La Ruta Maya *11 Day*

Colorful markets, smoking volcanoes, mysterious traditions, and warm hospitality describe the Guatemalan highlands and the discoveries in this trip. Visit the magnificent ruins of Tikal before crossing into Belize to journey through cathedral shaped caves, and explore winding trails along the Roaring River. This is a unique journey for the culturally adventurous - an opportunity to experience the highlights of Guatemala and Belize in one trip!

Day 1 Arrive Antigua  

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

Day 2 Chichicastenango  

Today we rise early to begin our Guatemala travels with a visit to 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 to the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, a deep caldera lake flanked by three majestic volcanoes. A passenger boat takes us across the azure-colored water to our charming lodge in the village of Santiago Atitlan.

Day 3 Lake Atitlan  

Day 4 Lake Atitlan  

We board the lancha this morning for our return trip across Lake Atitlan. A few miles down the curvy mountain road known as the Interamericana, we reach the town of Solola. The main plaza is home to one of the most authentic markets in the highlands, and we'll spend some time wandering through the stalls, admiring the palette of colors created by mounds of fruits, vegetables, meats, housewares and clothing. After our sensory feast, we return to colonial Antigua for the evening.

Day 5 Antigua  

Volcan Fuego rises to the roof of the world above the streets of Antigua below. 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. This morning we tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. 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 complete your Guatemala travel experience.

Day 6 Tikal (L)  

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 before returning to your hotel near Flores.

Day 7 Maya Mountains (B,D)  

Rise this morning for your flight to Belize and land transfer to your jungle retreat. Your jungle lodge is tucked next to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Roaring River. Surrounded by pristine forest, your days at the lodge are filled with natural discoveries exploring the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains and the mysteries beneath.

Day 8 Rio Macal and Xunantunich (B,L,D)  

After a leisurely morning and breakfast, paddle down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coatimundis and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, we will visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, once a major ceremonial site and the second tallest ruin in Belize. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala.

Day 9 Caracol and Water Wonders (B,L,D)  

Today we'll continue our explorations of the ancient Maya with a visit to the ruins of Caracol. Surrounded by breathtaking Belizean jungle, a visit to the ruins offer massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Maya city. There is still much to be discovered at Caracol and archaeologists continue their digs and preservation of the site. With time we'll stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave. A stop at the pools makes for an inviting dip, especially after spending the afternoon hiking under the hot Belize sun. The smooth granite stones make for great slides, but be sure to watch your step. Even for those who prefer to keep dry, the beauty of the pools is well worth the stop. Not far from the pools is the Rio Frio Cave. This is the largest cave in Belize. Approaching the cave's enormous mouth invites a magical, almost frighteningly fantastic, sensation. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Maya, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.

Day 10 Actun Tunichil Muknal (B,L,D)  

Day 11 Return Home (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Belize City and catch your international flight home.

  

US$2390

Accommodations:  6 nights comfortable hotels, 4 nights comfortable cabanas,

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

Transportation:  vans, ferries, bus, private minibus, local flights, your own feet!

Notes:  Internal flight not included Guatemala City - Flores - Belize City. Flight cost approximately $320 (flight cost subject to change). You may buy this with your international ticket or we can bill you for this when you book

Group & Staff:  Min 2, bilingual naturalist, local guides

Personal Budgeting:  Allow US$130 for meals, US$5 airport tax to Tikal, US $10 Tikal Entrance Fee, US$37 internal departure tax, US$35 international departure taxes, US$75 optional excursions, and money for tips and souvenirs.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:  Antigua: Share US$45 Single US$75 Belize City: Share US$55, Single US$110

Is it for Me?  An exciting tour for the culturally adventurous, visiting Maya highlights in Guatemala and Belize.

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount