Start by exploring colonial Antigua, It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped some 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! A few things you can find in Antigua are art galleries and exhibits, films, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more. Guatemala has a variety of biological and cultural attractions of its own, making it a magical place where you can have a close encounter with nature, the living Mayan Culture, fascinating archeological temples and colonial architecture.
Highlights
Amaze with the three stunning volcanoes of Lake Atitlan
Attend a bustling and lively local market full of handicrafts & vegetables
Explore numerous archaeological sites of Guatemala
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
After breakfast enjoy a guided half day walking tour of Antigua.
Antigua is among the world’s best conserved colonial cities in the Americas. It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, you will experience the splendors of ancient times! A few things you will find are art galleries and exhibits, coffee shops, amazing cuisine, cute little bars and much more.
You will visit breath taking colonial monuments and find out why this city was the bustling center of the region for the Spaniards. Starting at central plaza the guide will give you a general idea about the colonization, Guatemala’s history & contemporary issues. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy on your own.
Day 3: Comalapa, Iximché and transfer to Lake Atitlan
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, guide will take you discover Comalapa and Iximche, lunch included. San Juan Camalapa is nestled among pine tress and cornfields just one hour away from Antigua. This market is for those wanting to 'escape the usual' Chichicastenango. The town is famous for its 'naive' style artisans and home to the well-known Andrés Curruchiche who was the first Kaqchikel Maya oil painter. At the entrance of Comalapa you will find a mural depicting the town's history which welcomes visitors. As you walk along you will find a wonderful and authentic market to get an insight into real lives of local highlanders. Market Days are held every Tuesday and Friday.
Iximche, a Pre-Columbian Mayan site in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, it is not the major archaeological site, but was founded by the Kaqchikel Maya in 1470 after a prolonged conflict with the Kiche. It was the capital of the Late Pre-classic Kaqchikel kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524 with the Spaniards arrival.
Then you will be transferred to Lake Atitlan, with three stunning volcanoes rising out of its emerald surface, Lake Atitlan located 144km west of Guatemala City. It is characterized by its natural beauty surrounded by gorgeous views of the volcanoes and indigenous villages filled with culture. The famous writer Aldous Huxley considered it ̈the most beautiful lake in the world ̈.
Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel. Private boat transfer to two of the twelve villages that surrounds Lake Atitlan. San Juan is famous for its naïf art galleries, town murals and natural dyes textiles. This town is set as an example of organization and tourism destination among the highlands. Its beauty and cooperatives have set it as the perfect village. Then, boat transfer to Santiago, a village located on the south end, home to Maximon, a pagan saint who drinks moonshine and smoke cigars. Maximon is visited every day by locals, healers and tourists asking for favors.
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the charming Mayan Village Chichicastenango that is located 140 km of Guatemala City. It is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others. Each hawks his or her products in a riotous cacophony of color, dialects and costumes, smoke, and smells. After the Chichicastenango tour and lunch, you will be transferred to Guatemala city for your flight to Mundo Maya Airport.
Upon arrival at Mundo Maya, private transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Breakfast at Hotel. Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby this morning for your transfer to Tikal National Park. City and ceremonial center of the ancient Mayan civilization, Tikal became an important ceremonial center with the construction of major pyramids and temples. Its best years were the Late Classic Period (600-900AD). Tikal National Park contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the Mayan civilization. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, Tikal is Guatemala ́s most famous cultural and natural preserve. Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Mayans disappeared and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans will be on site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle.
After tour, driver will take you to Mundo Maya Airport for your local flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, private transfer to the hotel for overnight.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Guatemala Tours & Trips.
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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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