Surf & Turf
A Taste of Guatemala & Honduras
February 16 – 25, 2007

THE PERFECT COMBO

The person who first came up with the idea of pairing the robust, hearty flavor of beef with the flaky delicacy of lobster must have been a genius. He or she knew that it was the combination of aromas, tastes, textures and colors that made Surf & Turf such a memorable feast. Now you can have that same kind of variety in your next vacation, where every day brings something new to surprise and delight. Guatemala and Honduras once shared a common heritage as part of the great Mayan world, but they have since developed unique characters all their own. They are as different as, well, steak and lobster.
     Guatemala is a small Central American country (about the size of Tennessee) with a mountainous terrain, including 33 volcanoes which dominate the landscape. In addition to these massive earthly protuberances, there are tropical rainforests, mountain lakes, river gorges, and exotic varieties of plants, flowers and birds.
     To this rich array of contrasts and striking natural beauty one must add Guatemala’s wealth of traditions. This 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!
     Honduras is a country of lowlands and fertile valleys that has the reputation of the original Banana Republic. It may be less famous (and less traveled) than its Central American neighbors, but it is no less exotic. Honduras is quickly becoming world-famous for the slow pace of life here, its pirate past, superb resorts and recently uncovered Mayan sites. Best of all, Honduras shares the second largest barrier reef in the world with neighboring Belize, but without nearly as many tourists.
     Come sample the delights of our savory menu from Guatemala and Honduras, with delectable cuisine, natural beauty, awe-inspiring history, and the sultry pleasures of sea breezes on sandy beaches. Toto Tours invites you to experience a taste sensation that is a little bit Mayan and a little bit Caribbean.

ITINERARY

Friday, February 16, 2007
Depart from the U.S. / Arrive in Guatemala City

Arrange your international flight to arrive in Guatemala City no later than 2:00pm today. We are met at the airport by our local guide, and transferred the short distance to the Colonial City of Antigua. Enjoy some free time after arrival, then gather in the hotel for a cocktail and introductions. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at Panza Verde Restaurant.     (Dinner included)

Saturday, February 17, 2007
Antigua / Lake Atitlan

After breakfast, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of this “City of Perpetual Roses.” Antigua is a marvelous blend of ruins, architectural history, restored colonial buildings and cultural monuments, and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
     Antigua Guatemala was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town. Its setting is majestic, nestled between three dramatic volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango.
     Our sightseeing tour includes La Merced, the most beautiful church of Antigua. See also the Arms Plaza, the University of San Carlos de Borromeo, the Iglesias San Francisco, and the Central Park. Enjoy a savory lunch at Katok Restaurant, then continue on toward Lake Atitlan, passing by the quiet lake town of San Antonio Palop and the old colonial capital of Ciudad Vieja on the road to Panajachel.
     Panajachel is nestled in the Guatemalan highlands providing gorgeous views of three volcanoes (Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro) and Lake Atitlan. Panajachel is our doorway to explore the indigenous villages around Lake Atitlan. We arrive at our hotel in the late afternoon, and the remainder of the day is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, February 18, 2007
Lake Atitlan / Guatemala City

This morning we take a scenic boat trip to the village of Santiago Atitlan located on the outskirts of the Atitlan Volcano. This is the largest and most traditional of the villages around the lake, and it is known for its fine crafts and one of the Tzutujil saints known as Maximón ( the locals call him "hermano Simon"). A colorful daily market is held in this here.
     Our tour includes a visit to the home of the diety, where we may see the shaman performing rituals for local people. If you wish, our guide can help you hire the services of the shaman for a personal ceremony. We visit a church and also the market, where we see examples of the primitive art that makes this area famous. After lunch at Posada de Santiago, we transfer back to Guatemala City and the remainder of the day is at your leisure. It is best to retire early as we have a very early start tomorrow.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Monday, February 19, 2007
Tikal

Get a very early start this morning, departing our hotel at 5:00am bound for the airport. (Our group will have coffee, tea and pastries in the hotel lobby before departure). Our one hour flight departs at 6:30am bound for Flores. Upon arrival we are taken directly to the ancient Mayan center of Tikal.
     You will feel like you have time-traveled back more than 2,000 years when you see these ancient pyramids rising from the rainforest. Visit the Main Plaza, the Temple of the Great Jaguar, Central Acropolis, Mundo Perdido and Temple IV (the park’s highest structure). From here you can observe the majesty of the city nestled amidst the emerald green jungle.
     Lunch is provided at a restaurant in the Park. After lunch we return to Flores and our hotel for the evening. Upon arrival the remainder of the day is free at leisure.     (Snack / Lunch)

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Rio Dulce

After a very long travel day yesterday we take it a little easier today, departing the hotel mid-morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to the Rio Dulce area. This is an aquatic community, where residents along the shores of Lake Izabal and the river get around solely by boat. From the mainland, our resort is a 5-minute boat ride away. Once we check in to our rooms, the afternoon and evening are free to relax.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Quirigua / Copan, Honduras

After breakfast we drive through the eastern part of Guatemala, stopping en route at the beautiful, secluded site of the Quirigua ruins before crossing the border into Honduras. Explore and marvel at the intricate stelae before proceeding on our journey.
     After the immigration formalities entering Honduras, continue to Copan and check into our hotel. Lunch is provided at the hotel, after which we spend the afternoon at one of the Mayan world’s most fascinating sites. Copan is dated 775AD, and considered a Cosmic Observation Center. It is also considered the “Paris of the Mayan World,” with enormous quantities of intricately carved statues, ornate temples and beatifully detailed stelae.
     Returning to our hotel in late afternoon the remainder of the day is free at leisure.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Thursday, February 22, 2007
Roatan

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the La Ceiba Airport. Our flight departs at 12:30pm and takes just 15-minutes over the water to the island of Roatan.
     Located just off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is a vacation paradise and home to pristine white sandy beaches, amazing tropical jungle-covered hills, a diverse and unique reef system, heartwarming people, unique cultures and authentic Caribbean charm. Roatan is often called one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
     Upon landing, we have just a short 15-minute drive to our resort, after which the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the sun and the sand and the many amenities of our home on an island paradise.     (Breakfast)

Friday, February 23, 2007
Beach Day

Today is entirely free to do as you please, whether it may be relaxing by the pool or on the beach or arranging an optional adventure activity. Roatan has some of the most stunning underwater vistas you will find in the world, an oasis of deep and shallow reef types consisting of a variety of colorful corals, sponges and tropical marine life. Today would be great to experience some of Roatan’s great scuba diving and snorkeling sites along the Barrier Reef. Our resort’s activity desk can help you plan the perfect outing.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, February 24, 2007
Free Day / Farewell Dinner

Our last day here is free to spend as you wish, whether you want to go beachcombing, try deep sea fishing, ride a horse, kayak, swim with dolphins, or even take a submarine adventure. We meet at the hotel’s oceanfront bar for the cocktail hour, followed by a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of our “Surf & Turf” adventures.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, February 25, 2007
Departure

The tour concludes after breakfast. You can arrange your international departure from Roatan Airport for any convenient time today if your international carrier has connections. Your tour price includes a short hop back to San Pedro Sula (SAP) at 9:00am this morning if it is easier for you to book your return flight from that airport. The flight arrives at 9:45am in San Pedro Sula, and you can book your ongoing flight any time after noon to allow sufficient time for check-in.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Antigua:  Hotel Meson de Maria

Lake Atitlan:  Hotel Atitlan

Guatemala City:  Westin Hotel Camino Real

Flores:  Hotel Peten Esplendido

Rio Dulce:  Catamaran Island Hotel

Copan:  Hotel Don Udo

Roatan: Mayan Princess Resort

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada, no visas are necessary for Guatemala and Honduras. All you need is a valid passport good for stays less than 90 days.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations up to date. Is your tetanus booster current?

Exit Requirements—All tourists must pay a departure tax at the airport of about $35 (USD) upon leaving Honduras. (There will also be departure taxes of $2 or $3 for all our domestic flights.)

WHAT TO BRING

This region remains warm and humid all year long. Constant trade winds along the coast keep the island of Roatan cooler and pesky mosquitoes at bay. The air temperature averages 80 degrees F and water temperatures vary from 80-85 degrees F. Dress is casual, although beachwear should not be worn in towns. We move around a lot on this tour, so be sure to pack light!

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship. Passport required.

____ Sneakers for hiking.

____ Sandals or water socks.

____ T-shirts (6 - 7).

____ Shorts (4 or 5 pairs).

____ Lightweight long-sleeve shirts & long pants for sun protection / evening wear.

____ Cool sleepwear.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.

____ Sunglasses / sun hat.

____ Windbreaker or water repellant jacket.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Swimsuits.

____ Camera & extra batteries. Disposable waterproof cameras are great for underwater shots.

____ A good book for the plane or beach.

MONEY MATTERS

We visit two countries with two different currencies during this tour. The interbank exchange rate for each was as follows on August 27, 2006:
     Guatemala: 1 US Dollar = 7.92 Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
     Honduras: 1 US Dollar = 19.70 Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Exchange only small amounts of money into local currency upon arrival in each country. Otherwise, try to use your credit card or ATM as much as possible. American Express, Visa & MasterCard work in most ATMs for cash withdrawals. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops and tourist attractions.

Taxes and Tipping—You customarily pay a 10% gratuity for dining service, but always check your restaurant bills for automatic service charges. We make a collective tip to our guides at the conclusion of each group excursion. Budget about $35 U.S. each day for out-of-pocket expenses.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by November 29, 2006). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $2,595 double occupancy

Private Room: $650 extra, if available. (Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

Deposit: $ 500 (due at time of registration for the tour)

Remaining Balance: $2,095 double / $2,745 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due: November 29, 2006
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included: Nine nights hotel accommodations; breakfast daily at hotel; Welcome and Farewell Dinners; three flights (Guatemala City to Flores, La Cieba to Roatan, and Roatan to Pedro Sula); tour of Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, meals and activities as listed in the itinerary.

Not Included: International flights from the United States; airport departure taxes; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; tips to local guides, gratuities for meals; alcoholic beverages; bottled water; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

The group is small enough that it is not feasible to organize group flights out of Miami. If you wish to fly from Miami, however, we can assist with your itinerary through our agent in Florida. Let us know if you want us to arrange your international flights for you.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.