La Via Maya-The Mayan Way

ITINERARY FOR LA VIA MAYA/THE MAYAN WAY

DAY 1: Saturday – Antigua and Guatemala City to Copán.
5 hours driving time. A scenic 45-minute drive brings us to Guatemala City. From here we start the mountainous descent on the Atlantic Highway until we cross the Motagua River. This semi-desert area is the driest part of Central America. We continue beside the Motagua we drive past irrigated sugar and cattle farms. To the left is the great Sierra de las Minas, largest extent of high cloud forest still left in Central America, and home of the elusive quetzal, national bird of Guatemala. Just past Rio Hondo, we leave the Atlantic Highway and penetrate the dun hills as we drive towards the Honduran border. We are in Chortí Maya territory here, and the hills and mountains start getting greener. The scenery is spectacular. The border crossing is straightforward, and within 20 minutes we are at the gates one of the greatest Mayan archaeological sites, that of Copán. It is now about 11.00AM. Entrance fee to the site and professional guide service is included. Do not miss the stunning site museum containing a replica of the Rosalila temple. Afterwards transfer to your respective accommodations.
DAY 2: Sunday - Copán, Quiriguá, Rio Dulce
4 hours driving time. Return over the border to Guatemala back to the Atlantic Highway. We now see extensive banana plantations to the left, and soon we turn off the main road through the bananas to visit Quiriguá. Quiriguá at one time rivalled Copan, and the stelae found there are some of the largest and most intricate. Arrive Rio Dulce about 12:00. In the afternoon we suggest and optional trip by launch through the Rio Dulce Canyon National Park to Livingston, on the Caribbean. It is a beautiful trip past the Chocon Machacas Manatee Reserve and the deep wooded gorge that winds through the mountains to the sea. Livingston is inhabited by the Garífuna people, descendants of Carib indians, and is quite different from the rest of Guatemala.
DAY 3: Monday - Rio Dulce, Poptún, Flores
6 hours driving time. We are now in a recently developing area which has been virtually unpopulated since the Classic Mayan Period. The main road that connects the huge department of Peten to the rest of the country is only now being asphalted. There are still river crossings, and the little towns along the way all have a feeling of the frontier. Although much of this land is still forested, it is being converted to farmland at an alarming pace. In so many ways this area is similar to the Amazon in respect to flora, fauna and, unfortunately, development. Half way to Flores, we will stop at a farm, where we will have the opportunity to experience for a couple of hours the ambience of this area. Activities such as walks in the jungle, swimming in the river, visiting a plantation of medicinal herbs, horseback riding, and enjoying local cuisine, will be available.
DAY 4: Tuesday – Tikal, Flores
1½ hours driving time. Full-day visit to TIKAL National Park. Here your tour guide will take you back thousands of years to the glory that was the seat of the Mayan Culture. Visit Complex Q, Temple of the Great Jaguar, Temple of the Masks, Temple IV, Lost World and the site museum. You will also have an opportunity to stroll jungle trails and climb pyramids and temples. See monkeys, tropical birds and admire the Amazon-like flora. Includes box lunch, park entrance fee and professional guide. Late afternoon transfer back to the hotel in Flores.
DAY 5: Wednesday – Ceibal, Petexbatún
About 1½ hours by road and 2 to 3 hours by launch. Today we travel by road and river to visit the remarkable remains of Ceibal. We drive to Sayaxche on Río de la Pasión, then travel by launch to the base of the hill on which this late classic period citadel is built. It’s a vigorous and rewarding hike through the protected forest to the partially cleared and restored plazas, where some of the finest Mayan sculptured stelae have been found. After a picnic lunch (included), return to Sayaxche, and continue by launch to Laguna Petexbatún. Here we overnight at the lovely Petexbatún Jungle Lodge, consisting of comfortable rondavels under the trees beside the lake. We hope the howler monkeys do not keep you awake tonight.
DAY 6: Thursday - Petexbatún, Bethel, Yaxchilán, Palenque
5 hours by road, 3 hours by launch. One of the most exciting days on our trip is today's crossing from Guatemala to Mexico. 1 hour launch back to Sayaxche then a 3-hours ride by rough road traveling to Bethel, a pioneer town on the shore of the Usumacinta River. Across the river is Mexico. We then travel 45 minutes by launch down the wide river to the Mexican border town of Corozal. After passing simple immigration formalities, continue by launch on the Usumacinta to the Classic Mayan site of Yaxchilán, superbly placed on a series of forested low hills overlooking a loop of the river. In Mexico, the road is vastly improved, and we arrive Palenque around 16:00.
DAY 7: Friday - Palenque, Agua Azul, Misol-ha, San Cristobal de las Casas
5 hours driving time. Half day guided visit to Palenque to view the well-preserved hilltop temples, especially the famous Templo de las Inscripciones. This is a small but incredible site where you will see some of the most exquisite Mayan carving. As usual, the scenery is gorgeous on the road between Palenque and San Cristobal, though you see much less forest than in Guatemala. On the way stop at the beautiful Agua Azul waterfalls. Time for a swim in the cool azure pools. In the rainy season the falls of Misol-Ha may be substituted. Arrive San Cristobal de las Casas around 18:00
DAY 8: Saturday - San Cristobal de las Casas
Today you are free to enjoy San Cristobal de las Casas and its surrounding villages, which are the stronghold of the Mayan culture in Mexico. This lovely colonial town can be easily visited on foot, and we recommend you also take the time to visit some neighbouring villages, such as Chamula and Zinacatán. Optional tours: Walking tour of San Cristobal; Visit nearby indian communities.
DAY 9: Sunday - San Cristobal, La Mesilla, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango (Xela)
5 hours driving time. 2 hours to Guatemala border at La Mesilla. The border post at La Mesilla is uncrowded and the formalities simple. >From here it is a one-hour drive through a deep dry valley to the departmental capital Huehuetenango, where we make a rest stop to visit the bustling market. Continuing on the Interamerican Highway, it is another two hours to Quetzaltenango. On the way, we will visit the market town of San Francisco el Alto, perched high on the side of a steep valley, with sweeping views and Guatemala's most unusual church at San Andrés Xeqúl.
DAY 10: Monday - Xela, Zuñil, Panajachel.
2½ hours driving time. This morning we visit what many consider as Guatemala's most colourful market at Zuñil. Nearby, deep in the cloud forest on the slopes of Zuñil Volcano, are the hot springs at Fuentes Georginas, then in the afternoon we drive past Alaska, the highest pass on the Central American portion of the InterAmerican Highway, arriving at Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlán by late afternoon.
DAY 11: Tuesday – Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
Lake Atitlán has been described as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is certainly unique and spectacular, surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. We offer optional trips by launch across the calm waters to visit the fascinating lakeside village of Santiago, or take the ferry to San Marcos and hike the spectacular north shore on footpaths past tiny villages to Santa Cruz.
DAY 12: Wednesday – Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango
1 hour driving time. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon we will transfer for the short drive high into the green mountains to the indian town of Chichicastenango. See the market stalls being put up and perhaps there will be time to visit the unusual cemetery and the Mayan shrine of Pascual Abaj, hidden in the pinewoods behind the town.
DAY 13: Thursday – Chichicastenango Market, Antigua
2½ hours driving time. We suggest you arise early to attend the unique Christian-Mayan mass at Santo Tomás church. Then visit largest and most famous open-air market in Central America. By the time the tour buses have arrived from Guatemala City, we will have enjoyed the market, and will be on our way for the drive to Antigua. In the afternoon, together with an historian, stroll to the principal sights, which include centuries old churches, convents and plazas. Many buildings have been beautifully restored; others remain as they were after the devastating earthquakes of 1773 and 1976. As most of the attractions of Antigua are close by, this is a delightful option for those with a little energy to spare.
DAY 14: Friday - Antigua
45 minutes driving time. Transfers to Guatemala City for departure flights, or extra nights
Rates From:
Backpackers type hotel	US$ 119.00 a day
Moderate class hotel	US$ 139.00 a day
First class hotel	US$ 165.00 a day