Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Pacaya volcano, Family Homestay, Zunil Ridge, Ceibal & Tikal Ruins
9 days / 8 nights
From $3,067 per person, double occupancy for 2013

Day 1: Guatemala City arrival and transfer to Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala! Upon exiting customs and immigration you will be met outside the baggage terminal. Set out on a private transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the beautiful city of Antigua. Overnight at an Antigua hotel – 2 nights.

Day 2: Pacaya Volcano Hike
After breakfast with your tour leader you will transfer to Pacaya National Park and begin the hiking ascent of this famous, active volcano! The hike takes around 2.5 hours and at the top you can see down into the crater to the lava as well as experience the energy of an active volcano. On the return to Antigua, you can enjoy a fun guided tour through the colonial city. Dinner at one of the many local restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Hike to Alaska with Home Stay
Today you will transfer into the un-spoilt, remote highland area known as Alaska, visiting the Mayan city of Ixmiche en route. Here you hike and bike through some of the most spectacular scenery of all Guatemala - in the undisturbed Alaska mountain range on local paths and trails, with views overlooking volcanoes and down to Lake Atitlan. Towards the end of the ride a spectacular downhill brings you to the highland village of Totonicapan arriving in time for visit at a local artesian workshop and meet your host family. Dinner and overnight with a local family in Totonicapan. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Hike the Zunil Ridge
Today you transfer even deeper into the Guatemalan highlands to the spectacular Zunil mountain range where you will enjoy stunning views. You will enjoy this magnificent scenery whilst hiking along the ridge where often ten volcanoes at once can be seen. During your hike you will stop at a remote local village and receive a presentation of weaving arts. After lunch transfer to the shores of Lake Atitlan. Overnight at a Lake Atitlan hotel – 2 nights. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Hike Cerro de Oro at Lake Atitlan:
This morning you travel on what many have called, “the most beautiful lake in the world”, Lake Atitlan. We pass by local fishermen, indigenous Maya women doing their washing and men working in the fields wearing their famous embroidered Santiago shorts as well as enjoying views of the three lake volcanoes. Once at Cerro de Oro we will hike this impressive hill and on the top of this sacred hill we can sometimes witness Mayan rituals in process which is an amazing and authentic glimpse of local Mayan life in this area. There are also great views of the whole lake and her surrounding volcanoes from atop this hill. When ready – you will transfer back to the lodge on local pickup trucks. After lunch you visit the town and places of interest of this lively Tzutuhil maya town with its market and its strange Maya God, “Maximon” which locals revere and perform rituals in front of to bring good luck – or bad! (B,L,D)

Day 6: Zipline and Chichicastenango Market
Spectacular scenic drive on a back road of Atitlan. Set off on a spectacular Zipline hiking adventure. Afterward, a short transfer will bring clients to the town of Chichicastenango with its famous craft market (market days – Thursday and Sunday). Once in Chichi you will have time to wander through the market and bargain for crafts such as textiles, masks, jewelry and many other beautiful pieces of artesian. Afternoon transfer to Antigua. Overnight at an Antigua hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Antigua – Guatemala City – Flores (Tikal)
Morning transfer to the Guatemala City airport for your flight to Flores in the northern rainforest. Upon arrival, you will be met and depart for a short drive deep into the rainforest to Tikal. Enjoy time at the pool and lunch before starting a jungle trek ending at the impressive area of ‘mundo perdido’ (lost world) in time for sunset. Overnight at a Tikal/Peten hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Tikal
Today you will be taken on a guided tour of the famous Maya temple site in the jungle. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for you evening flight to Guatemala City. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at a Guatemala City (or Antigua) hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the nightlife of Guatemala City. (B,L)

Day 9: Int’l Departure
Hotel pickup and transfer to the international airport. (B)