Guatemala Tours - Discover Guatemala — The Americas — Kuoni Travel Worldwide 2008 2nd Edition online holiday brochure

guatemala Over 1,000 years ago The Maya were one of the world's most advanced civilisations. Traces of this ancient civilisation are found throughout Guatemala, the highlight being the soaring temples of Tikal, still surrounded by dense tropical jungle. This enchanting Central American country also offers charming colonial towns, colourful Indian markets and magnificent landscapes with clear mountain lakes and conical volcanoes. MEXICO DISCOVER GUATEMALA CARIBBEAN SEA FLORES G CHICHICASTENANGO GUATEMALA G G GUATEMALA CITY LAKE ATITL�N G G ANTIGUA The ruins of Tikal Kuoni P L US OFFERS escorted Discover Guatemala is escorted from Day 2 to Day 6. A local guide accompanies you on the visit to Tikal. The Mexico beach and Belize beach extensions are unescorted but assistance is available locally. discover guatemala Guatemala City: 2 nights Chichicastenango: 1 night Lake Atitl�n: 1 night Antigua: 1 night Flores: 1 night Guatemala City: 1 night I Day 1 Sat Iberia flight from Heathrow via Madrid to Guatemala City. On arrival transfer to the Guatemala City Marriott and overnight. I Day 2 Sun An early start for the drive to Chichicastenango. Here you visit the renowned handicraft market, which draws hundreds of Indians in colourful native dress to barter their goods. Also, witness the religious ceremonies held at the 400 year old Church of Santo Tom�s. Overnight at the Mayan Inn Hotel (approx 90 miles). B. I Day 3 Mon Morning boat ride across the waters of Lake Atitl�n to the Indian village of Santiago de Atitl�n. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this bustling Indian village and its spectacular location with views across the clear blue waters of the lake to the volcanoes beyond. Overnight Atitl�n Hotel (approx 25 miles). B. I Day 4 Tue Continue via the village of Solol� to the enchanting city of Antigua. Founded by the Spanish in 1543 it has now been UNESCO World Heritage listed due to its delightfully restored colonial centre. Overnight Casa Santo Domingo (approx 65 miles). B. I Day 5 Wed Visit the Central Plaza, Cathedral and Palace of the Captains General before returning to Guatemala City. Overnight Guatemala City Marriott (approx 30 miles). B. I Day 6 Thu Early departure for the short flight on TACA to Flores. On arrival, visit the Mayan site of Ceibal, near the banks of La Pasi�n River where crocodiles and exotic birds can often be seen. Overnight Camino Real Tikal Hotel. B,L. I Day 7 Fri Visit Tikal National Park, where submerged by dense rain forest, archaeologists have discovered one of the greatest Mayan cities dating back to the pre-classic period almost 2,000 years ago. The size of this once great centre of empire is overwhelming; to gain perspective you can climb to the top of Pyramid IV for spectacular views across the complex and the surrounding jungle. Also visit the Palace of the Windows, the Great Plaza, the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar and the Palace of the Nobles, many of which have been carefully restored. Later fly by TACA to Guatemala City and overnight. B,L. I Day 8 Sat Morning sightseeing tour of Guatemala City, including the National Palace, Cathedral, and Civic Centre Complex. In the afternoon, transfer to the Airport for your return flight with Iberia via Madrid, arriving Heathrow the following day. B. discover guatemala + mexico beach I Day 1 Sat to Day 6 Thu As per Discover Guatemala itinerary. I Day 7 Fri After visiting Tikal as per the main itinerary return to the Camino Real Tikal Hotel, afternoon at leisure and overnight. I Day 8 Sat Take the short flight on TACA from Flores to Cancun. On arrival transfer to the Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret (see p429) located on the edge of an eco-park south of Playa Del Carmen (or alternatively choose from any of our Mexican beach hotels � see p424-429) for three nights. I Day 11 Tue Iberia flight via Madrid, arriving Heathrow the next day. tailormade independent touring The Central American Panorama is an independent tour and is unescorted, it offers an example of the flexibility we have within the region and we can easily tailor a trip to suit your individual needs. Local assistance is available throughout. mayan highlights + discover guatemala To combine Guatemala with the wonderful Mayan sights of neighbouring Mexico, please see p430-431. discover guatemala + belize I Day 1 Sat to Day 6 Thu Follow Discover Guatemala itinerary. I Day 7 Fri Visit Tikal in the morning before a further night at the Camino Real hotel. B,L. I Day 8 Sat Transfer to the Belize border at Melchor de Mencos. A short drive into San Ignacio brings you to the Rainforest Medicine Trail, where as you walk along the trails, your guide will point out plants and herbs once used by the Maya and still used by Belizeans today for medicinal purposes. Following lunch board a canoe for a trip down the Macal Branch of the Belize River as you travel look out for parrots, toucans and iguanas. Overnight at the San Ignacio hotel. B,L I Day 9 Sun Head southwest to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve for a visit to the famous Maya site of Caracol (Mayan for Snail), the largest Maya city in Belize. This site in size rivals that of neighboring Tikal and is set amid lush tropical jungle. Later, visit the Rio Frio Caves and Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Continue to Belize City for your next three nights at The Great House B,L I Day 10 Mon Visit the Belize Zoo, created as a sanctuary for the country's indigenous species it is home for an impressive array of large cats, primates, reptiles and birds. The rest of the day is spent exploring Belize city, the old British colonial capital and only real urban centre in the country. B,L I Day 11 Tue Visit to the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai, the journey here is part of the experience as you travel by road and boat traversing little creeks and lagoons, the area is rich in wildlife including much birdlife and Howler Monkeys. While touring this site, look out for the huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods. B,L. I Day 12 Wed Return flight with American Airlines to Miami, connecting with British Airways to Heathrow, arriving the following day. New River, Belize 432 Local Indians at Chichicastenango market

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