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IntroductionWe discover
the natural and cultural splendour of Lake Atitlan, the incredible
scenery of the Guatemalan highlands, and visit the early Maya cities
of Copan, Tikal and Quirigua - hidden in the forests and backcountry
of Central America.
Tour information
Lake Atitlan & Indian Highlands
We begin this journey in the old capital of Antigua, Guatemala,
an architectural jewel nestled between three of Guatemala's grandest
volcanoes. From here we drive to Lake Atitlan (1500m), where huge
volcanoes dominate the landscape. Here, we take a full-day boat
trip on the blue waters of Lake Atitlan. We'll
admire the craftwork of the Quiche Indians in the local market at
Chichicastenango, before making a journey high into the remote Cordillera
de los Cuchumatanes, a beautiful and isolated region of steep, verdant
hills. We spend a day at the whitewashed town of Nebaj, home to
the Ixil, wandering its streets and markets, exploring surrounding
areas on foot.
Copan
& the Rio Dulce
Next we drive through spectacular mountains to reach Coban, from
here we drive to the Biotopo del Quetzal reserve, where we plan
to go in search of the elusive quetzal. We make a foray into Honduras
to visit the ceremonial centre of Copan. A major astronomical site,
it abounds with strange stelae and complex mathematical notations.
Travelling via Quirigua, we reach Livingston on the Caribbean. Then
make an enchanting boat trip beneath the cliff walls of the Rio
Dulce.
Wonders of Tikal
We enter the tangled forests of El Peten to view the mighty 20-story
temples of Tikal, the most impressive Maya city of all. We can only
speculate about these monumental temples which soar 30m above the
Great Plaza, piercing the jungle canopy, and the sophisticated engineering
of the mighty stonework palaces. Finally we stay in the modern capital
of Guatemala, also shadowed by volcanoes.
Accommodation
and Meals
13nts hotel, 1nt lodge; 5 breakfasts & 1 dinner included.
Transport
Bus/Riverboat/Flights/On foot.
Comments
An in-depth look with some off-beat travel in one of the most varied
countries in the region. This trip takes in some of the finest Mayan
sites in existence, as well as contemporary indigenous cultures.
Group
Size
Approx. 14 to 18.
Tour
Staff
Our Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
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Among the many highlights featured on thistrip, we mention:
ANTIGUA One of the finest colonial cities
in Central America.
LAKE ATITLAN One of the most beautiful
lakes in Central America.
CHICHICASTENANGO Visit Thursday
Market of the Quiché Indians.
NEBAJ Traditional mountain village, walk
in the surrounding area.
BIOTOPO DEL QUETZAL AREA
Searching for the resplendent Quetzal.
COPAN Famous Maya ceremonial centre
in Honduras with hieroglyphical stairway.
QUIRIGUA Huge monoliths with intricate
glyphs.
RIO DULCE Cruise on the river through a
spectacular jungle gorge.
TIKAL Guided tour of one of the most
famous of all the Maya sites, deep in the
jungle of El Peten. Varied bird life.
GUATEMALA CITY Orientation tour visit
Ixchel Museum and Plaza Mayor.
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Itinerary
1 Fly London/Guatemala City; transfer to Antigua.
2
In Antigua. 3 Drive to Lake Atitlan.
4
& 5 Visit Sololá market and Panajachel; boat trip to
San Antonio; optional walks.
6
Visit Chichicastenango market en route to Nebaj.
7
In Nebaj; discover hidden hill villages.
8
Drive to Biotopo del Quetzal via Coban.
9
Early visit in Biotopo; drive Copan (Honduras).
10
Explore Copan site.
11
Drive via Quirigua (Guatemala) to Livingston.
12
Launch to Rio Dulce; drive to Flores.
13
Drive to Tikal; full-day visit.
14
Drive to Flores; fly Guatemala City.
15
In Guatemala City; fly London.
16
Arrive London.
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