You are traveling on your own-as a couple, family or a group, we will organize you a complete, original and economical trip entirely according to your budget and wishes: contact with Mayan population, archaeology, colonial history, trekking, tropical forest, beach, etc.The tour “Mayan Earth” is for you.
The tour offers a mix of spectacular landscapes, cultural discovery and authenticity. It will introduce you to the heart of the people of this country in a complete 20 days itinerary.
For groups of 2 to 4 participants, you can choose between 2 options: In the budget option, you will travel in shuttles or first class public bus and be hosted in simple but charming hotels that are well located and with good service (private bathroom & hot water)
If you wish more privacy and comfort, we will choose private transfers and 2-3*** stars hotels.
For groups of more than 4 participants, we automatically suggest private transfers and hotels 2-3*.
20 days/19 night’s trip
You will discover the highlands, populated by indigenous villages, where colored markets and richly embroidered clothing mix, and the old majestic colonial capital of Antigua. You will meet and share experiences with a Mayan family in the community of Totonicapán.
On your way to the quiet and friendly Caribbean region, you will discover the site of Copan (in Honduras), the majestical and ceremonial center of Tikal, Aguateca and natural spots in the region of Verapaces: Semuc Champey, Candelaria and Quetzal biotope.
You can make this trip all year round
Wish a different itinerary? Let us design it together. Contact us
Arrival
Reception at the airport. Travel to Antigua (45 minutes) Spend the night in Antigua.
Day 2
sunday
Antigua
A visit to this splendid colonial jewel, former capital of Guatemala during the Spanish era. In this once-flourishing capital, although victim of devastating earthquakes, feel the ambiance of its colonial architecture. Side-streets are enlivened by the interaction of indigenous people, "Ladinos" and tourists. Night in Antigua.
Day 3
monday
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. Transfer to Panajachel (Lake Atitlan).
Day 4
tuesday
Atitlán and its villages
A local guide will come with you to the village of San Juan La Laguna. 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. During the hike, we see the daily life of the Cakchiquel and Tzutujil people. Spend the night in San Juan.
You have the choice between hiking from Santa Cruz to San Juan La Laguna with a local guide or to go directly to San Juan La Laguna by boat if you don’t want to walk.
Day 5
wednesday
Santiago Atitlán
Take a boat to 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 Chichicastenango.
Day 6
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, we will travel to Totonicapán and spend the night with a Mayan family.
Day 7
friday
San Francisco El Alto
Visit of the market of San Francisco El Alto, the largest Indian market of Central America. Near the market of San Francisco El Alto, we will attend Mayan ceremonies in their spectacular natural setting.
In the afternoon, we will travel to nearby city of Quetzaltenango and spend the night there.
Day 8
saturday
Fuentes Georginas
Have a rest in hot springs and natural baths. In the afternoon, transfer to the capital. Night in the capital.
Day 9
sunday
Copán
Departure to Copán (Honduras). Visit one of the most important archeological site of the Mayan era and its museum “Las Esculturas”. Overnight in Copán.
Day 10
monday
Quiriguá and Lívingston Travel to Puerto Barrios. At the archeological site of Quiriguá. You will admire the highest "stones" of the ancient Mayan culture that have been so far discovered. From Puerto Barrios, travel by boat to Livingston. We will spend the night in a hotel facing the Caribbean sea.
Day 11
tuesday
Lívingston
Free day in Lívingston (optional excursions to the beach of Playa Blanca and on the Cocoli river). Spend the night in Lívingston
Day 12
wednesday
Lívingston - Río Dulce
On a boat trip on the Río Dulce from Livingston to Castillo San Felipe, we will enjoy tropical fauna and flora. Bus transfer to Flores. Overnight on the island of Flores.
Day 13
thursday
Yaxhá Early in the morning, transfer to Yaxhá Nakum Naranjo national Park.
Visit of to this superb archaeological site, which is, although not yet very well known, the best restaured one in all of Guatemala (after Tikal).Transfer to Tikal and night in a lodge, on the site of Tikal.
Day 14
friday
Tikal
Visit this incredible ceremonial center and pyramid located in the heart of the tropical forest. Of all the Mayan sites, Tikal is certainly the most impressive one for visitors: the verticality of its structures, the peaks of which emerge through the crown of the jungle. The magic of the sounds emanating from the forest, allow us to understand why Tikal continues to be the principal sacred place of the Mayan priests.Transfer to Flores. Overnight on the island.
Day 15
saturday
Aguateca
Traveling by road and then by boat on the river Río Petexbatún, we discover the tropical forest in the mysterious site of Aguateca. Night in bungalows in the rainforest.
Day 16
sunday
Candelaria
We return to Sayaxché by boat and travel to the National Park of Candelaria, worth visiting for its natural beauty and ritual atmosphere.
Day 17
monday
Lanquín
Transfer to Cobán and then Lanquín. Visit the market of Tactic, a Mayan kekchi village (market, church). Night in Lanquin.
Day 18
tuesday
Semuc Champey
Visit the national park of Semuc Champey: natural pools of crystal clear water from emerald green to turquoise to dark sapphire blue. Transfer to Coban.
Day 19
wednesday
Biotopo del Quetzal
Visit to the biotope in a 1-2 hours walk and enjoy the exuberant vegetation, ancient trees, magnificent orchids, ferns, mosses, flowering bromelias and many other plants that thrive only in the special environment of a tropical cloud forest. Transfer to the capital.
Day 20
thursday
Flight back
Transfer to the international airport for the return flight.
For your convenience, this tour can be adapted in accordance with current traditional festivals
Prices (2012) in US $, per person, double room accommodation, for groups of:
Economical
2
3
4
1,780
1,520
1,400
Comfort
2
3
4
5
6
7
2,375
1,875
1,625
1,625
1,500
1,500
N.B.: prices are based on adults. Reduction for children under 12.
Prices include :
19 nights in 1/2/3* star hotels (according to option), accommodation in double room with "American breakfast";
transportation in shuttles (economical) and private transfers (confort);
local guides for walks (Pacaya and Atitlan);
boat transfers on the Río Petexbatún to the site of Aguateca (D15) ;
boat transfers on Lake Atitlán (D4 and D5) and Caribbean regions (D10 and D12);
picnic during visit to Aguateca and dinner (D15);
dinner in Totonicapan the D6;
excursions mentioned.
Prices do not include:
international flights;
other meals;
airport taxes;
drinks and personal expenses;
others guide services;
entrance fees;
taxes at the Honduran and Nicaraguan borders;
insurance.
Additional costs, in US $ for a single room: US $330 per person.
Specialized English speaking guide in Copán, Yaxhá, Tikal and Aguateca : US $ 480 for the group (optional)
