Guatemala, heart of the Maya world

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to Guatemala!

  

  Arrival at Guatemala International Airport "La Aurora". Transfer from the airport to your hotel by private transport, then check-in at your hotel.

• day 2

  Small coffee producers of Alta Verapaz

  

  Heading for the department of Alta Verapaz, whose mountainous landscapes are covered with mist, waterfalls, and lush forests. Visit to a coffee cooperative made up of small producers from the Q’eqchi ethnic group, in the highlands of Cobán. A member of the community accompanies visitors through the plantation, explaining the history of coffee in Guatemala, as well as the production and roasting processes. Continue to Cobán, the capital of Alta Verapaz, located at an altitude of 1,300 meters. The name of the city comes from Quek’chi, meaning "between the clouds." Included option: entrance to the Coffee Cooperative.

• day 3

  Exploration of the Candelaria caves

  

  Head north of Alta Verapaz to explore the Candelaría caves. The main gallery is nearly 22 kilometers long, with an additional 60 kilometers of side networks, making up one of the largest underground networks in Latin America. 1h30 excursion to discover part of the network that the Mayans considered an entrance to the underworld of Xibalba. Continue to Flores, in the heart of Petén. Included option: entrance and excursion to the Candelaria caves.

• day 4

  Tikal: jewel of the Maya world

  

  Day dedicated to exploring the impressive city of Tikal, built in the 4th century BC. The city reached its peak between the 3rd and 9th centuries AD. Some 3,000 structures emerge from the tropical forest in a mystical atmosphere. The Temple of the Great Jaguar faces the Temple of the Masks on the grand plaza, the nerve center of the city. At 65 meters high, the Temple of the Serpent was the tallest building in the New World until the 19th century. Nature is not left out, engulfing the traveler who enters the reserve. One looks out for spider monkeys, pheasants, coatis, toucans, and other multicolored parrots. The cries of howler monkeys can be heard for several kilometers around. The scents of vines and roots surprise the traveler. In 2017, new research techniques made it possible to uncover temples still buried in the jungle. Tikal has not finished revealing all its mysteries… Transfer to Flores, located on a peninsula of Lake Peten Itza. Included option: French-speaking local guide in Tikal. Included option: Tikal entrance.

• day 5

  Discovery of Yaxha

  

  Departure for Yaxha, "green water" in the Mayan language. The city is located on the shores of Lake Yaxha, which was used to supply the Mayan population with fresh water. Walk along the marked trails of this large, little-visited site. Do not miss the view of the lake from the Temple of las Manos Rojas. 4-hour transfer to Río Dulce. The Caribbean atmosphere begins to be felt, with many sailboats coming here to drop anchor. Included option: French-speaking local guide at Yaxha. Included option: Yaxha entrance. Overnight in a charming tropical setting on a small island in the Rio Dulce.

• day 6

  Navigation on the Rio Dulce

  

  Visit of the San Felipe fort, built in the 17th century to stop the recurring attacks of pirates. Beautiful boat ride on the Río Dulce (private boat). Crossing of a canyon and swimming in hot springs. The village of Livingston is reached by river. Part of the population is from the Garifuna ethnic group, descendants of black slaves. The contrast with the rest of the country is striking. Afternoon of discovery in Livingston to appreciate this unique atmosphere in Guatemala. Return by boat to Rio Dulce at the end of the day. Night in a charming tropical setting on a small island.

• day 7

  Excursion to Copán - Honduras

  

  Transfer to Copan in Honduras. Visit of the archaeological site of Copán in Honduras. The city experienced significant cultural and scientific influence at its peak in the 7th century. Its baroque style, sculptures, and finely ornamented stelae make it one of the most spectacular Mayan cities. Bird watching on the site is also appreciated. End of the day free in the pleasant village of Copan. Included option: French-speaking local guide in Copan. Included option: Copan entrance.

• day 8

  Tropical birds of Macaw Mountain

  

  This morning, visit to Macaw Mountain. This tropical bird reserve works to protect and breed endangered species. You can observe toucans, parrots, and red, green, and blue macaws (aras) there. Elevated walkways allow you to observe the birds up close. Possibility to swim in the river at the end of the visit. Return to Guatemala and drive to Antigua. Free time at the end of the day in the beautiful colonial town.

• day 9

  Antigua, the beautiful colonial city

  

  Guided tour of Antigua Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the former capital of Central America has suffered, throughout its history, many natural hazards: earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions. Morning with a guide to visit the city, which has more than thirty monasteries and convents, as well as a cathedral. The cobbled streets border the flowered patios of colonial houses. You stroll along the arcades of the Central Park while observing in the distance the Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango volcanoes. Beautiful Antigua leaves no visitor indifferent. Free afternoon to enjoy the pretty colonial city. NB: walking day in the city (no transport service).

• day 10

  Ascent of the active Pacaya volcano

  

  Early departure (7am) for the Pacaya volcano, one of the 3 active volcanoes in Guatemala. After 1h30 of transport, the ascent begins (3 hours of walking, 400 meters of elevation gain). The hike is accessible to everyone and offers beautiful views of the valley and the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. Once at the base of the cone, you can observe the crater and the fumaroles escaping from it. Lava flows can be seen when the volcano is active. Descent from the giant and return to Antigua around 1pm. Free afternoon. NB: Good physical condition recommended. Possibility to go up on horseback on site. Included option: Pacaya volcano entrance. Included option: community guide for the Pacaya ascent (Spanish-speaking - English-speaking).

• day 11

  Market day in Chichicastenango

  

  Departure at 8am for Chichicastenango and its famous market (Thursday and Sunday). The Kaqchikel Indians come down twice a week from the surrounding villages to sell their goods. The women wear the traditional huipil representing the seasons of the Mayan calendar. The city then transforms into a true kaleidoscope of colors and scents. In the center of the village, shamans purify the church steps with incense and perform Mayan rituals. Pre-Hispanic lunch Meet at Jacinta's for a culinary experience that is out of the ordinary. Jacinta is a French-speaking anthropologist who has taken a close interest in pre-Hispanic gastronomy. Our Western palates are surprised to discover new flavors (5 to 6 dishes are offered). A wonderful discovery. Descent towards Lake Atitlan, a highly emblematic place in Guatemala. It is nestled between 3 volcanoes at 1,600 meters of altitude and offers magnificent panoramas. The small villages bordering the lake – often only accessible by boat – continue to hold festivals and markets rooted in local traditions. Drive to the village of Santa Catarina Palopó on the shores of Lake Atitlan. The inhabitants of this lovely little village live mainly from agriculture, fishing, and weaving. Since 2016, a community project has been gradually repainting the village houses in the colors of the local huipil: deep blue with traditional patterns. Magnificent! Check-in at your hotel in this picturesque village.

• day 12

  Navigation on Lake Atitlán and Mayan villages

  

  Boat day discovering the Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan. The Tzutuhil indigenous people are one of the 21 Mayan peoples of Guatemala. They are present in only a handful of villages located in the southwest of Lake Atitlan. Heading to Santiago Atitlan. Visit of Santiago Atitlan and discovery of a curious syncretic cult. Half-good, half-bad, Maximón is feared as much as he is idolized. The villagers make offerings to him in the form of cigarettes, alcohol, or money. Continue by boat to San Juan la Laguna. Discover the small Mayan village: the women's weaving cooperative opens its doors to explain the techniques of natural dyeing and traditional weaving. You can also appreciate the naive paintings that depict scenes of daily life in the region. Included option: French-speaking local guide for the day.

• day 13

  Heading to the Pacific coast

  

  Departure at the time you wish towards the Pacific coast of Guatemala, renowned for its large black sand beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. End of the day free along the Pacific Ocean.

• day 14

  Relaxing at the beach

  

  Free day on the beach in Monterrico (no transport service). The coast is popular with surfers and sport fishing enthusiasts. The marine wildlife is very rich (marlin, sailfish in particular). At certain times of the year, it is possible to observe whales, dolphins, or witness turtles laying their eggs on the black sand beaches. Travelers seeking relaxation will especially enjoy unwinding by the pool with a sea view, cocktail in hand. The local cuisine based on fish and seafood is a delight.

• day 15

  Return to Guatemala City

  

  We enjoy the sun with one last free morning in Monterrico. Transfer to Guatemala City airport. Check-in for your international flight.