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Guatemala & Honduras Tour
The Best of Guatemala & Honduras
Private 13 Day / 12 Night itinerary
Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Copan - La Ceiba - Roatan
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This 13 day tour will provide an overview of a lot of Guatemala's and Honduras' main wonders. Enjoy some time in the most spectacular colonial city in the Americas - La Antigua- shopping, dining and soaking up the Mayan and Guatemalan culture, before visiting breathtaking Lake Atitlan and the nearby Indian villages. Then head to Copan for a day of breathtaking Mayan archeology and nature before continuing to Honduras' Caribbean coast for some blissful tropical fauna, flora and adventure. Spend the last days of your holidays with relaxation and some fun in the sun as well as great opportunities for diving and snorkeling on the beautiful island of Roatan.
* Please note that all our tours are private & tailor made. Our sample tours should serve only as examples.
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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: Guatemala City Airport - Antigua
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Arrive into Guatemala City at (TBC), 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 fine 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 Queen Double Room with continental breakfast - Hotel Casa Encantada
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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.
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 (Thursdays & Sundays only, otherwise straight to the lake). 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 transfer direct to your hotel in Lake Atitlan. 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, take a boat tour to one or several of the many lake side villages organized - highly recommended!! For example you could visit nearby Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro and/or 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 - ask us or your hotel concierge for more details. 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 - Antigua
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Enjoy breakfast overlooking breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Be picked up at hotel at 10:30 am for your private transfer back to Antigua. On the way, we would could stop at Iximche, the late Post-Classic Maya ruins ruled by the Kaqchikel in the 15th century until its burning by the Spanish in 1526. A quick stop for lunch or coffee at the lovely café Katuk is always a nice option. Arrive in Antigua in the early afternoon and enjoy an afternoon of shopping and sight seeing, and a romantic evening nestled amongst volcanoes and colonial splendor.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 10:30 am pick up from hotel in Atitlan for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV back to Antigua (3 hour drive)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Queen Double Room with continental breakfast - Hotel Casa Encantada
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Day 6: Antigua - Copan
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Pick up at your hotel at 8:00 am for transport to Honduras' border and the lovely colonial town of Copan. 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 its many shops as well as its 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: 8:00 am pick up from hotel in Antigua for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Copan Honduras (approx. 6 hr drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Marina Copan
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Day 7: 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 activity options in this region.
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Day 8: Copan - La Ceiba
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Depart at 9:00 am for the lush and beautiful Caribbean coast of Honduras with our destination being La Ceiba and the famous Pico Bonito Lodge (approx. 6 hr drive.) La Ceiba is a region notorious for its lush fauna and flora, its warm Caribbean beaches, and for being the gateway to the marvelous Bay Islands. The area consists of alternating white sand beaches, mangrove forests and rocky cliffs overlooking the clear blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Just inland, high mountains cloaked in clouds harbor hundreds of exotic species of wildlife, where the very inaccessibility of the land is what protects the habitat. Activities include excellent bird watching (over 275 species identified in the area), swimming under the waterfalls, hiking on trails up the river valleys into the thick of the jungle, whitewater rafting, canopy rides, world class diving and snorkeling off the Bay Islands and the many nearby keys and islands, and much more. For more information about tours and activities at Pico Bonito, please click here.
TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from hotel in Copan for transfer to La Ceiba (approx. 6 hr drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Plus Cabin with breakfast - Pico Bonito Lodge
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Day 9: La Ceiba (Free Day)
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Enjoy a free day in La Ceiba and at the Pico Bonito Lodge, where many trails run throughout the 200-acre property and into the adjacent Pico Bonito National Park. Climb the observation tower for a superb view of the dense rainforest that surrounds you or for glimpses of the Bay Islands offshore. The guides will help you identify many of the more than 275 species of birds that inhabit the area. Jaguars, ocelots, kinkajous, peccaries, and several species of monkey have been sighted. Trails lead to numerous nearby waterfalls where you can swim in the crystal mountain waters, home to wild river otters and tayras. The Lodge at Pico Bonito has been designed to offer its guests a wide range of activities and experiences. A short walk takes you to the Tropical Butterfly Farm or you can choose to visit the nearby Amaras Bird Rehabilitation Center and tropical farms on horseback or mountain bikes. The Lodge at Pico Bonito's activities desk will arrange tours to numerous destinations including horseback riding, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and diving and snorkeling amidst the coral reefs of the Bay Islands. Whether relaxing on your private cabin deck, enjoying a drink by the pool, searching for new species for your "life list" of birds, or exploring the rainforest, The Lodge at Pico Bonito is the ideal choice for those seeking adventure, nature, and comfort.
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Day 10: La Ceiba - Roatan
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Today take a short flight from La Ceiba to Roatan, the largest of the eight Bay Islands that lie some 40 miles off the Caribbean coast of the Honduras, an archipelago patchwork that is all that remains of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range, known as the Bonacca Ridge. The hotel transporter will take you directly to you spectacular beach resort in West Bay, the Mayan Princess! Just steps from your door, a powdery white, sandy beach leads to sparkling, turquoise water and spectacular underwater gardens. Watch the sun slip into the sea from the veranda of your own luxurious villa, or stop by at the Beach Bar & Grill for sunset cocktails and “island style” appetizers. Enjoy a variety of exciting activities right on your first day or simply relax in the comfortable elegance of the Mayan Princess Beach Resort...
GROUND TRANSPORT: Transfer to La Ceiba Airport provided by hotel's shuttle service (approx. 10 min. drive); Please confirm time at the reception.
AIR TRANSPORT: 10:45 am commuter flight on Islena Airlines to Roatan (arrival 11:05 am)
GROUND TRANSPORT: Take the hotel's FREE transport service from the airport to your lovely beach front resort in West Bay (25 min. drive) - Please look for driver with "Mayan Princess" Sign
LODGING: 3 nights - 1-Bedroom-Beach-Front-Unit with breakfast - Mayan Princess Beach Resort
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Day 11: Roatan (Free Day)
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Free day to enjoy the island and the resort. Stroll or take a water taxi to the West End to enjoy the local shops, buy a souvenir or dine at a restaurant. Or dive or snorkel some of the best reefs in the world. For more ideas on what to do when staying at the Mayan Princess on Roatan, please click here.
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Day 12: Roatan (Free Day)
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Another free day to enjoy the many activities offered on the island of Roatan and at the resort. Why not rent a car or a scooter for the day and explore the island. The Roatan Institute for Marine Science offers Dolphin Swims and Dolphin Encounters several times daily for a once-in-a-lifetime-experience. In the evening stroll along the beach, enjoy the Caribbean sunset and maybe have a drink in one of the many beach bars.
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Day 13: Roatan (Departure)
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Enjoy your last morning of Caribbean sun and fun before catching your international flight back home. (Please let us know should you need flights to Guatemala City or similar for your return flights home and we will be happy to assist you.)
GROUND TRANSPORT: FREE hotel shuttle to Roatan airport (approx. 25 min drive); Please confirm time at the reception.
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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$ 1766
est. per person
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US$ 1490
est. per person
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US$ 1396
est. per person
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US$ 1348
est. per person
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Price Includes:
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• Private ground transport in air-conditioned mini van or SUV as per itinerary • Domestic flight from La Ceiba to Roatan • Lodging in deluxe accommodations • Breakfast at Mayan Princess, Pico Bonito Lodge and Hotel Casa Encantada • All taxes
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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, Lake Atitlan, Copan, La Ceiba or Roatan
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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 are estimated and on a per person basis in double rooms (2009 low season 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 & 5 - 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 Indian markets, enjoy the city's many historical ruins and monuments, visit its museums, enjoy fabulous cuisine & experience Mayan 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 6 & 7 - COPAN
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, the Maya ruins of Copán have been studied by archaeologists for over a century. Now the most exhaustively researched site in the Maya world, Copán is renowned as the most elaborate and artistically advanced of the great Maya cities.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 8 & 9 - LA CEIBA
La Ceiba is a region notorious for its lush fauna and flora, its warm Caribbean beaches, and for being the gateway to the marvelous Bay Islands. The area consists of alternating white sand beaches, mangrove forests and rocky cliffs overlooking the clear blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Just inland, high mountains cloaked in clouds harbor hundreds of exotic species of wildlife, where the very inaccessibility of the land is what protects the habitat. Activities include excellent bird watching (over 275 species identified in the area), swimming under the waterfalls, hiking on trails up the river valleys into the thick of the jungle, whitewater rafting, canopy rides, world class diving and snorkeling off the Bay Islands and the dozen nearby keys and islands, and much more.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 10, 11 & 12 - ROATAN
Roatan is the largest of the eight Bay Islands that lie some 40 miles off the Caribbean coast of the Honduras, an archipelago patchwork that is all that remains of an ancient submerged volcanic mountain range, known as the Bonacca Ridge. The Bay Islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, just a few meters from the shore. In West Bay just steps from your door, a powdery white, sandy beach leads to sparkling, turquoise water and spectacular underwater gardens await you. The lively village of West End offers the traveler Island culture, dining, shopping and nightlife. Watch the sun slip into the sea from the veranda of your own luxurious villa, or stop by at one of the beach bars for sunset cocktails, live music and “island style” appetizers.
Images & Additional Info.:
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.
Honduras:
Tropical fauna and flora at its best, but this also means warm and humid, so dress accordingly. Please make sure to bring the following: 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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