The TourGuatemala Team

TourGuatemala.com, an independent tour operator, specializes in taking luxury, escorted groups throughout Guatemala, the kingdom of myth and mystery. The organizers have lived in Guatemala for many years, and will show you fascinating places that you may not find on your own. You will visit classic Mayan sites, Spanish colonial towns, mountains and Lakes, as well as beautiful remote regions and indigenous communities.

Our aim is to share with you our love for the country and its indigenous people, so that you may form a deeper understanding of Mayan history, culture and society, which is very much alive today.

Above all, we want you to have fun, and return home fulfilled, relaxed and happy, having had the trip of a lifetime

TOUR ORGANIZER

• Philippa Myers, born in London and an experienced traveler, has been living in Guatemala with her family for the last 11 years. During this time she has worked exclusively in the tourism industry, owning her own travel agency, tour company, and restaurant. She is now dedicating her time to organizing quality 4-5 star tours to show off this wonderful, little-known country, an exciting, beautiful and cultural alternative to Mexico and Costa Rica.

TOUR LEADER

• James Sim, a highly experienced Spanish speaking, Canadian guide, first arrived in Guatemala as a traveler in 1995. He quickly gravitated toward guiding, and first earned his stripes by taking groups up the massive volcanoes of the western highlands. Since then he has enjoyed taking numerous groups from around the world to all corners of Guatemala. With his extensive local knowledge, and great sense of humor, you can't fail to have the trip of a lifetime.

OUR CLIENTS

• TourGuatemala.com's clients tend to prefer traveling with smaller independent travel specialists, who are able to provide the quality of service and varied itineraries that they are looking for. Our clients have come from all over. Many chose to come on their own, and slightly half tend to be women. The majority have been to countries like Mexico and Costa Rica, but have found their Guatemalan tour superior. Most of our tours are aimed at the over-50 age group, but dates have also been set aside for family orientated groups.

GROUP SIZE

• TourGuatemala.com specializes in leading small groups with size varying from 6-18 people.

ORGANIZE A GROUP AND COME FOR FREE

• If you decide that you would like to get a group of 15 people together, and take on the responsibility of being the main communicator with TourGuatemala.com, we can provide you with your trip for free. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

ACCOMODATION

• The hotels booked for your tour, are the best and most comfortable available in the different areas we visit. Amongst them are a beautiful converted convent dating back to the 17th century, a wonderful family-run eco-lodge in the heart of the jungle, where the food is absolutely superb, and a splendid hotel right on the shores of Lake Atitlan.

TRANSPORT

• A comfortable air-conditioned bus will transport you to most of your destinations, but you will also fly from Tikal/Flores to Guatemala, and travel via boat across Lake Atitlan. And, as we like to take you off the beaten trail a little, there might be a ride on a pickup truck or even one of Guatemala's famous chicken buses!!!

MEALS

• In the escorted group itineraries, all breakfast and either one lunch or dinner are included each day. These are clearly marked on the itinerary included with the pre-departure notes. For those that enjoy a little bit of solitude, we can recommend places for you dine, or you can join the group. Should you have any special meal requests, please let us know about them and we will do our best. Be aware however that traveling in some of the more remote parts of the country will mean that special meals may not be available.

IF THE CLIENT GETS SICK WHILE ON TOUR

• If the client is to get ill, it is usually a tummy bug and if necessary, we can recommend many good doctors. The tour leader is also trained in basic first aid. However, in the unlikely event that a client becomes very sick or injured, your guide will be responsible for helping you out, and arranging for you to be transferred to one of the several excellent private hospitals here in Guatemala. Please refer to your travel insurance to see what health expenses are covered.

STAYING ON

• Should you wish to extend your trip, we would be more than happy to help you with suggestions and any hotel, tour and transport arrangements.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

• Flights to Guatemala are not included in the price of the tour. However, Philippa Myers, the tour organizer is very experienced in booking flights, and will be able to assist you.

TOUR PRICE QUOTES

• Should you request we can give you quotes on any type of itinerary, inclusive and exclusive of meals, with or without a private driver etc 5 Working days should be allowed for these quotes.

PRE DEPARTURE NOTES

• These will be sent to you before the tour begins. The notes will include sections on CLIMATE, CURRENCY, TIPS, VACCINATIONS, WATER, HOTEL INFORMATION, SHOPPING, TELEPHONE, RECOMMENDED READING LIST and a CLOTHES PACKING LIST.

VACCINATIONS

• Customers will be provided with pre-departure notes with a detailed list of what vaccinations are recommended for Central America.