Guatemala
January 19 - 29 & March 2 - 12, 2010
Starting at $2,695

Once a center of Maya civilization, modern Guatemala is a living museum that bridges past and present, indigenous cultures and colonial tradition. Learn about the history of the Maya people in Guatemala City, then fly north to see Tikal—one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites in Central America. You’ll explore the excavated ruins of this once thriving metropolis and experience the beauty of the rain forest while staying at a lakeside resort. In the highland town of Chichicastenango, spend time at the open-air market, where people gather each week to buy and sell traditional crafts and produce. Stay for two nights on lovely Lake Atitlan, ringed by volcanoes and dotted with colorful villages, and visit the picturesque Indian town of Santiago Atitlan. Your tour concludes in Antigua, a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture and a World Heritage site.

Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Depart the U.S. for Guatemala City, Guatemala and settle into your hotel this evening.

Day 2 — Guatemala City
A morning tour of Guatemala’s capital includes the National Palace, once home to presidential offices and now an art museum, and the Spanish colonial Catedral Metropolitano. Early this evening gather for a lecture and discussion on Mayan history and culture with a local expert. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a hilltop restaurant overlooking the city and offering magnificent views of the entire valley.

Day 3 — Yaxha and Topoxté
Early this morning fly north to Flores, capital of the Petén region, and transfer by coach deep into Guatemala’s northern rain forest. Call on two important but less visited Mayan sites: Yaxha, where you can talk with the archaeologists as they excavate some of the 500 or so buildings here, and Topoxté, an island in the Yaxha Lagoon whose restoration reflects how the Maya lived and defended themselves. This afternoon, we'll reach our resort hotel on the shores of Lake Petén Itza.

Days 4-5 — Tikal and Guatemala City
Part of the vast Maya civilization that dominated the region a millennium ago, the celebrated archaeological site of Tikal (c. 200 BC) once was the most important city in the Maya universe. Explore a portion of the jungle-clad ruins of palaces, temples, ball courts, and ceremonial platforms. In the “Q” Complex, discover the Great Plaza with the Pyramids of the Grand Jaguar and the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles, and Pyramid IV. You’ll also visit the nearby museum housing priceless pre-Columbian artifacts excavated from Tikal. The next morning is free for individual pursuits at your lakeside hotel before transferring to the airport for the return flight to Guatemala City.

Day 6 — Chichicastenango and Panajachel
Travel by coach today to the whitewashed highland town of Chichicastenango. The first stop is at the colorful open-air artesania market, Guatemala’s largest. Here locals sell such wares as woven baskets, woolen blankets and other textiles, carved wooden masks, and numerous traditional crafts. Next, we’ll visit the Catholic church of Santo Tomás (c. 1540) to witness some of the ancient Maya ceremonies that have long been practiced here. Continue on to the village of Panajachel, with its dramatic setting on the shores of Lake Atitlan where our lakeside hotel, a Spanish-style inn, boasts beautiful grounds and lovely sunset views.

Day 7 — Panajachel and Santiago
Cross the lake by motor launch this morning to the picturesque Indian town of Santiago Atitlan, capital of the indigenous Tzutuhil people who are known particularly for their colorful textile design. After time to explore this lovely village filled with art galleries, return to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Day 8 — Panajachel and Antigua
En route to Antigua, Guatemala’s most important colonial city, stop at the Mayan archaeological site of Iximche, capital of the Cakchiquel Indians, who were known for their skill at building fortified cities. After arrival in Antigua, take a tour of your hotel, a restored 17th-century monastery whose grounds cover an entire city block and which houses an open-air museum. This evening gather for a presentation by an expert in the field of Spanish Colonial architecture.

Days 9-10 — Antigua
Your morning tour of this magnificent highlands city ringed by three volcanoes and known for its 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture includes lively Plaza Mayor flanked by the impressive Catedral de San José and the Palace of the Capitanes Generales. You’ll also tour the ruins of churches and monasteries destroyed by the earthquake of 1773, tour a jade factory, and visit artisans weaving textiles on primitive foot looms. Spend the next morning discovering more of this lovely city, once home to some 30 monastic orders, and also visit several surrounding villages. Tonight gather at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner.

Day 11 — Depart for the U.S.
Transfer to the Guatemala City airport for return flights to the U.S.

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