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central america: guatemala

Guatemala Adventure

This exciting adventure journeys into Guatemala's vast Peten region actively exploring spectacular nature reserves and ancient archeological sites. Hike wildlife rich rainforests, raft exciting whitewater rivers, and explore underground through sacred limestone cave systems. Connect with local culture at a working coffee farm and traditional Maya marketplaces. Expert guides lead activities with a focus on the regions nature, history and culture. Conclude your trip with an exploration of magnificent ancient city of Tikal, surrounded by pristine rainforest habitat of exotic birds and wildlife. Accommodations include boutique hotels and wilderness lodges.

Day 1 - Arrive Guatemala City

Upon arrival at the international airport in Guatemala City you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodations: Biltmore Hotel
Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Mario Dary Tropical Cloud Forest Reserve

Drive north to the Biotopo Mario Dary Rivera Nature Reserve where your naturalist guide will lead a three hour hike among a verdant world of waterfalls, orchids and ancient trees. The reserve is commonly known as the Biotopo del Quetzal, a protected habitat for Guatemala's national bird the Resplendent Quetzal. Arrive Coban in the mid-afternoon and visit the Verapaz Orchids Nursery where you will find thousands varieties of orchid Guatemala's national flower. This evening overnight at a local family run hotel with cozy rooms in a historic wooden home.

Accommodations: Posada Coban
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - Coffee Plantation & Kekchi Market

Enjoy a leisurely visit to a working coffee farm at Finca Santa Margarita. Experience the ancient and modern history of these powerful beans while sipping a cup of Guatemala's finest roast. Experience the vivid colors and cultural insights as your guide escorts you through a local Maya Keckchi.

Accommodations: Posada Coban
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 4 - San Simon River Tubing

This morning drive north to the San Simon River. A local community of Maya Keckchi has been equipped and trained to host a river tubing service in the San Simon River, through a limestone canyon. Continue north to the lowland rainforests of the Peten region and the village of Candelaria. Overnight at a jungle lodge located by the entrance to the Candelaria caves.

Accommodations: Candelaria Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Candelaria Cave Exploration

Enter the underworld realm of Candeleria, an extensive limestone caves system considered to be the sacred entrance to the underworld by the ancient Maya. Caves National Park encompasses miles of caves containing spectacular limestone features and archeological evidence of ancient Maya ceremonies. Armed with headlamps walk among magnificent limestone features and spectacular chambers. Emerge form the cave for the drive to the Pasion River. Board a small motorized launch for the scenic two hour river journey to the Petexbatun Lagoon. Along the way watch for abundant bird and wildlife including spider and howler monkeys.

Accommodations: Chiminos Island Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Aguateca

A short boat ride from the lodge, leads to the Maya site of Aguateca, perched 300 feet above the lagoon. Hike inside a natural limestone fissure used by the Maya as a defensive wall. You may get a chance to see archeologists at work as this site is still being excavated. This afternoon transfer by boat and van to the ancient kingdom of Tikal. A short walk from out hotel leads to Tikal's central plaza, surrounded by great temples. Climb to the top for a stunning sunset over the ancient city and encroaching rainforest. Surrounding the temples, Tikal National Park encompasses miles of pristine rainforest habitat that is home to abundant flora and fauna, easily observed as you explore the ruins. Overnight within the National Park.

Accommodations: Tikal Inn
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Tikal National Park

Spend the Day in the company of an expert Maya guide exploring the magnificent achievements of these fascinating ancient people. At its height Tikal was home to over 100,000 Maya and was a cultural and political center. It becomes easy to imagine life in the city as you explore temples, plazas, multi leveled palaces, ball courts and living areas. Howler and Spider monkeys, coatamundi, are commonly seen while the elusive jaguar and ocelot are know to survive in this protected rainforest reserve. Almost 300 species of bird have been identified in Tikal including toucans, motmots and parrots. At the Days end relax at the hotel pool.

Accommodations: Tikal Inn
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Flores

You may wish to arise early for bird watching or climb an ancient temple to watch the sunrise. This is a spectacular in the awakening rain forest to watch the early rays of dawn spread across the vast jungle canopy. Return mid morning to Flores, a small town built on an island in Lake Peten Itza. Wander the narrow streets and hilltop central plaza flanked by charming houses, shops and restaurants with red tile roofs. From Flores take a short scenic flight back to Guatemala City.

Accommodations: Biltmore Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Departure

Transfer to airport for your departure or begin trip extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about options for extending your trip. We also specialize in custom vacations.

Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of travel unique.

Included: Each itinerary includes all lodging as listed on the itinerary or similar; meals as indicated; all airport/hotel transfers when arriving and departing the stated arrival and departure dates of the trip; all land, air and water transportation within destination; entrance fees to national parks and reserves as specified; and guide services as specified.

Exclusions: International airfare to/from the destination; excess baggage fees; the cost of obtaining passports; visas or tourist cards; airport arrival and departure taxes; meals not specified in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; personal expenses such as room service; beverages and laundry; personal communication charges; and gratuities to tour escort, guides or drivers.

Room Configurations: Rates are available for single travelers. Single Supplement $300

Arrival & Departure: The Guatemala Adventure begins and ends in Guatemala City. Please plan flights to arrive anytime on day 1 and to depart anytime on day 9 of the outlined itinerary from Guatemala International Airport.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 91 days - 50% of deposit
90 to 31 days - 50% of total trip cost
30 to 0 days - 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com