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Guatemala has so much to offer that it is almost an embarrassment! From the
splendour of the Spanish colonial area; the breathtaking scenery of mountains
and lakes; the thriving and colourful culture of the indigenous peoples with
their markets and unique lifestyle; the awe-inspiring ruins of the mysterious
Maya civilization; there is no region in the world that has so much to offer
the visitor in so small an area. You can go from the depths of steaming tropical
jungles to frigid volcano peaks in a matter of hours. And as if this were not
enough, combine an ideal climate of eternal spring with a welcoming, hospitable
population, and you have the perfect vacation equation.
Antigua, Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlan, San Cristobal de las Casas,
Quetzaltenango.. These names combine the modern world with the charm of a
colonial past surrounded by its Mayan culture. Tikal, Copan, Palenque, Ceibal,
Yaxchilan, Quirigua, the temples and places that for centuries were covered by
the jungle, are some of the most important archaeological sites in America.
Its traditions go back to pre-history and its captivating legends are passed
from generation to generation. Emerging from its mystical past, The Mayan World
today offers an excellent infrastructure of fine hotels, restaurants and
transportation. With all this and much more, The Mayan World is truly a dream
vacation site. It’s without doubt that this visit will be exciting and unique,
with incredible experiences to capture your imagination and create indelible
memories.
How its works:
At last travellers can visit all the major Mayan sites and sights on a
regularly scheduled circuit departing from one of any 8 points along the route.
The 14-day circuit departs twice a month and visits historical and natural
attractions in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.
Visits to major archaeological sites such as Copan, Ceibal, Tikal, Yaxchilan
and Palenque include entrance fees and professional guide service. As well as
this, natural attractions are covered, such as Rio Dulce Canyon National Park,
Petexbatun lagoon, Tikal National Park, the river crossing on the Usumacinta from
Guatemala to Mexico, jungle treks in the largest expanse of tropical forest north
of the Amazon, bathing in pristine forest waterfalls, a ferry ride across the
spectacularly beautiful Lake Atitlan, a swim in volcanic hot springs. On the
cultural side, we visit Indian markets in Chichicastenango and San Cristobal
de las Casas, and accompany a historian strolling the cobblestone streets of
Antigua Guatemala, the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in the hemisphere.
Overnight stops are in Copan, Rio Dulce, Flores, Petexbatun Jungle Lodge,
Palenque, San Cristobal, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel and Antigua, using two
different categories of accommodation, economy and first class. Travellers can
get on or off at any of the above points, but must travel on the circuit for a
minimum of three days>.
The Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday) Antigua and Guatemala City to Copan.
A scenic 45-minute drive brings us to Guatemala City. From here we start the
mountainous descent on the Atlantic Highway until we cross the Motagua River.
This semi-desert area is the driest part of Central America. We continue
beside the Motagua, past irrigated sugar and cattle farms. To the left is
the great Sierra de las Minas, the largest high cloud forest still left
in Central America, and home of the elusive quetzal, national bird of
Guatemala. Just past Rio Hondo, we leave the Atlantic Highway and penetrate
the dun hills as we drive towards the Honduran border. We are in Chorti Maya
territory here, and the hills and mountains start getting greener. The scenery
is spectacular. The border crossing is straightforward,
and around 11 a.m. we arrive at the gates one of the greatest Mayan
archaeological sites, that of Copan. Entrance fee to the site and professional
guide service is included. Do not miss the stunning site museum containing a
replica of the Rosalila temple. Afterwards transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2 (Sunday) Copan, Quirigua, Rio Dulce.
Return over the border to Guatemala back to the Atlantic
Highway. We now see extensive banana plantations to the left and soon we
turn off the main road through the bananas to visit Quirigua. Quirigua at
one time rivalled Copan and the stelae found here are some of the largest
and most intricate. We arrive at Rio Dulce about 12:00. In the afternoon, we
suggest and optional trip by launch through the Rio Dulce Canyon National Park
to Livingston, on the Caribbean. It is a beautiful trip past the
Chocon Machacas Manatee Reserve and the deep wooded gorge that winds through
the mountains to the sea. Livingston is inhabited by the Garifuna people,
descendants of Carib Indians, and is quite different from the rest of
Guatemala.
Day 3 (Monday) Rio Dulce, Machaqila, Flores.
We are now in a recently developing area that has been virtually
unpopulated since the Classic Mayan Period. The main road that connects the
huge department of Peten to the rest of the country has only recently been
asphalted, and the little towns along the way all have a feeling of the
frontier. Although much of this land is still forested, it is being converted
to farmland at an alarming pace. In so many ways this area is similar to the
Amazon in respect to flora, fauna and, unfortunately, development. Half way
to Flores, we stop at an eco-lodge, where we have the opportunity to
experience the ambience of this area. Activities such as walks in the jungle,
swimming in the river, visiting a plantation of medicinal herbs,
horseback riding, and enjoying local cuisine, are available. Overnight in Flores.
Day 4 (Tuesday) Yaxha.
Full-day transfer to Yaxha, a seldom visited Maya city.
Yaxha is the third largest Maya archaeological site in Guatemala, and has
only recently been extensively investigated, though little has yet been
restored. The view from the top of Temple 216 over the jungle lagoon is
inspiring. After the visit, relax at El Sombrero Eco-Lodge or take an
optional trip by launch to the restored ruins of TOPOXTE on an island
in the lagoon (additional charge). Overnight in Flores.
Day 5 (Wednesday) Tikal.
Full-day visit to TIKAL National Park. Your tour guide takes you back
thousands of years to the glory that was the seat of the Mayan Culture. Visit
Complex Q, the Temple of the Great Jaguar, the Temple of the Masks,
Temple IV, Lost World and the site museum. You also have an opportunity to
stroll jungle trails and climb pyramids and temples. See monkeys, tropical
birds and admire the Amazon-like flora. Includes box lunch,
park entrance fee and professional guide. Late afternoon transfer back to
the hotel in Flores.
Day 6 (Thursday) Flores, Bethel, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Palenque.
One of the most exciting days on our trip is this crossing
from Guatemala to Mexico. A 3-hours ride by rough road travelling to Bethel,
a pioneer village on the bank of the Usumacinta River. Across the river is
Mexico. From here it is 45 minutes by launch down the wide river to the
Mexican border town of Corozal. After passing simple immigration formalities,
we continue by launch in the Usumacinta to the Classic Mayan site of Yaxchilan,
superbly placed on a series of low forested hills overlooking a loop
of the river. We return to Corozal and continue to Bonampak, where the finest
preserved Maya frescos were discovered. In Mexico, the road is vastly improved
and we arrive in Palenque around 18:00.
Day 7 (Friday) Palenque, Agua Azul, Misol-ha, San Cristobal de las Casas.
In the morning, a half day guided visit to Palenque, a relatively small site,
but considered by many as the finest Classic Maya city because of
its unique architecture and the fine art works encountered in the tomb of
Rey Pakal. Afterwards, we enjoy the 5-hour drive through stunning mountain
scenery to San Cristobal de las Casas, via the waterfalls of Agua Azul or
Misol-ha. We arrive San Cristobal around 18:00.
Day 8 (Saturday) San Cristobal de las Casas
A day at leisure in San Cristobal. This is a town for strolling the narrow
streets and soaking in the beautifully preserved Spanish colonial city with
its remarkably strong indigenous traditions.
Optional: Walking tour of San Cristobal or a visit to one of the nearby
Indian communities.
Day 9 (Sunday) San Cristobal, La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango (Xela).
We drive 2 hours to the Guatemala border at La Mesilla. The border post at La
Mesilla is uncrowded and the formalities simple. From here it is a one-hour
drive through a deep dry valley to the departmental capital Huehuetenango,
where we make a rest stop to visit the bustling market. Continuing on the
Interamerican Highway, it is another two hours to Quetzaltenango. On the way,
we visit the market town of San Francisco el Alto, perched high on the side
of a steep valley, with sweeping views and Guatemala's most unusual church at
San Andres Xequl.
Day 10 (Monday) Xela, Zunil, Panajachel.
This morning we visit what many consider Guatemala's most colourful market:
Zunil. Nearby, deep in the cloud forest on the slopes of Zunil Volcano, are
the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas. In the afternoon, we continue to
Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Day 11 (Tuesday) Panajachel (Lake Atitlan)
Lake Atitlan has been described as the most beautiful lake in the world.
It is certainly unique and spectacular, surrounded by three impressive
volcanoes. Optional trip by launch across the calm waters to visit the
fascinating lakeside Tz'utujil Maya village of Santiago, or take the ferry
to San Marcos and hike the spectacular north shore on footpaths past tiny
villages to Santa Cruz.
Day 12 (Wednesday) Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango.
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, we enjoy the short drive high into
the green mountains to the Indian town of Chichicastenango. We witness
the market stalls being put up and perhaps there is time to visit the unusual
cemetery and the Quiche Maya shrine of Pascual Abaj, hidden in the pinewoods
behind the town.
Day 13 (Thursday) Chichicastenango Market, Antigua.
We suggest you arise early to attend the unique Christian-Maya mass
at the Santo Tomas church, before visiting largest and most famous open-air
market in Central America. In the afternoon, we drive through the rich
Indian altiplano to the best preserved Spanish colonial city in the
hemisphere, Antigua.
Day 14 (Friday) Antigua
This morning, together with an historian, stroll to the principal sights,
which include centuries old churches, convents and plazas. Many
buildings have been beautifully restored; others remain as they were after
the devastating earthquakes of 1773 and 1976. As most of the attractions of
Antigua are close by, this is a delightful option for those with a little
energy to spare. A 45 minutes drive takes us to Guatemala City for
departure flights, or continuation of your journey
Operating Dates
The tour operates with a minimum of four persons every other Saturday from either Antigua or Guatemala City, but can also be boarded at any of 5 other different points along the route.
| Price per person for complete circuit (shared serv | |||||||||
| Budget Class Hotel | Standard Class Hotel | First Class Hotel | |||||||
| Double Room | SGL suppl | Double Room | SGL suppl | Double Room | SGL suppl | ||||
| USD | $ 1200 | $ 307 | $ 1368 | $ 517 | $ 1617 | $ 711 | |||
| EUR | € 996 | € 255 | € 1136 | € 429 | € 1342 | € 590 | |||
| GBP | £ 672 | £ 172 | £ 766 | £ 289 | £ 905 | £ 398 | |||
| Price per person per day (private services) | |||||||||
| Budget Class Hotel | Standard Class Hotel | First Class Hotel | |||||||
| Double Room | SGL suppl | Double Room | SGL suppl | Double Room | SGL suppl | ||||
| USD | $ 98 | $ 23 | $ 110 | $ 39 | $ 123 | $ 54 | |||
| EUR | € 81 | € 19 | € 91 | € 33 | € 102 | € 45 | |||
| GBP | £ 55 | £ 13 | £ 62 | £ 22 | £ 68 | £ 30 | |||
Included:
Transportation by car, microbus or motor coach, which can be regular
sightseeing or shuttle services, accommodation and guides during visits
to sites or monuments. The prices given include sales tax and a tourism tax.
Not included:
Meals, except when specified, tips, personal expenses,
telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Border customs and immigration fees
and visas.
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