Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive Colonial Antigua

Upon arrival in Guatemala City you will be met and transfered about an hour to the colonial city of Antigua. Nestled in a mountain valley and surrounded by evergreen forests, Antigua is one of the most idyllic destinations in the world.  With painstakingly restored Spanish colonial architecture, manicured parks, stylish hotels, superb international cuisine and a horizon shaped by three spectacular volcanoes, Antigua is easily one of the most charming cities in all the Americas.
    
Meals: None
Lodging: Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar    

Day 2      Colonial Walking Tour of Antigua

You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents, and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park, and La Merced Church. This tour is flexible and if you have specific sights that you wish to see please notify your guide. (If you wish to visit other monuments you will need to pay the entrances directly.) At the end of the tour your guide can accompany you back to your hotel or take you to a place of your choice. The afternoon is free to relax or explore.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar    

Day 3      Free Day in Antigua

Today is free to relax and explore. You can spend more time in Antigua  or you can visit the working coffee farm and museums of Mayan musical instruments and Mayan dress at Azotea. Or, you can hike up the Pacaya Volcano, a one hour drive from Antigua, beginning with a fairly strenuous climb though beautiful pine forests and continuing with a tricky walk through the volcanic ash section to the sulfur smoking cone. From the summit you can enjoy great views of the northern volcanoes and the Pacific lowlands, and all the way to El Salvador.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar    

Day 4      Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan has been called by many “the most beautiful lake in the world”. It is indeed an amazing setting with the crystal blue waters of the lake surrounded by the three lofty peaks of Toliman, San Pedro and Atitlan Volcanoes. Today you will be picked up from the hotel and transfered about two and a half hours to Lake Atitlan. Upon arrival in Panajachel you will board a motorized launch, which will take you to your hotel.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Laguna Lodge or similar    

Day 5      San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan

Visit a local textile cooperative in San Juan La Laguna today to see the back strap loom in use and how they still dye their materials with natural dyes. You will visit the home and workshop of local naïf painters before boarding the boat onto Santiago Village for lunch. After lunch walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different "brotherhood" has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon  visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from this area.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Laguna Lodge or similar    

Day 6      Chichicastenango Market

Famous for its large craft market, Chichicastenango is a colorful site.  Craftsmen and villagers from all over the highlands converge on this small town to sell their wares.  It is also one of the easiest places for travellers to experience the strange way that Mayan and Catholic faiths have merged in Guatemala. This hour long drive takes you through the central highland region and along the way you'll see the local Maya people in their traditional dress going about their daily lives - working in the fields, collecting firewood, travelling between markets, and selling their wares. Upon arrival at Chichicastenango you will have time to explore this famous market, both the local areas of the fruit and vegetables and everyday items as well as the craft area where you can find endless variety of beautiful textile, wooden and ceramic crafts. You can also visit the famous St. Tomas Church where local Maya people come to perform Maya rituals within the Catholic church -demonstrating the interesting way the two faiths have combined in recent times. You may want to  hike up the hill to the Pascaul Abaj ritual site to see if any local shaman are performing rituals and/or to the cemetery on the outskirts of town.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Laguna Lodge or similar    

Day 7      Lake Atitlan / Antigua

Enjoy leisurely exploring the lake area. Visit the many weavers or artisians or take a ferry to Panajachel to explore the local shops and museums. Optional hiking, biking, kayaking or horseback riding is available also. Then transfer back to Antigua for your overnight.
    
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Panza Verde or similar    

Day 8      Kite Festival / Antigua

On November 1 each year, Guatemala's families honor their departed loved ones during Day of the Dead festivities. Besides the traditional visit to the cemetery, Day of the Dead in Guatemala is marked with Kite Festivals and dining on Fiambre.  Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez hold the largest and most well-known festivals, with thousands of kites flown
by families, locals and religious groups to honor the dead. The elaborate kites span several feet and are constructed almost entirely of bamboo and tissue paper.  Sacatepequez is in the town cementry and displays perhaps more of an authentic feel. Fiambre, which is only made and eaten once a year as the traditional dish of Day of the Dead.  Served cold, Fiambre contains a mix of cheese, meat, eggs and vegetables cured in vinegar. Some recipes call for as many as 50 different ingredients. This morning you will transfer to Santiago Sacatepequez where you will walk  to the cemetery to see the Kite Festival and how the people celebrate the Day of the Dead.
    
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Panza Verde or similar    

Day 9      Departure

Transfer to Guatemala City in plenty of time for your international flight home.
    
Meals: Breakfast

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