| pm |
Rest,
or take time to explore the fascinating and colorful city of
Antigua. Why not visit Nimpo't, a museum/retail store with the
world's largest collection of Mayan textiles. There are also
dozens of gift, textile, and antique stores to tempt you, plus
the kaleidoscopic outdoor market full of contemporary Mayan artisania.
For those feeling a little more energetic, take a hike up one
of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, Pacaya. |
| |
|
| Day
3 |
SURROUNDING VILLAGES OF SACATEPEPQUEZ |
| am/pm |
Full-day
tour exploring the Mayan villages of the region, including visits
to macadamia and coffee plantations. Appreciate the fabulously
fertile and breathtakingly beautiful countryside that surrounds
Antigua. |
| pm |
Transfer
onto Guatemala City to catch a late-afternoon flight up to Flores,
where you will be met and taken to a wonderful family-run hotel
right in the heart of the jungle. |
| |
  |
| Day
4 |
TIKAL |
| am |
After
a hearty breakfast, transfer on to the Tikal National Park, a
protected area some 370 square kilometers situated on the edge
of the Mayan biosphere reserve. It is home to hundreds of species
including spider monkeys, toucans and parakeets. Enjoy a guided
tour of the mystical, magnificent ruins of the lost Mayan world. |
| pm |
After
lunch, either return to the Park to investigate further, or head
back to the hotel for a leisurely afternoon by the pool. |
| |
|
| Day
5 |
GUATEMALA CITY-LAKE ATITLAN |
| am |
Fly
back to Guatemala City and transfer on to Panajachel, the gateway
to Lake Atitlan. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most spectacular
lakes in the world, flanked by vast volcanoes and mountains. |
| |
|
| Day
6 |
CHICHICASTENANGO |
| am/pm |
Transfer
to Chichicastenango to enjoy the K'iche Mayan market day. As
well as offering an abundance of Guatemalan handicrafts to buy,
it also provides a fascinating insight into local religious practices.
A visit to the Santo Thomas church is a good example of how Mayan
and catholic beliefs collide. Return back to Panajachel in the
afternoon. |
| |
|
| Day
7 |
PANAJACHEL-ANTIGUA |
| am/pm |
Spend your last morning soaking up the
sun rays by the edge of the Lake, and later return to Antigua
and spend the afternoon shopping for last minute souvenirs and
gifts. |
| |
|
| Day
8 |
ANTIGUA-GUATEMALA CITY |
| am |
Time
to say goodbye, as you fly back to your country of origin or
continue on your journey. |
