Essential Guatemala

DAY 1: GUATEMALA CITY.

Arrival into Guatemala City and transfer to La Antigua. Time at leisure to explore.

DAY 2: LA ANTIGUA - CHICHICASTENANGO - LAKE ATITLÁN (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 3: LAKE ATITLÁN - 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 4: LA ANTIGUA - GUATEMALA CITY (B).

The tour the morning begins with a visit to the historic centre of Antigua. Starting at the Central Park and 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. Depart to Guatemala City late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

DAY 5: GUATEMALA CITY (B).

Depart from Guatemala City or extend your trip.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 4 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) - Lake Atitlán: Boat trip.       

La Antigua: City tour.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

International flights and airport taxes to join the tour.

Tips for local guides / drivers.

Early Check-in / Late Check-out.

Personal travel insurance.

NOTES

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

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

Additional day excursion to Tikal Archaeological Site:

Upon arrival at Flores airport, transfer 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. The visit concludes with a stop at the Sylvanus Morley Museum, which has on display a large collection of pieces found during excavations, including stele 31, meticulously carved and rich in details. After a picnic lunch transfer to Flores airport and depart for Guatemala City.

Price from: £555 / $690 - Includes:

· Departure to Guatemala City airport at 04.30 hrs

· Round trip flight to Flores

· Entrance fees, English speaking guide, lunch

· 1 extra night in Guatemala City

· Transfers