The Experience

The ultimate exploration of Mayan culture for those who want the complete experience but prefer a more comfortable option. Explore the ruins at Copan and Tikal, walk the cobblestones in the colonial cities of Suchitoto and Antigua, and take part in a Mayan tree-planting ceremony after a local lunch on breathtaking Lake Atitlan. From the Caribbean flavor of Livingston to lesser-visited El Salvador, your local CEO will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you’ve left this crossroads of Mayan culture.

What’s Included Arrival transfer. Visit an indigo factory and enjoy a local lunch. Visit to the artisan community of La Palma. Guided tour of the ruins of Copan. Guided visit of the ruins of Quirigua. Scenic boat ride from Rio Dulce to Livingston. Guided tour of the ruins of Tikal. Boat ride around Lake Atitlan, with visit to San Juan la Laguna community including a local Mayan lunch and a tree-planting ceremony. Guided cultural walking tour of Antigua. Cooking class with lunch. 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches. (Allow USD300-400 for meals not included.) Comfort hotels (13 nts). Private van, boat, flight, walking. Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides. Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10.

Day 1 Antigua Arrive at the Guatemala City airport. Arrival transfer to hotel in Antigua included.

Day 2-3 Suchitoto (2B,1L) Early start to cross the border into El Salvador and tour an indigo factory/farm with demonstrations of this traditional trade. Enjoy a local lunch of traditional Salvadorian pupusas – hand made with corn dough, cheese, and local vegetables. Wash them down with a refreshing glass of sweet cold hibuscus tea. Option to visit Joya de Ceren archaeological site, hike to a nearby waterfall, bird-watch on Lake Suchitlán or relax in the main square of colonial Suchitoto.

Day 4-5 Copan, Honduras (2B) Cross into Honduras with a visit to the artisan community of La Palma en route. On Day 5, take a guided tour of the Copan ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Option to visit local hot springs or go horseback riding.

Day 6 Rio Dulce, Guatemala (1B) Transfer to Guatemala with a visit to the Mayan ruins of Quirigua en route. Opt to visit hot waterfalls or join a sunrise kayaking tour.

Day 7-8 Flores/Tikal (2B) Morning scenic boat ride to coastal Livingston before afternoon transfer to Flores. On Day 8, take a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Tikal.

Day 9-10 Jaibalito/Lake Atitlán (2B,1L) Travel today by flight, van and boat to the village of Jaibalito on Lake Atitlán. On Day 10, visit San Juan la Laguna, a Planeterra-supported village. Take an orientation walk, visit various community co-ops, enjoy a local Mayan lunch and a Mayan tree-planting ceremony.

Day 11-13 Antigua (3B,1L) Return to Antigua and go on a guided cultural walking tour with a local expert, including the museums at Paseo de los Museos. Enjoy a cooking class to learn about traditional specialties while savouring them for lunch. Options to take salsa dancing lessons, go on a volcano trek, scour the cobblestone streets for handicrafts or relax with a massage.

Day 14 Antigua (1B) Depart at any time.

14 DAYS FROM $2199, ANTIGUA TO ANTIGUA

Central America Explorer

Priced From Call TravelWizard
Destinations El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
Trip ID GA
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