Cost:
US$995
single supplement: US$205
Internal Flight: US$300
An early morning flight takes you to the lush rainforest of the Peten. Continue overland to the Chiminos Island Lodge, an eco-archaeological preserve in the forested Peten region. From your mahogany bungalow you're enveloped by the sounds of the jungle: parrots, toucans, and myriad other bird species share their song, while the uncanny roar of nearby howler monkeys adds a primal feel to the jungle. As the sun begins to set, we'll head out on a guided rainforest hike to see what wildlife we can spot.
The ruins of Aguateca are among the best preserved and restored Maya sites in Guatemala. We spend the morning here learning about the Classical Maya period before returning to the lodge in time for lunch. A three hour transfer by boat and bus brings us to the shores of Lake Peten Itza, where we settle in for the evening.
Tikal's towering pyramids rise above the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries. The ancient Maya began building this city around 600 B.C., and for the next 1500 years the area was an important religious, scientific, and political center. Pyramids to honor dead kings were built, administrative buildings rose, storage houses appeared and houses for royalty were carved out of the jungle. Tikal became one of the greatest centers of Maya culture and sprawled over 46 square miles with more than 4000 structures in the core city center alone. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white lipped peccary, brocket deer, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. This morning we explore the ruins with an experienced guide before flying to Guatemala City where we overnight.
Cost: US$415
single
supplement: US$90
Internal Flight: US$300
An early morning flight takes you to the tropical lowlands of the Peten and the home of the ancient Maya. After meeting up with your guide, you'll continue on to the ruins of Tikal for a private tour. Here you'll encounter towering pyramids rising above the thick jungle canopy, and learn how the city thrived as an important religious, scientific, and political center for 1500 years. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white lipped peccary, brocket deer, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. After lunch, the day is yours to explore the ruins. In the evening, we'll travel to the shores of Lake Peten Itza to settle in to your hotel.
For those interested, wake early to return to Tikal before the crowds. The morning is free to wander the ruins or to explore the lakeside village of Flores. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guatemala City, where we spend the night close to the airport for your flight tomorrow.
Cost: US$225
Includes: Private tour
Yaxha (min 2) and hotel night Flores
Today guests explore the atmospheric lakeside site of Yaxha. Wonderful views of the rainforest canopy and a view of the two lakes on either side await travelers atop one restored temple. The site has more than 500 structures, 9 Temple Pyramids, 2 ballcourts, and a network of causeways. This site may be familiar to some visitors -- it is where "Survivor Guatemala" was filmed. In the evening, we'll travel to the shores of Lake Peten Itza to settle in to your hotel. Overnight.
Cost: US$320
Includes: Guided
Park tour with Canopy(min 2) and hotel night Flores
This morning you will head to Ixpanpajul Natural Park. This park has over 200 species of trees, over 150 species of birds and about 40 species of mammals. You can choose between a walk on hanging bridges and winding paths, or a more adventurous swing line tour to explore this tropical paradise. After the tour, transfer back to Flores and overnight.
Cost:
US$445
single supplement: US$50 if applicable
Embark early this morning to the desirable town of Copan Ruinas. Just over a km from the same-name Maya ruins, today we'll spend our time exploring this inviting town. Your journey will take you across the Guatemalan border and into the lush mountains of Honduras. This afternoon will be yours to explore the cobblestone streets and archeology museums - its exhibits include painted pottery, intricate jade carvings, ancient glyphs and tomb of a Maya priest. You can also take a hike to remote waterfalls, visit local hotsprings, or explore the surrounding coffee plantations.
Copan's sprawling ruins provide insight into how this fascinating culture once lived. Its massive structures and skillfully carved stonework are impressive reminders of the remarkable and advanced Maya civilization. Today you will head out on a half day guided tour of the ruins to discover Copan's enormous temples, plazas and monuments. Ornate stalaes divulge the astronomical and mathematical wisdom of the Maya. Enjoy the peaceful nature trails and wildlife that inhabit the area.
This morning is free to watch the sunrise over the ruins or explore the area on horseback. Bid farewell to the cobblestone streets, elaborate sculptures and mysteries of the Maya as you head back to Antigua this afternoon.
Includes:collective bus shuttle transfers, park entrance fees, 2 nights hotel in Copan Ruinas, meals as indicated, guided tour of Copan.
Does not Include: Entrance fee to tunnels
in Copan (optional visit), Optional excursions, Border tax in Honduras