Colorful Guatemala (4nights/5days)
Wednesday: Early morning departure heading south of Guatemala City to the archaeological site of El Baul and La Democracia. At El Baul you will see an assortment of original statues gathered together under a corrugated roof to protect them from the weather. There is a begging jaguar and his humanoid partner; a squatting Olmecoid figure, headless, and one of the few found in the region wearing a loin cloth. Also you'll stop off the beaten path to see a huge head of a grinning idol, probably of Pipil origin, which is still revered in a jungle clearing. In the town of La Democracia you will see gigantic sombre stone heads lining the central park and although little is know of these colossal sculptures, each one is chiseled from a single boulder. Afternoon transfer to Chichicastenango for overnight at the Mayan In
n.
Thursday: Today is market day at Chichi when the village streets are transformed into a massive, colorful array of stalls piled high with goods for sale and nowhere else in Guatemala will you find such a wealth of handicrafts, blankets, belts, masks, clay pots, gourds, machetes and locally grown vegetables. After market shopping, usually late afternoon, transfer to Quetzaltenango which is Guatemala's second largest city -- known as Xela by the local population --for overnight at the Pension Bonifaz.
Friday: Morning departure for Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan. En route you will visit the quaint village of Zunil and its enclosed market where thousands of items are spread out over the earthen floor and tended by family members. You will also visit the open-air animal market of San Francisco El Alto and the Chruch of San Andres Xecul while passing through the beautiful Valley of Almolonga. Overnight at Hotel Atitlan.
Saturday: Morning launch excursion to the picturesque Indian village of Santiago Atitlan, the ancient capital and religious center of the Tzutuhiles. Santiago's market stretches from street to street and it is here where you'll see Maximon, a mysterious religious idol, being closely watched over by an entourage of 'confradias' -- a group of men assigned the responsibility of protecting the idol. Look for the exquisite cortes and huipiles worn by the woman of the village. Afternoon transfer to the Colonial city of Antigua for overnight at the Casa Santo Domongo Hotel.
Sunday: Morning tour of Antigua which was founded by the Spaniards in 1543. The city is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored Colonial buildings, stylish arcades, cobbled streets and a festive market area. Places to be visited include: La Conception (the first convent for women in Antigua); the Palace of the Captains General (built in 1776 as a residence of the governor then called Captain General); the Church of San Francisco built in 1579 and originally used by students to study theology, philosophy, canonical law, mathematics and physics. If time permits, before re turning to Guatemala City, you will stop off at the Jade factory where jade is cut, polished and made into fine jewelry.
Price: $434 per person double occupancy. Includes guided tours, entrance fees to museums and historic buildings, launch excursion, overnight Mayan Inn, Pension Bonifaz, Hotel Atitlan and Casa Santo Domingo; taxes and 4 breakfasts.
Toll Free: 1-800-707-5275
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