Tikal & Maya Highland  Multi Sport

“in the footsteps of the Maya”

Climbing Acatenango Volcano

Ruins at Tikal

Mayan Family, Lake Atitlan

Biking near Mayan Village

Climbing Pacaya Volcano

ANTIGUA – PACAYA VOLCANO – HIKING – BIKING – KAYAKING – FAMILY HOMESTAY – ZUNIL RIDGE – IXMICHE, CEIBAL & TIKAL RUINS

This exhilarating multi-sport itinerary takes you off the beaten path to explore Guatemala like few can! The tour begins by climbing an active volcano, then takes you deep into the remote & traditional Mayan highlands where you will bike through spectacular volcanic scenery on local trade routes and see remote, colorful local markets. Stay in a local home stay to learn more about the typical way of life here and visit the Maya God Maximon after kayaking on the high altitude lake of Lake Atitlan with her majestic volcanoes and then climb temples in the jungle at the world famous site of Tikal.

Category Adventure / Multi Sport
Length 9 Days
Type  Guided
Group 4 - 12
Rating Moderate
Start / End Guatemala City
Cost Guided - $1465
Single Supplement $ 255

 

Dates: 2008

 

Jan 12-20, Feb 16-24

Mar 1-9, April 12-20

May 10-18, Jun 14-22

July 12-20, Aug 9-17

Sept 13-21, Oct 11-19

Nov 15-23

Brief Itinerary

Days 1-2   ANTIGUA  - WALKING TOUR - VOLCANO CLIMB

Upon arrival in Guatemala City, we transfer to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua.  Our adventure begins in Pacaya National Park and a trek onto the living and breathing Pacaya Volcano.  Back in Antigua, we will have a chance to get our first real taste of  this beautiful colonial city. 

Day 3  HIKE & BIKE ALASKA RANGE - IXMICHE RUINS - HOMESTAY   

We begin the day with a visit to the Maya ruins or Ixmiche and then move westward into for Alaska Highland for some of the most spectacular hiking and mountain biking in all of Guatemala.  In Totonicapan we visit an artisan workshop and meet our local host family.

Days 4-5   HIKE  & BIKE THE ZUNIL RIDGE – KAYAK LAKE ATITLAN – HIKE CERO DE ORO

While hiking an biking the Zunil Ridge, we’ll have spectacular views of ten of the highland volcanoes. On our way to Atitlan, we will stop at a local village to see how the Maya practice their art of weaving.  Kayak along the shores of the “most beautiful lake in the world” and climb Cerro de Oro, a sacred site of the Mayans.

Day 6   ZIPLINE – CHICI MARKET

We start the day with a thrilling zipline ride and hike through the forest and then its off to “Chichi”, one of the largest and most colorful markets in all of Central America.

Days 7-8   GUATEMALA CITY – PETEN – JUNGLE HIKE – YAXHA RUINS

Transfer to Guatemala City and fly to Flores in the Peten region.  After lunch and a short rest, its off through the jungle to the Maya ruins of Yaxha.  Next visit the spectacular ruins of Tikal before transferring back to Guatemala City.

Day 9   GUATEMALA CITY – HOME  Early morning flight to home

Detailed Itinerary

 

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Sat: Arrival and transfer to Antigua: We will meet guests off their flight and transfer guests to the beautiful city of Antigua. Overnight in Antigua. Hotel Aurora or similar(2N)

Day 2: Sun: Pacaya Volcano Hike Breakfast with tour leader at we will transfer guests to Pacaya National Park where we will begin our hiking ascent of this famous, active volcano! The hike takes around 2.5 hours and at the top you can see down into the crater to the lava as well as experience the energy of an active volcano. On the return to Antigua, you can enjoy a fun guided tour through the colonial city. Dinner in one of the many local restaurants.  (B,L,D) 

 Day 3: Mon: Bike & Hike Alaska & Home Stay: Today we will transfer into the un-spoilt, remote highland area known as Alaska, visiting the Mayan city of Ixmiche en route. Here we hike and bike in some of the most spectacular scenery of all Guatemala - in the undisturbed Alaska mountain range on local paths and trails, with views overlooking volcanoes and down to Lake Atitlan. Towards the end of the ride a spectacular downhill brings us to the highland village of Totonicapan arriving in time for visit at a local artesian workshop and meet your host family. Tonight is spent in home stay accommodation with local Latino families in Totonicapan. Overnight with Local families (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tues: Hike & Bike Zunil Ridge : Today we transfer guests even deeper into the Guatemalan highlands to the spectacular Zunil mountain range where you will enjoy stunning views. At times you will be able to see ten volcano peaks at the same time. We will enjoy this magnificent scenery whilst hiking and biking along the ridge where often ten volcanoes at once can be seen. During your bike ride stop at a remote local village and will receive a presentation of weaving arts. After lunch transfer to the shores of Lake Atitlan. Overnight at Lake, Hotel Bambu or Posada Santiago. (2N) (B,L,D)

 Day 5 : Wed: Kayak and Hike Cerro de Oro at Lake Atitlan : This morning we Kayak on what many have called, “the most beautiful lake in the world”, Lake Atitlan. We pass by local fishermen, indigenous Maya women doing their washing and men working in the fields wearing their famous embroidered Santiago shorts as well as enjoying views of the three lake volcanoes. Once at Cerro de Oro we will hike this impressive hill and on the top of this sacred hill we can sometimes witness Mayan rituals in process which is an amazing and authentic glimpse of local Mayan life in this area. There are also great views of the whole lake and her surrounding volcanoes from atop this hill. When we are ready – we will transfer back to our lodge on local pick up trucks.  After lunch we visit the town and places of interest of this lively Tzutuhil Maya town with its market and its strange Maya God, “ Maximon” which locals revere and perform rituals in front of to bring good luck – or bad! (B,L,D)

 Day 6: Thurs: Zipline and Chichicastenango market Spectacular scenic drive on the most impressive back road at Atitlan, after an hour we reach the site of a spectacular Zip line hiking adventure. A short transfer will bring clients to the town of Chichicastenango with its famous craft market. Once in Chichi we will have time to wander through the market and bargain for crafts such as textiles, masks, jewelry and many other beautiful pieces of artesian. After lunch we transfer back to Antigua. Overnight in Antigua, Hotel Aurora or similar. (B,L,D)

 Day 7: Fri Transfer to Guatemala City, Flight to Peten, Jungle Hike and Temples  Today we take transfer  to Guatemala City and take our flight to the northern rainforest in the Peten. A short drive brings is deep into the rainforest to Tikal. Enjoy time at the pool and lunch before starting our jungle trek ending at the impressive area of mundo perdido in time for sunset.  Overnight at Tikal (B,L,D)

Day 8: Sat: Tikal Tour: Today guests will be taken on a guided tour of the famous Maya temple site in the jungle. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon guests will be transferred to the airport for their evening flight to Guatemala City. At the airport you will be met by your transfer to take you to your hotel and the rest of the evening is free to enjoy the nightlife of Guatemala City. Overnight in Guatemala City or Antigua; Hotel Biltmore in Guatemala city or Aurora o similar in Antigua (B,L)

Day 9: Sun: Departure: You will be met at your hotel by your transfer to take you to the airport in plenty of time for your international flight out.(B)

 

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

 

·        Services of bilingual Guatemalan tour guide throughout the entire tour.

·        A local bilingual tour guide on selected tours

·        All tours and transfers on a private basis only

·        All ground transportation in private air conditioned vehicles

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

·        All meals as per itinerary (8B, 7L, 6D)

·        All hotels, based upon double occupancy.  Please note: If changes are necessary they will be of equal or higher rating.

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

·        All Guatemalan government and hotel taxes

 

SERVICES & PRICES QUOTED DO NOT INCLUDE

 

·        All costs associated with international flights

·        International Airport Departure Taxes from Guatemala  US$39.

·        Tips and gratuities

·        Personal insurance, medical & vaccination, passport

·        Personal expenses

·        Alcoholic beverages