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MAP
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Guatemala & Honduras Tour
Wonders of Guatemala & Honduras
Private 13 Day / 12 Night itinerary
Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Peten & Tikal - Rio Dulce - Copan
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This 13 day tour will provide an overview of Guatemala's main wonders and the ruins in Copan (Honduras). Enjoy your first days & evenings in the most spectacular colonial city in the Americas (Antigua) before visiting breathtaking Lake Atitlan and the nearby Indian villages. Then head to Peten and Tikal for a day and a half of breathtaking Mayan archeology and jungle trekking before continuing your tour at the Caribbean coast where some blissful tropical fauna, flora and adventure await. To finish off we will visit the colonial village of Copan (Honduras) which is not only famous for its Mayan ruins, but also its natural beauty.
* Please note that all our tours are private & tailor made. Our sample tours should serve only as examples and can be amended based on your needs and interests.
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Suggested Itinerary & Prices
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DAY & LOCATION
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
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Day 1: Airport - Antigua
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Arrive into Guatemala City at (time to be confirmed), where our driver will be there to greet you and transfer you directly 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 excellent gourmet restaurants in the area.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Guatemala Int. Airport (Time TBC) for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Antigua (45 min. drive) - Please look for driver with "TROPICAL DISCOVERY" Sign at airport
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double
Room with continental breakfast - Mansion del Pensativo
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Day 2: 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 3: Antigua - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlan
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Today our private driver will pick you up at 8:00 am and take you on a panoramic 2 hour drive to visit the mystical city of Chichicastenango (Thursday & Sunday only, otherwise straigt to Lake Atitlan). Located at 2500 meters above sea level, this city is famous for its market on Thursdays & Sundays, where spats of traditionally dressed villagers in a kaleidoscope of colors, come to sell their very colorful textiles, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Also worth a visit is the peaceful yet colorful cemetery. After lunch, depart for magical Lake Atitlan with direct transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting the lake side village of Panajachel, enjoy a breathtaking sunset followed by a romantic dinner, or simply relax in your deluxe lake side hotel.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 8:00 am pick up from hotel in Antigua for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Chichicastenango (2h drive) then to Lake Atitlan (1h drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Atitlan
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Day 4: Lake Atitlan (Free Day)
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Free Day at Lake Atitlan - Here you may choose to relax at your hotel, swim in the lake, or take a boat tour to one or various of the many lake side villages - highly recommended!! You can visit for example nearby Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro and St. Catarina Palopo. Or for the more adventurous, take a hike up one of the three volcanoes by foot or horse, kayak, water-ski, scuba dive, etc. There are a myriad of activities to enjoy at this amazing lake. For an idea of what this amazing lake has to offer, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
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Day 5: Lake Atitlan - Peten
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Spend a free morning enjoying one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Be picked up at 11:30 am at the hotel for you private transfer to Guatemala City Airport. A quick stop for lunch or coffee at the lovely café Katuk is always a lovely option we are sure you will enjoy. Arrive at Guatemala City airport around 3:30 pm for your 5:25 pm TACA flight to Flores. You will arrive in Flores at 6:20 pm where the hotel transporters will be there to meet you and take you to your deluxe eco lodge nestled deep in the Peten jungle.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 11:30 am pick up from hotel for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Guatemala City Airport (approx. 3.5 hour drive)
AIR TRANSPORT: 5:25 pm departure from Guatemala City on TACA flight 7978 with arrival in Flores at 6:20 pm
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfer from Flores Airport at 6:20 pm to hotel provided by hotel transporters - Please look for driver with "La Lancha" Sign (to be paid directly to the hotel)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Rainforest Casita with continental breakfast - La Lancha Resort
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Day 6: Peten (Tikal Tour)
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After breakfast, your private guide and transport will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 am and take you to explore Tikal, one of the largest and most magnificent Mayan archeological cities in existence, which in its heyday (c. 700 AD,) was the capital of a vast Mayan empire. Your expert guide will share many insights on this Mayan city and provide a feel for the mysteries of this ancient culture. Have lunch in the midst of Mayan ruins and breathtaking flora and fauna; return in the late afternoon and spend the evening relaxing lake side, or opt for a visit & possibly dinner in the lovely town of Flores, the capital of the Peten region.
TIKAL TOUR: 9:00 am departure from Hotel in Peten for Tikal ruins with expert guide for an all day guided tour, complete with lunch (without beverages), entrance fees and transportation.
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Day 7: Peten - Rio Dulce
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Pick up at 10:00 am from hotel and departure in a private air conditioned mini bus for breathtaking Rio Dulce on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala (picturesque 3 hr drive approx.) Make a quick stop for lunch or a snack and arrive in Rio Dulce in the early afternoon. Be transported directly to your lake side hotel. Spend the late afternoon relaxing, sun bathing, kayaking, swimming, and much more... For more on what to do in the breathtaking Caribbean coast of Rio Dulce, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from your hotel at 10:00 am for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Rio Dulce (3 hour drive)
LODGING: 3 nights - 1 Studio Suite - Hotel Banana Palms
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Day 8: Rio Dulce (Finca Paraiso)
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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, until you arrive at a river crossing. From there you will walk about 5 minutes through tropical flora until 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.
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 and tractor ride.
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Day 9: 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 impressive water flora and fauna. Closer to the Caribbean coast, you will go through the amazing Rio Dulce canyon, 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. 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 and fuel.
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Day 10: Rio Dulce - Copan
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Pick up at your hotel at 9:00 am for transport to Honduras border and the lovely colonial town of Copan. 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 a must visit. Arrive at your beautiful hotel Marina Copan, overlooking the Central Plaza in the charming town of Copán, which has been at the heart of the Copan Experience since 1945. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your deluxe hotel or walk the charming town of Copan, visit it's many shops and lovely restaurants and side walk cafes. Rest up and get ready for a awe inspiring day of archeology. For more on what to do and see in this beautiful region, please click here and visit our Recommended Tours Page.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from hotel in Rio Dulce for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Copan Honduras (approx. 4 hr drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Marina Copan
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Day 11: Copan (Free Day)
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Free day to tour the magical ruins of Copan in Honduras. A taxi will take you from the hotel to the ruins for approximately $5 US. There you can hire a very trained and qualified local bilingual guide to tour this great Mayan site, which even in ruins, appeared as a masterpiece of antiquity to explorer John Lloyd Stephens in 1839. Today, its rich stone sculptures and intricate hieroglyphs make Copán one of the most extraordinary of Mayan sites in existence. Please also visit our Recommended Tours Page for details on a prearranged visit to the ruins as well as further options in this region.
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Day 12: Copan - Guatemala City
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Enjoy breakfast overlooking the hotel pool or use the morning to visit some of Copan's sights like the Enchanted Wings Butterfly Farm, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park, the Luna Jaguar Spa or the lovely view from Hacienda San Lucas. Be picked up at your hotel at 12:00 pm for your private transfer to Guatemala City. Arrive into Guatemala City in the late afternoon and be transferred directly to your deluxe hotel. 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.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 12:00 pm pick up from Hotel in Copan for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Guatemala City (approx. 5 hour drive)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Standard Double Room - Westin Camino Real
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Day 13: Guatemala City (Departure)
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Be taken by hotel shuttle service to Guatemala International Airport for departure flight home. Please arrange exact departure time with hotel concierge the night before, and remember to be there a minimum of 2 hours prior to departure of your international flight.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfer to Airport provided by hotel's shuttle service (approx. 20 min. drive.)
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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 1643
est. per person
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$US 1273
est. per person
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$US 1173
est. per person
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$US 1127
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 Guatemala City to Flores • Lodging in deluxe accommodations • Bilingual guide, transportation to and from, lunch (without beverages) and entrance fees for Tikal National Park • Finca Paraiso tour by boat • Boat tour to Livingston • 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, visa or border crossing 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, Atitlan or Copan
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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
• 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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Regional & Hotel 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.
Day 1 & 2 - 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 at the Indian markets, enjoy the cities many historical ruins and monuments, visit its museums, enjoy fabulous cuisine & experience Mayan and Guatemalan culture. The more adventurous may opt to take a day to deep sea fish the nearby Pacific, hike a local active volcano, mountain bike or others.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 3 & 4 - 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:
Optional:
Day 5 & 6 - 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 jungle. This region also boasts the largest protected tropical forest area in Central America, whose area's amazing fauna and flora, lakes, rivers, lagoons and caves, will absolutely amaze you.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 7, 8 & 9 - RIO DULCE & CARIBBEAN COAST
Be prepared to experience blissful nature and adventure, where water sports, river canyon tours, hot springs, Caribbean towns and air, 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:
Day 10 & 11 - COPAN (HONDURAS)
The Copán valley offers a blend of cultural and natural activities that is hard to match in Central America. Spend your days visiting archaeological wonders, parks & museums or take part in some of the many natural activities offered including agrotourism, birding, horseback riding, hot springs etc.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Day 12 - 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:
Optional:
What to Bring
Antigua & Lake Atitlan Region:
They call it the "land of eternal spring", at 1700 meters above sea level, the temperature is just right. The days remain in the mid to upper 70's (mid 20's Celsius) with evenings becoming cooler dropping into the 60's (15 Celsius.) Bring a sweater or jacket for the evenings.
Peten Region, Rio Dulce & Copan:
Tropical fauna and flora at its best, but this also means warm and humid, so dress accordingly. Mosquitoes might be on the loose, so make sure to bring: Mosquito repellent - Sunscreen - Hiking boots or good pair of tennis shoes - Bathing Suites - Rash guard for the water-sports people - Sun glasses
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