In the morning your guide awaits you at the hotel reception to drive with you to the western highlands of Guatemala. We will visit Chichicastenango with its colourful Mayan market which is famous beyond the boundries (takes place on Thursdays and Sundays). Since pre-Hispanic times Chichicastenango has been one of the largest trading centres in the Maya area and so it attracts vendors from all over Guatemala. They represent many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others, each hawking his or her products in a riotous cacophony of colors, dialects and costumes, flavours, and smells. After we visit visit Chichicastenango and embark on a tour through the open-air market, we visit the 400-year-old church of Santo Tomás, where catholic and pagan rites take place in a mystical atmosphere. Afterwards we continue to Lake Atitlan. 2 overnights in Panajachel at the lake and prepare for the Lake Atitlan boat ride the following day. Read more

Overnight in Panajachel Lake

After we finished to visit Chichicastenango the previous day, we will embark on a Lake Atitlan boat ride - this being the world's most beautiful lake according to the German natural scientist Alexander von Humboldt - is volcanic in origin. It fills an enormous caldera formed in an eruption 84,000 years ago. On its southern shore it is flanked by three volcanoes that create a breathtaking panorama. Early in the morning we start the Lake Atitlan boat ride Tzutuhil town of Santiago Atitlan, located between the volcanoes. This small town still keeps the Mayan traditions and culture. After the Lake Atitlan boat ride, we visit the local market and the town's church. In the afternoon we return by boat to Panajachel, where you can relax in the hotel garden or at the pool. Read more

Overnight in Panajachel

Leaving the Lake Atitlan we enjoy a stunning panoramic view with volcano peaks reaching up to 3,500 m. Afterwards we tour the Pacific lowlands, famous for its vegetables and flowers. We continue passing through big coffee and sugar cane plantations to the colonial gem of Antigua. Founded in the 16th century as Santiago de Guatemala, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included Chiapas (southern Mexico), Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. After a severe earthquake in 1773, which damaged great parts of the town, the capital was moved to Guatemala City. 2 overnights in the city and get ready for the Antigua tour the following day. Read more

Overnight in Antigua

In 1979 Antigua has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list as an outstanding example of preserved colonial architecture and of cultural value. Until today the principal monuments built before the earthquake are preserved as ruins. Much of the architecture today dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. During our Antigua tour we visit the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Capuchinas Convent, the churches San Francisco and La Merced as well as other buildings and colonial spots. Read more

Overnight in Antigua

Early in the morning we set out for Honduras. After a scenic drive through the Motagua valley, we arrive at the Honduran border in the afternoon. Having dealt with the customs formalities we transfer to embark on the Copan Ruinas tour where we check in our hotel, located in the centre of the village. The rest of the afternoon is left free to enjoy and explore the picturesque village. The various small shops and stalls offer all kinds of handcrafts as well as excellent coffee, which is produced in this area. 2 overnights in Copan Ruinas. Read more

Overnight in Copan

After breakfast we leave the village to explore the nearby archaeological Park of Copan and continue the impressive Copan Ruinas tour. At its height (from 200 to 900 A.D.) Copan had about 24,000 inhabitants. It wasn't one of the largest Mayan cities. However, it was the principal cultural centre of the Maya region due to its advanced development of sculpture, astronomy, and hieroglyphic writing. The sculptures and stelaes are among the most artistic of all Mayan sites. The main site is famous for the Hieroglyphic Stairway, which is 30 m long and 10 m high. The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway is of considerable historical significance. Later we visit the sepulchers, a residential and burial site of the Mayan nobles located at about 2 km from the main group. Read more

Overnight in Copan Ruinas

Transfer to San Pedro Sula in time for your international departure flight.