6 Day Classic Guatemala with Tikal

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Guatemala
Depart for Guatemala. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to your hotel in Antigua. The drive takes about one hour. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Antigua

DAY 2, Wednesday - Tour of Antigua Guatemala, Travel to Lake Atitlan
This morning, depart for an exciting tour of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1543 by the Spaniards, today Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins and restored colonial buildings. Visit Central Plaza, the heart of the city, surrounded by the Palace of the Captains General, and the cathedral. View the church of La Merced with its baroque style façade and continue to the church of San Francisco El Grande. After lunch on your own, travel to Lake Atitlan, arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Formerly a volcano, water now covers the caldera to create the deepest lake in Central America. The banks of Lake Atitlan are home to many villages in which Mayan culture is still practiced. Upon arrival in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan’s biggest town, check in to your hotel. Afterward, take an orientation walk through the town and take in the amazing beauty of the area. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Panajachel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Market in Chichicastenango, San Antonio Palopó
Begin the day with a visit to the Chichicastenango Market, one of the largest and most well-known markets in Central America. Hundreds of vendors from the surrounding countryside gather here to sell handicrafts, textiles, candles, food, flowers, and pottery. Spend time browsing the market for unique items that cannot be found elsewhere. Later, return back to the hotel. Next, travel by boat to San Antonio Palopó, a village perched on the mountainside along the eastern shores of Lake Atitlan. Take a walking tour of the village, known for its cream pottery with a characteristic blue & green decoration and distinctive style of clothing. After the tour, transfer by boat to Panajachel for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Panajachel
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Iximche Archaeological Site, Tour of Guatemala City
This morning, depart Panajachel. Travel along the Pan American highway to Tecpan, in the western highlands of Guatemala for a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Iximche. Explore the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya, from 1470 until 1524. View pyramid-temples, ball courts, royal places and visit the museum. Afterward, journey to Guatemala City, the country’s capital and one of the largest cities in Central America. Arrive and after checking in to the hotel, take a panoramic tour of the city. View the Central Square, the Cathedral, National Palace, Civic Center and colonial homes. Tonight, bid adios to your newfound friends and Tour Manager at the Farewell Dinner in your hotel
Overnight: Guatemala City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Sightseeing Tour of Tikal, Isla de Flores
Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to Flores. Upon arrival, travel to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located at the center of the 222-square-mile park. An exhilarating jungle hike leads you through the ruins. Marvel at the impressive structures of this ancient civilization, as you visit sites such as the Twin-Pyramid complex, the Lost World Complex, where the Great Pyramid is located, Temple III, the Palace of the Windows, the Great Plaza, the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar, the Pyramid of the Masks, and the Palace of the Nobles. Opportunity to climb to the top of Pyramid IV, the highest of the Mayan pyramids, from which you will have a panoramic view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle. After your tour of the ruins of what was once considered the most powerful kingdom of the ancient Maya, enjoy lunch. Later, drive to Isla de Flores, the jewel in Lake Peten Itza. Take a walking tour of the picturesque town with its pastel-hued houses and charming Central Plaza. Afterward, head to Flores for your return flight to Guatemala City
Overnight: Guatemala City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6, Sunday - Depart Guatemala
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast