Living Maya Culture

Itinerary

Day 1: Guatemala City - Antigua Arrival at the La Aurora International airport in Guatemala City, where a shuttle will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Antigua.

DAY 2: Antigua - Flores - Yaxha 4:30 am - International Ariport You will take your flight to Flores, Peten. On arrival a representative will be waiting to transfer you to the archaeological site of Yaxha, which was the third largest city of the Maya World in the Late Classic period. Enjoy the day exploring the restored structures through the jungle trails. In due time we will take a box lunch in the park and afternoon departure to the island of Flores and our hotel for accommodation.

Day 3:

Flores - Ceibal 7:00 am - Morning transfer to Ceibal, the Mayan Archaeological site situated in Sayaxché, near the banks of La Pasión River where you can see crocodiles and exotic birds. The Ceibal Stele is among the finest and best preserved sculptures of the late Classic Period. Because of the hardness of the local stone, which has withstood centuries of rain, root penetration, and falling trees, it is often called the “Maya Art Gallery”. One of its most important structures is a round stone, which is considered very rare in the Mesoamerican area. Evening transfer to your hotel.

Day 4:

Flores - Actun Can - Tayasal 7:00 am - Visit to Actun Kan Caves and explore the Lake Peten Itza by boat. Stopover at the zoo on the Isle of the Petencito - led by the University of San Carlos - where you can see local wildlife up close. End your tour with a breathtaking view at the Mirador del Rey Peninsula Canes in Tayasal. You will also see local life on the shores of the lake while observing the lake fishermen with their boats.

Day 5:

Antigua 7:00 am - We will take our private bus towards the archaeological site of Tikal. You will enjoy exploring the many pyramids, steles, temples and buildings of the most important Mayan City yet discovered and restored. Additionally through the jungle paths you will be able to see birds, plants and the famous howler and spider monkeys. Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant in the middle of the jungle. We finish this day with afternoon transfer to the airport for flight to Guatemala City, where the shuttle will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Day 6:

Antigua 8:00 am - Start of our tour to the colonial town of Antigua Guatemala. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings, you will be charmed as you stroll through town on the cobblestone streets, exploring stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals. Our tour includes visits to San Francisco Church, Capuchinas Convent, Central Plaza, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and the handcraft market. In the evening return to your hotel.

Day 7:

Antigua - Chichicastenango - Panajachel Early in the morning we depart for Chichicastenango, one of the highlights of the living Mayan highlands. In Chichicastenango we will visit the second largest outdoor market in Latin America; Santo Tomas church; morerías (ceremonial mask workshops) and Cerro Pascual Abaj (shrine of Mayan god Huyup Tak’ah) . In the afternoon we will depart for Atitlan, the most beautiful lake in the world.

Day 8:

Panajachel - Santiago Atitlán - Antigua 9:00 am - Take a scenic boat ride across the lake passing by the three impressive volcanoes. The tour stops in Santiago Atitlán, one of the 12 native villages surrounding the lake. At the village you will you will walk with your guide to find the house where the Mayan god Maximon resides, once there you may see a local shaman performing rituals for locals. You will also visit the local church and the local market. You will have lunch and return to Antigua Guatemala.

Day 9:

Transfer out of Guatemala City Intl. Airport, departure.

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