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GUATEMALA: MAYA MYSTERY & MAGIC
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TOUR CODE EAI-GU05
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Length: 13 DAYS
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HIGHLIGHTS: Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Quetzaltenego (Xelaju), Chichicastenango,
San Fransisco el Alto Market, Totonicapan Market, Yaxha, Tikal
This trip will provide you with a taste of Guatemalan crafts, culture, nature and history.
Start off in Antigua, a stunningly beautiful and elegant colonial town with cobblestone
streets, tranquil parks, numerous palaces, cathedrals, churches and residences. The city
was founded in 1543. Guatemala is famous for its amazing array of folk art, in particular
the wonderful array of hand woven textiles with amazing variety of colours, symbolism and
techniques.Spend a day with Martha Hettich, our resident Maya textile expert, who will
present you with the history of Maya textiles, the weaving techniques of the back strap
loom and the symbolism of the designs.
Travel deeper into the highlands to Lake Atitlan. This lake has been called “the most
beautiful lake in the world”. Take a private boat with guide to explore one of the more
traditional villages surrounding the lake to experience the local indigenous customs,
traditions, dress and crafts. Visit Chichicastenango, famous for its large craft market.
We will visit the famous San Fransisco el Alto and San Miguel Totonicapan Markets, famous for
pottery, weaving, silversmithing, wooden furniture and toys. Also of note from “Toto” are the
excellent masks made for use in the Altiplano area for folkloric dances.
Fly to the northern rainforest area of the Peten where there are numerous ancient Mayan
temple sites and bountiful tropical wildlife. Tour Yaxha, close to Tikal, situated on the
shores of the peaceful Lake Yaxha. This is the site of the third largest known Classic
Mayan site in the country. Yaxha has a twin pyramid complex, nine acropolis and more than
500 structures. Similar to Tikal, Yaxha was at its height of importance between AD 300 -
900. End your tour at The world famous Mayan temple ruins at Tikal. Set in the protected
rainforest this is an amazing climax to any trip to Guatemala, an incredible sight to
behold as huge temples rise out of the rainforest and monkeys and exotic birds complement
the scene. Enjoy sunset or sunrise or both from on top of the temples.
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COSTS
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| Contact Eco-Adventure International For Costs |
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Rates are subject to change without notice.
Included:
TRIP INCLUDES: Hotels, meals where indicated, airport
transfers, group equipment (bikes,
rafts, camping gear, etc.), support vehicle and
experienced, bilingual & fun guides.
Meals where indicated.
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL-Box Lunch, D=Dinner)
Not Included:
International and domestic flights, airport taxes,
other meals, tips.
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DAY
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PLACE/ACTIVITY
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DESCRIPTION |
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1
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ARRIVAL – TRANSFER TO ANTIGUA |
Upon arrival at Guatemala City airport we will be met by our representative nd transferred to the
beautiful city of Antigua. Approx 45mins Transfer.
Hotel Options
HIGH END SUGGESTION - Panza Verde was recently featured in French Vogue. Not only does it have the most elegantly
decorated suites but it has wonderful terrace areas with views of the volcano and what many say is the best restaurant in
town. Highly acclaimed with 12 rooms – 10 suites.
MID RANGE SUGGESTION - Casa Mayor is a small, 8 room colonial style hotel situated just 4 blocks from the main
square in Antigua. It has a pretty roof terrace and café, garden cloister and communal lounge area.
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2
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ANTIGUA – GUIDED TOUR OF THE MONUMENTS – FREE AFTERNOON |
Antigua is a stunningly beautiful and elegant colonial town with cobblestone streets, tranquil parks, numerous palaces,
cathedrals, churches and residences. The city was founded in 1543 by Francisco de la Cueva and was the first planned
settlement in the new world, designed by Italian architect Juan Francisco Antonelli. Antigua grew to be the finest city in
Central America and was the country’s capital until it was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1773. Now fully
reconstructed and renovated, Antigua has wonderful restaurants, patio cafes, shops and galleries in which to relax,
numerous ruins to explore and interesting museums and exhibitions to visit.
This morning we will take a guided tour of Antigua to learn about the main architectural monuments and
history. Tour to include the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral (1680), Capuchinas Convent and Iglesia San Fransisco where Saint
Hermano Pedro is buried.
In the afternoon we will explore and enjoy Antigua. Activity suggestions in and
Around Antigua:
- Horse Riding – rides with Katie Cunningham from her stables in and around Antigua.
- Azotea Cultural Museum – Coffee farm and excellent exhibition & slide show on the traditional costumes, customs
and music of the Mayan people.
- Textiles of Aguas Calientes. This village is famous for its strength of traditions and double-sided textiles. We can visit
the home of a lady who gives lessons in weaving and a larger residence where they explain some of the traditions like
marriage & the important role textiles play in these traditions.
- San Juan Obisbo – Visit the beautiful convent and enjoy the view over Antigua from this small Maya village
- Macadamia Farm. Low key trip to a fascinating organic Macadamia farm where they encourage discussion about
environmental issues and are encouraging local people to grow Macadamias as well as coffee in an attempt to help the
problem of crashing coffee prices. (They give the trees away and provide technical support.)
- Mountain Biking or Hiking half and full day trips in and around Antigua.
- Volcano Climbing – on foot or in on a 4x4 Land Cruiser. Descend the same way or on bikes.
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3
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ANTIGUA – MAYAN TEXTILES WITH MARTHA HETTICH |
Guatemala is famous for its amazing array of folk art, in particular the wonderful array of hand woven textiles with amazing
variety of colours, symbolism and techniques. Today will be spent with Martha Hettich, our resident Maya textile expert.
Martha will start the day by presenting on the history of Maya textiles, the weaving techniques of the back strap loom and
the symbolism of the designs. We will accompany her to the museum “House of the Old Textile” in Antigua. The
museum is run by a cooperative from the village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, a village famous for its strong textile
tradition. Although the back strap weaving from SAAC is primarily done in a single face brocade, the village has
incorporated a beautiful double sided tapestry weave into its traditional traje (costume). At the museum we will see the
weaving process on both the back strap and foot looms. There are vignettes of textiles from all over the country. If there is
still time we can then finish off the morning by visiting some of the specialist shops and artisan markets to learn how to
distinguish new weavings from old and good quality from poor. Martha will also help negotiate fair prices for those who wish
to make purchases.
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4
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LAKE ATITLAN |
Today we transfer deeper into the highlands to Lake Atitlan. This lake has been called by many, “the most beautiful lake
in the world”. It is indeed an amazing setting with the crystal blue waters of the lake surrounded by the three lofty peaks of
Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan Volcanoes at 3,535m. The Lake is surrounded by small Maya towns and villages and
farmlands where fields of corn and beans are planted on what appear to be impossibly steep slopes. Coffee is also grown at
lower altitudes on the rich volcanic soil of the area. The waters are calm and still in the morning but in the afternoon a
phenomina known locally as “xocomil” occurs where-by the wind gets up and the lake becomes quite choppy. After a three
hour transfer through the Guatemalan countryside you will be taken to your hotel where you can rest or explore for the rest
of the day.
Hotel Options
HIGH END SUGGESTION - Casa Palopo – Named by Conde Naste in 2001 as one of the best new hotels in the world. 6
elegantly decorated rooms & suites with beautiful communal lounge, dining areas & terraces. There is a small pool and
amazing views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.
MID RANGE SUGGESTION - Villa Sumaya is a beautiful, stylish small hotel near the village of Santa Cruz village on the
lakeshore. There is a hot tub and sauna and they offer massages and other relaxation treatments. Not as luxury as Casa
Palopo but with great style and service.
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DAY AT THE LAKE – VILLAGE OF SANTIAGO |
Today we will take a private boat with guide to explore one of the more traditional villages surrounding the lake to
experience the local indigenous customs, traditions, dress and crafts. Santiago is an interesting town where the Maya
language of Tz’utujil is spoken and where the local people hold strongly to their beliefs and rituals. Here your guide will
show us where the local Mayan community worship an image called Maximon feeding him alcohol and cigarettes in an
attempt to make their wishes come true as well as other brotherhood or “Cofradia” houses where other Maya Gods are
revered. This village is also famous for its primitive art and beautiful woven “huipiles” – women’s tunics and there is an
interesting market for you to wander through.
Overnight at the Lake.
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INTO THE HIGHLANDS |
Today we will transfer even deeper into the western highlands to Quetzaltenego (Xelaju). We'll travel through
some spectacular altiplano scenary to visit a number of authentic and traditional Maya villages. Today we'll visit as
many of the below mentioned villages as possible or required. Any left out will be slotted into day 7 and 8 before returning to
Antigua.
While based in Xela we can enjoy day trips to villages such as Zunil, a very colourful town of whitewashed buildings and
pink, purple and white “traje” (Traditional dress) Zunil has their own version of Maximon and a wonderful weaving cooperative.
We will then visit Almolonga, which is an immensely important market as produce from here is sold throughout Central
America and there is also an interesting church to visit. The textile tradition is also very strong in this village and we will see
locals wearing the traditional dress from the area. The village of San Andres Xecul is home to one of the most famous churches
in Guatemala. The people of the village constructed their church in the typical colonial style but the ornamentation of the
facadeis done in strickly folk-art tradition in wonderful bright colours. Just outside of Xela is also the small town of Salcaja. This
town is known for producing the tied and dyed threads known as “jaspe” (ikat). The villagers have been weaving the die dyed
skirt material used throughout Guatemala since 1861. the church in Salcaja, founded in 1524, is supposedly the oldest in
Central America. Also of interst is the town of Cantel. This town has the oldest and largest commercial textile mill in the country.
Now it is also home to the Copavic cooperative glass factory where you can take a short tour and see glass blowing taking
place.
Overnight in Quetzaltenango in Casa Manen.
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TRADITIONAL MARKETS |
Today is the famous San Fransisco el Alto market. This is the largest open-air market in central America Unlike the well-known
market of Chichicastenango, this is mainly a genuine Indian market. Here locals sell vegetables and fruits and hand woven
fabrics from all over the country and additionally the wonderful wool blankets from the neighbouring village of Momostenango. A
spectacular part of the market is the fabulous animal fair.
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TOTONICAPAN MARKET |
Today is the market day in San Miguel Totonicapan – the capital town of the department of Totonicapan. The beautiful drive to
“Toto” passes through pine forests and wheat fields. “Toto” has been an important trade center since before the Spanish
conquest. Most of the town is involved in creating pottery, weaving, silversmithing, wooden furniture and toys which are sold
throughout the country. Also of note from “Toto” are the excellent masks made for use in the Altiplano area for folkloric dances.
Martha will take you through the market explaining about the Maya way of life in this area and how the market is a hugely
important factor of daily life here. You will visit the cultural centre to visit the ceremonial dance costume workshop as well as
enjoy a traditional lunch and dance display by some of the local people. In the afternoon we will transfer back to Antigua.
Overnight in Antigua |
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9
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TRIP TO CHICHICASTENANGO |
Chichicastenango is famous for its large craft market on Sunday and Thursday when craftsmen and villagers from all over
the highlands converge on this small town to sell their wares. Sunday is an interesting day to visit because as well as the
hugely colorful market, many village shamans will come from miles around to “Chichi”, as the locals call it, to perform Mayan
rituals on behalf of people in their community. There are many hillside Mayan altar sites where the rituals are performed
and, yet more strangely, many are performed on slabs inside the catholic church. Chichi is one of the easiest places for
travelers to experience the strange way that Mayan & Catholic faiths have merged in Guatemala. During a trip to Chichi,
you can also visit the small mask factory and see a traditional dance display performed by the local children.
After the visit to Chichi we will transfer to Antigua or Guatemala City as you prefer. Overnight in Guatemala City
or Antigua.
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10
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TRANSFER INTO THE NORTHERN RAINFOREST – YAXHA TOUR |
This morning we will transfer to Guatemala City airport for a 09:40 scheduled flight on Taca Airlines to the northern
airport of Flores. We will be met in Flores by our representatives and transferred to the hotel.
In the northern rainforest area of the Peten there are numerous ancient Mayan temple sites and bountiful tropical wildlife. After
a rest at the hotel you will transfer deep into the rainforest to visit the beautiful and atmospheric site of Yaxha.
Yaxha (Green Water) & Topoxte (Ramon Tree) – A beautiful Mayan ruin site set at the shore of Lake Yaxha – home of the
Moreletti crocodiles. Trekking in Yaxha is wonderful & watching the sunset with the sun falling behind the lagoon and its
island is really breathtaking. Howler & spider monkeys & a myriad of birds can often be observed from the temple tops.
Before exploring Yaxha itself, a short boat trip on the lake can be taken to visit the small ruin site of Topoxte, one of the
oldest cities in the Maya world.
Close to Tikal, situated on the shores of a peaceful lake is the site of the third largest known Classic Mayan site in the
country. Yaxha has a twin pyramid complex, nine acropolis and more than 500 structures. Similar to Tikal, Yaxha was at its
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11
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GUIDED TOUR OF THE WORLD FAMOUS TIKAL |
Any early start today in order to see the best of the tropical wildlife and to have the site all to yourselves! Today we will
transfer into Tikal National Park to visit the world famous site of Tikal.
Tikal (City of Voices) - The world famous Mayan temple ruins at Tikal. Set in the protected rainforest this is an amazing
climax to any trip to Guatemala, an incredible sight to behold as huge temples rise out of the rainforest and monkeys and
exotic birds complement the scene. Enjoy sunset or sunrise or both from on top of the temples.
Construction of Tikal began around BC 300, although it’s most important époque was between AD 200 - 900 in what is
called the Classic Period of the Mayan civilization when it was considered an important commercial city. The temples at
Tikal were built to reach the sky with the Temple of the Serpent reaching 70 meters high and offering a magnificent view of
the rainforest canopy and other temples. Due to the immense historical value of the site at Tikal, it has been declared a
UNESCO protected monument. The site covers 16 square kilometers and contains over 3,000 structures.
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12
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RELAX IN THE RAINFOREST |
This morning you can spend the morning relaxing by the lake, within the rainforest scenery or can enjoy a boat ride on lake
Peten-Itza visiting the local zoo and town of Flores. Flores is a pretty, small town perched on a tiny island in Lake Peten-Itza
and joined to the mainland by a short causeway. The colourful houses of Flores circle around the central plaza and cathedral
which sit up above the rest of town and overlook the red roofs and surrounding lake.
In the afternoon we will be transferred to the airport at Flores for the evening flight back to Guatemala City. Once in
Guatemala City we will be met at the airport & transferred to the hotel.
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FLIGHT OUT |
This morning our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Guatemala City airport in plenty of time for your
flight home. Please don’t forget to set aside $30 departure tax for each person traveling.
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