Guatemala Highlands Explorer

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the best examples of life during the Spanish Colonial Days. Built in 1542 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, Antigua’s name was Guatemala City and was for over 2 Centuries the Capital of Central America, including what is today the State of Chiapas in Mexico and the countries of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica; during that time it was the third largest city in The Americas after Lima, Peru and Mexico City. The tour routes through the city’s best palaces, churches, convents, monasteries and plazas, in a picturesque walk in cobbled stones, including sights of the nearby volcanoes. Its perfect spring-like weather all year round has made of Antigua an attractive city of residence for artists and writers; among them Antoine de Saint Exupery, who wrote “The Little Prince,” and Gore Vidal. The afternoon is free to enjoy the city at your own pace and the guide will advise on how to make good use of it. Overnight in Antigua.

Today transfer from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, going through beautiful landscape of Maya villages and their plantations of vegetables. Maya Peoples in Guatemala account for over two thirds of the country’s population and they are divided into 22 groups, each with its own language and costumes. The first Maya People were the Cackchiquel and today more than half a million Guatemalans are Maya-Cackchiquel. Leaving Antigua behind, the first stop is a visit to Iximche Archaeological Site which was the capital of the Cackchiquel Kingdom, built in 1470 and destroyed by the Spanish Conquistadores in 1524. It was never lost or forgotten like it happened with many sites in the rainforest and it is still a sacred place for the Cackchiquels. The second stop is Xetonox, a small village located nearby. Here a local family will be waiting, glad to show their way of life, their crops and their weavings. Lunch will be served at their home. Visiting the village’s Grade School is a good way to learn more about the local life. The day ends with a ride to Lake Atitlan, also at 5,000 feet above sea level. Overnight in Lake Atitlan.

Maya Peoples’ lives still move around the market days in the most important towns. Today is the day to learn about the Maya-Kiche People, One Million and a half Guatemalans are Maya-Kiche and with 100,000 inhabitants, Totonicapan is one of their largest towns and so is its market that takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The drive from Lake Atitlan to Totonicapan takes about 1 hour each way and the road reaches 10,000 feet above sea level. The market is very attractive and picturesque not only for its size but also because it has not seen many travelers. The handicrafts for sale are not meant to be for tourists; they are made for the locals because the Maya of today still wear and use handmade garments and utensils. Visiting Totonicapan includes going inside two homes: one will be the home of an artisan that works in clay ceramics and the other will be the home of a weaver that works using large foot pedal looms and at whose home lunch will be served. The day ends by returning to Lake Atitlan for another overnight.

Today is a day dedicated to Lake Atitlan which is a caldera lake  formed by an explosion of a volcano that geologists estimate happened 80,000 years ago. It is almost circular, with 10 miles diameter, a depth of 1,000 feet and surroundings of three imposing volcanoes. A scenic boat ride to San Juan (its full name is San Juan La Laguna, or San Juan by the lake) will bring you to visit the Maya Tzutuhil People and the visit will actively involve the local Community Tourism Committee. This is a very active day filled with visiting a natural dyes workshop, organic coffee, hand woven textiles and hiking to a nearby watching point with stunning views of the lake. The Tzutuhil women embroider their tops with colorful birds and flowers and just watching them is an unforgettable pastime. The boat will bring you back to the hotel for the last night in the lake area.

It is a must for most visitors to Guatemala to visit Chichicastenango on one of its market days: Thursdays and Sundays. It is the largest and most colorful handicrafts market in The Americas and even though it is an area inhabited by the Maya Kiche, it still presents people and products from all over the country. The Saint Tomas Roman-Catholic Church is a very good example of Guatemala´s religious syncretism. It was built on top of a pre-Columbian temple and is still considered sacred for the Maya that come to the stairway in front to burn incense and pray to their ancient Gods. In the afternoon transfer to the area of another Maya People: The Ixil. Overnight in Nebaj´s village of Acul.

Wake up in the extraordinary rural area of Acul, listening to the roosters and the village´s church bell. After breakfast take a scenic 2-hour mountain hike to Nebaj where the town’s Culture House members will take care of organizing a full day of sharing their way of life. The Maya Ixil People live in Nebaj, Chajul and Cotzal. These three towns were called the Ixil Triangle during the Guatemala’s Civil Way (1961-1996) and they were deeply hurt. Isolated by history and nature, they heartedly welcome visitors. Lunch will be in a home. The afternoon may offer the opportunity for another hike to a waterfall. Return to Acul’s farm for another overnight.

Today is filled with landscapes and scenic routes along a road that runs through mountains and valleys. Take a short detour to visit the Gumarkaaj Archaelogical Site, also known as Utatlan, which was the capital of the mighty Maya K’iche People; the Spanish Conquistadores dedicated time to its destruction but it is still alive for the locals. In a little cave by a ravine, Maya Kiche come to pray and worship the way their ancestors did. In the midafternoon, arrive back in Antigua for an overnight.

This morning a transfer to the Guatemala City International Airport is included. Depart for home or continue your explorations with AdventureSmith.