Colonial Cities & Mayan Civilizations (trip)
Colonial Cities & Mayan Civilizations
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Active & Adventure
| from $4,695* per person | 12 Days | February, March, October, November |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Travcoa | 24 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
Guatemala, Central America
Itinerary
DAY 1
Managua, Nicaragua
Upon your arrival in
Managua, you will be greeted at the Managua airport and escorted to the
most famous colonial city in Nicaragua: Granada.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAY 2
Granada
Walk through the historic center
of Granada, the oldest town in the mainland Americas, visiting the most
important monuments: the Cathedral, San Francisco convent and its
pre-Columbian statues, the Merced Church and the famous “Casa de Los
Leones.” Part of today’s city tour will be by horse-drawn carriage,
still a typical mode of transport in this area. Relish the views and the
cuisine as you eat lunch on the edge of the great Lake Nicaragua. Board
a boat and take a trip to the scenic “Isletas,” an archipelago of about
350 islands formed by an ancient volcanic explosion, enjoying the
tropical vegetation and bird watching en route.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAY 3
Masaya Volcano National Park, Catarina & San Juan de Oriente
From
the edge of the Santiago crater, you’ll be able to observe the activity
of the Masaya Volcano up close. Afterwards, visit the ecological museum
to learn about the volcano and the seismology of Central America. At
the Masaya Market, the most popular open-air market in Nicaragua, you
can shop for handicrafts and observe the daily life of the Nicaraguan
people.
La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada
DAYS 4 & 5
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
On
arrival at Guatemala’s La Aurora Airport, you will be met and
transferred to Lake Atitlán. Set in a deep crater, the crystal blue
waters make this one of the most beautiful lakes in the world — cross
Lake Atitlán by motorboat to fully appreciate its vistas. Twelve
villages surround the lake; their inhabitants are descendants from the
great Quiché, Cackchiquel and Tzutuhil Nations. This is an ideal place
to witness Guatemalan folklore and watch the people weave their colorful
textiles.
Hotel Atitlán, Panajachel
DAY 6
Chichicastenango
In the morning you will
transfer to Chichicastenango. In the afternoon you will visit the town
of Pascual Abaj, which contains the ancient Mayan shrine where the Mayan
priests perform ceremonies and the townspeople come to make offerings
and ask for blessings, as they have for centuries.
Mayan Inn, Chichicastenango
DAYS 7 & 8
Chichicastenango & Antigua
Visit
the most colorful and picturesque open-air market in the country, where
hundreds of people from the surrounding countryside gather to barter
their goods. Explore Antigua Guatemala via Iximché — founded by the
Spaniards in 1543 — a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial
buildings, and new buildings in colonial style. Other highlights of
Antigua you will see include Cuidad Vieja, Guatemala’s first capital;
San Antonio Aguas Calientes, an indigenous community that produces
colorfully designed textiles; and a city tour of Antigua’s most
interesting churches, monasteries and factories.
Hotel El Convento, Antigua
DAYS 9 & 10
Flores, Petén & Tikal
In the
morning you will transfer by plane to Flores and then on to Tikal.
Explore the archaeological complex of Tikal, among the most stunning of
the Mayan ruins and pyramids, “lost” for centuries amidst dense jungle.
You’ll be able to see the original causeways, sculptures and hieroglyphs
that this fascinating culture left behind.
Camino Real-Tikal Hotel, Tikal National Park
DAYS 11 & 12
Guatemala City & Depart for Home
You will be transferred to Flores Airport for your flight to Guatemala’s capital city. Depart Guatemala City on Day 12.
Vista Real Hotel, Guatemala City
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