The Trip

Travel from the Central Highlands of Guatemala to the jungle ruins of Tikal and into the relatively wild but always fantastic Mexican province of Chiapas. The highlights of the trip include a visit to a famous coffee plantation in Antigua, a boat cruise on Lake Atitlan, the Mayan ruins of Tikal and a visit to the amazing Chiapas city of San Cristobal. We will focus on the sophisticated, ancient culture of the Mayans and we will spend a lot of time talking and cooking with the local people of this exotic land. Don’t believe the hype! Guatemala is not too dangerous to travel in. You simply have to follow a few simple rules (that we will teach you) and you will be greeted by smiles wherever you go.

Itinerary

Day 1 - November 6: Flight to Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City early in the evening and transfer 40 minutes to
Antigua, Guatemala's most sophisticated and safest city. Sleep in Antigua

Day 2 - November 7: Antigua-Atitlan
Enjoy a brief tour of Antigua (we will return here for a more complete
experience in four days) before transferring to Lake Atitlan. The famed
writer Aldus Huxley once called Atitlan the most beautiful lake in the
world. Sleep in Atitlan

Day 3 - November 8: Atitlan
Today, we will cruise Lake Atitlan, explore lakeside villages and learn
about the difficult-to-grasp cigar-smoking Mayan deity, Maximan. Sleep in Atitlan

Day 4 - November 9: Chichicastenango – Antigua
The morning is dedicated to the exploration of Chichicastenango, Guatemala's most colorful local market. "Chichi" is a photographer's delight so be sure to remember an extra memory chip or film. Sleep in Antigua

Day 5 - November 10: Antigua
Today is dedicated to the discovery of Antigua. You will have time to
explore the city both on a group tour and on your own. Antigua is chockfull of interesting squares, museums and colonial artifacts. In the afternoon, you can learn how to prepare tasty local specialties, take a walking tour to Volcano Pacaya or a visit to a local coffee plantation. Sleep in Antigua

Day 6 - November 11: Flores - Tikal
We will wake early this morning to catch a flight north to Flores and the
incredible ruins of Tikal. Locked deep in the jungles of Northern Guatemala, Tikal is regarded by most archeologists to be the finest collection of Mayan ruins in the world. Sleep in Flores

Day 7 - November 12: Flores - Tikal
There is a so much to see around Flores and Tikal that we will finish today what we didn't have time to do yesterday. We will surely end our day with a glass of wine, beer or local cocktail in front of the famous Yaxha sunset. . Sleep in Flores

Day 8 - November 13: Guatemala to Mexico - Palenque
Today will be the longest and most exciting day of the trip. Unfortunately, the roads between Guatemala and Mexico are not in good shape so we will have to travel slowly. Our slow speed will allow us to bird watch and look for other animals, including jaguar, in the jungle. We'll cross the border by boat, which will take us from Betel to Corozal (Mexico). Our long cross-border journey will end in Palenque, Mexico. Sleep in Palenque

Day 9 - November 14: Palenque
Today is dedicated to the exploration of Palenque, one of the most important archeological sites of Mexico. Sleep in Palenque

Day 10 - November 15: San Cristobal de las Casas
Today we'll transfer from Palenque to the intriguing city of San Cristobal
stopping en route to visit Agua Azul Falls if travel conditions allow. Sleep in San Cristobal

Day 11 - November 16: San Cristobal de las Casas
Today we will visit the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zincantan, where we will learn about local religious rites and the area's other-world traditions. We will spend the entire afternoon in the enchanting town of San Cristobal. Sleep in San Cristobal

Day 12 - Tuxtla Gutierrez - Mexico City
We will leave early this morning to reach the airport of Tuxtla Gutierrez
for our flight to Mexico City and onwards to the USA.

12 days, 11 nights
$3,550 per person

Itinerary details:
1 night in Antigua
2 nights in Atitlan
2 nights in Antigua
2 nights in Flores
2 nights in Palenque
2 nights in San Cristobal