Trip Among Mesoamerican Wonders

First Day: Italia / Città Del Guatemala
Departure to Guatemala City. Meals served on board. Arrival and transfer. Accommodation at Radisson Hotel (4 *) or similar.

Second Day: Antigua
In the morning, transfer to Antigua. Strolling in Antigua is like going back in time … stone roads, bougainvillea falling from ruined walls, colorful walls with characteristic balconies, brick roofs, parks with fountains and a spectacular landscape at the foot of the three volcanoes: Volcán de Agua – Water Volcano -, Volcán de Fuego – Fire Volcano – and the Acatenango. These are some of the reasons that make Antigua one of the nicest colonial towns in the Americas and UNESCO Cultural Heritage. We will start the tour with the visit of the village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, surrounded by the volcanoes and famous for its fabrics and crafts. Afterwards we will visit the Cultural Center “Azotea” where there is a pastoral farmhouse of the past – finca – and the Museum of Maya “K’Ojom”. After tasting one of the best guatemalan cafes, we will walk through the historic center of Antigua, starting from the Central Park and visiting the main monuments. Lunch included. Accommodation at Hotel Camino Real Antigua or similar (4 + *).

Third Day: Antigua / Chichicastenango / Atitlan
Departing for the village of Chichicastenango, the most colorful and picturesque market in Guatemala, where every Thursday and Sunday residents of the region go shopping and selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds, animals, textiles and handicrafts. We will also visit the local church of Santo Tomás, where Mayan-Quiché natives celebrate their traditional rituals. After lunch – simple, at a local family – continue for Atitlán Lake. Arrival and accommodation at Hotel Puerta del Lago (4 *) or similar.

Fourth Day:Santiago Atitlan / Guatemala City
Departure by boat to the village of Santiago Atitlán while admiring the three volcanoes that surround one of the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world. We will visit Santiago the place of worship of Holy Maximón, clear example of the blending of pagan rituals with the Catholic religion. In the afternoon, after lunch – included, transfer to Guatemala City. Accommodation at Radisson Hotel (4*) or similar.

Fifth Day: Guatemala City/ Tikal
Very early in the morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight towards Flores, in the Petén region. Transfer to Tikal National Park, declared by UNESCO Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This mighty Mayan city is considered one of the largest and most monumental among the Mayan discovered sites. Guided tour of the most important squares, monuments and temples, admiring the tropical rainforest, habitat of hundreds of exotic birds and a wide variety of wildlife. In the early afternoon, after the packed lunch – included – arrival and accommodation at Hotel Camino Real Tikal (4 *).

Sixth Day: Flores / Yaxchilan / Palenque
Transfer to Bethel and after the formalities at the Guatemalan border, around noon we will cross the Usumacinta River, bordered by the Peten jungle and the Lacandona jungle.During the journey – you will be able to admire monkeys-spider, tropical birds and crocodiles – we will reach the archaeological site of Yaxchilán, an imposing Mayan town immersed in the dense vegetation of Chiapas. The site is only accessible by boat and therefore has been maintained in excellent condition. The temple 33 stands out on all structures. After the visit and the lunch – included – departure to Palenque. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel Ciudad Real (4 *) or similar.

Seventh Day: Palenque / Campeche
In the morning visit to the famous archaeological site of Palenque. The site of the Maya, built between 600 and 800 AD, is made up of more than 500 buildings on 6 square miles, of which only a part have been brought to light. The whole thing is even more fascinating for the presence of tucans and screaming monkeys living in the jungle around. After lunch – included – we will continue for the city of Campeche, where we will take a short tour of the old town. You will visit the walls that were erected to defend it from pirate attacks during the 17th century; some of the ramparts are now very interesting museums. Accommodation at the Plaza Colonial Hotel (4 *) or similar.

Eighth Day: Campeche / Uxmal / Merida
Departure from Campeche to the archaeological area of Uxmal, UNESCO Cultural Heritage. The characteristic of Puuc’s architectural style is to have a low and rectangular building with gardens in the center, surrounded by columns with inscriptions dedicated mostly to Chaac, the god of rain. After lunch – included – we continue for Merida, the “white city” and capital of Yucatàn, where we will take a short panoramic tour to admire the Paseo de Montejo,
the Monument to the Homeland, the main square with the Cathedral and the government buildings. Accommodation at the hotel Del Gobernador (4 * stars) or similar.

Ninth Day : Merida / Chichen-Itza / Riviera Maya </ strong>
Depart from Merida to reach Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzá is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Maya World. We will discover the Pyramid of Kukulkàn, the symbol of the city, the largest playground of the pelotte of all Mesoamerica, sacred “Cenote” where they were thrown the bodies of the sacrificed to the gods.
In the early afternoon, after lunch in the restaurant, departure to Cancun or the Riviera Maya and accommodation at the selected facility (not included).