Kaleidoscope of Guatemala & Honduras from $1,699

Uncategorized > Kaleidoscope of Guatemala & Honduras from $1,699

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala
Upon arrival in Guatemala, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
Stay: Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 2: Fly to Flores, Excursion to Yaxha and Topoxte
Early this morning you will be picked up for your flight to Flores. Upon arrival, depart for Yaxha, a pre-Columbian city and ceremonial site for the Maya civilization. Spend the morning exploring the site, which contains over 500 structures, including the only twin-pyramid complex found outside of Tikal. Continue on to Topoxte, an outpost of Yaxha, located on a cluster of 5 islands in Yaxha Lake. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Tikal. Balance of the day at leisure.
Stay 3 Nights: Camino Real, Tikal, Lago de Peten Itza

Day 3: Sightseeing Tour of Tikal
This morning travel to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located at the center of the 222-square-mile park. An exhilarating jungle hike leads you through the ruins. Marvel at the impressive structures of this ancient civilization, visiting sites such as the Twin-Pyramid complex, the Lost World Complex, where the Great Pyramid is located, Temple III, the Palace of the Windows, the Great Plaza, the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar, the Pyramid of the Masks, and the Palace of the Nobles. Have the opportunity to climb to the top of Pyramid IV, the highest of the Mayan pyramids, from which you will have a complete view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle. After your tour of the ruins of what was once considered the most powerful kingdom of the ancient Maya, enjoy lunch. Following lunch, return to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Petencito Zoo & Flores
Today, enjoy a trip to the Petencito Zoo, one of the best local displays of the biodiversity indigenous to the area. The Zoo is home to many jaguars, monkeys, macaws, coatis, foxes, and an assortment of other animals. While walking through the exhibits, be sure to notice all the local flora that line the paths. Afterwards, depart for an afternoon in the town of Flores. This town is located on an island in the middle of Lake Peten Itza and is connected to the mainland by a thin causeway. The island is densely populated by colonial style buildings adorned with red roofs, a sign of Mexican influence. Step back in time as you meander through the narrow cobblestone streets amidst these classic buildings while making your way to the center of the island. Atop a small hill at the center of the island lies the historic cathedral and Spanish plaza. Sample some of the local cuisine before departing for your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Launch Excursion to San Felipe Castle
Early this morning, transfer to Rio Dulce and board a launch bound for “Castillo de San Felipe” on Lake Izabal at the entrance to the Rio Dulce. Built circa 1604, the San Felipe Castle was a Spanish colonial fort designed to prevent pirates from entering the lake from the Caribbean. Later, continue on to the town of Livingston, at the mouth of the Rio Dulce. Once Guatemala’s main port on the Caribbean Sea, it is still known today for its cultural mix. From Livingston, travel to your hotel in Puerto Barrios on the Gulf of Honduras.
Stay: Amatique Bay Resort, Puerto Barrios

Day 6: Visit Quirigua en Route to Copan
This morning, following breakfast, set out for Copan. En route, visit the Mayan site of Quirigua, located at the crossroads of several ancient trade routes. Originally built in the image of the Honduran Copan Ruins, Quirigua now lies in ruin, leaving a mere 21 monuments. Ponder the ancient mysteries of this small city before continuing to your hotel in Copan, Honduras.
Stay: Hotel Marina Copan

Day 7: Tour Copan Ruins
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the Copan Ruins. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Copan is considered to be one of the most impressive cities of the ancient Maya Civilization. Be amazed by the huge complex, which flourished from the 5th the 9th century AD, and consists of temples and plazas built on multiple levels. Explore the site, consisting of 4,509 structures before continuing on to Guatemala City for overnight accommodations.
Stay: Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 8: Market in Chichicastenango, Church of Santo Tomas
Today, depart for Chichicastenango to visit the most picturesque and colorful Indian Market in the country. Hundreds of vendors from the surrounding countryside gather here to sell handicrafts, textiles, candles, food, flowers, and pottery. Spend time browsing the market for unique items that cannot be found elsewhere. Next, move on to the 400-hundred year old Church of Santo Tomas, built on a pre-Columbian temple platform, and witness the captivating religious ceremonies that take place right on the steps. Continue to Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful in the world, with its crystalline-azure waters in the crater bowl below. Atitlán is the ideal place to come in contact with Guatemalan folklore. Twelve Indian villages surround the Lake, and their inhabitants are descendants from the great Quiché, Cackchiquel, and Tzutuhil nations.
Stay 2 Nights: Porta Del Lago, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel

Day 9: Lake Atitlan, Tour of Santiago
This morning, you will board the motor launch to cross Lake Atitlán to the picturesque Indian village of Santiago Atitlán, one of the twelve lake-shore villages surrounding the Lake. Enjoy this bustling Indian community, where weavers work the colorful textiles. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 10: Tour of Antigua
This morning continue on to Antigua Guatemala for a tour of the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1543 by the Spaniards, today Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and modern colonial-style buildings. Visit the heart of the city, Central Plaza, surrounded by the Palace of the Captains-General, colonial churches, monasteries, and even a jade factory. Take in the amazing beauty and atmosphere of the city before transferring to Guatemala City in the afternoon.
Stay: Barcelo Guatemala City

Day 11: Depart Guatemala
After breakfast, depart for your departure flight home.