Brief Guatemala: Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal
Description
Pricing
Itinerary
Sub Trips
Hotels
Yampu’s brief tour includes a visit and stay in Antigua Guatemala. From there, we will explore Lake Atitlán, volcanic in origin; it is the deepest lake in Central America. We will also visit the Maya towns that surround it. Finally, we will fly to Flores to visit the impressive and mystical Tikal. This is the largest of the ancient ruined cities of the Maya civilization and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will stay a night in Flores near the ruins.
This tour includes airfare allowance from London (UK), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via London; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.
Day 1
Upon arrival in Guatemala City, private transfer to your hotel in Antigua Guatemala (commonly referred to as La Antigua or just Antigua).
Day 2
Morning private tour of Antigua. For more than 200 years, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish military governor in much of Central America. You will be met at your hotel at 9 a.m. by your private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible, and if you have specific places that you wish to see please let us know. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you privately to your hotel in Lake Atitlan.
Day 3
Half-day tour to Santiago Atitlan
You will be picked up from your hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, you will walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, you may see local shamans performing rituals for local people. If you wish, you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon, you will visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and the area’s famous primitive art. Take a ride in the back of a “flete” (a pickup truck in which people stand in the bed and are taken around town, often at high rates of speed) to get to Hotel Posada Santiago for lunch. After lunch, private transfer to Antigua for overnight.
Day 4
Early morning, private transfer to Guatemala City airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, private visit to the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which measures up to 70 meters high. From its peak, you can hear the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared a World Heritage Center by UNESCO in 1979. Overnight in Peten. Lunch included.
Day 5
Morning of leisure. Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 6
Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Guatemala, or an extension to Belize or other Central American countries.
Suggested Hotels by City and Category *
|
Antigua
|
| 3-star |
Hotel Aurora, Casa de las Fuentes, Hotel Los Bucaros, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Posada de Don Rodrigo, El Meson de Maria (boutique) or similar. |
| 5-star |
Casa Santa Domingo, Casa Encantada (boutique), Méson Panza Verde (boutique), El Convento Boutique Hotel, or similar. |
| Boutique |
Hotel Cissus, or similar |
| Deluxe |
Posada del Angel, or similar.
|
|
Lake Atitlan Area
|
| 3-star |
Mundos, Posada Santiago, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Posada de Don Rodrigo, Lomas de Tzununa or similar. |
| 5-star |
Hotel Atitlan, or similar. |
| Deluxe |
Casa Palopo, Laguna Lodge (boutique hotel, only serves vegetarian food) or similar. |
|
Tikal (Peten)
|
| 3-star |
Casa Amelia, Hotel Peten, or similar. |
| 4-star |
Peten Esplendido, Villa Maya, or similar. |
| 5-star |
Camino Real Tikal or similar. |
| Deluxe |
La Lancha (note: no A/C). Nitún, or similar. |
|
Guatemala City
|
| 3-star |
Biltmore Express or similar. |
| 4-star |
Radisson or similar. |
| 5-star |
Camino Real or similar. |
| Deluxe |
Intercontinental or similar. |
* Subject to confirmation at time of booking
6 days , from £1792
| Occupancy Type |
3-star |
4-star |
5-star |
Deluxe |
| Double | £1792 | £1935 | £2129 | £2904 |
| Single | £2408 | £3031 | £3309 | £4062 |
Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).