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Guatemala Symphony
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14 Days / 13 Nights, A complete survey of this diverse country including the colonial Indian villages of the Highlands, the exotic Caribbean and the great Maya cities of the Peten Jungle. Daily Breakfasts Included.
Day One
Guatemala City
Arrive Guatemala City to be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day Two
El Baul, La Democracia and Chichicastenango
Morning drive to the archaeological sites of El Baul and La Democracia. At El Baul you will see an assortment of original statues. There is a begging jaguar and his humanoid partner, a squatting Olmecoid figure. In the town of La Democracia you will see gigantic stone heads lining the central park. Afternoon transfer to Chichicastenango for overnight at the Mayan Inn.
Day Three
Chichicastenango and Quetzaltenango
Today is market day at "Chichi" when the village streets are transformed into a massive colorful array of stalls piled high with goods for sale. Nowhere else in Guatemala will you find such a wealth of handicrafts, blankets, shirts, textiles, belts, masks, clay pots, gourds, machetes and locally grown vegetables. After market shopping, usually late afternoon, transfer to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second largest city, for overnight at the Hotel Pension Bonifaz.
Day Four
The Highlands
Morning departure for Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan. En route you will visit the quaint village of Zunil with its enclosed market where thousands of items are spread out over the earthen floor and tended by family members. You will also visit the open-air animal market of San Francisco El Alto and the Church of San Andres Xecul while passing through the Valley of Almolonga. Overnight at Hotel Atitlan on the shore of beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Day Five
Lake Atitlan
Morning boat ride to the picturesque Indian village of Santiago Atitlan, the ancient capital and religious center of the Tzutuhiles. Santiago's market stretches from street to street and it is here where you'll see Maximon, a mysterious religious idol, being closely watched over by an entourage of men assigned the responsibility of protecting the idol. Look for the exquisite cortes and huipiles worn by the woman of the village. Afternoon transfer to the Colonial city of Antigua for overnight at the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel.
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Day Six
Antigua, the Former Spanish Colonial Capital of Central America
Morning tour of Antigua which was founded by the Spaniards in 1543. The city is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored Colonial buildings, stylish arcades, cobbled streets and a festive market area. Places to be visited include: La Conception (the first convent for women in Antigua); the Palace of the Captains General (built in 1776 as a residence of the governor then called Captain General); the Church of San Francisco built in 1579 and originally used by students to study theology, philosophy, canonical law, mathematics and physics. Evening transfer to Guatemala City for overnight.
Day Seven
Copan in Honduras
Early morning drive through the Eastern Guatemala to arrive at the Honduran border. Continue to Copan to explore the beautiful stelae and temples. In the afternoon return to Guatemala for overnight at the Hotel Longarone.
Day Eight
Quirigua
Morning tour of Quirigua archaeological site to see some of the tallest and most beautiful Maya stelae in zoomorphic form. Later continue to Puerto Barrios for overnight at the Green Bay Hotel on the Bay of Amatique.
Day Nine
Rio Dulce and Livingstone
Day Ten
Villahermosa and La Venta Park
Relax and enjoy the lakeside activities. Afternoon transfer to Flores in the Peten Jungle which is home to several Classic Period Maya archaeological sites.
Day Eleven
Ceibal
Morning trip to Ceibal near the La Pasion River. Ceibal stelae are
among the finest and best preserved sculptures of the late Classic
Period. Later return to the Flores area for overnight.
Day Twelve
Yaxha
Today you will visit Yaxha. After Tikal and El Mirador, Yaxha is Guatemala's third largest Maya city. Its ruins are extensive. Of particular interest are the observatory and the massive pyramid complexes and acropolises. Return to Flores area for overnight.
Day Thirteen
Tikal
At Tikal you will visit the "Q" Complex, the Great Plaza, the Grand Jaguar and the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles and Pyramid IV. Pyramid IV is the highest of Maya pyramids, from the top of which a complete view of Tikal can be seen. After lunch you can visit the two local museums that house some of the many pre-Columbian archaeological treasures found in the area. Return to Guatemala City.
Day Fourteen
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
PRICE: adult US $1,780
SCHEDULE: Arrive Guatemala City any Tuesday. Tour ends in Guatemala City 14 days later on Monday.
For tours to this fascinating area, contact Mayatour:
800-392-6292
info@mayatour.com • www.mayatour.com
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