Mayas & Markets

On this tour you will be inspired by ancient civilisations, colourful markets, Maya traditions and stunning scenery.

Day 1 - London/Antigua
Depart London Heathrow with British Airways to Miami.Connect with the American Airlines flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to Antigua and stay for the next three nights in a traditional colonial mansion.

Day 2 - Antigua
The glorious colonial jewel of Antigua, founded in 1543, is one of the oldest cities in the Americas - full of lovingly restored colonial buildings dressed in terracotta colours. Enjoy a morning walking tour of this magnificent city, taking in the Central Plaza overlooked by the Cathedral and on to La Merced and the San Francisco Church. 

Day 3 - Antigua
Morning visit to 'As Green as it Gets', a charity working to support small independent coffee producers and promoting environmentally responsible agriculture. Afternoon at leisure. 

Day 4 - Antigua/Lake Atitlán
A scenic morning drive up into the highlands takes you via the market at Solola or Comalapa to beautiful Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by three volcanoes and numerous Indian villages, many Mayas believe the lake is an entrance to the underworld. Stay at Casa Palopo overlooking the serene surroundings.

Day 5 - Lake Atitlán
Full day private tour of Lake Atitlán including the pretty village of San Juan La Laguna. Enjoy a visit to an authentic women's weaving cooperative where they will demonstrate how they still use natural dyes. Continue to the Indian village of Santiago Atitlán. Walking tour of this bustling Indian community, where painters work on colourful naïf paintings and ritual worship is performed to the Maya god, Maximon. 

Day 6 - Chichicastenango/Antigua
Morning visit to Chichicastenango, an important religious centre and one of Latin America's most colourful and lively markets. Here locals and visitors alike barter side by side for produce, textiles, masks and trinkets. Return to Antigua 

Day 7 - Antigua/Copán
Enjoy a private scenic transfer to Copán in Honduras. Afternoon free to explore the delightful small town of Copán Ruinas. 

Day 8 - Copán
Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Mayan site of Copán; known as the Paris of ancient Mayan cities. Copán boasts many amazing creations such as intricately carved stelae and an amazing hieroglyphic stairway. Option to have dinner with David Sedat, one of Copán's key archaeologists. 

Day 9 - Copán/Rio Dulce
Transfer by road from Copán to Rio Dulce. Afternoon at leisure. 

Day 10 - Rio Dulce/Flores
Morning private cruise along the Rio Dulce River through the central canyon, looking for manatees, to the Garifuna town of Livingston on the coast. Afternoon drive to Flores. 

Day 11 - Yaxha
Afternoon guided tour of the lesser visited Yaxha archaeological site. Sunset from the top of the pyramid at Yaxha is a memorable experience.

Day 12 - Tikal/Guatemala
City Discover today the magnificent ruins of Tikal. Majestic in construction, awe inspiring in splendour, Tikal is a small insight into the magnificence of the ancient Mayan world. Evening flight to Guatemala City. 

Day 13 - Guatemala City/London
Return to London, via Miami.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 13 day journey in Guatemala will cost from £2,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.