue to the village of Santiago where they have lunch in a local hotel and tour the village visiting the Maya God Maximon and learn about the textiles, spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. Return to hotel via St Catarina Village. (B,L)
- Day 5 - Today guests transfer approx. 1hr to the famous market at Chichi. Time for shopping in this fabulous craft market and an opportunity to see Maya rituals being performed in the Catholic Church before transferring on to Antigua (3hr). Antigua 1 Night (B,L)
- Day 6 - Copan (Honduras) Transfer across Guatemala to Honduras and the pretty colonial village of Copan Ruinas. (B)
- Day 7 - Copan & Bird Park. Guests enjoy a free morning to relax. After lunch they transfer to Yaxha National Park (approx 1hr) to explore this atmospheric lakeside site ending with refreshments & wonderful views at sunset over the rainforest canopy from atop the main temples. (B,L)
- Day 8 - Rio Dulce area - Transfer to Rio Dulce and visit the UNESCO small Mayan Temple site at Quirigua on the way. Boat along the Rio Dulce to Livingston (B)
- Day 9 - Rio Dulce area / Tikal - Explore Livingston on a guided walking tour then journey back downriver to Rio Dulce and transfer to the Tikal area. (B)
- Day 10 - Tikal - Yaxha Sunset Guests enjoy a free morning to relax. After lunch they transfer to Yaxha National Park (approx 1hr) to explore this atmospheric lakeside site ending with refreshments & wonderful views at sunset over the rainforest canopy from atop the main temples. (B)
- Day 11 - Tikal - AM visit of Tikal National park to explore the huge Mayan temples rising above the jungle canopy. Afternoon flight to Guatemala City. (B,L)
- Day 12 - Depart - Transfer to the airport for for ther international flight out (B)
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