Guatemala Heart of the Mayan World
13 night / 14 day Private Tour
Antigua - Lake Atitlán - Chichicastenango - Quetzaltenango - Rio Dulce - Tikal - Ceibal - Yaxha - Copán (Honduras)
Day 1. Guatemala City - Antigua
Arrival at Aurora International Airport Guatemala City.
A OTG-representative will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport to take you by private shuttle to your hotel In La Antigua Guatemala.
Approximate duration of transfer : 50 minutes.
Day 2. Antigua
After breakfast we prepare ourselves for a full day discovery of this charming Spanish colonial town. We start in the town center, Plaza Mayor and work our way through the most important monuments and museums during the course of the day.
Day 3. Antigua
Today we explore the area around Antigua.
We will visit some Indian villages famous for their colorful textiles and later on we tour a first class coffee plantation.
Day 4. Antigua - Chichicastenango - Quetzaltenango
After breakfast we depart along the Interamerican Highway for the Guatemalan Highlands. The colorful market in Chichicastenango attracts venders and buyers from the entire Highland region. Stroll through hundreds of stands and visit the Santo Thomas church.
After lunch we drive to Quetzaltenago, Guatemala's second largest city.
Day 5. Quetzaltenango - Lake Atitlán
After breakfast, we visit the charming Indian village of Zunil located in the mountains around Quetzaltenango. From Zunil we take a beautiful scenic route through the mountainous countryside to find the volcanic hot springs of Fuentes Georginas
After lunch we drive to Panajachel, situated at the edge of Lake Atitlán. During the final descend from Solola to Panajachel, experience amazing views of Lake Atitlán.
Day 6. Lake Atitlán
After breakfast board a private lancha (motorboat) for a day tour of the lake. We visit 3 of the 12 villages surrounding the lake. We start in Santiago Atitlan where we try to locate Maximon. Lunch in Santiago Atitlán. Afternoon visit of Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo. Return to Panajachel in late afternoon.
Day 7. Lake Atitlán - Flores (Petén region)
Breakfast in our hotel. Afterwards we prepare for the transfer to La Antigua where we will have lunch in an small open-air café. After lunch short ride to Guatemala City Airport for the afternoon flight to Flores. Transfer to our hotel overlooking the Petén-Itza lake.
Day 8. Tikal
We visit of the most important archeological Mayan site in Guatemala.
The Tikal site forms part of the 575 square kilometer National Park Tikal and is enclosed by vast and pristine rainforest. The jungle with a never-ending variety of trees, plants and wildlife is as impressive as the temples and sculptures.
Lunch in the park.
Day 9. Ceibal
After breakfast, we prepare ourselves for an adventurous full day exploration of the Ceibal Mayan site. We drive to the banks of the Passion river from where we will take a one hour motorboat ride up the river. After drop off, we walk another half hour through pristine jungle before reaching the heart of the site.
Day 10. Yaxha
Morning visit of Yaxha, a small but spectacular site hidden in the jungle on the shores of lake Yaxha.
Late afternoon transfer to Rio Dulce and check-in at hotel along the border of the river Rio Dulce.
Day 11. Rio Dulce - Livingston - Rio Dulce
After breakfast our boatman will take us on an amazing trip through mangroves and canals exploring the marvels of Rio Dulce.
Before noon we arrive in the small Garifuna town of Livingston, the Caribbean getaway of Guatemala, where we will have lunch.
Return in the afternoon by lancha to our hotel in Rio Dulce.
Day 12. Rio Dulce - Quiriguá - Copán
From Rio Dulce overland transfer to the village of Copán in Honduras.
Along the way we visit Quirigua, a small but very beautiful and interesting Mayan site hidden away in a Chiquita banana plantation.
Afternoon visit of Copán, a very well maintained Mayan site with several plazas, religious temples, a beautiful restored ball court and the impressive Hieroglyphic Stairway.
Day 13. Copán - Antigua
Breakfast in our hotel. Afterwards we prepare for the transfer to La Antigua Guatemala. Arriving in Antigua, you will have plenty of time to take in the atmosphere of this beautiful colonial town.
Day 14. Antigua - Guatemala City Airport
Transfer from hotel in Antigua to the airport in Guatemala City for your flight out.