Highlands of Guatemala Tour

DAY 1: ANTIGUA

Met and warmly received after your international flight touches down in Guatemala City by your guide, a 45 minute drive brings you to Antigua, Latin Americas premier colonial city. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former capital of Guatemala is a strikingly beautiful city, rich in history. Visitors and locals alike casually congregate in the central plaza sitting and strolling, watching the world go by. Overnight at the centrally located Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. [D]

DAY 2: CHICHICASTENANGO

Arise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango, a magical and sometimes misty highland town surrounded by valleys and looming mountains. The setting is captivating and the lively K'iche Maya indigenous market draws craftsmen and villagers from all over the highlands. The market is not only the main economic focus of this highland village but an important social and cultural event where K'iche indigenous people gather to barter, buy and sell. Take ample time to stroll through the streets, browse and purchase native handicrafts, and observe ancient native rites of burning incense, spreading flower petals and burning candles in the Santo Tomas Church. Although the rites are Mayan and not Catholic, the Catholic Church has allowed the Maya to practice religion in their own manner since the 17th century. After lunch, depart for the shores of Lake Atitlan, a caldera lake whose crystal blue waters are flanked by three spectacular volcanoes.Overnight at Hotel Atitlan or similar on Lake Atitlan. [BLD]

DAY 3: LAKE ATITLAN

DAY 4: TOTONICAPAN

This highland city is nestled in a valley at 8,000 feet and boasts the highest concentration of Maya people in Guatemala, many of whom have retained their ancient traditions. Our full day walking tour includes visits to artisans workshops, homes, and a colorful non-tourist market. Learn from weavers about Mayan looms, explore a potters studio, and enjoy an informal lecture and colorful ceremonial demonstrations at the Morera, the center for traditional dance and costume making. Lunch is delicious home-cooked fare, served in a small, private courtyard, accompanied by a live marimba band. This afternoon, as we descend from the highlands to the Pacific plains, we'll stop to soak in the hot springs Fuentes Georginas, high above the agriculturally important villages of Zunil and Almolonga. Overnight at the Takalik Maya Lodge or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5: TAK'ALIK AB'AJ

The pre-classic Mayan site of Tak'alik Ab'aj is well preserved and plays a significant role in the archaeological record by bridging the intriguing gap between the Olmec and Maya Civilizations. Here you will have the opportunity to view the remnants of both cultures lying in the same surroundings. After a morning visit to the site view one of Guatemala's most important exports - coffee. Walk through fields in the lush coastal atmosphere, feel the soil and see why this environment produces such rich and earthy beans that are enjoyed worldwide. This afternoon enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra Madre volcanic chain as your private driver/guide follows the coastal route of the Pacific plains to overnight at the Los Tarrales Reserve or similar. [BLD]

DAY 6: LOS TARRALES RESERVE

This morning enjoy a walk through an exotic flower farm and coffee plantation. Many trails lead out from the plantation in to primary lowland forest and cloud forest that has been dutifully preserved along the volcanic steeps surrounding farm. This is an excellent area for spotting birds that are exclusive to the southern coastal such as the long-tailed manakin, cinnamon hummingbird, berylline hummingbird, azure-rumped tanager, and three types of parakeet. Continuing north well enter the Maya Cakchiquel region where the first Spanish capitol city of Guatemala was founded in 1524 to overnight at a local farm and ranch. Overnight at San Ricardo Farm and Lodge or similar. [BL]

DAY 7: CAKCHIQUEL REGION

Today you'll be immersed in the culture of the Maya Cakchiquel region and explore the pre-Columbian Mayan capitol city of Iximche. For those interested in active pursuits, you can explore the 140 acres of nature trails around San Ricardo and choose to ride mountain bikes along an easy trail to the Iximche ruins. For lunch, we'll visit the indigenous village and the farming community of Xenotox. Guided by local farmers, we'll walk through the fields and discuss how their farming techniques relate to Mayan spirituality, their modern way of life, as well as the economics of small town subsistence. You'll be warmly welcomed into your host's home for an authentic lunch and back-strap loom weaving demonstration. This technique is passed down through generations and is still widely used today to make textiles. Late in the afternoon, transfer to Antigua for dinner and overnight at Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. Tonight you can explore the excellent cuisine and nightlife of Antigua at your leisure. Your guide will give you personal recommendations for where to dine and drink! [BL]

DAY 8: ANTIGUA

Today with our guide by your side, walk along the cobblestone streets among the monasteries, restored churches, and old haciendas of Antigua for a stunning and informative inside look at the former colonial capital of Guatemala and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guides will help make the most of a free afternoon to explore, shop and dine on your own. Overnight in Antigua at Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. [BL]

DAY 9: RETURN HOME OR EXTENSION TO TIKAL, COPAN OR BELIZE

Transfer to the international airport for your return flight home or begin optional trip extension to Tikal or Copan, Honduras pr nearby Belize. [B]