Flights on time. Pickup service great. Hotel very accommodating. Great start.

Our transportation (provided by ViaVenture) arrived early and gave us a lot of background on Antigua. We arrived well before noon and had chance to walk around for a few hours in the morning. Town was quiet; locals were friendly; and of course the town was very interesting. Food was great. Only had to buy 1 necklace from the street sellers …

We arose early and after breakfast met the Fildelphia "truck" for a bumpy ride to the plantation where we were fortunate to have sole access to a very informative tour of the plantation and a chance to meet some of the local pickers who kindly let me photograph them for nominal compensation. We were there quite some time enjoying not …

Jose and another driver/guide took us up into the highlands with a running dialog on Mayan traditions and symbols...very informative. We also enjoyed the outgoing good humor they both had to offer. The market was all it's cracked up to be....big ...a bit chaotic to the uninitiated, and very colorful. Jose made sure we did not miss a trick …

Morning found us on a pleasant boat journey across the lake to visit the people of the villages where we admired their native dress and their children and ate their food. We always asked to interact and were usually given permission. A full day of walking followed by a boat ride back to the hotel. Another great day of education from Jose. And …

Bright sun; THE VIEW, a hearty breakfast and we started off on what was supposed be a great hike from our hotel to village of Santa Cruz.... a hike that promised great lake views, homestead farms, and villages. Jose had thoughtfully arranged for an additional guide to accompany us so as to insure no local "misunderstandings". The …

It became obvious this morning that we needed medical attention. (I will spare the details). It was at this point that we came to appreciate the people who Adventure Life and ViaVenture had assigned to us (guides, drivers, boaters). To make a long story short, all arrangements were made to get us to a private hospital in Guatemala City (took all …

We were feeling better but not great...We couldn't get on the evening flight to Flores. Jose called to check on us. So did Adventure Life and the travel insurance company they had recommended. It seemed everyone was trying to help. Given we were stuck and a bit weak, Jose offered to take us to a "safe" lunch and on a brief, low …

Good (but too early) flight. Met by guide at the airport for a very interesting tour of the ruins at Tikal followed by a surprisingly delicious late lunch. We were able to walk thru all the ruins and climbed one or two. The site was surprisingly empty. Very happy to have salvaged Tikal portion of the trip. It would have been terrible to have …