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Lost World
Guatemala’s Natural and Mayan Treasures
March 4 – 12, 2006
A SENSE OF DISCOVERY
Imagine this scene: You are participating in a National Geographic
expedition in Central America, and are bushwacking your way through
the jungle. You stumble across some very large, forested hills that
seem out of place in the flat terrain. You dig a little and are absolutely
amazed to find what later turns out to be just the first temple of many
ruins within an ancient Mayan city.
It is difficult to conceive the intense aura
of excitement that must have surrounded the discovery of Tikal, the
enormous Mayan complex in Guatemala, but you are sure to share a some
of that same thrill of discovery throughout this introductory tour to
one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Around every corner a
dramatic vista delights the eyes, at every meal a tempting cuisine awakens
the tastebuds, and every encounter with Guatemala's vibrant populace
enhances our understanding of their rich cultural heritage.
Guatemala is a small Central American country
(about the size of Tennessee) with a striking variety of topographic
features. Nearly two-thirds of the country is very mountainous, rising
to elevations of nearly 12,000 feet. Thirty-three volcanoes dominate
the landscape. In addition to these massive earthly protuberances, there
are verdant tropical rainforests, fertile plains, beautiful mountain
lakes, rugged river gorges, and exotic varieties of plants, flowers
and birds.
It seems incredible that a country so
small in territory can harbor such a wide spectrum of diversity. To
this rich array of contrasts and striking beauty one must add Guatemala's
wealth of traditions. Guatemala is the center of the Mayan World, and
its greatest archaeological sites can be found within its borders. The
remnants of this lost civilization are hidden deep within the countryside,
bursting forth unexpectedly through a break in the trees. Coming upon
them, one is awestruck by their sheer size, scale, and symmetry. It
takes the breath away!
The world of the Maya has many faces: some
as ancient as those found carved on towering temples, others as modern
as the people who live in Guatemala today. They are the descendants
of a mighty race of people whose customs and traditions are still part
of the fabric of everyday life here. Various ethnic communities have
their own language and special folklore. Each town has its own particular
native costume, woven on a stick loom, noted for its vibrant colors
and intricate patterns featuring traditional symbolism that identifies
their history and ancient gods. Yet all share a common ancestral heritage
that has remained constant throughout the years, surviving even the
Spanish invaders of the 16th century who left behind their magnificent
Colonial architecture.
Toto Tours invites you to explore with us this
place of exceptional diversity and beauty. Enter a Lost World to discover
for yourself its stunning landscapes, its friendly people, and the treasures
it enshrines of the lost Mayan civilization. The explorer in you awakes!
ITINERARY
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Arrival in Guatemala City
Arrange your international flight to arrive at La Aurora Airport in
the capital, Guatemala City, by 6pm today if possible. Please consider
arriving a day early if your flight will arrive after 6pm. We will be
happy to reserve an additional night for you at our hotel.
You will be met at the airport and transferred
to our conveniently located hotel. Tonight get acquainted with your
fellow travelers over cocktails and a Welcome Dinner. (Dinner
Included)
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Chichicastenango
After a very early breakfast, depart our hotel for the drive to Chichicastenango,
where today is market day! Visit the most colorful and picturesque Indian
open-air market in the country (if not in all of Central America). It
offers the possibility to appreciate a great variety of typical costumes,
since tradesmen, farmers, artisans, and craftsmakers from all over the
country meet at the market place. Hundreds of Indians from the surrounding
countryside gather to barter their goods and products. Also, witness
the captivating religious ceremonies held on the steps and inside the
400-year old Church of Santo Tomás (no shorts or bathing suits
allowed inside). Our hotel is right in the heart of all the action so
you can continue to enjoy the spectacle in the afternoon and evening
at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Monday, March 6, 2006
Lake Atitlan
This morning a scenic drive takes us to nearby Lake Atitlán,
one of the most beautiful in the world, formed thousands of years ago
in the enormous caldera of an extinct volcano. Upon arrival, board a
motor launch for a lake crossing to the picturesque Indian village of
Santiago Atitlán, one of the twelve shoreline villages surrounding
the Lake. Enjoy this bustling Indian community, where weavers do fantastic
work with colorful textiles. In the afternoon, check-in to our hotel
in Panajachel, Solola, and the remainder of the day is at your leisure
to enjoy the lake and its marvelous scenery. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Solola Market / Antigua
Today we visit the indigenous Sololá Market, where traditionally
clad men and women converge from all the neighboring villages. It is
a fantastically colorful experience since Sololá is one of the
few villages in the highlands where people still proudly wear their
traditional clothes. Their manner of dress often portrays their social
and economic status as well as civil and religious hierarchies.
This afternoon we transfer to Antigua, the
most important and enchanting city of colonial Guatemala. It was founded
by the Spaniards in 1543 as the first planned city in America. Nowadays
Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, architecture, history, restored
colonial buildings, and new buildings also in colonial style. The city
was declared “Monument of America” in 1965. Upon arrival,
the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Antigua
This morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of central Antigua.
Visit the Cuidad Vieja, the country’s first permanent capital,
destroyed in 1541 by earthquakes and a flood. Stroll the Central Plaza
surrounded by an antique cathedral, Palace of the Captains General,
monasteries, colonial churches and even a jade factory. The afternoon
and evening are at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Flight to Flores / Ceibal
This is our earliest morning departure yet as we must return to La
Aurora Airport in Guatemala City in time to board our 6:30am flight
to Flores, Petén. Remember, this is a small country so the drive
back to Guatemala City won't take that long and you can sleep on the
way.
Arriving in Flores our group is met by a local
guide and taken to Ceibal, the Mayan archaeological site situated in
Sayaxché, near the banks of La Pasión River. The Ceibal
Stelae, among the finest and best preserved sculptures of the late Classic
Period, has often been referred to as the Mayan Art Gallery. Overnight
near Tikal. (Breakfast)
Friday, March 10, 2006
Yaxhá and Topoxté
This morning, visit the archaeological site of Yaxhá, a Mayan
center contemporary to Tikal, located on the northeastern side of the
Lake Yaxhá. Over 1,400 monuments have been excavated in the last
10 years, exposing some of its magnificent architecture, including ball
courts, residential and religious areas, the recently restored North
Acropolis, and finally the 90-foot-high Temple 216. Continue your visit
to Topoxté, located in seasonal islands on the western side of
Lake Yaxhá, with buildings similar to those of Tulúm in
Mexico’s Yucatan. After returning to our hotel, the remainder
of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Tikal / Guatemala City / Farewell Dinner
Today travel more than 2,000 years back in time as we visit the Mayan
City of Tikal, located in the center of the National Park that bears
its name. Visit the Twin-Pyramid Complexes “Q” and “R”,
the Great Plaza, the Palace of the Nobles, and the pyramids of the Grand
Jaguars, the Masks, and Pyramid IV (the park’s highest structure).
Also see the Lost World Complex, a group of recently discovered structures
more ancient than Tikal itself.
After a break for lunch, visit the museum which
houses some of the many Pre-Columbian art treasures found during the
excavations of the site. This afternoon transfer to Santa Elena airport
in Flores, Petén to board our flight to Guatemala City. This
evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our discoveries
in the Lost World. (Breakfast / Farewell
Dinner)
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Departure
Our officially ends after breakfast this morning. You can arrange
you flight for any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer
to the airport. Let us know if you wish to extend your stay in Guatemala
City. (Breakfast)
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