Magic of Guatemala and Copan

Day 1 : Guatemala City

Upon your arrival in Guatemala City, Guatemala, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 2 : Guatemala City > Antigua > Chichicastenango

Today you will journey to Antigua, Guatemala, the most significant and captivating city of colonial Guatemala. Founded by the Spaniards in 1543, Antigua is a stunning blend of ruins, restored colonial structures, and newly built edifices in colonial style. Declared a “Monument of America” in 1965, this city offers a unique glimpse into the past. Explore the Central Plaza, surrounded by the historic cathedral, the municipal government building, and the Palace of the Captains General. Discover colonial churches and monasteries, witness the art of traditional textile weaving on primitive foot-looms, and visit a jade factory where this precious stone is crafted into exquisite jewellery. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Chichicastenango for your overnight stay.

Day 3 : Chichicastenango > Lake Atitlan > Guatemala City

This morning, you will commence your day with a visit to the country’s most colourful and picturesque open-air market, where hundreds of indigenous people from the surrounding countryside gather to barter their goods. Experience the captivating religious ceremonies held on the steps and inside the 400-year-old Church of Santo Tomas. Continue your journey to Lake Atitlan, renowned for its stunning crystalline-azure waters set within a volcanic crater. Atitlan offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in Guatemalan folklore, with twelve indigenous villages around the lake inhabited by descendants of the Quiche, Cackchiquel, and Tzutuhil nations. In the afternoon, you will return to Guatemala City.

Day 4 : Guatemala City > Coban

Drive to Alta Verapaz where you will visit Los Ranchitos del Quetzal, a sanctuary established to protect the endangered Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird. Next, explore Orquigonia, a lush oasis where visitors can marvel at a variety of orchids and other forest plants in their natural habitat, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of Guatemala’s green heart. Despite its relatively small size, Orquigonia boasts impressive biodiversity. Since its acquisition in 2007, the area has naturally regenerated into a refuge for not only orchids but also tree ferns, tillandsias, bromeliads, and various forest species with fruits and epiphytes. Continue to the Coban area, where for the next two evenings, you will stay in a charming town near the regional capital of Copan.

Day 5 : Coban > Semuc Champey > Coban

Enjoy a visit Semuc Champey, nestled in the municipality of Lankin along the Cahabnn River. This natural wonder features a 500-metre-long limestone bridge under which the Cahabnn River flows in an underground tunnel known as a siguan. Above this bridge lies a series of stunning turquoise pools, ranging from 1 to 3 metres deep, fed by mountain springs. These pools are set within a picturesque canyon formed by sedimentary rock and limestone, characteristic of the highlands of the Polochic Valley. Proceeding your visit, transfer back to your overnight accommodation.

Day 6 : Coban > Copan

Depart for Copan, Honduras. After completing immigration formalities, proceed to the renowned archaeological site of Copan. Upon entering the park, you will be greeted by intricate stone sculptures at every turn. As you walk into the dramatic expanse of the Great Plaza, you will witness the impressive cultural achievements of the ancient Maya. Copan’s main plaza boasts the largest collection of Maya sculptures in Central America. Take your time to explore and marvel at the stunning Mayan stelae, majestic temples, and the complete ball court.

Day 7 : Copan > Quirigua > Rio Dulce

This morning, you will transfer back into Guatemala to the remarkable Mayan site of Quirigua, renowned for its extraordinary monuments. The site features 12 intricately carved stelae and four impressive zoomorphs, which are massive stones sculpted into mythological animal forms. Additionally, you will find numerous unrestored temples that offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s architectural prowess. One of the unique aspects of Quirigua is the precise dating recorded on the monuments, marked at exact intervals of 800 days. This site provides an incredible opportunity to delve into the history and artistry of the Maya, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Afterwards, continue towards Rio Dulce the location of your next overnight.

Day 8 : Rio Dulce > Tikal

The vast Rio Dulce offers an unparalleled natural experience. As you navigate its stunning waters, you will be immersed in the riverine forest and serenaded by the calls of howler monkeys. The riverside features pristine forests and serene bathing spots, creating a unique natural environment. Numerous islands and islets along the river serve as nesting grounds for thousands of aquatic birds, providing breathtaking displays as they take flight and feed in large groups on the water. One section of the river widens into a 60 square-kilometre expanse known as El Golfete, which combines the characteristics of both a river and a lake. Afterwards, you will transfer to Tikal in the Peten department of Guatemala.

Day 9 : Tikal > Flores > Guatemala City

Today, journey back over 2,000 years with a visit to Tikal National Park. You will be guided to the ancient Mayan City of Tikal, set within a 575 km2 park. Tikal thrived from 600 BC to 869 AD, peaking during the late Classic period (690 to 850 AD). Explore Twin-Pyramid Complexes “Q” and “R,” the Lost World Complex with the Great Pyramid and Temple 5C-49, Temple III, the Palace of the Windows, and the Great Plaza. The plaza is flanked by the pyramids of the Grand Jaguar and the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles, and Pyramid IV, the tallest Mayan pyramid. In the afternoon, transfer to Santa Elena’s Airport for your flight to Guatemala City. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Day 10 : Guatemala City

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport where your journey through Guatemala concludes.