Itinerary
Day 1 Guatemala/Antigua
Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel in the city of Antigua, a true colonial gem in the high plains of Guatemala about 45 minutes from the country's capital, Guatemala City. Overnight at selected hotel

Day 2 Antigua
After breakfast, we tour Antigua, former capital of Guatemala. Antigua is the most outstanding and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas. The Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of the town: its houses, churches, squares, parks, and ruins, including its traditions and folklore. City of charm and color, where you can find an overwhelming variety of attractive handmade products that honor the traditions of generations of artisans. Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 3 Chichicastenango
This morning, we drive into the highlands, surrounded with green mountains, to the Indian town of Chichicastenango, where we visit the largest open-air market in Central America. This marketplace has existed continuously for over a thousand year. We find handicrafts from all over Guatemala: wooden dance masks, hand woven huipiles, and colorful fabrics. Next, we visit Santo Tomas Church, built in 1540. The ceremonies of faith are a blend of Mayan and Catholic rituals in their own ancient dialects. Afternoon transfer to Panajachel in Lake Atlitan. Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 4 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. This morning, we travel by boat across the calm waters to visit the fascinating lakeside Tutzhuil Maya Indian community of Santiago Atitlan. You will see fishermen in dug-out canoes and women balancing huge water vessels on their heads. After lunch, we visit the nearby town of Panajachel and its colorful marketplace. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at selected hotel (B,L)

Day 5 Lake Atitlan/Copan
Today, we travel east on the Atlantic Highway through the rich Motagua Valley to the Honduran border. We find in our path spectacular scenery surrounded by pine forests, lakes, and small villages. We cross the Hondura’s border and after simple formalities, we drive towards Copan, best preserved ruins of the Mayan World. Overnight at selected hotel (B,L)

Day 6 Copán
After breakfast, we visit Copán. These amazing ruins are known for their detailed carvings and well preserved stelae. We will visit the Acropolis, Great Plaza, and Ballcourt; Also we will see the Hieroglyphic Stairway carved on 63 stone steps, the Altar Q, a rectangular stone altar with carved portraits of all of Copán’s rulers, and the Museum of Mayan Sculpture, where we find a full scale replica of the Rosalila Temple, built in 571 A.D. Afternoon at leisure to visit Copan City and surroundings. Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 7 Petenchel
Today, we start our way back to Guatemala and towards the Caribbean lowlands. En route, we visit Qurigua, another exceptional archaelogical site, where the largest and most interesting Mayan stelae have been found. Lunch at Rio Dulce. Here, we have time to take an optional trip by boat through the dense forested Rio Dulce Canyon National Park. We will pass by the Manatee reserve and Castillo de San Felipe. Following, we will continue to Petenchel for a relaxing stay at a hotel located in a private nature reserve. Overnight at selected hotel (B,L)

Day 8 Tikal
Today, we visit the magnificent archeological site of Tikal. These ruins include more than 3,000 structures extending over six square miles built around 600 B.C. Surrounded by the sounds of birds and wildlife, we visit palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, plazas, avenues, and steam baths, which were in the past an important religious, scientific, and political site. Afternoon at leisure Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 9 Flores/Guatemala
Today, we are transferred to the airport for flight to Guatemala City. On arrival, connection with our international flight back to USA. (B)

Meal Code: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner