DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Guatemala
Depart for Guatemala. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Guatemala City
DAY 2, Saturday - Guatemala City Tour
This morning, visit an archeological museum and learn about the ancient Maya culture. Then, depart for a panoramic tour of Guatemala City and discover the unique blend of old and new in Central America's largest metropolis. See the city's civic center complex, home to the Guatemala Supreme Court, Ministry of Public Finance, and City Hall. Continue on to Central Plaza, also known as Constitution Plaza, at the heart of Guatemala City. Here, view the National Palace, one of the most important Guatemalan architectural achievements of the last century. Formerly the seat of government, it is now a museum and venue for government affairs. From here, you will continue on to the cathedral, built between 1782 and 1815. The cathedral houses some of the most important artistic treasures in the country. Afterward, return to the hotel. This evening attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Guatemala City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Sunday - Copán Ruins
Depart early in the morning for Copán, Honduras. After clearing immigration formalities, embark on a tour of the Copán Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovered in 1570 by Diego Garcia de Palacio. Copán is considered to be one of the most impressive cities of the ancient Maya Civilization. Be amazed by the huge complex, which flourished from the 5th to 9th centuries AD, and consists of temples and plazas built on multiple levels. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and spend time at leisure before dinner tonight
Overnight: Copán
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Monday - Travel to Tikal
This morning after breakfast, depart for your long drive back to Guatemala. After border crossing formalities and immigration, continue your journey. Along the way, stop for lunch on your own. Afterward, resume the drive towards Tikal. Arrive at the hotel in time for dinner
Overnight: Tikal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Tuesday - Sightseeing Tour of Tikal
Morning departure to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located at the center of the 222-square-mile park. An exhilarating jungle hike leads you through the ruins. Marvel at the impressive structures of this ancient civilization, as you visit sites such as the Twin-Pyramid complex, the Lost World Complex, where the Great Pyramid is located, Temple III, the Palace of the Windows, the Great Plaza, the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar, the Pyramid of the Masks, and the Palace of the Nobles. Opportunity to climb to the top of Pyramid IV, the highest of the Mayan pyramids, from which you will have a panoramic view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle. After your tour of the ruins of what was once considered the most powerful kingdom of the ancient Maya, enjoy a picnic lunch. Free time to explore the site on your own before returning to your hotel. Along the way, make a short stop at El Remate, known for its wood carving and browse the artisan workshops selling beautiful wooden handicrafts
Overnight: Tikal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Wednesday - Flight to Guatemala City, Travel to Panajachel
Morning departure to Flores for your flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to Panajachel, located on the shore of Lake Atitlan. This afternoon, join the optional Santa Catarina Palopó Village Visit with lunch. Transfer by boat to the village of Santa Catarina Palopó, one of twelve villages located around Lake Atitlan. Its residents are indigenous descendants of the Kaqchikel Maya. After lunch, take a guided tour around the small town to learn more about the traditions of the local people. Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Optional: Santa Catarina Palopó Village Visit with lunch (PM)
Overnight: Panajachel, (Lake Atitlan)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Thursday - Market in Chichicastenango, Church of Santo Tomas
Begin the day with a visit to the Chichicastenango Market, one of the largest and most well-known markets in Central America. Hundreds of vendors from the surrounding countryside gather here to sell handicrafts, textiles, candles, food, flowers, and pottery. Spend time browsing the market for unique items that cannot be found elsewhere. Next, head to the 400-hundred year old Church of Santo Tomas, built on a pre-Columbian temple platform, and witness the captivating religious ceremonies that take place right on the steps. Later, continue on to Lake Atitlan, arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Formerly a volcano, water now covers the caldera to create the deepest lake in Central America. The banks of Lake Atitlan are home to many villages in which Mayan culture is still practiced. Explore the site before continuing to your hotel
Overnight: Panajachel, (Lake Atitlan)
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Friday - Boat Excursion to San Juan La Laguna, Travel to Antigua Guatemala
Travel to San Juan La Laguna this morning, an authentic Mayan style town, located on the west shore of Lake Atitlan. Take a tour of the town with its colorful murals depicting aspects of Tz'utujil life and legend. Stop at the main church to admire the stunning interior and intricate stained-glass windows. Later, visit the women's weaving cooperative, producing beautiful textiles using methods passed down through generations. Free time to browse for souvenirs and explore on your own. Return by boat to Panajachel before traveling to Antigua Guatemala. Perhaps, join the optional Guatemalan Cooking Class with dinner. A local family will lead a cooking class and teach you everything you need to know about the culinary heritage and modern traditions of Guatemala. Later, enjoy the food you helped prepare
Optional: Guatemalan Cooking Class with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Antigua
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Saturday - Cultural Center La Azotea, Tour of Antigua Guatemala
This morning, visit La Azotea cultural center & museum complex, that encompasses a coffee plantation and museums. At the Coffee Museum, learn about the history of coffee, as well as the methods used in producing this world famous export. Proceed to the Casa Ko'jom Mayan Music Museum, where you can view a collection of Mayan musical instruments, paintings and artifacts from pre-Columbian times to the present. Conclude your visit at the Rincon de Sacatepéquez Museum, housing colorful textiles and items related to traditional Guatemalan clothing. Later, take an exciting tour of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1543 by the Spaniards, today Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins and restored colonial buildings. Visit Central Plaza, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Palace of the Captains General, and the cathedral. View the church of La Merced with its baroque style façade and continue to the church of San Francisco El Grande. At the conclusion of the tour, there will be time for individual explorations. Tonight, bid adios to your newfound friends and Tour
Overnight: Antigua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Sunday - Depart Guatemala
Today, transfer to the Guatemala City airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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