GUATEMALA WEEKEND

SAT I GUATEMALA CITY I ANTIGUA I CHICHICASTENANGO

After breakfast, depart for Antigua, the most important and enchanting city of colonial Guatemala. Founded by the Spaniards in 1543, nowadays Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in colonial style. It was declared a “Monument of America” in 1965. Visit the Central Plaza that is surrounded by the antique Cathedral, the Municipal Government Building, the Palace of the Captains General, colonial churches and monasteries, and a jade factory where this stone is worked into beautiful jewelry. In the afternoon transfer to Chichicastenango for your overnight stay. (B)

SUN I CHICHICASTENANGO I LAKE ATITLAN I GUATEMALA CITY

Have breakfast at your hotel and prepare to enjoy market day in Chichicastenango. Visit the most colorful and picturesque Indian open-air market in the country. Hundreds of Indians from the surrounding countryside gather to barter their goods and products. You will also have a chance to witness the captivating religious ceremonies held on the steps and inside the 400-year old Church of Santo Tomás. Continue on to Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful in the world with its crystalline-azure waters in the crater bowl below. Atitlán is the ideal place to learn more about Guatemalan folklore. Twelve Indian villages surround the Lake and their inhabitants are descendants from the great Quiché, Cackchiquel, and Tzutuhil nations. In the afternoon, transfer back to Guatemala City for overnight. (B)

MON I GUATEMALA CITY TO USA (OR EXTEND YOUR STAY)

After breakfast enjoy some leisure time before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. (B)