antigua / SAN FRANCISCO DEL ALTO / CHICHICASTENANGO / PANAJACHEL / WOMAN weaving COOPERATIVE / TRADITONAL medicineS / TIKAL

In cooperation with Copper Canyon Adventures we are offering a unique tour to the part of Guatemala which is the heartland of the traditional weaving, medicines and rituals of the "Living Maya". Join us for a comprehensive introduction to the wonderfully diverse and beautiful country of Guatemala. 

Day 1 ARRIVAL / antigua
On your arrival to the "La Aurora" airport in Guatemala City, you will be met and taken to the colonial old capitol of Antigua. You will stay the next two nights in the Posada de Don Rodrigo (or equivalent), an historic hotel brimming with colonial atmosphere.
After settling in, you will enjoy your welcome dinner--a great start to a great trip!
 
Day 2 antigua OPTION: PACAYA
Full day tour of Antigua, a UNESCO World heritage site. You will visit the Cappuccino Convent, San Francisco church and the Casa Kojom, a museum of Mayan Music and a working coffee plantation.
Take time to visit the local markets and shops to get your first glimpse (but not your last!) at the great quality and variety of native handicraft available in Guatemala.
Optional activity: Climbing Pacaya Volcano--an active volcano and a great day hike!
 
Day 3 antigua / SAN FRANCISCO EL ALTO / PANAJACHEL
Transfer from Antigua to the town of San Francisco el Alto. Attend the local market and witness native vendors and buyers--you will probably be the only visitors at this very local market.
In the afternoon transfer to Panajachel where a boat will be waiting to take us to our quaint hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the Hotel La Casa del Mundo (or an equivalent hotel in Panajachel for those who do not want to scale the 50+ stairs at the scenic "Casa").
 
Day 4 SANTIAGO ATITLAN / MAXIMON
Early boat ride to the native village of Santiago de Atitlan. Witness the time honored rituals of the saint Maximon. Spend the day marveling at the local handicrafts and religious ceremonies.
 
Following lunch you will visit San Juan, an unspoiled Maya village on the lake where a new woman's weaving cooperative is positively changing the lives and ideas of all who it touches.  You will see this, and also have the chance to purchase their quality products before returning to Panajachel.

Day 5 CHICHICASTENANGO / PANAJACHEL
Transfer to the market in Chichicastenango, home of one of the most vibrant open-air markets in Latin America. Witness the abundant local wares and the festivities/dances of the native peoples. In addition, you can also visit Maya ritual sites and religious ceremonies.
Return to Panajachel and the Hotel La Casa del Mundo.
 
Day 6 SAN ANTONIO PALOPO / weaving
Morning free before stopping at a local weavers home to witness the traditional weaving on a treadle loom (Optional morning activity: lake kayaking). In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Guatemala City.
Overnight in Guatemala City at the Hotel Santa Clara.

Day 7 GUATEMALA / TIKAL
Early morning transfer to the airport for flight to Santa Elena. Transfer to the magnificent site of Tikal where you will enjoy a full day visit to this incredible ancient city, considered by most to be the most impressive in the Mayan world.
  
You will note that most visitors to Tikal are "day trippers"--arriving in the morning and leaving in mid-afternoon. As such, you will have the park largely to yourself this afternoon, as you will stay tonight at the Tikal Inn, located in the park itself.
Staying in the park will give you a greater appreciation for the area and its abundant flora and fauna--especially the howler monkeys and coatimundis!

Day 8 TIKAL / GUATEMALA
Early morning birding and nature walk, followed by time free to enjoy this amazing ancient city as you see fit.
Late afternoon flight to Guatemala City, here you will stay at the Santa Clara for your final night in Guatemala.
Enjoy your farewell dinner at Kacao, one of the prettiest restaurants in Guatemala City.
 
Day 9 DEPART FOR HOME
Depart for home from Guatemala City Airport, where you will be assisted in checking in.

Thanks for joining us!

Trip price includes:
All lodging,
All meals,
All domestic airfare (Guatemala City to Santa Elena for Tikal),
All excursions (including the full day history and cultural tour of Antigua, visits to markets at both San Francisco del Alto and Chichicastenango, the cultural tour of Santiago de Atitlan, the woman's weaving cooperative at San Juan, the treadle-loom workshop in Palopo, and the overnight stay at Tikal with guided tour and birding walk),
All entrance fees,
All transfers and transportation (land and water),
A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation, and
The services of a bilingual guide throughout the trip.