Wonderful trip to Guatemala's highlights - INTI Tours

Reception at La Aurora International Airport and transfer to the city hotel.

In the morning, city tour of Guatemala City, visiting the Cathedral and the National Palace. Visit to the archaeological museum. After the guided tour of the museum we continue to Antigua (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Morning city tour of the colonial centre of Antigua, the former capital of all Central America, founded in 1543 and almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1737. Visit to the main square with cathedral and city administration. Visit to a monastery. This is followed by a visit to a coffee finca. After the city tour, our journey continues through the highlands to Lake Atitlán. Aldous Huxley called this lake "the most beautiful lake in Latin America". Fertile hills and three mighty volcanoes give the lake a fairytale atmosphere. You can enjoy this during an evening stroll around the lake and in the colourful and lively town of Panajachel.

In the morning, boat trip to the Mayan village of Santiago Atitlán, surrounded by three volcanoes on the opposite shore of the lake. Visit the traditional market and the church. Centuries-old Mayan traditions are still alive in Santiago Atitlán. Continue to the village of San Antonio Palopó, which is known for its textile production. To this day, the women use the traditional hip loom. The inhabitants continue to make a living by growing onions and aniseed. After this interesting insight, we visit the village of Santa Catarina Palopó and then return to Panajachel.

Our destination for the day is the famous highland market of Chichicastenango. Chichi, as it is also called by its inhabitants, is particularly famous in two respects: Not only was it and still is an important supra-regional marketplace, but it is also a place where pre-Christian, shamanistic rituals are practised, giving the town a mystique all its own. Once in Chichicastenango, you will have the opportunity to stroll through what is probably the most beautiful and colourful market of the highland Indians. An unbelievable variety of typical, handmade products are on offer. After our stroll, we go to the over 400-year-old church 'Santo Tomás'. Here you have the opportunity to witness Catholic and ancient Mayan rites that merge into a mystical syncretism. Afterwards, drive to Quetzaltenango.

This morning we first visit the nearby village of Almolonga. It is particularly known for its fine weaving and the largest vegetable market in Guatemala. After a stroll through the town, we continue to Zunil, a pretty market town whose economy and appearance are dominated by agriculture. The village is situated in a beautiful valley, framed by steep slopes, which are surmounted by the Santa Maria volcano. The drive downhill from Almolonga offers a wonderful view of the whitewashed colonial church, which shines out of a sea of red-roofed houses. Another destination for today is the village and market in San Francisco El Alto. Once here, we first enjoy an impressive panoramic view, which reaches as far as Quetzaltenango, 17 km away, and the volcanoes Santa Maria (3771 m) and Chicabal (2900 m) behind it. To this day, San Francisco El Alto is Guatemala's textile stronghold. In every corner of the town you will find traders selling everything from socks, scarves, blouses, sweatshirts, etc. to blankets. On the day of the weekly market (Friday), horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other domestic and farm animals are sold in addition to everyday goods. Before we return to Guatemala City, we visit the church of San Andrés Xecúl, which is painted in all colours. Overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Hotel.

Early morning transfer to the airport and flight to Flores. Then bus ride and visit to the ruins of Tikal, the most important Mayan site in Central America, located in the middle of the tropical rainforest. Lunch at the "Restaurante del Parque". Visit to the Sylvanus G. Morley Museum with its jade and ceramic finds. Afterwards return flight to Guatemala City.

Transfer to the airport and return flight or extension programme: You can extend this short trip individually with a beach extension.