Welcome to Guatemala: the land of lost jungle cities, cradle of the ancient Mayan civilization, mystic rain forests, and beautiful colonial towns nestled among towering volcanoes. Our Guatemala Sampler tour offers an experience that no other country can provide. We’ll explore the Mayan ruins of Tikal, hidden deep within the jungle. Here, majestic pyramids tower above the forest canopy, alive with mysterious howler monkeys, tree frogs, and a myriad of colorful jungle birds. Our journey into the highlands includes hiking among emerald crater lakes, as well as mountain biking and riding horseback at the base of extraordinary volcanoes. Add to this a fantastic blend of colorful markets, as well as the beauty and tradition of the Mayan people, and you can begin to imagine the adventure that awaits!
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
We will greet you in Guatemala City, the political and economic capital of this captivating country. An immediate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city will provide us with time to become acquainted. Our first stop is La Antigua, a World Heritage Site and former colonial capital of Guatemala. The breathtaking backdrop and surrounding countryside consist of three enormous volcanoes, which we’ll explore via horseback, followed by a cultural walking tour of this renowned mountain town. Enjoy the quaint feel and traditional Spanish colonial architecture as we become familiar with our exciting new surroundings.
(L) (D)
Day 2:
It’s time to get our feet wet as we immerse ourselves in a white-water paradise. Today we’ll explore the breathtaking Guatemalan sierras via paddle power, as we descend the surrounding rivers in a rush of spectacular Class III white water rapids. Our journey has just begun, as we then travel to Panajachel in time to catch a sunset dinner over the hypnotic Lago de Atitlan. Nestled along the shoreline of a bottomless crater lake and surrounded by cone-shaped
volcanoes, this will be our home base for the next couple of days.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
This morning we’ll catch an early fairy across Lake Atitlan to the base of Volcan San Pedro. Our adventure continues onward and upward, as we hike the face of this massive volcano that peaks at just under 10,000 feet. Our exhilarating day of hiking includes experiencing the natural wonders of this unique region with our local naturalist. Time permitting, we’ll take a dip in the thermal waters back in San Pedro. An exquisite organic dinner will preclude the return to our evening accommodations for a restful night’s sleep.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
Rise and shine! Time to explore the region from a different perspective. Switching over to pedal power, today we mountain bike along the shoreline and backroads that connect the Mayan villages surrounding Lago de Atitlan. Santiago Atitlan is our well-deserved award for a great day of riding. Situated at the base of another spectacular volcano, this home of the Tzutuhil Maya people predates Hispanic times. After exploring this impressive Mayan town, we’ll return to a special dinner and a little rest & relaxation. You will sleep well tonight!
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
Are you ready for that once in a lifetime chance to really experience modern day Mayan life? Today is market day in Chichicastenango. Feel free to explore the largest and most colorful market in all of Guatemala, not to mention one of the most impressive markets in the world! Wander the narrow, misty cobblestone streets and marvel at the beauty of the traditional Maya women in village traje. After you have shopped or photographed your fill, we’ll head back to Panajachel in time to catch another glorious sunset over Atitlan during our evening feast.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
Today we return to Guatemala City for our flight to el Peten, where the largest contiguous expanse of rainforest on the continent awaits. Our destination: Tikal National Park, part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve and the ruins of perhaps the most renowned ancient Mayan City, hidden deep within the jungle. After our flight into Flores we’ll settle in at our jungle lodge near Tikal, and then spend the afternoon on an orientation hike in the surrounding area. Take it easy this evening and catch an early night of sleep, as tomorrow’s venture begins well before dawn.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
Yes, you heard correctly…early to bed and early to rise! Waking up to pre-dawn blankets of jungle mist, sunrise at Tikal is absolutely incomparable! As the first morning rays strike in pink and golden hues against the awesome pyramid walls, the mist fades away, replaced by an explosion of wonderful forest voices welcoming in the new day. Our local expert will share with us the natural history, culture and ecology of this magical land lost in time. After exploring these towering pyramids, we’ll take you one step further and head deeper into the surrounding rainforest. At the end of our exhilarating day we dine together with newfound memories and hearty appetites.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
This morning our odyssey takes us into the southern expanse of el Peten. The small river town of Sayaxche is the base for our jungle boat journey. Cruising along the Rio de la Pasion provides the prime opportunity to explore first-hand this world biodiversity hotspot, as well as numerous archeological sites, caves and lagoon sanctuaries. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for turtles, alligators and a rainbow of countless bird species, along with the rare howler monkeys in the canopy above. Good luck spotting anything before our local naturalist points them out. Make sure you bring plenty of film! We’ll return in the evening to Flores for a finale feast of local cuisine.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 9:
Today we transfer back to Guatemala city in time to connect with your departing flight or next leg of your adventure. Hasta luego…until we meet again!
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Ecotourism
Rainforest
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
