10 Day Customized Vacation to Guatemala A
Central America > Guatemala
Guatemala is the soul of Central America, realm of Maya kings and seat of colonial power. Forgotten cities rise from lowland jungle, echoing with the calls of howler monkeys and toucans. Highland market towns bustle energetically, as ancient prayers rise in the smoke of copal incense. Guatemala borders the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize. It is home to volcanoes, rainforests and ancient Mayan sites.
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Day 1: New York, Guatemala City and Antigua
Upon arrival, airport reception outside the luggage claim area. Private transportation
to your in Antigua. This transfer will take approximately 1 hour.
Check in for a three-night stay at El Convento (one double-occupancy Jr. Suite).
Evening at Leisure in Antigua.2
Day 2: Antigua
Morning departure for a privately guided walking tour of historic Antigua. This charming city of ornate churches and cobblestone streets lies at the base of three majestic volcanoes. In 1773, a series of earthquakes nearly destroyed the city. Soon after, the Spanish regional capital was moved to the north, diminishing Antigua’s economic and administrative importance. Happily, this exodus helped preserve the town. In 1979, UNESCO declared Antigua a World Heritage Center in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity. Recommended stops include the Weapons Museum, the Church of La Merced, jade workshops, the Cathedral San José, the ruins of Old San José, and the Church of San Francisco. This tour has an approximate duration of three hours.
After lunch in town your driver and guide will take you to a nearby coffee hacienda for a coffee tour and tasting. Lunch is included in package price.
Evening at Leisure in Antigua.3
Day 3: Antigua
Morning departure for a private transfer to the Pacaya volcano on the outskirts of Guatemala City. The hike to the viewpoint overlooking the flowing lava fields takes around 1.5-2 hours and is very gentle with a wide trail. From the viewpoint, enjoy views of the volcanoes surrounding Antigua and Lake Atitlan, looking back over your
journey in the highlands. A picnic lunch is included in today’s tour.
Evening at Leisure in Antigua.4
Day 4: Antigua to Lake Atitlan
Private transfer to Chichicastenango.
Chichicastenango is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors
from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Transfer from Antigua to Chichicastenango takes approximately 3hrs . After lunch, continue to your hotel in Lake Atitlan
Evening at Leisure in Lake Atitlan5
Day 5: Lake Atitlan
Morning departure for a private boat transfer to two of the twelve villages that surrounds Lake Atitlan. San Juan is famous for its naïf art galleries, town murals and natural dyes textiles. This town is set as an example of organization and tourism destination among the highlands. Its beauty and cooperatives have set it as the
perfect village. Then, boat transfer to Santiago, a village located on the south end.
Lunch is in included at a local venue.
Evening at Leisure in Lake Atitlan6
Day 6: Lake Atitlan
After breakfast, take a boat transfer to Santa Cruz for kayak gear pick up. You will paddle for approximate 45 minutes along delightful peninsulas admiring the shore's beautiful gardens. The views are spectacular with three stunning volcanoes, Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman. After kayaking you will start the hike to Tzununa. The north shore of Lake Atitlan has no true road access, so you will hike along ancient paths that have been used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries.
Evening at Leisure in Lake Atitlan7
Day 7: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City and Flores
Morning at Leisure in Lake Atitlan.
At noon, private transfer to Guatemala City Airport for local flight to Flores.
Upon arrival, airport reception outside the luggage claim area. Private transportation to your hotel. This transfer will take approximately 1 hour.
Check in for a three-night stay at La Lancha - Coppola Hideaways (one double- occupancy Rainforest Jr. suite).
Evening at leisure in Flores
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Day 8: Flores, Lake Atitlan and Flores
Breakfast at La Lancha - Coppola Hideaways
Morning at leisure in Flores
At noon, private transfer to Yaxha archeological site. Yaxha is an archaeological site and ancient ceremonial center of Mayan civilization situated in the northeast of Peten. This site is a mixture of archeology, beautiful landscapes and ecological tourism. With more than 500 structures in the site, including 40 steles, 13 altars and 9 pyramids this site is a must when visiting the area. Your guide will show you the layout and main
temples. Watch an amazing sunset on top of a pyramid.9
Day 9: Flores
Breakfast at La Lancha - Coppola Hideaways
After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park. Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Mayans disappeared and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws and toucans will be on site. After the tour,
enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. ( lunch is included in package price)
Evening at leisure in Flores10
Day 10: Flores, Guatemala City and New York
Breakfast at La Lancha - Coppola Hideaways
After breakfast, private transfer to Flores airport for local flight back to Guatemala City where you will connect with your flight home. This transfer takes approximately 1hour.
