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Guatemala tour
Private 10 Day / 9 Night itinerary
Rio Dulce - Peten & Tikal - Antigua - Lake Atitlan
Guatemala & All Its Splendor
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This 10 day tour will provide an overview of Guatemala's main wonders. Arrive in Guatemala and immediately leave for the Caribbean coast for some blissful tropical fauna, flora and adventure. Then head to Peten and Tikal for a day and a half of breathtaking Mayan archeology and jungle trekking. Visit breathtaking Lake Atitlan and the nearby Indian villages. Enjoy your last day & evening in the most spectacular colonial city in the Americas, shopping, dining and soaking up the Mayan and Guatemalan culture. * Please note that all our tours are private & tailor made. Our sample tours should serve only as examples.
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DAY & LOCATION
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
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Day 1: Airport - Guatemala City
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Arrive into Guatemala City at (TBC) and be transferred directly to your lovely hotel in Guatemala City, located in the center of "La Zona Viva." The hotel is within minutes of the best shopping centers, fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bars and night clubs. Spend the late afternoon and evening enjoying the action the zone provides especially on the weekend, or simply relax aenjoying the amenities of your deluxe hotel. * Optional: Should your flight arrive early, direct departure to Rio Dulce or a Guatemala or Antigua city tour is also possible.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfer from Guatemala Int. Airport at (TBC) to hotel provided by FREE by Hotel transporters - Please look for driver with "WESTIN CAMINO REAL" Sign
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Std double room - Westin Camino Real
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Day 2: Guatemala City - Rio Dulce
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Pick up at 9:00 am from your hotel and depart in a private air conditioned mini bus or SUV for breathtaking Rio Dulce on the Caribbean coast (5 hr drive approx.) Stop in rout to visit the famous Quirigua Ruins (optional), where you will see the largest Stele in the Mayan World - a true marvel and definitely worth a visit. Make a quick stop for lunch or a snack and arrive in Rio Dulce in the early afternoon. Spend the late afternoon at your lake side hotel relaxing, sun bathing, kayaking, swimming, water biking and much more... For more on what to do in the breathtaking Caribbean coast of Rio Dulce, please ...click here
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from your hotel for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Rio Dulce (5 hour drive)
LODGING: 3 nights - 1 Studio Suite - Hotel Banana Palms
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Day 3: Rio Dulce (Caribbean Tour)
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After a hearty breakfast, our "lanchero" (boat driver) Luis Alvarez will pick you up at 9:00 am to take you on a cruise through the Rio Dulce canals and lagoons for a closer view or this region's amazing water flora and fauna. Closer to the Caribbean coast, you will go through the amazing Rio Dulce canyons, a truly awe inspiring experience. Later arrive at the Caribbean coast of Guatemala and its celebrated town of Livingston, a lively Afro-Caribbean town populated by mostly Garifuna blacks whose origin and culture stems from escaped West African slaves. This town feels more like Jamaica than any town in Guatemala, where brightly colored houses are common and reggae melodies mixed with Latin sounds are heard throughout. Tour this charming town, have lunch at the Tucan Dugu restaurant or any of the many other side walk cafes & restaurants. Weather permitting, for an extra $50 to cover added fuel expenses, ask Luis Alfredo (our boat driver) to take you to Playa Blanca for some white sand Caribbean styled beaches and a lovely beach front bar and restaurant called Salvador Gaviota; a truly unique Caribbean experience! And should you have the energy on the way back, stop for a swim at the hot springs, water-ski or wake board through the many canals (upon request at $20 each 1/2 hour.) Return in the late afternoon to enjoy an evening dinner, have some fun and relax under the Caribbean stars. (Tour Time: 5-7 hours approx.)
CARIBBEAN TOUR: Rio Dulce Canyons, Canals & Livingston - Pick up from hotel at 9:00 am - Price includes private boat with driver, water-sports equipment (upon request), fuel.
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Day 4: Rio Dulce (Paraiso Tour)
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Pick up at 9:00 am by our "lanchero" (boat driver) Luis Alfredo who will take you to visit incredible Lake Izabal (largest lake in Guatemala), the famous Castillo de San Felipe which was built by the Spanish in 1652 to ward off the mainly British pirates, and the magical volcanic hot springs, caves & waterfall at Finca Paraiso. A tractor will take you through a private farm for about 15 minutes, till you arrive at a river crossing. There you will walk about 5 minutes through tropical flora till you arrive at a natural volcanic waterfall that falls onto a cool crystalline river causing a steam bath effect. You may also opt for a horse back riding tour of the farm (approx. $30 per person for one hour - 30 minutes also possible). Let us know to pre arrange it for you. As an added bonus, on the way there or back, you may opt for a bit of waterskiing and wakeboarding. Top of the line equipment will be provided at no charge, and we will ask you to pitch in $20 for gas for every half hour of waterskiing. If of interest to you, please advise in advance.
PARAISO TOUR: Lake Izabal & Finca Paraiso Day Tour - 9:00 am pick up from hotel for one hour cruise of Lake Izabal to Finca Paraiso (Tour Time: 5-7 hours approx.) Price includes private boat with driver, entrance fees, fuel, water-sports equipment (upon request)
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Day 5: Rio Dulce - Peten
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Pick up at 9:00 am at hotel in private air conditioned mini van for ground transfer to the mystical region of Peten (Picturesque 3 hr drive.) Have lunch in Flores and be transported directly to your lake side deluxe eco lodge for relaxing afternoon lake side, swimming, sun bathing, kayaking, etc. You may also opt for an afternoon walk through the charming town of Flores, a tour of the romantic ruins of Yaxha, a hike in the jungle, or one of the many other possible Tours & Activities the Peten region has to offer. Spend the evening relaxing to the sounds of the teeming Peten Jungle and Lake Peten Itza. Rest up and get ready for a awe inspiring day of archeology.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from hotel in Rio Dulce for private ground transfer to Flores in Lake Peten Itza (3 hr drive.)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Rainforest Casita - La Lancha Resort
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Day 6: Peten (Tikal Tour) - Antigua
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After a hearty breakfast, your expert guide will take you for a tour of the majestic archeological ruins of Tikal, one of the largest and most magnificent Mayan cities in existence. Your guide will share many insights on this Mayan city and provide a feel for the mysteries of this ancient culture. Return in the afternoon to freshen up and gather your belongings, or be transferred directly to the airport in Flores for your afternoon flight back to Guatemala City. Upon arrival in Guatemala City our driver will be there to meet you to take you to your lovely charm hotel in Antigua. Spend an afternoon/evening enjoying this magical colonial town, considered by some to be the most beautiful in the world. Walk its romantic cobble stone streets and enjoy fine cuisine at one of the many fine gourmet restaurants in the area.
TIKAL TOUR: Morning transfer to Tikal Ruins with expert guide, complete lunch, entrance fees and transportation included.
AIR TRANSPORT: 4:30 pm departure from Flores on TAG flight with arrival in Guatemala city at 5:10 pm
GROUND TRANSPORT: 5:10 pm pick up from Airport terminal for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Antigua (45 min. drive) - Please look for driver with a "Tropical Discovery" Sign.
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Std double room - Mansion del Pensativo
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Day 7: Antigua (Free day)
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Free day to tour the magical colonial village of La Antigua, visit its monuments, museums, shop at the various Indian markets & stroll through the cobble stone streets. Or you may opt for one of our special mountain biking, hiking, volcano, fishing, golf, horse back or culture tours. Please visit our Tours from Antigua page for more details.
RECOMMENDED TOURS:
• For our recommended culture and adventure one day tours & activities from Antigua, such as City Tours, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Horse Back Riding, etc...please "click here."
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Day 8: Antigua - Lake Atitlan
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Depart at 9:00 am for breathtaking Lake Atitlan, a deep-blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by three picture perfect volcanoes and the colorful Maya villages resting on its shores. Described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world by late British author Aldous Huxley, it is definitely one of Guatemala’s most spectacular natural attractions. Spend the afternoon visiting the lake side villages of Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro and St. Catarina Palopo - take a hike up one of the three volcanos, by foot or horse, kayak, waterski, scuba dive, etc. There are a myriad of activities to enjoy at this amazing lake. Click Here for an idea of what this amazing lake has to offer and visit our Recommended Tours page.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from your hotel for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Lake Atitlan (3 hrs)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Std double room - Hotel Atitlan
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Day 9: Lake Atitlan - Chichicastenango - Antigua
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Pick up at 8:00 am at the hotel for you private transfer to visit the mystical city of Chichicastenango (1.5 hr drive). The city is located at 2500 meters above sea level and is famous for its market on Thursdays & Sundays. Spats of traditionally dressed villagers in a kaleidoscope of colors come to sell their very colorful textiles, fruits, vegetables and flowers here. Also worth a visit is the cemetery and the idol Pascual Abaj. On the way to Antigua, you might want to ask the driver to stop at Iximche, the late Post-Classic Maya ruins ruled by the Kaqchikel in the 15th century until it’s burning by the Spanish in 1526. A quick stop for lunch or coffee at the lovely café Katuk is always a lovely option we are sure you will enjoy. The driver will happily accomodate your needs. Arrive in Antigua and enjoy an afternoon of shopping and sight seeing, and romantic evening nestled amongst volcanoes and colonial splendor. (* Optional: Be taken directly to Guatemala city.)
GROUND TRANSPORT: 8:00 am pick up from Hotel in Atitlan for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Chichicastenango (2-3 hour stop) and later to La Antigua (3 hour drive)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Std double room - Mansion del Pensativo
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Day 10: Antigua - Airport
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Last free morning to enjoy the many wonders of this city. Be pick up from hotel at (TBC) for transfer to Guatemala International Airport for departure flight home.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Hotel (Time TBC) for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Airport (45 min. drive.)
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Regional Information
Please find below extensive information on the areas you will be visiting on this tour and the proposed accommodations. By clicking on each of the links or the images, you will arrive at a new page with loads of additional information to help you familiarize yourself with the area, its amenities and the proposed accommodations.
GUATEMALA CITY
Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción is the capital city of the Republic of Guatemala, and is the center of all commercial, religious, and cultural activities. This metropolis of nearly three million inhabitants presents the visitor with a contrasting panorama of modern architecture interspersed with colonial buildings, museums, and historical monuments.
Accommodations:
RIO DULCE & CARIBBEAN COAST
Be prepared to experience blissful nature and adventure, where water sports, river canyon tours, hot springs, Caribbean towns and flare, local cuisine, and many fun activities await. You of course may simply opt for plenty of relaxion under the hot Caribbean sun. Better yet, why not a bit of both…
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
TIKAL RUINS & LAKE PETEN ITZA
Here you will experience the greatest of Mayan archeological wonders at the Tikal national Park, nestled deep in the Peten jungles. This region also boasts the largest protected tropical forest area in Central America, whose areas amazing fauna and flora, lakes, rivers, lagoons and caves, will absolutely amaze you.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
LA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA
Here you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most magnificent colonial cities in all the Americas. Simply relax at side walk cafés, shop Indian markets, enjoy the cities many historical ruins and monuments, visit it’s museums, enjoy fabulous cuisine & experience Mayan culture. The more adventurous may opt take a day to deep sea fish the nearby Pacific, hike a local active volcano, mountain bike or others.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
LAKE ATITLAN & ITS VILLAGES
In Lake Atitlan, a deep-blue volcanic crater lake surrounded by three picture perfect volcanoes and the colorful Maya villages resting on its shores, you will experience a magic felt in no other place. Relax, get a massage, meditate, shop, enjoy nature, or for the more adventurous, hike one of the volcanoes, scuba dive, swim, kayak, mountain bike... and much more. Please see below information on what to do and see.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Pricing Information
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2 pers
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4 pers
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6 pers
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8 pers
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$US 1368
est. per person
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$US 1043
est. per person
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$US 952
est. per person
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$US 915
est. per person
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Price Includes:
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• Taxes • Private ground transport in air-conditioned mini van or SUV • Domestic flight from Flores to Guatemala City • Lodging in deluxe accommodations • Bilingual guide, transportation to and from and entrance fees for Tikal National Park • Continental Breakfast at La Lancha and Mansion del Pensativo
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Price Excludes:
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• International airfare • Meals, beverages, tours or transportation not specifically shown as included in package • Passport and visa fees • Tips for drivers (10% suggested) • Phone calls • Laundry Service • All items of personal nature • Travel & Cancellation Insurance (for more information please click here
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Options Upon Request:
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• Transportation in private plane or helicopter
• Hotel & room type upgrades
• Optional Tours from Antigua, Rio Dulce, Peten or Atitlan
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Payment Terms:
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• Prices nor availability guaranteed until payment is received
• Payments accepted via Wire Transfer, Bank Check or Credit Card (upon request)
• A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking. The balance is due 45 days before departure.
• Please Note: By payment of invoice you agree to our Travel Terms & Conditions. To view a copy, please Click Here.
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Please Note:
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• Prices based on low season hotel 2008 rates. Final pricing details provided upon booking.
• All our tours are private and a la carte meaning you choose where to stay, what to visit, when to go and what to do. We simply provide expert advise and do all the booking for you, charging cost (or less, never more guaranteed) + a small service fee (between 5% & 15% depending on group size.) Tour may be as deluxe or economical as your budget permits.
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