Eco-cultural Guatemala: 11-Day Tour

Your sojourn in Guatemala will give you the opportunity to familiarize with the past and colonial architecture and also to some enchanting natural spots. We will visit: Antigua, Atitlán, Chichicastenango, Cobán, Lanquin Caves or K'anba caves, Cahabón river, and Semuc Champey´s travertine pools.

DAY 1. Airport - Antigua. At your arrival at the Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you will be transfers to the colonial town of Antigua. Lodging.

DAY 2. Antigua. Today, we will tour the colonial city full of architecture and history. You will be transported 300 year back in time, Antigua, named so by the beauty and greatness of the colonial buildings The City was founded in 1542 as the capital of Guatemala and later on the one for Central America. During the tour you will visit several architectonic jewels. In the afternoon we can propose you 2 or 3 hours biking tour around Antigua or visit few villages or also just enjoying the surrounding by wandering in the center of Antigua.

DAY 3. Antigua - Chichicastenango - Atitlán. Early in the morning, departure toward the Northern Highlands, to the native town of Chichicastenango where we will visit one of the most colorful indigenous market in Central America. During the visit of the impressive open market. Here you will encounter some of the most beautiful artwork, textiles and leather products in Guatemala. Then you will visit the church of Santo Tomas, built on the remains of a Mayan temple, where catholic and pagan rites take mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will go to the Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world, surrounding by three volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman.

DAY 4. Atitlán - Guatemala. We will cross (leaving at 9:30 from Panajachel) the Lake by boat to reach Santiago Atitlán, a Tz'utujil Maya town on the south side of the lake. This town is a favorite goal of day-trippers who cross the lake by boat from Panajachel, arrive mid-day, spend a couple of hours buying from the justly famous artisans, and admiring the unique indigenous costume of Santiago.

Women in Santiago still wear the famous "halo" head wrap made famous by the 25-centavo coin. We have few hours to prowl about Santiago's narrow streets, visit the ancient Catholic church; learn something of Santiago's tragic experiences during the violence in the 1980s; visit the shrine of the cult of Maximón, observing the fervors of the pilgrims who come to prey and offering flowers, liquors, candles, cigars, (an explanation about the Mayan spirituality will be presented). And, of course, there's shopping to be done at the artisans' shops lining the main street.

After returning to Panajachel, transfer to Guatemala City. Lodging.

DAY 5. Guatemala - Cobán. We will leave early this morning, in direction of Coban. After breakfast on the road we will stop at the Reserve Biotopo del Quetzal, to walk through the pristine forest. Finish our short hike, we continue to Coban, where we will stretch our legs in the central park and have lunch. Later on we are heading to Lanquin where we will spend the night at the Hotel el Recreo. Around nearby we will go visit the Caves of Lanquin which are series of humid caverns where chemical erosion and deposition have left a variety of land forms.

DAY 6. Cobán - Copán. In the morning we are going to Semuc Champey, located in a high-sided limestone canyon covered by verdant tropical forest. Semuc Champey consists of several warm, shallow travertine pools that you will enjoy swimming. After we will take the road back to Cobán and continue our long drive to reach Copán. Lodging.

DAY 7. Copán. The day will be taken to explore Copan ruins which was considered capital city of the outmost south influence of the Mayan World, during the golden era (250 A.C. - 900 A.C.), and the Museum, located only a one kilometer of the town and wondering in this beautiful town. We will also visit the bird reserve Mountain Macaw. We will spend the second night in Copán.

DAY 8. Copan - Quiriguá - Rio Dulce. Leaving around 8:00, we are back in Guatemala, heading first to Quirigua, where you can admire the largest stelae ever sculpted by the Maya, after that short visit we continue on the road in direction of Fronteras known as Rio Dulce, after lunch we will go to Finca Paraiso, where you can enjoy swimming on the side of a cold and also hot waterfall. At the end of the day you will be taken by boat to your hotel, the Catamaran, located on the shore of the river.

DAY 9. Rio Dulce - National Park Tikal. In the morning we will visit the Rio Dulce, navigating and touring, where you will have a taste of the Caribbean's life style. Later on you are taking the road in direction of Tikal the National Park. Lodging.

DAY 10. National Park Tikal - Guatemala City. Early morning you can enjoy the sunrise from one of the temple and also touring all morning the National Park. In the afternoon, you will be driven to Santa Elena Airport for your return to Guatemala City, where you will spend your last night.

DAY 11. Guatemala - Airport. Transfer to the airport to take your flight back to your country. If your flight is after midday, we propose you a small tour of Guatemala City, especially to visit the museum of textile, Ixchel and also the little archeological museum of Popol Vuh.

Service includes: Accommodations, land and air transportation inside Guatemala, bilingual guide, private transportation with a/c van, entrance fees, local taxes.

Price: Contact us for details.