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Home > Destinations > Central
America > Guatemala > Guatemala Highlands Tour
Guatemala Highlands Tour
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 Heritages Site of Antigua Guatemala and the Mayan sites of Takalik Abaj and Iximche. At Lake Atitln we take time to experience the natural beauty of Guatemalas 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
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. 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 we have the opportunity to view remnants of both cultures lying in the same surroundings. We will drop our gear off at a nearby lodge and have a bite to eat before heading off to view one of Guatemalas modern exports, coffee. This is the perfect environment to see why coffee from Guatemala is world renowned and to enjoy the lush coastal atmosphere and ecology. Overnight at the Takalik Lodge or similar. [BLD]
DAY 3 : TOTONICAPN
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 Totonicapn. 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]
DAY 4 : LAKE ATITLN - PANAJACHEL
Embark on a beautiful boat ride this morning across the lake. Take in expansive views of the San Pedro volcano and watch the Atitln volcano peek out from behind its shorter neighbor, the Tolimn volcano. Arrive in Santiago Atitln, 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]
DAY 5 : CHICHICASTENAGO
Arise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenago where Kiche indigenous people gather to barter, buy and sell. We will have ample time to browse and purchase native handicrafts. 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 were inhabiting upon the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century. Overnight at Casa Xara or similar. [BL]
DAY 6 : COMALAPA
Making our way to the Maya Cakchiquel region, we will stop at a local school before moving on to the small town of Xenotox. Here, met by local representatives of the farming community, we will be led on a 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. We will be invited into one of the homes 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. Before departing for Antigua we will stop at the small town of San Andres Itzapa to the intriguing Ladino version of Maximon. Overnight at the Hotel Antigua or similar. [BL]
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 Hotel Antigua or similar.
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]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 8 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $1695 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 2-3 | 4-10 | Land cost per Adult | $2195 | $1695 |
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| Single Supplement: $450 (click for info) | *Note that the 2008 prices remain subject to revision. A $100 surcharge applies to the December high season departure. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | May 18 - May 25, 2008
Jun 8 - Jun 15, 2008
Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2008
Aug 3 - Aug 10, 2008
Sep 7 - Sep 14, 2008
Oct 5 - Oct 12, 2008
Nov 2 - Nov 9, 2008
Nov 16 - Nov 23, 2008
Dec 7 - Dec 14, 2008
Dec 21 - Dec 28, 2008
(and on request) | (Available upon request) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above including accommodations, local land and air transportation, guided tours and excursions, park and entrance fees, meals as specified [B=Breakfast, CB-Continental Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner], airport & hotel transfers, Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: International air transportation, border & airport taxes, tips and gratuities, optional or suggested services on your own, insurance of any kind, personal expenses, extra beverages & alcoholic drinks, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. Meals, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. You will need to carry about $150-200 per person extra cash and/or credit cards to cover fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. | | | Trip Notes: Add $100 per person for December-January holiday departures. | |
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