Chichi Market, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, T’zutujil Maya, Copan, Bird Park , Quirigua, Tikal
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival – Antigua
Guests are met & transferred to Antigua (1hr). Overnight in Antigua.
Day 2
Architecture & History Tour (B)
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 Francisco Church. All entrances are included. Free Afternoon. Overnight in Antigua.
Day 3
Azotea Coffee Farm, Maya Museum (B)
Guests visit the local woodcarvers in the village of Jocotenango & then the fabulous Azotea Coffee Farm & Maya Traditions Museums covering traditional music, costume & traditions. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlan (2.5hrs). Overnight in Lake Atitlan area.
Day 4
Lake Tour (San Juan, Santiago) (B,L)
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. Overnight in Lake Atitlan area.
Day 5
Chichi Market (B,L)
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). Overnight in Antigua.
Day 6
Copan (Honduras) (B)
Transfer across Guatemala towards the border with Honduras. Just across the border guests are in the pretty colonial village of Copan Ruinas (5hrs). Free afternoon to relax or explore this pretty colonial town. Overnight in Copan.
Day 7
Copan & Bird Park (B,L)
Guests will be met at their hotel and transfer to the Maya Site of Copan. Enjoy a private guided tour of Copan Ruins site with its famous hieroglyphic staircase, ball court and tunnels. Lunch is in the tropical bird park where guests can also enjoy a visit of this beautiful facility looking after rescued tropical
birds & working to educate people about conservation. Overnight in Copan.
Day 8
Transfer to Rio Dulce (B)
Transfer across Guatemala through the central desert region to the lush tropical area at Rio Dulce (5 hrs). Visit the beautiful, UNESCO protected small Mayan Temple site at Quirigua along the way. Once at Rio Dulce guests will board a boat for a scenic trip along Rio Dulce (Trf time depends on hotel) to their riverside hotel. Overnight in Rio Dulce/Livingston.
Day 9
Rio Dulce (B)
Cruise the Rio Dulce River through the central canyon and down to the Garifuna town of Livingston on the Coast. Explore Livingston and then journey back downriver to Rio Dulce and per chance see the elusive Manatee. Once back at Rio Dulce board the transfer to the Tikal area (3-4hrs). Overnight in Tikal area.
Day 10
Yaxha Sunset (B)
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. Overnight in Tikal area.
Day 11
Tikal (B,L)
Today guests transfer to Tikal National park (approx 1hr) to explore the amazing UNESCO protected Mayan Temple site of Tikal where huge Mayan temples rise above the jungle canopy and monkeys and tropical birds are abundant in the surrounding rainforest. After lunch guests have time to relax
and refresh and will fly back to Guatemala City (30min) where they will be transferred to their hotel. (Approx 10min) Overnight in Guatemala City.
Day 12
Transfer Out (B)
This morning our driver will transfer guests to the airport (approx 10mins) in plenty of time to catch their flight.
800 559 5192
