Guatemalan Road Less Travelled- Cycling Adventure

 
Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Pacaya volcano, Family Homestay, Zunil Ridge, Ceibal & Tikal Ruins
9 days / 8 nights

From $2,915 per person, double occupancy for 2009



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: Bike 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 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: Zunil Ridge
Today we transfer guests even deeper into the Guatemalan highlands to the spectacular Zunil mountain range where you will enjoy stunning views. At times you will be able to see ten volcano peaks at the same time. We will enjoy this magnificent scenery whilst biking along the ridge where often ten volcanoes at once can be seen. During your bike ride stop at a remote local village and will receive a presentation of weaving arts. After lunch transfer to the shores of Lake Atitlan. Overnight at Lake, Hotel Bambu or Posada Santiago - 2 nights. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Bike at Lake Atitlan
This morning we bike partially along 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. After lunch we 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: Bike and Chichicastenango market
Spectacular scenic ride along the northern shores of the Lake, visiting villages and passing through rural areas. Afternoon visit to the town of Chichicastenango with its famous craft market. Once in Chichi we will have time to wander through the market and bargain for crafts such as textiles, masks, jewelry and many other beautiful pieces of artesian. After an exiting day you transfer to Antigua. Overnight at an Antigua hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Antigua - Guatemala City – Flores – Zipline and temples
This morning you take transfer to the Guatemala City Airport for your flight to Flores in the northern rainforest. You will be met upon arrival and depart for a short drive to your jungle zipline adventure and an excursion deep into the heart of the Mayan culture. A 1-hour drive brings you into the rainforest to Tikal. Enjoy time at the pool and lunch before heading deeper into the jungle and to 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)

Build Your Own Itinerary
We can also customize an itinerary that is right for you at no additional cost.
Please let us know your specific request.
For a customized itinerary please call 1.800.999.0558.