Guatemala Balam

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  J1 GUATEMALA IN

  

  Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel Arrival and check-in.

• day 2

  D2 GUATEMALA - IXIMCHE - PANAJACHEL

  

  Breakfast Departure for the discovery of the Iximché site, former Cakchiquel capital and, later, the first capital of the Spanish kingdom of Goathemala. Road to Panajachel. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 3

  J3 PANAJACHEL - SAN JUAN LA LAGUNA

  

  Breakfast Of all the natural wonders in Guatemala, the volcanic setting of Lake Atitlán is probably the most beautiful. Around the lake, three volcanoes with fertile slopes make its shores suitable for habitation and cultivation. Boat crossing of Lake Atitlán to visit San Juan La Laguna: land of the Zutuhil Indians, a very authentic village where women wear a huipil and a red belt, a black skirt with white stripes, and men wear white pants and a black and white shirt. Overnight stay in San Juan

• day 4

  J4 SAN JUAN LA LAGUNA - CHICHICASTENANGO - ANTIGUA

  

  Breakfast Boat trip to Panajachel, then transfer to Chichicastenango. This small village was long the hiding place of one of Guatemala's greatest treasures, the Popol Vuh, the bible of the Quiché Indians. Visit to the church of Santo Tomás, where one can observe the syncretism between the Catholic religion and Mayan ceremonies. Stroll through the market Free time for shopping. Drive to the colonial city of Antigua. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 5

  J5 ANTIGUA

  

  Breakfast Antigua was founded at the beginning of the 16th century. The charm of this colonial city, which lays out its streets in a grid according to Renaissance principles and was the former capital of Guatemala, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Visit to the Santa Clara convent, founded in 1699, largely destroyed by earthquakes. The cathedral, surrounded by the former Government buildings, the Palace of the Captains General built in 1549, and the City Hall. The San Francisco church, where Brother Pedro de Bethancourt, a revered figure among the Franciscans, rests. Visit to the magnificent Santo Domingo convent, restored as a luxury hotel, and its 5 museums including the beautiful colonial museum. Visit to the church and convent of La Merced and its baroque façade, and finally to the San José cathedral and its majestic façade. Discovery of a jade workshop, the sacred stone of the Mayas. Accommodation.

• day 6

  D6 ANTIGUA - PACAYA VOLCANO - ANTIGUA

  

  Breakfast Departure to San Vicente Pacaya for the ascent of the Pacaya volcano, active since 1960 and reaching an altitude of 2,500 m. Possibility to observe lava flows. Descent and return to Antigua. Accommodation.

• day 7

  J7 ANTIGUA - BIOTOPO DEL QUETZAL - COBAN

  

  Breakfast Departure to the Ranchitos del Quetzal nature reserve, where you may observe several species of colorful birds. This is the special place occupied by the national bird of Guatemala, "el Quetzal." Its humid climate favors the growth of lush tropical vegetation. Continue to Coban. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 8

  D8 COBAN - SEMUC CHAMPEY - COBAN

  

  Breakfast Departure to Semuc Champey by pick-up, located 11 km south of Lanquín, in a valley with steep walls and surrounded by humid tropical forests. There are several natural pools of different sizes, filled with crystal clear spring water. Return to Coban Accommodation

• day 9

  J9 COBAN-FLORES

  

  Breakfast Route to Cuevas de Candelaria, huge caves from the Mayan era. Ancient natural site, location of Mayan rituals, nestled in the heart of the jungle. You will discover the immense network of corridors and underground rivers that form the sacred riviera of the Mayas. Continue on the road to Flores. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 10

  J10 FLORES-TIKAL-FLORES

  

  Breakfast Departure for the visit of the archaeological site of Tikal, in the heart of a dense jungle where jaguars, pumas, anteaters, howler monkeys, and snakes live. This agglomeration of temples and palaces bears witness to the greatness of a civilization that disappeared for reasons still unknown to this day. Return to Flores. Accommodation.

• day 11

  J11 FLORES - YAXHA - RIO DULCE - LIVINGSTON

  

  Breakfast Departure to the archaeological site of Yaxha. The third largest Maya site in Guatemala, this park overlooks Lake Yaxha and is home to the ruins of ancient Maya cities. There are 400 structures naturally protected by the forest. Return to Flores and continuation to the Atlantic coast of the country. Boat trip to reach the Garifuna village. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 12

  J12 LIVINGSTON - RIO DULCE - QUIRIGUA - ANTIGUA

  

  Breakfast Return by boat to Rio Dulce, then departure by bus to QUIRIGUA, a city well known for its famous Mayan stelae, similar in their sculptures to the Copan style, but more geometric. Return to Antigua. Arrival and check-in at the hotel.

• day 13

  J13 Antigua

  

  Breakfast Free day Accommodation.

• day 14

  J14 ANTIGUA-GUATEMALA OUT

  

  Breakfast Transfer to the airport