Tour Itinerary - Legends of the Mayan: Pyramids & Prophecies

You Are Here:

Home »
Regions »
Central America »
Guatemala »
Legends of the Mayan: Pyramids & Prophecies

Archaeology, History and Aymara Culture in the Atacama Desert

5 Days From USD 2,987

Community-Based Hiking in Rural Ghana

3 Days From USD 633

Legends of the Mayan: Pyramids & Prophecies

Location: Guatemala
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Rating: Basic

USD
2,271
from per person

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Antigua Guatemala

You will be met by your driver and transferred to Antigua Guatemala

Transfer time is 1 hour
Private transfer with English speaking driver

Accommodation: 2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3-star hotel

Meals: No meals included this day

Day 2: Antigua Hunal Ye

Today you will you will be transferred to Hunal Ye, the house of the God of the Moon, where you will enjoy a free day to relax and immerse yourself within the surrounding natural environment. Soak up the amazing views and turquoise water pools, relax in a comfortable hammock and at night watch the beauty of the endless starry sky.

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 6 hours
Private tour with English speaking guide

Meals: Breakfast included

Accommodation: 2-6 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3-star hotel

Day 3: Candelaria Cave System and Mayan Ceremony

Enjoy a tubing adventure through the famous Candelaria Cave System, considered among the largest and most impressive in Latin America. The cave system also has great cultural significance, since it was a principal pilgrimage site for the ancient Maya Civilization. After your tubing adventure, enjoy lunch prepared by the women in the community and then participate in a sacred Mayan Ceremony!

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 6 hours
Private transfer and tour with English speaking driver and guide

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch are included

Accommodation:2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3 Star hotel

Day 4: Cancuen Archaeological Site

Today you will be transferred to the archaeological site of Cancuen, an important hub during the late Maya Classic Period. Located on the banks of the Pasión River, the site controlled the traffic of valuable jade, quetzal feathers and obsidian materials. The palace of Cancuen is considered to be one of largest and most impressive of the Mayan World with unique architecture style, featuring a meticulous aesthetic touch often unseen in the Mayan World. After your tour, enjoy lunch prepared by the women of the community and transfer back to Flores, Peten.

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 5 hours
Private transfer and tour with English speaking driver and guide
Transfer time to Flores is 3.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch are included

Accommodation: 2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3-Star hotel

Day 5: Ceibal Tour

Enjoy a boat tour through the Pasion River where you will be able to appreciate the stunning environment and wildlife along the way. Enter the archaeological site of Ceibal, also known as the “Maya Art Gallery” where you will find the best preserve stelae of the Late Classic Period.

Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature and history in this beautiful archaeological site, before transfering back to Flores.

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 6 hours
Private transfer and tour with English speaking driver and guide

Meals: Breakfast and Box Lunch are included

Accommodation: 2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3 Star hotel

Day 6: Yaxhá At Sunset Tour

Enjoy a free morning to relax and explore the beautiful Island of Flores. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful archaeological site of Yaxhá, a magical site boasting architecture related to the long count calendar and the solar calendar with similarities to Tikal. Yaxhá is a sweet mix of archaeology, beautiful landscapes and ecological tourism with one of the most amazing and stunning views to see sunsets.

Enjoy the sunset at the highest pyramid in Yaxhá and whenever you are ready, transfer back to Flores.

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 5 hours
Private transfer and tour with English speaking driver and guide

Meals: Breakfast is included

Accommodation: 2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3 Star hotel

Day 7: Tikal Tour

Transfer to the archaeological UNESCO site of Tikal, where you will enjoy a private tour of this fascinating archaeological site. Enjoy lunch in the middle of the jungle surrounded by the sounds of howler monkeys!

After lunch, you will be transferred to Flores International Airport for your flight to Guatemala City.

All entrance fees are included.

Tour time is 6 hours
Private transfer and tour with English speaking driver and guide
Flight time to Guatemala City is 45 min
Transfer time to Hotel in Guatemala City is 10 min

Meals: Breakfast and lunch are included

Accommodation: 2-8 persons: Standard Double Room in a 3 Star hotel

Day 7: Departure

Transfer to Guatemala City International Airport for your departure flight.

All entrance fees are included.

Hotel Shuttle
Transfer time to Guatemala City International Airport is 10 min

Meals: Breakfast is included

Inclusions/Exclusions:

Inclusions:

Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary
Private tours and transportation unless stated otherwise
Entrance fees and local taxes unless stated otherwise

Exclusions:

Tips and gratuities
International Airfare
Alcoholic beverages
Incidental surcharges at accommodation such as internet access charges, departure taxes.

Meeting Place/ Pick up:

Arrival day 1: Guatemala International Airport "La Aurora"

Day 2: Front desk

Day 3: Front desk

Day 4: Front desk

Day 5: Front desk

Day 6: Front desk

Day 7: Front desk

Day 8: Front desk *HOTEL SHUTTLE*

What to Bring:

CLOTHING

It is recommended to bring light- colored, lightweight, cotton clothing for this itinerary.

CURRENCY AND FINANCES

It is recommended to bring dollars in cash, some traveller's checks and credit or debit cards (VISA IS MORE WIDELY ACCEPTED THAN MASTERCARDS).

LOST LUGGAGE

It is strongly advised that you bring some underwear, toiletries and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage, just in case your main luggage should get lost for a few days.

Practical Info:

WEATHER

Guatemala can be visited any time of the year; its average temperature is 22 degrees Celsius. High temperature average is 77 F and low is 55 F. Guatemala has two seasons: The rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April. During rainy season, typically there are sunny mornings and a couple of hours of rain in the afternoon.
For travellers going to Petén, the worst time to travel is May/ June for heat and mosquitoes and best time to travel is Nov / Jan as it is cooler and there are fewer mosquitoes.

DEMOGRAPHICS

13,344,770 million people divided into 21 ethnic groups of Maya origin, Ladino, Garifuna and Xinca. (Data as of 2007 census).

RELIGION

The Guatemala constitution guarantees freedom of worship. The prevailing religion is Catholic and some Indigenous communities still practice a combination of Catholicism and Mayan rites.

COMMUNICATIONS

Guatemala offers the most advanced internet, fax, telex, postal, domestic and International telephone service in Central America and is available in all major tourist areas.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Central America citizens can enter Guatemala with their ID or passport. European and U.S nationals do not need visa. Other nationalities should visit: www.migracion.gob.gt for visa requirements. All the ordinary procedures of migrations and customs at the Guatemalan border are free of charge. In special cases, in which a charge is applied, the perspective authorities must issue a receipt.

INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that travellers take out a travel insurance to cover cancellation of trip, medical expenses, repatriation and loss of belongings.

GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS

Guatemala is still a rather macho country and therefore it is wise not to publicly display affection.

GETTING AROUNG GUATEMALA

Guatemala City Interational Airport to Antigua 45 min - 1 hour
Antigua to Lake Atitlan 2.5 hours
Lake Atitlan to Chichicastenango 1 hour
Chichicastenango to Guatemala City 3.5 hours
Flight Guatemala City to Flores (Petén) 45 min - 1 hour
Flores to Tikal or Yaxhá 1 hour
Flores to Belize 2 hours
Guatemala City to Copán (Honduras) 5 hours
Rio Dulce to Flores 3 hours

Local Payment:

CURRENCY AND FINANCES:

The local currency is the Quetzal. Dollars are accepted and changed in all local banks. Most major credit cards are accepted by hotels and shops although a surcharge of up to 7% can often be charged. Traveller's checks can be exchanged in most of the local banks and are accepted in the large establishments (the best ones to bring are AMERICAN EXPRESS AND VISA and always in American Dollars). To exchange a Traveller's check and to take money out of the bank you need your passport with you.

It is recommended to bring dollars in cash, some traveller's checks and credit or debit cards (VISA IS MORE WIDELY ACCEPTED THAN MASTERCARDS).

TAXES

There is a $30.00 departure tax upon leaving Guatemala (this tax is normally included in the international airfare) and a Q20.00 ($3.00) departure tax in Guatemala City International Airport, for all domestic and international flights.

TIPPING

These are more guidelines to help you determine what is appropriate to tip. Tipping is not required by any means, specially in case of mediocre or poor service, dangerous driving, unfriendliness, low enthusiasm in tour leading, etc.

Tipping is not very common in Guatemala, although it is highly appreciated in all cases and somewhat expected from foreigners. Please note that this is just a reference guideline therefore we leave to your discretion the amount of the tip as tipping is never mandatory but earned by the service provided.

Restaurants & bars: a 10% tip is customary wherever a service charge is not included in the bill. For exceptional service an additional 5% may be add even when service is included.
Hotels: tips are generally only expected at the more upscale hotels. $1.00 per day for the cleaning staff, $0.50-$1.00 per bag for porters, 10% for room service if the service charge has not already been added.
Taxi Drivers: generally do not expect a tip unless the carry your bags for you, wherein $1.00 per person should be enough.
Private Drivers: can get $15.00- $10.00 per person per day - depending upon service, the length of the journey and the number of passengers. A long journey with only one or two passengers would warrant the higher tip.
Tourist Shuttle Bus Drivers (collective, not private): might get $2.00 per person.
Tour Guides: $8.00-$15.00 per person for a day of guiding, depending upon length of tour, type of guiding, etc. For longer trips $50.00-$100.00 per person per week.
Driver/Guides (guides who also do the driving): $10.00-$15.00 per person per day.
Foreign Guides/ Specialist Guides: might earn a larger tip than the average tour guide ( for a special service performed, or if it generally feels appropriate).

Additional Disclosures:

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Guatemalans love children and if you are traveling with children you will probably attract special attention which can often be of great help. Food can be a problem when leaving the more touristy areas of Antigua and the city. It is wise to always have a stock of bread, biscuits & other snacks when traveling in case the food at stops is not to your child's taste. Easily peeling produce like avocados and bananas are easily available and provide a nutritious and filling snack.

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

Women should think twice before wearing clothes that are too provocative. Guatemala is a very Catholic, rather conservative and still very macho country. You run the risk of offending or attracting un-wanted attention. Men should never go shirtless as this is a rarely seen in Guatemala. We also suggest that you do not wear any expensive jewelry while traveling in Guatemala and certainly do not bring anything of sentimental value in case of loss of theft. Most people here earn around $150.00 a month and therefore it is advisable not to openly display wealth. It is important to take basic precautions to ward away the possibility of theft such as keeping day packs, cameras, money belts, etc in front of you as you walk.

After your purchase is confirmed we will email you a link to your travel voucher

1. Select Your Travel Date

2. Number of Travellers
Adults
Children

Want More Info?

+ Online Enquiry
+ Why Book With Gunyah?
+ Booking Conditions
+ Cancellation Policy

We reserve the right to cancel a tour for any reason. If we cancel a tour, we will refund all payments made by the participant. In the event we cancel a tour, THE GROUND OPERATOR, is not responsible for any expenses incurred by you, included but not limited to airfare, travel insurance, etc. and we strongly urge the participant to obtain travel insurance.

Written notification is required upon cancellation to be valid and cancelation will be deemed the date the notice was received.

Christmas, new years and holy week / Easter and Peak Season cancellation policy

90 days or less 100% of the trip cost will be charge

*Rates based on group participation and no verbal partial refunds will be given for unused trip arrangements for any reason whatsoever. We highly recommend that clients purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Pricing for trips

All pricing is in US dollars and is based on exchange rates, room rates and other prices quoted to us at the time of scheduling. We reserve the right to amend price without prior notice. If increases become necessary, we will inform the participant as soon as possible, but an increase in prices shall not be deemed sufficient grounds for refunds other than as determined by the cancellation policy.

Prices are NET for tour operators and all taxes are included and prices are valid until December 31^st 2011.

Children under 12 pay 80% of the tour price; for transportation, children are charge as adults.

Not included in the trip cost:

The following items are not included in the trip price, an all costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant: Airfare; travel costs between the participant’s home and the gateway airport and return; any transportation or travel costs incurred prior or after the tour days; pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation expenses; lunches and dinners, unless stated otherwise; alcoholic beverages; entrance fees or costs related optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary or a part of the trip; excess baggage charges; medical costs; personal items; incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as internet access charges, phone calls or laundry; baggage or travel insurance; passport or visa expenses; departure taxes.

Luggage:

All personal luggage is the responsibility of the owner. We will handle heavy luggage throughout the trip.

Inoculations and other medical matters:

The participant and/or client is responsible for maintaining and keeping current the participant inoculations, and dietary regime. Information is required with personal information upon booking for operations to ensure the quality of the tour.

Specific information about foreign locations is available by email and internet from www.cds.gov.

Responsibility and release of liability:

THE GROUND OPERATOR, states that acts explicitly as coordinator between the passengers and service providers mentioned in the program, such as transport, hotels, airlines, ships, etc. With consequent declines all liability for any failure or cancellation caused by any force of nature which may occur in any of the services provided; as well as on damage, loss, theft, accidents or delays. The ground operator reserves the right to cancel any tour, change their order or substitute hotels for similar ones, if conditions so suggest.

You understand and agree that upon booking you shall release of our liability and a complete assumption of all risks by you and your heir, administrators, executors, successors, and assigns for you, all members of your family and any persons accompanying you. Further, you are also aware that travel, whenever it may be and by whatever it means, involves some inherit risk of injury, illness, death, loss or damage to personal property, which may be cause by forces of nature, negligence or actions of others, or other agencies. In consideration of, and as part of payment for, your participation in our services, you are voluntary releasing THE GROUND OPERATOR and all those involve with it, included but not limited to, agents, leaders, guides and suppliers, from any and all liabilities, because the participant is assuming the risks themselves.

You are voluntarily traveling to areas which may be remote or foreign, mountainous or wilderness. These factors, among others, therefore may involve certain additional risks, dangers and inconveniences. These included but are not limited to, forces of nature, terrorism, civil unrest, wild animals, the manner of hotels and other accommodations, and various means of conveyance, including but not limited to, airplanes, vehicles, taxis, boats, roads, walkways and trails.

You understand and agree that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of the trip, and that this includes emergency care, presence of physicians, and adequate medications. We assume no responsibilities for any medical care or any special dietaries requirements the participant may have. In addition, upon booking, the participant, release, hold harmless and will defend THE GROUND OPERATOR, as well as its officers, agents, guides, leaders, sponsors, and associates, from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, claims, debts, demands of every kind and nature whatsoever which the participant may have or which may arise in connection with the participation in any activities arranged or conducted by them including, without limitation, all liability, actions, cause of action, claims, debts, and demands related to the negligence of said persons.

The participant further understands and agrees that while itineraries are carefully designed and planned, there are not guarantee schedule of activities, events or participation. However, we will do our utmost to deliver the itinerary outlined. However, participants must allow for flexibility and changes deemed necessary by the program leaders as there may be situations beyond our reasonable control due to geographic, climatic, physical or governmental restrictions that will cause further changes in timing, locations and activities. The participant understands and agrees that there are no discounts or refunds for activities curtailed or otherwise affected by such circumstances.

The participant has assumed the responsibility to select and activity appropriate to their physical abilities and interests. The participant is personally responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the activity. We reserve the right to request the doctor’s statement of good health.