5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS

DAY 1.  Tues.  Arrival in GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala.   Meet and greet at Guatemala City International Airport, with immediate 45 minute drive to the colonial city of Antigua.  Overnight at the Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo. 

DAY 2.  Wed.  Antigua, Guatemala.  Established by Spanish Conquistadors in 1524, Antigua was Guatemala’s capital city for over two centuries. Visitors are enchanted by its narrow cobblestone streets, tree-shaded parks, and stylish colonial architecture.  An informative guided walking tour takes you into spectacular palaces, churches, convents, plazas and hidden side streets among vendors, artists and craftsmen.  Enjoy a free afternoon to explore and shop on your own.  Overnight at Posada Don Rodrigo Hotel in Antigua.   [BLD]

DAY 3.  Thurs.  San Andres Itzapa, Chichicastenango and Panajachel.     Enjoy a  scenic ride through Guatemala’s highlands to Lake Atitlan, one of the most scenic lakes in the world. En route visit the village of San Andres Itzapa, a seldom visited site where ancient Mayan rites are still practiced. Visit the revered San Simón, a deity to which Guatemalans make offerings and ask for blessings.  Next you will visit Chichicastenango  and its world famous  handicraft and textile market.  At Lake Atitlan we explore the lively lakeside town of Panajachel, famous for its laid back atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and world renowned Guatemalan crafts and textiles. Overnight at Posada Don Rodrigo in Panajachel.  [BLD]

DAY 4. Fri.  Embark in a small boat to admire this beautiful natural caldera lake created some 70,000 years ago.  Surrounded by three volcanoes and a dozen Maya Villages, our destination is Santiago Atitlan, a traditional Maya Tzutujil village on the far shore.  The 450 year old church contains historical paintings and plaques commemorating Santiago’s role in Guatemala’s bloody civil war, as well as wooden statues of saints, each of whom receives colorful new clothing made by local women every year.  The village, noted for its skilled painters and wood carvers, boasts several art galleries lining the main street.  Return across the lake and drive to Guatemala City.  Overnight at Biltmore Hotel.  [BL]  

DAY 5. Sat.  Transfer to Guatemala City Airport for flight home or continue your Central American adventure.

This trip is an excellent pre-tour for the Maya Classic or Maya Odyssey tours.  Also, a wonderful post-tour extension for the Maya Odyssey.

$595 per person double.  Single supplement $219.