Mayan Discovery - Luxury

  “Cultural adventures in the Land of the Maya”

Tikal Ruins

Toliman Volcano, Lake Atitlan

Traditional Mayan Dress

Mayan Family, Lake Atitlan

Kathy Buying a Huipil

NTIGUA -  COFFEE FARM – TRADITIONS MUSEUM – LAKE ATITLAN  -  BOAT TOUR – CHICHICASTENANGO MARKET – YAXHA - TIKAL

The “Mayan Discovery Tour” is a perfect introduction to Guatemala and the culture of the Mayan people, both past and present.  The tour features visits to the UNESCO  colonial city of Antigua, the volcano rimmed Lake Atitlan, the colorful indigenous market of Chichicastenango and the famous ancient rainforest cities of Yaxha and Tikal.
Category Cultural / Sightseeing
Length 9 Days
Type Independant Guided Escorted
Group 4 - 12
Rating Easy
Start / End

Guatemala City

 
Cost  Independant Guided Escorted

  $1915            $2175          $2425
Single Supplement $ 595

 

Dates 2008:

 

Independent & Guided Tours every Tuesday & Saturday

 

Escorted by request

Itinerary:   Mayan Discovery - Luxury

                             Days 1-2  ANTIGUA – WALKING TOURS - CITY MARKET           

                             Upon arrival in Guatemala City, we transfer to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua.  The city walking tour along the  cobblestone streets will lead us past many beautiful parks and ruined monasteries, and include tours to La Merced, the Cathedral and San Francisco Church.  The tourist and local markets are not to be missed.

                             Day 3  MARKET COFFEE FARMS & MAYA TRADITIONS MUSEUM

                             Guided tours to a coffee farm and Maya Traditions Museum will help us to learn more about the everyday traditions of the Maya people.

                             Days 4-5  COMALAPA MARKET - LAKE ATITLAN – PANAJACHEL - SANTAIGO VILLAGE

                             Father into the highlands, we visit the  colorful local market of Comalapa before reaching Lake Atitlan, described by many as “the most beautiful lake in the world”.  From the lake side town of Panajachel, we will embark on a day long boat cruise to visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago, home to the local Mayan image of Maximon.

                             Day 6  CHICHICASTENANGO MARKET

                             Today we visit Chichicastenango, one of Central America’s largest and most colorful craft markets.

                             Day 7  PETEN – YAXHA – JUNGLE HIKE & BOAT RIDE

                             Morning transfer to Guatemala City and  flight to Flores in the northern lowland jungles of the Peten region.  A boat ride and jungle hike will lead us to the impressive Mayan site of Yaxha .

                             Days 8-9  TIKAL - GUATEMALA CITY

Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  is truly one of the most impressive ancient cities in the entire world and a must see for any visitor to Guatemala.  A guided tour of this ancient rainforest city with it’s massive stone temples, jungle wildlife and mystical setting is certain to be the highlight of your stay. An afternoon flight back to Guatemala City and early morning departure for home will complete our journey into the “Land of the Maya”

 

Our Mayan Discovery – Luxury Tour follows the same itinerary as the Mayan Discovery Tour, however it features a full American breakfast each day, private transfers and tours and accommodations are in some of Guatemala’s finest hotels ( Antigua – Casa Santo Domingo, Lake Atitlan – Hotel Atitlan, Tikal Area – Camino Real Tikal, Guatemala City – Westin Camino Real)

Detailed Itinerary

 

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Detailed Itinerary Mayan Discovery - Luxury

Note:  The itinerary described below is similar for all three types of tour options – independent, guided and escorted.  The prices vary because of the level of guiding services provided.

 

                   Day 1

Upon your arrival in Guatemala City, you will be welcomed to the “Land of Eternal Spring” by a Baymount representative and transferred to the colonial city of Antigua.  A tour briefing will follow your check in at Casa Santo Domingo, a beautiful colonial hotel constructed over a ruined monestary.

Day 2

The morning will be dedicated to exploring the beautiful colonial city of Antigua that was founded in the 16th century and declared a UNESCO Patrimony to Humanity in 1979.

Insight into the cities historical roots and religious life will be uncovered as we visit three of the cities most historic sites – La Merced, the main cathedral and San Francisco Church.

The afternoon will be free to enjoy many of the cities other sites and attractions, including the jade factory and local markets. (B) Hotel – Casa Santo Domingo

Day 3

Guatemala is famous for its coffee and for its strong hold on its Mayan traditions.  Guests will enjoy insights into both of these on a guided tour of the Azotea working coffee farm and Museum and the Maya Traditions Museum.  Enjoy learning about the history and processes of coffee production as well as the traditional instruments, music, textiles and everyday traditions of the Maya people.

The afternoon is free to further explore the splendors of Antigua. (B) Hotel – Casa Santo Domingo

Day 4

Today we transfer deeper into the highlands, first to visit with local artists in the bustling and colorful market at Comalapa.  After a traditional lunch, it’s onto Lake Atitlan.  Fasten your seat belt and grab the camera as we descend the winding mountain road though the village of Solola and into Panajachel.  The crystal blue waters of the lake, set deep in an ancient crater and surrounded by the towering volcanoes of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan, provide one of the most stunning vistas in all of Guatemala .  It is difficult to deny the claim made by many that “Atitlan is the most beautiful lake in the world”.

After our hotel check in we will want to visit the many artisan stalls and cafes along Panajachel’s  “main drag” . (B,L) Hotel – Hotel Atitlan.

Day 5 

Today our guests will take a private boat tour across the lake to explore the traditional villages San Juan La Laguna, Santiago and Santa Catarina and experience the local indigenous customs, traditions, dress and crafts. In Santiago, your guide will show guests where the local Mayan community worship an image called Maximon, as well as other “cofradia” houses where other Maya Gods are revered. (B,L) Hotel – Hotel Atitlan

Day 6

Chichicastenango is famous for its large market where craftsmen and villagers from all over the highlands converge to sell their wares. Following lunch we’ll transfer back to Antigua. (B,L) Hotel – Casa Santo Domingo

Day 7

This morning we will transfer to Guatemala City and catch the flight to the lowland jungles of the northern Peten region. Once in Flores, we will transfer to the Villa Maya Hotel on the shores of beautiful Lake Peten Itza.  After lunch and a brief rest, it’s off to Yaxha National Park where we will enjoy the sights and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys, as well as the many colorful tropical birds and mammals of the jungle. Sunset drinks enjoyed on top of the main temple and a jungle exit by torch light is an incredible way to end our day.  (B,D)  Hotel – Camino Real Tikal

Day 8

For many visitors, today will be the highlight of their trip to Guatemala.  As we explore this UNESCO World heritage Site, our local guide will unravel the mysteries surrounding the rise and sudden decline of this ancient civilization, their architectural genius, as well as the flora and fauna that envelop Tikal and the El Peten region.

 In mid afternoon we will take the return flight to Guatemala City.  Our farewell dinner and overnight will be at the Westin Camino Real  Hotel.  (B,L,D)

                   Day 9

Unfortunately today is departure day and following an early morning breakfast, we transfer to the international airport in Guatemala City for our flight home. (B)

 

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

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Services of bilingual Guatemalan tour guide throughout the entire tour.

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A local bilingual tour guide on selected tours

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All tours and transfers on a private basis only

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All ground transportation in private air conditioned vehicles

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Air transportation and taxes on flight from Guatemala City to Flores and return

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Full American Breakfast each day and other meals as per itinerary

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All hotels as per itinerary. 

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All costs for tours, guides, entrance fees and local taxes.

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All Guatemalan government and hotel taxes

 

SERVICES & PRICES QUOTED DO NOT INCLUDE

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All costs associated with international flights

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International Airport Departure Taxes from Guatemala  US$39.

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Tips and gratuities

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Personal insurance, medical & vaccination, passport

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Personal expenses

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Drinks with included meals