Travel to Guatemala: Highlands of Guatemala Tour

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Highlands of Guatemala Tour

			DAYS: 9 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $1675 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Antigua city tour Totonicapan market Lake Atitlan Chichicastenango Los Tarrales Reserve birdwatching Mayan Archaeological sites ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] SEASON: Year-round Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Enjoy our in-depth, highly personal, guided exploration of the dramatically scenic and culturally rich highlands of central Guatemala. Lush forests, farmlands of rich volcanic soil, crater lakes and volcanic peaks accent a land of ancient and contemporary Maya life. Explore beyond the main village streets to witness ancient native rituals, and cultural traditions. Visit ancient Maya and Spanish colonial cities, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Antigua and the Mayan ruins of Tak'alik Ab'aj and Iximche. At Lake Atitlan we take time to experience the natural beauty of Guatemala's scenery and natural history. Immerse yourself in color, handicrafts and techniques passed on for generations by visiting famous craft markets and workshops of local artisans. Led by experienced local guides, you'll have opportunities to make life connections with people as you walk their land, learn about daily life and listen to stories about their resilient past.

DAY 1 :  ANTIGUA
Met and warmly received after your international flight touches down in Guatemala City by your guide, a 45 minute drive brings you to Antigua, Latin Americas premier colonial city. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former capital of Guatemala is a strikingly beautiful city, rich in history. Visitors and locals alike casually congregate in the central plaza sitting and strolling, watching the world go by. Overnight at the centrally located Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. [D]

Experience a true Guatemalan highland market in Chichicastenango as you browse authentic Mayan handicrafts, weavings and pottery.

DAY 2 :  CHICHICASTENANGO
Arise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango, a magical and sometimes misty highland town surrounded by valleys and looming mountains. The setting is captivating and the lively K'iche Maya indigenous market draws craftsmen and villagers from all over the highlands. The market is not only the main economic focus of this highland village but an important social and cultural event where K'iche indigenous people gather to barter, buy and sell. Take ample time to stroll through the streets, browse and purchase native handicrafts, and observe ancient native rites of burning incense, spreading flower petals and burning candles in the Santo Tomas Church. Although the rites are Mayan and not Catholic, the Catholic Church has allowed the Maya to practice religion in their own manner since the 17th century. After lunch, depart for the shores of Lake Atitlan, a caldera lake whose crystal blue waters are flanked by three spectacular volcanoes.Overnight at Hotel Atitlan or similar on Lake Atitlan. [BLD]

	Lake Atitlan is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and picturesque indigenous Mayan villages.

DAY 3 :  LAKE ATITLAN
Ringed by rugged green ridgelines, towering volcanoes and twelve indigenous villages, the sparking deep blue Lake Atitlan is truly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. After enjoying breakfast at our lakeside accommodations, we board a "lancha" for a boat tour of the lake, en route to the village of San Juan La Laguna. The boat ride across the lake takes about an hour. Along the way, we'll spot several red-roofed villages perched on the steep hillsides cascading down to the lake and wave to fisherman in traditional dugout canoes pulling in their early-morning catch. San Juan La Laguna is a traditional Mayan community where most speak Tz'utujil, one of 23 indigenous Mayan dialects in Guatemala. Closely related to the larger Kaqchikel and K'iche native tongues, there are about 84,000 native Tz'utujil speakers today, concentrated in the southern corner of Lake Atitlan. Spanish is a distant second language for many in the community, so practice your Tz'utujil phrases! (Here's a primer: thank you: malty-ush; good morning: sack-iri; how are you: uutz-aawach). 

With our guide, we'll explore the town and witness the strong sense of community pride which exists there. We'll visit a women's weaving cooperative and sitting side by side with these artists, learn the traditional weaving and dying methods used by the Maya for generations. Depending on your interests, you may also visit a medicinal plant and natural products cooperative or the local Mayan-Catholic deity, "San Simon" and learn about the unusual gifts and rituals offered by local people in hopes of bringing good luck. You can also do an easy hike up above the village through the coffee fields to a lookout point over the lake with spectacular views of San Pedro volcano. The viewpoint gives you a new perspective and the chance to learn more about the complex of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan and how the lake itself was formed by a collapsed volcano. After this full day of exploration, we'll return to Hotel Antigua in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Atitlan or similar on Lake Atitlan. [BLD]

DAY 4 :  TOTONICAPAN
This highland city is nestled in a valley at 8,000 feet and boasts the highest concentration of Maya people in Guatemala, many of whom have retained their ancient traditions. Our full day walking tour includes visits to artisans workshops, homes, and a colorful non-tourist market. Learn from weavers about Mayan looms, explore a potters studio, and enjoy an informal lecture and colorful ceremonial demonstrations at the Morera, the center for traditional dance and costume making. Lunch is delicious home-cooked fare, served in a small, private courtyard, accompanied by a live marimba band. This afternoon, as we descend from the highlands to the Pacific plains, we'll stop to soak in the hot springs Fuentes Georginas, high above the agriculturally important villages of Zunil and Almolonga. Overnight at the Takalik Maya Lodge or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  TAK'ALIK AB'AJ
Learn about recent discoveries at Tak'alik Ab'aj.

The pre-classic Mayan site of Tak'alik Ab'aj is well preserved and plays a significant role in the archaeological record by bridging the intriguing gap between the Olmec and Maya Civilizations. Here you will have the opportunity to view the remnants of both cultures lying in the same surroundings. After a morning visit to the site view one of Guatemala's most important exports - coffee. Walk through fields in the lush coastal atmosphere, feel the soil and see why this environment produces such rich and earthy beans that are enjoyed worldwide. This afternoon enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Madre volcanic chain as your private driver/guide follows the coastal route of the Pacific plains to overnight at the Los Tarrales Reserve or similar. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  LOS TARRALES RESERVE
This morning enjoy a walk through a tropical flower farm and coffee plantation and mill (during harvest time October - May).  Many trails lead out from the plantation into primary lowland forest and cloud forest that has been dutifully preserved along the volcanic steeps surrounding farm. This is an excellent area for spotting birds that are exclusive to the southern coastal such as the long-tailed manakin, cinnamon hummingbird, berylline hummingbird, azure-rumped tanager, and three types of parakeet. Continuing north well enter the Maya Cakchiquel region where the first Spanish capitol city of Guatemala was founded in 1524 to overnight at a local farm and ranch. Overnight at San Ricardo Farm and Lodge or similar. [BLD]

DAY 7 :  CAKCHIQUEL REGION
Today you'll be immersed in the culture of the Maya Cakchiquel region and explore the pre-Columbian Mayan capitol city of Iximche. For those interested in active pursuits, you can explore the 140 acres of nature trails around San Ricardo and choose to ride mountain bikes along an easy trail to the Iximche ruins. For lunch, we'll visit the indigenous village and the farming community of Xenotox. Guided by local farmers, we'll walk through the fields and discuss how their farming techniques relate to Mayan spirituality, their modern way of life, as well as the economics of small town subsistence. You'll be warmly welcomed into your host's home for an authentic lunch and back-strap loom weaving demonstration. This technique is passed down through generations and is still widely used today to make textiles. Late in the afternoon, transfer to Antigua for dinner and overnight at Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. Tonight you can explore the excellent cuisine and nightlife of Antigua at your leisure. Your guide will give you personal recommendations for where to dine and drink! [BL]

Antigua's history unfolds before you as you explore monasteries, churches, and haciendas.

DAY 8 :  ANTIGUA
Today with our guide by your side, walk along the cobblestone streets among the monasteries, restored churches, and old haciendas of Antigua for a stunning and informative inside look at the former colonial capital of Guatemala and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guides will help make the most of a free afternoon to explore, shop and dine on your own. Overnight in Antigua at Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. [BL]

DAY 9 :  RETURN HOME OR EXTENSION TO TIKAL, COPAN OR BELIZE
Transfer to the international airport for your return flight home or begin optional trip extension to Tikal or Copan, Honduras pr nearby Belize. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Tad Bradley 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453