Colours And Sounds Of The Quetzal

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - GUATEMALA CITY

Arrival into Guatemala City. Time at leisure to explore.

DAY 2: GUATEMALA - COPAN (HONDURAS) (B).

Early morning departure to Honduras. Following immigration procedures, arrival at Copán archaeological site. This archaeological site dates from the classic period and was considered the political centre of the Mayan world. The city was discovered by the archaeologist Alfred P. Maudslay in 1881 and located in a small valley surrounded by mountains. Visit La Plaza de Ceremonias, whose steps were used by the inhabitants to participate in celebrations and rites.

DAY 3: COPAN - QUIRIGUÁ - PUERTO BARRIOS (B).

Visit to Quiriguá archaeological site, located on the banks of the Motagua River. This small site comprises a complex of carved stelae, giant monoliths carved in volcanic stone, among which is the highest stela of the Mayan world, measuring more than 10 meters high. Continue towards Puerto Barrios in the afternoon and time at leisure upon arrival.

DAY 4: PUERTO BARRIOS - LIVINGSTON - PETEN (B).

This morning to sail the Amatique Bay to arrive in Livingston. This locality is completely different from all the other village towns in Guatemala, as it is populated by Garífunas who have their origin in the island of Saint Vincent, where in centuries past, the African slaves mingled with the natives. After the tour embark again to sail to Rio Dulce. Admire the wonderful vegetation of this region until we arrive at Lake Izabal, Guatemala’s largest, where you will have a panoramic view of the Castillo de San Felipe de Lara, a fortress built in the XVII century by the Spanish, to protect the warehouses located on the shores of the lake. Following time in Rio Dulce village, continue to Peten for the evening.

DAY 5: PETEN - TIKAL NATIONAL PARK - GUATEMALA CITY (B).

Depart to Tikal Archaeological Park named “Place of Voices”, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The majestic Maya city is considered one the largest and most monumental of all the sites discovered in the Mayan World. Enjoy a guided tour of the arenas, monuments, and major temples, while admiring the rainforest habitat of hundreds of exotic birds and a wide variety of wild animals. In the afternoon transfer to Flores airport and depart for Guatemala City. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 6: GUATEMALA CITY - CHICHICASTENANGO - LAKE ATITLAN (B).

Departure to Chichicastenango town village, where every Thursday and Sunday, the inhabitants of the region gather to buy and sell fruit, vegetables, flowers, seeds, animals, textiles, and handicrafts, making it the most colourful and picturesque market in Guatemala. Visit the local Church of Santo Tomás, where the Maya-Quiche natives celebrate their traditional rites. In the afternoon continue towards Lake Atitlán.

DAY 7: LAKE ATITLAN - LA ANTIGUA (B).

Depart by boat to Santiago Atitlán town, while admiring the three volcanoes that surround one of the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world. On arrival into Santiago, visit the place of worship of Saint Maximon, a clear example of the mixture of pagan rituals with the Catholic religion. In the afternoon, transfer to Panajachel to continue towards La Antigua.

DAY 8: LA ANTIGUA (B).

The tour this morning begins with a visit to the historic centre of Antigua. Starting at the Central Park, visiting the major monuments, and taking in cobblestone streets, Bougainvillea falling from ruined buildings and colourful walls with characteristics balconies. Walking around Antigua is like stepping back in time and is a spectacular landscape at the foot of three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. These are some of the reasons that make Antigua one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon visit the villages of San Juan del Obispo: this small village is famous for holding one of the first Catholic churches in Guatemala that was restored in 1948 by José Luis Álvarez; Santa Maria de Jesús. The village is located under the slopes of Volcán de Agua and has at its central square, a temple built in the seventeenth century with a carved entry arch. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 9: LA ANTIGUA (B).

Transfer to Guatemala City for your flight or extend your trip.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 8 nights in minimum 3-star hotels.

Meals - As specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

Luggage - One normal suitcase and one handbag per person

Transfers - all airport transfers from arrival on Day 1 to final day (assuming specific group flights booked)

Tours (with local bilingual English-speaking guides) - Honduras: Copán archaeological site. Quiriguá: Archaeological site. Amatique Bay: Boat trip. Livingston: Tour & boat trip to Rio Dulce. Tikal National Park: Archaeological site. Lake Atitlán: Boat trip.  La Antigua: City tour.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

International flights and airport taxes to join the tour.

Internal flights and airport taxes within the tour (specific group flights will be advised).

Honduras boarder tax. Approx. US$8.00 per person.

Tips for local guides / drivers.

Early Check-in / Late Check-out.

Travel insurance.

NOTES

• Check required group flights at time of booking.

• Tour prices are based on shared group services (not private services).

• Passport copies required 30 days prior to arrival for all passengers.