Treasure of the Maya

After breakfast, embark on a unique cultural journey through the villages surrounding Antigua, Guatemala. This community-led tour will allow you to delve into the region’s history and culture through ruined buildings, vibrant local traditions, and breathtaking views.

Community-Led Experiences

San Juan El Obispo: Visit this historic site with a local guide who shares insights into its significance as the first bishopric in Guatemala, founded by Francisco Marroquín.

San Pedro Las Huertas: Explore this charming village, which has a beautiful church and a central plaza where community members gather daily for laundry, which is part of its customs and daily life.

Ciudad Vieja: Learn about the history of Guatemala’s former second capital, which was tragically buried by an earthquake-triggered mudslide in 1541. A local guide provides a deeper understanding of this site

Experimental Organic Macadamia Farm: Engage with local farmers who demonstrate sustainable farming practices and share the benefits of organic cultivation.

Maya Women’s Cooperative: Attend a community-led workshop where women from the cooperative showcase their daily activities. The workshop will begin with a demonstration of local textiles. Participants will learn to form threads, use the backstrap loom, and create beautiful textiles.

Lunch with Locals: Savor traditional Guatemalan cuisine, such as “pepian,” made with local spices and meat.

Afternoon Cultural Tour in Antigua

In the afternoon, enjoy an effortless walking tour through the colonial city of Antigua. Explore its historic ruins, museums, monasteries, markets, art galleries, and plazas. This community-led tour provides a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture as the local guide shares personal insights and stories about each site.

Community Engagement

Throughout the day, engage with local communities and artisans, fostering meaningful interactions that enhance cultural immersion. This tour showcases Antigua’s beauty, supports local initiatives, and preserves cultural heritage.

Lodging in Antigua, Guatemala.

Embark on a day filled with cultural immersion and natural exploration, starting with a visit to a community-driven project focused on small-scale organic coffee production. This sustainable initiative supports local farmers and offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community.

Sustainable Coffee Experience

Community Engagement: Hike up the slopes of Agua Volcano to learn about sustainable coffee practices and participate in harvesting activities. This hands-on experience will help you understand the importance of eco-friendly farming methods.

 Ancestral Coffee Production: Return to the community house to learn traditional

coffee production methods using ancestral tools. Witness the meticulous process of transforming coffee beans into a delicious brew.

Cultural Immersion: Enjoy lunch with local hosts, savor authentic Guatemalan cuisine, and relish the flavors of freshly brewed coffee made from the beans you helped harvest.

Afternoon: Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour from Antigua, Guatemala

The Pacaya Volcano Sunset Tour offers an unforgettable experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty with community-driven initiatives. Located in the municipality of San Vicente Pacaya, this tour is led by local guides from the San Vicente Pacaya Tour Guides Association in collaboration with Martsam Travel. This partnership ensures a unique blend of local expertise and community involvement, making the tour exciting and supportive of regional development.

Tour Highlights

Scenic Hike: The tour begins with a scenic hike through lush forests and volcanic landscapes, culminating in stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, including Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.

Sunset Experience: Witness the breathtaking sunset over the volcano, casting a warm glow over the unique volcanic formations.

Geothermal Exploration: Explore geothermal hotspots on cooled lava formations, where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy snacks amidst this extraordinary environment.

Community Engagement: By participating in this tour, you support local guides and contribute to community projects in San Vicente Pacaya.

Lodging in Antigua, Guatemala.

Morning: Chichicastenango Market

Begin your day with an early breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to Chichicastenango, approximately 2.5 hours away. This bustling market, held every Thursday and Sunday, is a pallet of colors and sounds, offering an immersive cultural experience. The air is filled with incense, and the vibrant atmosphere is punctuated by lively haggling over handicrafts and local goods. A highlight of the visit is the Santo Tomás Church, where you can witness the fascinating blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions.

Additional Cultural Experiences

Chichicastenango Cemetery: Visit the town’s colorful cemetery after exploring the market. This site reflects the rich cultural heritage of the K’iche’ Maya people and is known for its vibrantly painted tombs.

The cemetery is a sacred site where local Maya spiritual guides often perform traditional ceremonies. You may have the opportunity to observe these ceremonies, which are an integral part of the community’s spiritual practices.

Afternoon: Panajachel

After immersing yourself in Chichicastenango’s vibrant culture, head to Panajachel, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán, about an hour’s drive away. Enjoy the stunning views of the Atitlan lake, surrounded by towering volcanoes, and experience the tranquility of this idyllic setting.

Lodging in Panajachel.

Embark on a day-long journey to Lake Atitlán, a breathtaking natural wonder surrounded by majestic volcanoes and steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Tzutujil Mayan people. This community-led tour offers an immersive experience of the local communities’ vibrant markets, traditions, spiritual practices, and unique beliefs.

Scenic Boat Tour and Cultural Exploration

Natural Wonders: Begin with a scenic boat tour across Lake Atitlán, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes and picturesque villages.

Indigenous Leadership: Participate in a Fire Ceremony to engage with local Mayan leaders who share insights into their traditions and spiritual practices, highlighting the importance of Indigenous leadership in preserving cultural heritage.

San Juan La Laguna Experience

Community-Based Artisan Workshops: Visit community-led projects in San Juan La Laguna, including weaving associations and art galleries, where you can meet Mayan artists and learn about their crafts.

Culinary Immersion: Participate in a local culinary project to learn about Guatemalan Maya cuisine. Learn about traditional ingredients and their cultural significance, then share the prepared meal with your Mayan host, fostering meaningful connections.

Santiago Atitlán Exploration

Historic Landmarks: Visit the Catholic church and the Maximon sanctuary in Santiago Atitlán, where you can explore the Maya’s mysticism and learn about their spiritual practices.

Artisan Street: Walk through the artisans’ street, discovering unique handicrafts and interacting with local artisans who showcase their traditional crafts.

Return to Panajachel

After this enriching experience, return to your hotel in Panajachel by boat. This tour deeply understands Mayan culture and supports local communities through sustainable tourism practices.

Lodging in Panajachel

Morning Exploration and Cultural Immersion

Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó

Begin your day by exploring the charming towns of Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó, nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán. These picturesque villages are renowned for their vibrant textiles and traditional crafts. Take part in a ceramic workshop to learn about the local techniques and craftsmanship passed down through generations. This hands-on experience allows you to engage with the community and appreciate the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Iximche Archaeological Site

After your workshop, head to the Iximche archaeological site, the former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. This ancient site offers a glimpse into the history and traditions of the Maya civilization. Take a moment to explore the ruins and learn about the significance of Iximche in Guatemalan history.

Lunch and Journey to Guatemala City

Enjoy a delicious lunch along the way, featuring local cuisine showcasing Guatemala’s flavors. After visiting Iximche, continue your journey to Guatemala City, where you will spend the night. This vibrant metropolis offers a mix of modern amenities and historical landmarks, creating a unique contrast with the natural beauty and cultural richness you experienced earlier in the day.

Early Departure and Scenic Journey

Begin your day with an early departure from Guatemala City at 6:00 a.m. As you travel eastward, enjoy the region’s changing landscapes. After approximately two hours, take a break for breakfast, which will allow you to refresh and recharge for the journey ahead.

Crossing into Honduras

Continue your journey through the dry and warm Chiquimula province, eventually reaching the border town of El Florido. Here, you will cross into Honduras and visit the Copan Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and cultural significance.

Exploring Copan Archaeological Park

Upon arrival, take time for lunch before meeting your local tour guide. Embark on an archaeological discovery tour, exploring the park’s most notable attractions:

Ceremonial Center: Learn about the rituals and ceremonies that once took place here.

Ball Court: Discover the significance of this ancient sports venue.

Hieroglyphic Stairway: Marvel at the intricate carvings and inscriptions that tell stories of the past.

Acropolis: Explore the heart of the ancient city, where you can uncover the secrets of the Maya civilization.

Evening in Copan

After your tour, return to your hotel for check-in. This will allow you to relax and unwind in this charming Honduran town. The evening will offer a perfect opportunity to explore local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Copan.

Lodging in Copan.

Morning Departure and Cultural Exploration

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Copan and a scenic journey to Rio Dulce. Along the way, make a fascinating stop at the UNESCO Archaeological Site of Quirigua, a place steeped in history and cultural significance.

Discovering Quirigua

At Quirigua, meet your local tour guide, who will lead you through the site’s most impressive features:

Altars and Stelae: Marvel at the intricate carvings and unique sculptures that adorn these ancient structures. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Maya civilization that once flourished here.

Historical Insights: Learn about the site’s history and connections to neighboring regions, gaining a deeper understanding of the broader cultural context.

Afternoon in Rio Dulce

After immersing yourself in Quirigua’s rich history, continue your journey to Rio Dulce, a picturesque destination known for its stunning natural beauty. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy exploring the area or simply relaxing in this serene environment for the rest of the day.

Lodging in Rio Dulce.

Morning Boat Tour on Rio Dulce

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a scenic boat tour along the Rio Dulce River, which serves as a vital waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean with Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala. This journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a chance to explore several fascinating sites:

River View of El Castillo de San Felipe de Lara: As you navigate the river, your boat driver will provide a scenic view of this historic fort from the water. Although you won’t disembark, this vantage point allows you to appreciate the fort’s strategic location and historical significance.

The Canyon: Marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the Rio Dulce Canyon, with its towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

Garifuna Village of Livingston: Discover the vibrant culture of the Garifuna community, which is known for its rich heritage and warm hospitality.

Cultural and Culinary Experience

During your visit to Livingston, enjoy the opportunity to savor Guatemala’s typical Caribbean dishes. These dishes reflect the unique blend of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences in the region’s cuisine. This culinary experience will enhance your appreciation for Guatemala’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Afternoon Journey to Flores

After completing your boat tour, return to Rio Dulce and board a minivan for the approximately 3.5-hour drive to the Island of Flores in Peten. This picturesque island in Lake Petén Itzá offers a serene and enchanting setting to conclude your day. The island’s colonial architecture and tranquil atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and preparation for the next day’s adventures in Peten.

Lodging in Flores.

Helicopter Journey to El Mirador

Embark on an exhilarating helicopter adventure, soaring above the lush jungles of Guatemala to reach the majestic El Mirador archaeological site. From the air, marvel at the vast expanse of the Petén Basin, where ancient Maya civilizations once flourished. As you fly over, the landscape unfolds like a canvas of green, revealing the remnants of a long-lost world.

Exploring El Mirador

Upon landing, delve into a guided tour of this incredible site, where monumental structures and intricate carvings await discovery. El Mirador is renowned for its massive pyramids, including La Danta and El Tigre, among the largest in the Maya world. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets and stories hidden within these ancient ruins, offering insights into the ingenuity and mystery of the Maya civilization.

Return to Mundo Maya Airport

After immersing yourself in the history and beauty of El Mirador, return to Mundo Maya Airport by helicopter.

Lodging in Flores

Morning Departure to Tikal

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by a journey to Tikal National Park, one of the most renowned and breathtaking archaeological sites in the Maya world. As you enter the park, you’ll be immersed in the mystical atmosphere of the “City of the Voices,” a name that echoes the sounds of the jungle and the whispers of history.

Guided Tour and Temple Exploration

Your expert guide will lead you along the ancient paths, sharing insights into the history and significance of this magnificent site. You’ll have the opportunity to climb some majestic temples, such as Temple IV (Temple of the Serpent), or explore the Lost World Pyramid, from which you can enjoy panoramic views over the vast expanse of the tropical forest. This “green sea” stretches as far as the eye can see, providing a perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable photographs.

Tikal’s Natural and Cultural Significance

Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its cultural and natural significance. It is part of the larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, which spans over a million hectares and is home to various flora and fauna, including monkeys, toucans, and macaws. This unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Tikal one of the most beautiful and fascinating Maya sites to explore

Lunch and Return

After your tour, enjoy lunch in a serene forest dining area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

After lunch, return to Mundo Maya Airport for a short flight back to Guatemala City. Then, continue to your hotel to check in and prepare for a farewell dinner.

Lodging in Guatemala City.

Timely transportation to the airport concludes your adventure in the Country of Eternal Spring.