DAY 1

Upon your arrival you will be escorted to your hotel in the colonial city of Granada. Walk through the historic center of Granada, the oldest colonial city in Central America, to visit important monuments: the Cathedral, San Francisco Convent, the Merced Church and the famous Casa de Los Leones. Part of today’s city tour will be by horse-drawn carriage. Relish the views and the cuisine as you eat lunch on the edge of Lake Nicaragua. Board a boat and take a trip to the scenic “Isletas,” an archipelago of about 350 islands formed by an ancient volcanic explosion. (L)

La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada

DAYS 2 & 3

Observe the activity of the Masaya Volcano from the edge of the Santiago crater, and learn about the volcano and the seismology of Central America at an ecological museum. At the Masaya market you can shop for handicrafts and observe the daily life of the Nicaraguan people. (B, L) 

La Gran Francia Hotel, Granada

DAYS 4 & 5

On arrival at Guatemala’s La Aurora Airport, you will be met and transferred to Lake Atitlán. Set in a deep crater, the crystal blue waters make this one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. In crossing Lake Atitlán by motorboat you will be able to fully appreciate its vistas. Twelve villages surround the lake; their inhabitants are descendants from the great Quiché, Cackchiquel and Tzutuhil Nations, and so this is an ideal place to witness Guatemalan culture. During the period of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the shores of the lake were the scene of a great battle in which the Spanish and their Cakchiquel allies defeated the Tzutuhils. Soon afterward the Spanish set up a church and monastery in Panajachel and used the town as a center for converting the Indians of the region to Catholicism. The original façade of the church still stands, and is one of the gems of the colonial style. (2B)

Hotel Atitlán, Panajachel

DAY 6

In the morning, transfer to Chichicastenango where the Masheños (citizens of “Chichi”) are famous for their adherence to pre-Christian religious beliefs and shamanistic ceremonies. In the main square is the 400-year-old Santo Tomas Church — a Catholic church but with Mayan influences. There are 18 stairs leading up to the church, one for each month of the Mayan calendar year. And just as they have for centuries, today it is common to see the Mayan priests performing ceremonies, and the townspeople making offerings and asking for blessings. In the afternoon, visit the town of Pascual Abaj, which contains an ancient Mayan shrine. (B) 

Mayan Inn, Chichicastenango

DAYS 7 & 8

Visit the most colorful and picturesque open-air market in the country in Chichicastenango. In the afternoon depart for Antigua via Iximché, a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in the colonial style. Antigua, more formally Antigua Guatemala, was founded by the Spaniards in 1543 as the first Spanish capital of the country, and seat of the government for more than 200 years. This city is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in colonial style – with wonderful views of the surrounding volcanoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city may be the most outstanding and best preserved colonial city in Spanish America. Take a city tour of Antigua’s most interesting churches, monasteries and factories. (2B)

Camino Real Hotel, Antigua

DAYS 9 & 10

In the early morning you will transfer by plane to Flores and then on to Tikal. Explore this archaeological complex, among the most stunning of the Mayan ruins and pyramids, “lost” for centuries amidst dense jungle. You’ll be able to see the original causeways, sculptures and hieroglyphs that this fascinating culture left behind. (2B) 

Camino Real-Tikal Hotel, Tikal National Park

DAYS 11 & 12

On Day 11 transfer to Flores Airport for your flight to Guatemala’s capital city. On Day 12 you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination. (2B) 

Vista Real Hotel, Guatemala City

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

La Gran Francia Hotel
Granada, Nicaragua

Located right off the main square of the historical colonial city of Granada, La Gran Francia is a splendid ancestral building whose existence historians argue dates back to the years immediately following the founding of Granada, in 1524. This architectural jewel was restored during the decade of the 1990's, recovering the majesty and splendor of its heyday and today housing Granada's finest hotel. La Gran Francia Colonial Boutique Hotel offers 21 air-conditioned rooms with all modern comforts and amenities, a pool, a restaurant, two bars, and banquet hall facilities. At La Gran Francia you will be able to enjoy the best of Nicaraguan hospitality and all the comforts of modernity while surrounded by the rustic elegance of colonial Granada.

Hotel Atitlan
Panajachel, Guatemala

The Hotel Atitlan is located along the shores of Lake Atitlan outside the town of Panajachel, with views of three 10,000 ft. volcanoes—the Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Hotel Atitlan boasts of award winning gardens, fine cuisine, hand carved wooden furniture and gorgeous ceramic tiles. The restaurant has an elegant ambiance serving local and international culinary delights, with a bar adjacent to the restaurant. The hotel also features a lakeside beach, swimming pool, tennis courts and offers laundry service, room service and a currency exchange.

All of the 63 tastefully decorated rooms enjoy a view of Lake Atitlan. Each room has its very own character and includes a balcony, air‐conditioning, telephone, hair dryer and cable television.

Mayan Inn
Chichicastenango, Guatemala

A modern inn, in the center of town, the hotel features one‐of‐a‐kind accommodations, fine dining, intimate lounge, lush patios, and gardens. Enjoy a walk through our many small patios with flowers, shrubs, sculptures from ancient Maya, exotic birds and other treasures. The hotel offers a laundry service.

The rooms have antique furnishings, a private bathroom with tub, in‐room safe and a fireplace.

Camino Real
Antigua, Guatemala

Located in the Historic Center of Antigua Guatemala, surrounded by history and culture is found Hotel Camino Real Antigua. At present Camino Real Antigua is found in construction and its inauguration is planned for the 2009. Its architecture is colonial and counts on all the modern comforts that a five star hotel five can offer.

Camino Real‐Tikal Hotel
Tikal, Guatemala

The hotel inside the Cerro Cahuí Natural Reserve and on the banks of Lake Petén Itzá; The hotel features a pool and Jacuzzi, gym, kayaks, Mayan steam bath, game room and gift shops. The hotel is also adjacent to El Remate, a farmersʹ village where you can watch them carve the hardwood souvenirs they sell.

The two restaurants and lounge offer a variety of local and international cuisine, as well as views of the lake.

The 72 rooms have a balcony with a view to Lake Petén Itzá. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, telephone, mini bar and an in‐room safe.

Vista Real Hotel
Guatemala City, Guatemala

The hotel provides complimentary parking, security gate for vehicle entrance and exit, and a staff with plenty of experience in hotel safety. Hotel Vista Real Guatemala has 123 luxurious suites surrounded by luscious gardens distributed as: 44 Master Suites, 26 Grand Class Suites, 50 Business Class Suites, two Governor Suites and one magnificent Presidential Suite. Hotel Vista Real Guatemala invites you to enjoy the splendor of an architectonic poem and a service that will make your visit One Genuine Grand Class Experience.

Want to extend your journey?

There is a wide and wondrous world awaiting you with Travcoa journeys that cover the globe. Extend your journey by adding a pre-or-post journey extension, or by combining two or more journeys back-to-back. Please click on a journey below to learn more.

Mexico's Colonial Past Step back into the legendary age of silver and gold on this exploration of Mexico’s cultural treasures. Enjoy luxurious and historic accommodations as you immerse yourself in romantic Colonial Mexico. Overview | Details | Itinerary | Accommodations | Combine Your Journey | Guest Comments | Book Now

Mexico's Yucatan Home to some of the most spectacular ruins and beaches in the world, the diverse Yucatán Peninsula has attracted travelers for centuries. See the famed ruins of Chichen Itza, colonial cities and end your journey on the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya. Overview | Details | Itinerary | Accommodations | Combine Your Journey | Guest Comments | Book Now