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Guatemala Adventure Tour
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Pacaya volcano |
You are a group or individuals , you are looking for a resolutely natural way to discover Guatemala through trekking , while being attentive to the cultural and environmental richness : here is a tour for you !
13 days / 12 nights trip
4 days of hiking and 2 days in the jungle
Difficulty level of the walk : moderate |
Visit Antigua . Climb volcano Santa María . Observe 2 active volcanoes : Santiaguito and Pacaya . Visit a coffee plantation. Discover Lake Atitlán "off the beaten path". Visit 3 of the most famous Indigenous markets in Guatemala : Sololá , Almolonga and Chichicastenango . Explore Aguateca 's site through the river. Discover Tikal 's archeological site.
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Day 1
Friday |
Arrival.
Reception at the airport. Spend the night in Antigua. |
Day 2
Saturday |
Antigua.
Discover Antigua, the splendid country´s colonial jewel. A visit to this old city, former capital of Guatemala during the Spanish era. In this once-flourishing capital, although victim of devastating earthquakes, one can feel the ambiance of its colonial architecture. Side-streets are enlivened by the interaction of Indians, "Ladinos" and tourists. Spend the night in Antigua. |
Day 3
Sunday |
Pacaya volcano.
Departure in the early morning to the village of San Francisco De Sales and the Pacaya volcano (2580 mts). After a short one hour ascent, depending on the activity of this "strombolian" volcano, we observe eruptions or approach Pacaya's main crater. Departure to Retalhuleu, village on the Pacific plain, and then to a coffee plantation. Spend the night in the place. |
Day 4
Monday |
Coffee plantation.
Visit of the plantation and optional excursion to the archeological site of Takalik Abaj. Then leave for the town of Quetzaltenango, the capital of the indigenous highlands, surrounded by volcanoes. Spend the night in Quetzaltenango. |
Day 5
Tuesday |
Volcano Santa María.
From the indigenous village of El Llano del Pinal (altitude: 2400 mts). 25 minutes by bus from Quetzaltenango, we hike up through a beautiful pine forest to an altitude of 3770 mts. From the top of Santa María, it is possible to see ten of the highest peaks of the country, one of the most beautiful views in all the cordillera. Afternoon in the Hot Springs Las Georginas. Return to Quetzaltenango.
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Day 6
Wednesday |
Quetzaltenango 's surroundings.
We visit the indigenous market of Almolonga. Multi-colored textiles and flowers combine for a fascinating spectacle.Then, we visit textile workshops and the churches of San Andrés Xecul, San Cristobal Totonicapan and Salcajá, the oldest church of Central America. Departure to Chichicastenango. Spend the night in the village. |
Day 7
Thursday |
Chichicastenango's market.
We visit one of the most beautiful Indian markets in Guatemala with its multi-colored Mayan textiles, flowers and fruits. Mayan shamans perform millenary rituals on the steps of the Catholic church. In the afternoon, departure to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán).
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Day 8
Friday |
Trek Santa Cruz - San Juan .
By boat we reach Santa Cruz La Laguna. Then, we circle the lake by small trails, passing through the villages of Jaibalito, Tzununá, San Marcos and San Pablo. During the hike, we see the daily life of the Cakchiquel and Tzutuhil Indians. In spite of the Spanish colonization, they have maintained continuity with the flourishing time of the Classic Mayan age. Spend the night in San Juan.
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Day 9
Saturday |
Cerro Cristalinas.
From San Juan we climb to the mountain Cristalinas and reach Santa Clara, a pretty Mayan village that overlooks the lake. We come down to San Juan and the hotel passing coffee and corn fields. |
Day 10
Sunday |
Santiago Atitlán.
We reach by boat Santiago Atitlán, a village rich in handicraft and traditional fabrics. There, we witness the ceremony of those who revere Maximón, a contemporary Mayan god. We cross Lake Atitlán to Panajachel and leave for Guatemala City .
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Day 11
Monday |
Aguateca.
Early in the morning, we fly to Flores and the jungle of the Petén. By road and then by boat on the river Río De La Pasion and the river Río Petexbatún, we discover the tropical forest in the mysterious site of Aguateca. Return to Flores.
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Day 12
Tuesday |
Tikal.
Early in the morning, departure to Tikal. We begin our visit of this exceptional site. Deep within the jungle, this immense Mayan metropolis holds the mysteries of a fascinating civilization. The crests of temples emerge from the jungle canopy. The temple of the Great Jaguar, the Temple of Masks or the Lost World are amazing. In Tikal, fauna, flora and the ruined city create a unique setting. In the afternoon, we fly to Guatemala City.
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Day 13
Wednesday |
Flight back.
Depending on the departure time of the flight, we may have the opportunity to visit Guatemala City (Central Park, a 3-D map of the country, National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, etc.).
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For your convenience, this tour can be adapted in accordance with current traditional festivals
Prices (2008) in US $, per person, double room accommodation, for groups of :
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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1,375
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1,180
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1,080
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1,080
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980
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980
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N.B.: prices are based on adults. Reductions for children under 12.
Prices include :
- accommodation in 2 / 3 star hotels with american breakfa sts ;
- all transportation;
- the flight from Flores to Guatemala City;
- Spanish speaking guide services for Pacaya volcano, coffee plantation, Santa Maria volcano and the Lake Atitlán hikes (2 days) ;
- picnic during Aguatecal's visit, dinner and lunch in the coffee plantation.
Prices do not include :
- international flights;
- airport taxes;
- other meals;
- drinks and personal expenses;
- sites entrance fees;
- insurance.
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Additional costs, in US $, (prices per person):
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single room supplement : US $ 235
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half board (dinners) : US $ 160
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English speaking guide during the whole trip, for groups of :
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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+ 715
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+ 477
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+ 358
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+ 286
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+ 239
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+ 205
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