You’ll never forget Guatemala where the age-old traditions are a blend of Christian and Mayan elements. Spend one night in Guatemala City, the gayest city in Guatemala, before venturing off on an inspiring experience. Your introduction to this unique world begins with 2 nights in Tikal, the most breathtaking of all the ancient Mayan cities. The sight of the pyramids rising above the lush green canopy of the jungle is unforgettable. And we will spend ample time there to marvel at the temple’s beauty. Then we’ll take you to Chichicastenango, a remote colonial town where Spanish Catholic piety and traditional pre-Christian Mayan rites exist side by side. We’ll travel into the mountains to the ancient shrine of the Mayan earth god where villagers still come to make offerings. Back in Chichicastenango, visit the market, which offers a stunning array of Mayan crafts. Then it’s off to Lake Atitlan for a cruise on a private launch across the lake to a traditional Indian village. The journey ends at Antigua, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America, where the baroque towers of the city are set against the backdrop of three soaring volcanoes.

Day 1 – USA/GUATEMALA CITY
Depart the USA on a regularly scheduled flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Camino Real. Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax. This evening gather for a festive welcome dinner.

Day 2 – GUATEMALA CITY/FLORES (TIKAL)
After breakfast drive to the airport in Guatemala City for our flight to Flores. Check in to the Camino Real Hotel Tikal on the shore of Lake Peten Iza. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – TIKAL
Explore the ancient metropolis of Tikal, one of the oldest and largest Mayan cities. Set within a wildlife preserve, watch for monkeys and exotic birds including macaws and toucans. Lunch is in the park. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 –- FLORES/GUATEMALA CITY/CHICHICASTENANGO
After breakfast fly to Guatemala City and drive to the Indian town of Chichicastenango. En route enjoy the spectacular scenery in this mountains region and the colorful traditional dress of the native population who are trading and selling their goods and wares along the route. Our accommodations in Chicastenango are at the colonial-style Santo Tomas Hotel. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 5 – CHICHICASTENANGO/LAKE ATITLAN
Spend the morning at the fascinating Indian market before continuing to Lake Atitlan where we overnight in the lovely lakeside village of Panajachel at Hotel Atitlan, surrounded by spectacular gardens. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 6 – LAKE ATITLAN
Enjoy a boat ride across the lake to Santiago Atitlan, a traditional village renowned for its hand woven textiles. Lunch is at a restaurant in town.
Day 7 – LAKE ATITLAN
Enjoy the day at leisure to take a walk in the vicinity of the lake or to shop for handicrafts in the town.

Day 8 – LAKE ATITLAN/IXIMCHE/ANTIGUA
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning for the ancient ruins of Iximche. We pass through many Quiche and Cakchiquel Indian villages en route. After our visit of Iximche we continue to the beautiful colonial town of Antigua and the Hotel Porta Antigua. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 9 -– ANTIGUA
Breakfast at the hotel. The colonial city of Antigua has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Visit the church and monastery of San Francisco, the convent of Capuchinas, the Plaza de Armas and the University and Colonial Museums. Lunch is a traditional menu in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the coffee plantation of La Asotea. The evening is at leisure.
Day 10 –- ANTIGUA
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antigua. Relax at the hotel pool, shop in town or take a hike in the mountains. This evening we dine at the hotel.
Day 11 – ANTIGUA/GUATEMALA CITY
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning for the airport in Guatemala City to connect with flights back to the USA.