"Guatemala
and the Living Maya: History,
culture and traditions"
Overlooking Antigua
Guatemala is a colorful mix of
past and present, where the traditions of centuries past can be seen in the
cities, villages and markets of today.
Join us for a comprehensive introduction to this
wonderfully
diverse and beautiful country--the next
scheduled dates are:
February 21
- March 1, 2007
April 25 -
May 3,
2007
October 24 -
November 1, 2007
(although you can also request a trip
to start on practically any Wednesday you wish!)
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Email us for more information, or to
make a reservation
"Guatemala: History,
culture and traditions"
Detailed
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
On your arrival to the "La Aurora" airport in Guatemala
City, you will be met and taken to the colonial old capitol of Antigua. You will stay the
next two nights in the Posada de Don Rodrigo (or equivalent), an historic hotel brimming
with colonial atmosphere.
After settling in, you will enjoy your welcome dinner--a great start
to a great trip!
Distributing school supplies in Antigua
Day 2: Antigua
Full day tour of Antigua, a UNESCO World heritage site. You will visit the
Capuchinas Convent, San Francisco church and the Casa Kojom, a museum of Mayan Music and a
working coffee plantation.
Take time to visit the local markets and shops to get your first glimpse (but not
your last!) at the great quality and variety of native handicraft available in Guatemala.
Optional activity: Climbing Pacaya Volcano--an active volcano and a great day
hike!
Day 3: San Francisco del Alto & Lake Atitlan
Transfer from Antigua to the town of San Francisco el Alto. Attend
the local market and witness native vendors and buyers--you will probably be the only
visitors at this very local market.
Wendy and a Mayan girl at Palopo
In the afternoon transfer to Panajachel where a boat will be waiting
to take us to our quaint hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the Hotel La Casa del Mundo
(or an equivalent hotel in Panajachel for those who do not want to scale the 50+ stairs at
the scenic "Casa").
Lake Atitlan
Day 4: Santiago de Atitlan &
San Juan la Laguna
Early boat ride to the native village of Santiago de Atitlan. Witness the time
honored rituals of the pagan saint Maximon. Spend the day marveling at the local handicrafts and
religious ceremonies.
Maya ladies at Santiago de Atitlan
Following lunch you will visit San Juan, an unspoiled Maya village on the lake
where a new woman's weaving cooperative is positively changing the lives and ideas of all
who it touches. You will see this, and also have the chance to purchase their
quality products before returning to Panajachel.
San Juan Women's Weaving Cooperative members (with backstrap
loom weaver)
Day 5: Chichicastenango
Transfer to the market in Chichicastenango, home of one of the most vibrant
open-air markets in Latin America. Witness the abundant local wares and the
festivities/dances of the native peoples. In addition, you can also visit Maya ritual
sites and religious ceremonies.
Return to Panajachel and the Hotel La Casa del Mundo.
"Chichi" market scene
Day 6: Free time and onto Guatemala City
Morning free before stopping at a local weavers home to witness the traditional
weaving on a treadle loom (Optional morning activity: lake kayaking). In the afternoon,
you will be transferred to Guatemala City.
Overnight in Guatemala City at the Hotel Santa Clara.
Day 7: Tikal
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Santa Elena. Transfer to the
magnificent site of Tikal where you will enjoy a full day visit to this incredible ancient
city, considered by most to be the most impressive in the Mayan world.
Great Plaza at Tikal
You will note that most visitors to Tikal are "day trippers"--arriving
in the morning and leaving in mid-afternoon. As such, you will have the park largely to
yourself this afternoon, as you will stay tonight at the Tikal Inn, located in the park
itself.
Staying in the park will give you a greater appreciation for the area and its
abundant flora and fauna--especially the howler monkeys and coatimundis!
Day 8: More Tikal and return to Guatemala City
Early morning birding and nature walk, followed by time free to enjoy this amazing
ancient city as you see fit.
Slaty-Tailed Trogon at Tikal
Late afternoon flight to Guatemala City, here you will stay at the Santa Clara for
your final night in Guatemala.
Enjoy your farewell dinner at Kacao, one of the prettiest restaurants in Guatemala
City.
Day 9: Departure
Depart for home from Guatemala City Airport, where you will be assisted in
checking in.
Thanks for joining us!
Trip price includes:
All lodging,
All meals,
All domestic airfare (Guatemala City to Santa Elena for Tikal),
All excursions (including the full day history and cultural tour of Antigua,
visits to markets at both San Francisco del Alto and Chichicastenango, the cultural tour
of Santiago de Atitlan, the woman's weaving cooperative at San Juan, the treadle-loom
workshop in Palopo, and the overnight stay at Tikal with guided tour and birding walk),
All entrance fees,
All transfers and transportation (land and water),
A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation, and
The services of a bilingual guide throughout the trip.
Trip Prices (dependent on final group size):
5-7 travelers: $1695 per person, double occupancy
8-11 $1595
"
"
12-16 (max)
$1495 "
"
(prices available for
couples and singles too--please contact us!)
Single supplement, if you want your own room throughout: $325
Not included in trip price:
Airfare to and from Guatemala City, Guatemala (airport code GUA), where the trip
begins,
(our US representative, Total
Travel Tours (ask for
Earl Fox) can often find you some great deals—we
recommend calling him at 1-800-732-3023 (during normal business hours, mountain standard time).
Tips for guide, host, drivers, waitresses, hotel staff, etc.
Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
Optional excursions such as lake kayaking or volcano climbing (price depends on
number of participants),
Guatemalan airport tax of $2 for the flights to and from Tikal,
Guatemala departure tax ($30 per person).
This trip can also be scheduled to start on any
Wednesday you desire (subject to holiday blackout) and for ANY group size--from 1-100!
Email us for more information, or to
make a reservation
Copper
Canyon Adventures
