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Tour Description
The fascinating towns and stunning ruins of Central America lie close to home yet are a world away. Enjoy VIP access and unique experiences on this journey through the culture and history of Nicaragua and Guatemala. Explore Granada, the oldest town in the Americas. Stand at the rim of the Masaya Volcano and spend time at Nicaragua’s largest open-air market. Journey to Guatemala’s sparkling blue crater lake, Atitlán. Exclusive experiences await you each day: a rare opportunity to see ancient Mayan sacred rites performed by a local priest; a visit to an indigenous community of textile artisans; and a private tour of Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the world.
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Itinerary
DAY 1
Managua, Nicaragua
Upon your arrival in Managua you will be greeted at the airport and escorted to the colonial city of Granada.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAY 2
Granada
Walk through the historic center of Granada, the oldest colonial city in Central America, to visit important monuments: the Cathedral, San Francisco Convent, the Merced Church and the famous Casa de Los Leones. Part of today’s city tour will be by horse-drawn carriage. Relish the views and the cuisine as you eat lunch on the edge of the great Lake Nicaragua. Board a boat and take a trip to the scenic “Isletas,” an archipelago of about 350 islands formed by an ancient volcanic explosion.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAY 3
Masaya Volcano National Park, Catarina San Juan de Oriente
Observe the activity of the Masaya Volcano from the edge of the Santiago crater and learn about the volcano and the seismology of Central America at the ecological museum. At the Masaya market you can shop for handicrafts and observe the daily life of the Nicaraguan people.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAYS 4 & 5
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
On arrival at Guatemala’s La Aurora Airport, you will be met and transferred to Lake Atitlán. Set in a deep crater, the crystal blue waters make this one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Cross Lake Atitlán by motorboat to fully appreciate its vistas. Twelve villages surround the lake; their inhabitants are descendants from the great Quiché, Cackchiquel and Tzutuhil Nations. This is an ideal place to witness Guatemalan culture.
Hotel Atitlán, Panajachel
DAY 6
Chichicastenango
In the morning transfer to Chichicastenango. In the afternoon, visit the town of Pascual Abaj, which contains an ancient Mayan shrine. Mayan priests perform ceremonies and the townspeople still come to make offerings and ask for blessings, as they have for centuries.
Mayan Inn, Chichicastenango
DAYS 7 & 8
Chichicastenango Antigua
Visit the most colorful and picturesque open-air market in the country in Chichicastenango. Explore Antigua via Iximché, a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in the colonial style. Other highlights of Antigua include Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala’s first capital. Take a city tour of Antigua’s most interesting churches, monasteries and factories.
Camino Real Hotel, Antigua
DAYS 9 & 10
Flores, Petén Tikal
In the morning you will transfer by plane to Flores and then on to Tikal. Explore the archaeological complex, among the most stunning of the Mayan ruins and pyramids, “lost” for centuries amidst dense jungle. You’ll be able to see the original causeways, sculptures and hieroglyphs that this fascinating culture left behind.
Camino Real-Tikal Hotel, Tikal National Park
DAYS 11 & 12
Guatemala City Depart for Home
On Day 11 transfer to Flores Airport for your flight to Guatemala’s capital city. On Day 12 you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
Vista Real Hotel, Guatemala City
Departures
Pricing Information
October 30, 2011
From $4,695.00 per person double occupancy.
From $850.00 single room supplement.
November 6, 2011
From $4,695.00 per person double occupancy.
From $850.00 single room supplement.
February 19, 2012
From $4,595.00 per person double occupancy.
From $790.00 single room supplement.
March 11, 2012
From $4,595.00 per person double occupancy.
From $790.00 single room supplement.
October 28, 2012
From $4,595.00 per person double occupancy.
From $790.00 single room supplement.
November 4, 2012
From $4,595.00 per person double occupancy.
From $790.00 single room supplement.
Journey Includes
- Deluxe rooms in the best available hotels
- Three meals per day, including our unique Dine-Around program that lets you enjoy any restaurant you choose with à la carte dining, or relax with room service when available*
- A professional Travel Director as your personal concierge
- Local sightseeing with professional English-speaking guides with unparalleled knowledge, including entrance fees for places visited
- Active participation and up-close encounters to experience the cultures of your journey
- Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions
- All gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers
- Group or individual airport transfers on arrival and departure flights
- TheTravcoAssist Travel Protection Plan, including emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage for injury or illness, and 24-hour Worldwide Live Travel Assistance through Travel Guard Assistance
*Due to remote or undeveloped locations on some journeys, accommodations may not always meet Western standards. Dine-Around opportunities will be limited in remote or unsecured locations.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
