Travel to Guatemala: Guatemala Highlands Tour

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Guatemala Highlands Tour

			DAYS: 8 GRADE: I define PRICE: From $1695 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Guatemala City tour Totonicapan Lake Atitlan Panajachal Chichicastenango Antigua Optional extension tours to Tikal or Copan 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 Mayan 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, Guatemala and the Mayan sites of Takalik Abaj 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. Make real life connections with people as you walk their land and learn their day to day activities and intricacies of their resilient past.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY

Airport reception and transfer to your hotel in Guatemala City. Early arrivals (by 1:00pm) can add a tour of Guatemala City with stops at historical museums and cultural centers (not included). Welcome dinner and trip briefing with your guides. Overnight in Guatemala City at San Carlos or similar. [D]

DAY 2 :  TAKALIK ABAJ

Enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Madre volcanic chain as your private driver/guide follows the coastal route of the Pacific plains and then proceeds to the pre-classic Mayan site of Takalik Abaj. This site 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 remnants of both cultures lying in the same surroundings.  Drop off your gear at a nearby lodge and have a bite to eat before heading off to view one of Guatemalas modern exports, coffee. Walk through fields in the lush costal atmosphere, feel the soil and see why this environment produces such rich and earthy beans that are enjoyed worldwide. Overnight at the Takalik Lodge or similar. [BLD]

Note: Optional Upgrade: Get a birds eye view of the stunning highland topography by taking a brief early morning flight to get to the Pre-classic Mayan site of Takalik Abaj.

DAY 3 :  TOTONICAPAN

Enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Madre volcanic chain as your private driver/guide follows the coastal route of the Pacific plains and then proceeds up the scenic mountain road to 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. Mid-afternoon transfer (about 90 minutes) to Lake Atitlan on a scenic road that climbs to 11,000 feet above sea level. Overnight at Posada de Don Rodrigo Hotel or similar in Panajachel. [BL]

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

DAY 4 :  LAKE ATITLAN - PANAJACHEL

Embark on a beautiful boat ride this morning across the lake. Take in expansive views of the San Pedro volcano and watch the Atitlan volcano peek out from behind its shorter neighbor, the Toliman volcano. Arrive in Santiago Atitlan, a small village of the Tzutujil Maya, noted for its paintings, sculpture and embroidery. Stop at the local church where the saints are dressed in colorful fabric by Tzutujil women, and visit the home of Maximon, a deity worshipped by the Maya. Overnight in Panajachel at Posada de Don Rodrigo or similar. [BL]

Browse among the colorful goods at local Guatemalan markets.

DAY 5 :  CHICHICASTENANGO

Arise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango where Quich 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 Toms 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 we will make a scenic drive to the Mayan site of Iximche, one of the areas that the Maya inhabited upon the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. Overnight at Casa Xara or similar. [BL]

DAY 6 :  COMALAPA

Make your way to the Maya Cakchiquel region, stopping at a local school before moving on to the small town of Xenotox. Here, met by local representatives of the farming community, 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. Visit in your hosts home to enjoy a lunch time meal before getting a demonstration on how to use a back-strap loom-a textile tradition that has survived from the Ancient Maya. Continue on to the small town of San Andres Itzapa to view the intriguing Ladino version of Maximon before departing for Antigua. Overnight at the Meson Panza Verde or similar.  [BL]

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

DAY 7 :  ANTIGUA

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 capital of Guatemala. Latin Americas premier colonial city, Antigua is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guides will help make the most of a free afternoon to explore and shop on your own. Overnight in Antigua at Meson Panza Verde or similar. [BL]

DAY 8 :  RETURN TO USA OR BEGIN EXTENSION TO TIKAL OR COPAN
Transfer to the international airport for your return flight to the USA, or begin optional trip extension to Tikal or Copan, Honduras. Because of travel times an overnight stay in either destination is recommended. [Meals on own]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

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