The land of the Maya takes you back in time and immerses you in the compelling story of a treasured history. Explore four UNESCO World Heritage sites from the Pyramids in Tikal National Park to the ruins of Copán, you’ll experience some of the most significant cultural treasures of the Maya world. Cruise Lake Atitlán against a backdrop of the San Pedro volcano, explore colorful outdoor markets, tour a coffee plantation and learn the historic importance of jade. This journey through Guatemala and Honduras is enhanced by stays at small, rustic hotels for an authentic flavor of this amazing region.

• Archaeology Museum, Copán Ruins, Coffee Plantation, Quirigua, Rio Dulce, Tikal Ruins, Chichicastenango Indian Market, Lake Atitlán Cruise, Antigua, Jade Museum

• Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Copán, Quirigua, Tikal and Antigua
• Cruise Lake Atitlán, considered by many to be “the closest thing to Eden on earth.”
• Visit a coffee plantation and learn about the cultivation and processing methods plus its importance to the local economy.
• Mingle with the locals at Central America’s largest and most colorful clothing and crafts outdoor market.
• Visit Guatemala’s Archaeology Museum filled with priceless Maya artifacts.

Tour Prices & Dates:

Day 4: Copán - Quirigua, Guatemala - Fronteras (Rio Dulce)
Return to Guatemala and visit Quirigua, another UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humankind site. Marvel at the largest stone columns in the Maya world – standing 26 feet, 6 inches in height and weighing nearly 65 tons! Well-preserved portraits and texts on the stelae tell the fascinating story of a ruling dynasty once in competition with nearby Copán. Your day ends in the charming lakeside town of Rio Dulce where your accommodations rest on the river’s edge.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Rio Dulce - Petenchel (Tikal area)
Your day begins with a visit to Castillo de San Felipe, a fort built to protect the 16th century traders from pirates. Enjoy a leisurely-paced tour of the enchanting San Felipe Castle before traveling to northern Guatemala, the birthplace of the great Maya civilization.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Tikal National Park
Today’s journey takes you to Tikal National Park, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humankind site. This majestic Maya city, considered the largest and most monumental of all of the sites discovered in the Maya world, showcases temple-pyramids that tower over the rainforest canopy and were built from hand-cut limestone blocks. Surrounded by jungle flora and fauna, you’ll enjoy nature at its finest during a guided walking tour featuring the Great Plaza, the Temple of Jaguar, Temple II and Plaza of the Seven Temples. The remainder of your day is at leisure for a nature trail walk, bird watching or simply unwinding by the pool.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Guatemala City - Chichicastenango - Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
This morning fly to Guatemala City. Next, travel to Chichicastenango, a lovely town named by the Spanish conquistadors and known for its Maya Indian culture. Here, visit the most vibrant, colorful and picturesque outdoor market* in Guatemala. Every Thursday and Sunday locals from the region gather to buy and sell fruit, vegetables, flowers, grains, animals, textiles and handicrafts. Visit the Santo Tomás Church where today the Maya-Quiché still pray to their gods according to the old Maya traditions - to “ensure the sun will cross the sky and the seasons are going to change.” Later, continue to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán, surrounded by breathtaking vistas of volcanoes.
Today breakfas and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Lake Atitlán - Santiago Atitlán
Lake Atitlán was formed by a caldera (volcanic eruption) and is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlán and Tolimán) and 12 picturesque Maya villages. Depart in the morning by boat to the Maya-Tzutuhil village of Santiago Atitlán, famous for Maximón, a character that is widely worshipped by the inhabitants of Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy free time to explore Santiago Atitlán and mingle with the locals who are known for their variety of handicrafts, colorful textiles, woodcarvings and naïf paintings.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 9: Lake Atitlán - Antigua
This morning, visit the Mesoamerican Museum of Jade and learn about the historic importance of jade, considered the most precious treasure and highest symbol of wealth in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. In the mid-afternoon, check into your hotel in Antigua, a captivating Colonial town sure to mesmerize you. During Colonial times, Antigua was Central America’s political, economic and religious center. Today, it preserves the splendor of what was once one of the most important Spanish colonies in South America.
Today breakfast will be included.

Day 10: Antigua
Antigua, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humankind site, highlights the unique customs and traditions of the Maya and Spanish. Step back in time on this charming town’s cobblestone streets where sprays of bougainvillea burst from crumbling ruins, pastel façades glow under terracotta roofs, and parks with fountains exist amidst a dramatic backdrop of Antigua’s three volcanoes. Your walking tour begins with a visit to Casa de Artes for a private demonstration of local handicrafts. Continue to Plaza de Armas where you’ll see the monuments early settlers created to honor their heritage. Then, visit the 18th century cathedral and the ornate façade of La Merced Church. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Antigua’s many hidden treasures. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip to Guatemala, “land of the eternal spring,” and Honduras.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Antigua -Tour Ends
Your exploration of the world of the Maya ends today in Antigua.
Today breakfast will be included.