Chichicastenango is home to the
largest market in Guatemala, and
one of the largest in Latin America

Chichicastenango market day (largest in Guatemala)

We are especially pleased to announce this new itinerary, an economic way for you to experience the very best of the Guatemalan highlands--including the World Heritage site of Antigua, the old colonial capitol of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, called by writer Aldous Huxley the prettiest lake in the world, and Chichicastenango, site of the largest indigenous market in Guatemala--and therefore one of the largest in the world! A great value, this itinerary includes everything you need for a fun, trouble-free trip--all necessary ground transportation, nice hotel rooms, all breakfasts and some memorable excursions--for a great price.

You can start this trip whenever you desire, although availability during Easter and Christmas weeks is very limited. Also, the exact daily schedule will depend on your arrival day, so that your trip to Chichicastenango will coincide with the Thursday or Sunday market days there.

Extensions to see the ancient Mayan city of Tikal are also available.

This itinerary is a fantastic way to experience the color, history and culture of the modern Maya, and at a value price!

Day 1: Arrival/Antigua

On your arrival to the "La Aurora" airport in Guatemala City, where you will be met and taken to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of colonial and indigenous history and culture.

After settling in, you can take a walk around this beautiful colonial town, as your hotel is one block off the central plaza.

There are a variety of restaurants in Antigua and we will send you some dining recommendations.

Welcome to Guatemala!

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Day 2: Free Day Antigua

Antigua is the ancient capital of Guatemala, and is a marvel of colonial architecture and ambiance

Sites you may wish to visit: the Capuchinas Convent, San Francisco church and the Central Cathedral.  Or visit the Palace of City Hall, Palace of the Captains’ General, and the get an understanding of Maya archaeology through jade, and the best museums in town at Paseo de los Museos.

You may also wish to take time to visit the local markets and shops.

Or if you wish a more adventurous activity you can do  a half-day hike to climb Pacaya Volcano, currently one of the most active in the world.

Hotel La Sin Ventura

Continental breakfast (CB)

Day 3: Antigua and on to Lake Atitlan

After breakfast, in our private van, visit the Azotea Coffee, a working coffee plantation, a textile museum and Casa Kojom, a museum of Mayan Music, a fascinating place to learn more about these three important elements of Guatemalan culture.
This afternoon you will be taken to scenic Lake Atitlan to the village of San Marcos la Laguna.
Beautiful Lake Atitlan, ringed by indigenous villages featuring astounding textile products, is a jewel of Guatemala.

Lake Atitlan (your hotel is just right of center, in the shadow)

Hotel Posada del Bosque Encantado

CB

Day 4: San Marcos la Laguna - Free Day

All day to enjoy San Marcos and its variety of activities. Here you will find in interesting mix of indigenous and "new age" culture, with healing and spiritual centers alongside traditional dwellings and folk culture.

Just a few of the options available to you today:

Visit local church, a women’s cooperative, Kayak rental, hikes up into the hills with a group called Jovenes Maya or attend a Mayan Ceremony. There are even massage treatments, yoga classes or a musical concert with flautist Terry Rubin. 

Or you may choose to take extra time to visit San Pedro Volcano or the its namesake, the village of San Pedro.

We will be happy to arrange any activity you wish.

Hotel Posada del Bosque Encantado

CB

Day 5: San Juan de la Laguna and Santiago Atitlan

Travel today in our private boat across the lake to the village of San Juan, an unspoiled Maya village on the lake where a new woman's weaving cooperative is positively changing the lives and ideas of all who it touches. You will see this, and also have the chance to purchase their quality products, woven with natural hand dyed threads.

Later we take our boat to visit the town of Santiago Atitlan, where you can witness the time-honored rituals of the Saint Maximon, the local church and later spend time marveling at the local handicrafts.

Return to San Marcos and your hotel.

Hotel Posada del Bosque Encantado

CB

Day 6: Chichicastenango market day! (Thursday or Sunday)

After breakfast, boat to Panajachel and then a one hour van trip to Chichicastenango market.

You will need to take public boat (on your own) to arrive to Panajachel before the shuttle leaves at 8:00AM.  Transfer by shuttle from Panajachel to the town of Chichicastenango, home of one of the most vibrant open-air markets in Latin America. Here you will meet our local bilingual guide to show you around. Witness the abundant local wares and the festivities/dances of the native peoples. In addition, you can also visit Maya ritual sites and religious ceremonies.
Enjoy the historic church, with its mix of indigenous and Catholic traditions, and don't miss wandering thru the amazing sights and sounds of market day, certainly the largest in Guatemala, and one of the most colorful in the world!

In the afternoon take the 1:00PM shuttle transfer to Antigua where you can enjoy the colonial town once again.

Hotel La Sin Ventura

Day 7: Departure

Time permitting, you can visit the Guatemala National Palace and the three-dimensional relief map of Guatemala before your transfer to the airport.

Thanks for coming to experience the wonders of the Maya World.

CB

Guatemala is home to part of the "chain of volcanoes" one of the most active volcanic areas in the world.

Trip price includes:

• All lodging,
• All transfers and transportation (land and water unless stated as on your own),
• Bilingual guide for arrival, 1/2 day tour on Day 3 to Day 6
• All continental breakfasts, and
• All excursions (including guided half-day tours of Antigua, La Azotea cultural center, San Juan la Laguna (including the woman's weaving cooperative) and Santiago Atitlan, and the full-day excursion to Chichicastenango for market day).

4 travelers:

6-8 travelers

10-12+ travelers

$605 per person, double occupancy

$495 per person, double occupancy

$415 per person, double occupancy

Not included in trip price:

• Airfare to and from Guatemala City, Guatemala (airport code GUA), where the trip begins (but we can help you find a good deal-).We recommend you contact our US representative, Earl Fox at Travel Trek, can often find you some great deals—we recommend calling him at 1-719-687-3053  (during normal business hours, mountain standard time.
• Tips for guides, drivers, waitresses, hotel staff, etc.
• Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
• Optional excursions such as volcano climbing (price depends on number of participants), and meals not included in the itinerary.