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This journey allows for a fine sample of Guatemala,
including all of
Guatemala Highlights - ANTIGUA – LAKE ATITLAN – CHICHI –
RIO DULCE - YAXHA - TIKAL. + COPAN + BELIZE.
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Itinerary -
Start
Saturday
Note on Guiding
N.B Guests are with the same guide from Day 1 to Day 11 of
the tour. The Belize section of the tour is unguided.
Day 1, Arrival – Antigua
Guests are met & transfer to Antigua. (1hr) Antigua 2N
Day 2, Chichi Market (B,L)
Today guests transfer approx. 2hr to the famous market at
Chichi. Time for shopping in this fabulous craft market and
an opportunity to see Maya rituals being performed in the
Catholic Church before transferring on to Lake Atitlan. Lake
Atitlan 2N
Day 3, Lake Tour & Visit to Villages (B,L)
This morning guests will take a scenic boat ride across Lake
Atitlan (30min) to the village of San Juan La Laguna to
visit a textile cooperative, medicinal plant center and
local naif painter workshops. Then we go on to Santiago
where they have lunch in a local hotel and tour the village
visiting the Maya God Maximon and learn about the textiles,
spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. Return to
hotel.
Day 4, Solola Market & Iximche (B,L)
Guests will be transferred to visit the colorful authentic
market at Solola and enjoy a tour of the market. Lunch will
be in a traditional restaurant on route back to Antigua
There will also be a short tour of the small Maya
Archaeology site at Iximche. Antigua 1N
Day 5, Architecture & History Tour (B)
Guests will take a half day walking tour of Antigua.
(3-4hr). The tour takes in the main square, Palace,
Cathedral, La Merced Church & San Francsico Church. All
entrances are included. Free Afternoon.
Day 6, Copan (Honduras) (B,D)
Transfer across Guatemala towards the border with Honduras.
Just across the border you are in the pretty colonial
village of Copan Ruinas. (5hrs) Free afternoon to relax or
explore this pretty colonial town. Dinner included at the
wonderful Hacienda San Lucas. Copan 2N.
Day 7, Copan & Bird Park (B,L)
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to
the Maya Site of Copan. Enjoy a private guided tour of Copan
Ruins site with its famous hieroglyphic staircase, ball
court and tunnels. Lunch is in the tropical bird park where
guests can also enjoy a visit of this beautiful facility
looking after rescued tropical birds & working to educate
people about conservation.
Day 8, Transfer to Rio
Dulce (B)
Transfer across Guatemala through the central desert region
to the lush tropical area at Rio Dulce. (5 hrs) Visit the
beautiful, UNESCO protected small Mayan Temple site at
Quirigua along the way. Once at Rio Dulce you will board a
boat for a scenic trip along Rio Dulce (Trf time depends on
hotel) to your riverside hotel. Rio Dulce/Livingston 1N
Day 9, Rio Dulce (B)
Cruise the Rio Dulce River through the central canyon and
down to the Garifuna town of Livingston on the Coast.
Explore Livingston on a guided walking tour then journey
back downriver to Rio Dulce and per chance see the elusive
Manatee. Once back at Rio Dulce board your transfer to the
Tikal area. (3-4hrs) Tikal 3N.
Day 10, Yaxha Sunset (B)
Guests enjoy a free morning to relax. After lunch they
transfer to Yaxha National Park (approx 1hr) to explore this
atmospheric lakeside site ending with refreshments &
wonderful views at sunset over the rainforest canopy from
atop the main temples.
Day 11, Tikal (B,L)
Today guests transfer to Tikal National park (approx 1hr) to
explore the amazing UNESCO protected Mayan Temple site of
Tikal where huge Mayan temples rise above the jungle canopy
and monkeys and tropical birds are abundant in the
surrounding rainforest. After lunch guests & time to relax
and refresh guests will transfer to their hotel.
Day 12, Belize Beach Extension (B)
This morning guests transfer to Flores airport for the 1
hour flight to Belize City. Here guests pass through
immigration and take another short flight (2omins to 1hr) to
the beach location of their choice. Overnight Beach Hotel.
Day 13 & 14, Beach Time (B)
Free day to relax at the beach or book tours locally.
Day 15, Transfer Out (B)
Guests fly back to Belize international airport in time for
their international flight out of Belize.
 tours@footloosetravelguides.com
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