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Day 1 Arrive Antigua

Fly into Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antigua.

Day 2 Explore Antigua

Volcan Fuego rises to the roof of the world above the colonial streets of Antigua below. This morning we explore Antigua's bustling markets where the local Maya gather to buy and sell everything from enormous avacados to intricate weavings. The markets might look like all business, but sometimes more local gossip gets traded between far flung friends and family than produce! Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antigua resembles a living ruin. Mammoth churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored facades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca or macadamia nut plantation, or just people watch in the main plaza to experience Guatemala travel at your own pace.

Day 3 Maya Hospitality in Totonicapan (D)

Scholars tell us that the ancient Maya disappeared mysteriously a thousand years ago, but anyone who has intimately explored this fascinating region knows that the Maya continue to thrive in the highlands of Guatemala. This morning we move towards the highland town of Totonicapan. On our way we stop at the fascinating archaeological site at La Democracia to see an amazing collection of Olmec stone carvings. Before continuing on we’ll visit a small private museum to see some of the unique Maya artifacts from the area’s sites. We then leave the Maya past and venture forth into the present, traveling through the farming valley of Zunil, where we can see the most colorful church in Guatemala, San Andres Xecul, before arriving at the highland village of Totonicapan in the late afternoon. Here a community of over twenty K`iche families reaches out to visitors with the vision of bringing people into their homes to share their culture with the outside world. In return, your host family is eager to learn about your life back home. We’ll arrive in time to share a communal evening and overnight with families.

Day 4 Totonicapan/ Lake Atitlan (B,L)

Day 5 Shores of Lake Atitlan

Today you are free to explore as you wish. Go canoeing on the lake, horseback ride to a nearby cloudforest, or rent a mountain bike. It's also worthwhile to visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious deity. Meet up with our local guide and learn about the mystical undercurrents of the area, or visit Maya Saints in the brotherhood houses and watch some of the day's Maya rituals.

Day 6 Chichicastenango

Today we rise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region, who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colorful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon and we travel back to Antigua where we have a relaxing night at the hotel to complete our Guatemala travel experience.

Day 7 Return Home

US$ 1275
7 days starting in Antigua and ending in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Tour Code: HD7
Single Supplement: US$145

US$1590 - MM9
Interested in visiting Tikal? Click here to view our longer 9-day Mundo Maya tour

Accommodations: 5 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night homestay

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: Vans, ferries, bus

Group & Staff: Min 2, Max 12 Local guides

Personal Budgeting: Allow $120 for meals not included, $33 international departure tax, $75 for optional excursions, and money for souvenirs!

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Antigua: Share $40, Single $70

Is it for Me? A look at the insider's Guatemala with an emphasis on Maya culture and plenty of time to explore colonial Antigua and beautiful Lake Atitlan. An easy trip for anyone who's culturally curious. Includes a one night homestay.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount