Country of Volcanoes and Quetzals
DESCRIPTION
Where are the most active volcanoes that you can admire while sipping a cocktail on the terrace of a luxury hotel?
Where can you watch the sunrise at the top of a thousand-year-old Mayan pyramid?
The most experienced adventurers roll their eyes at the word Guatemala and say “one of the best adventures of life”, “the most amazing and eventful country in Central America”!
Isn't this a reason to go there in the company of the Paganels?
Why do we go there, what do we want to find on this journey?
Guatemala means "land of trees" in the Mayan language. The number of shades of green is amazing; we will train our color perception well! Sacred ceiba and rosewood, logwood and corn tree, dozens of species of orchids. Mountain forests and mangroves, jungles and the wild countryside of Yucatan - there are more than 20 national parks in Guatemala, we will visit seven of them. But still, the most incredible green color in Guatemala does not belong to plants. The Divine Quetzal is the symbol of Guatemala. Its plumage was valued more than gold and served as decoration for Mayan rulers and Aztec emperors. We will try to find quetzals on our journey high in the mountains, in the cloud forests in the center of the country. The Guatemalan jungle is home to jaguars and tapirs, howler monkeys and long-armed koats, kinkajous and anteaters. It’s difficult to promise a meeting with jaguars, but we will remember the cries of howler monkeys for the rest of our lives.
We will enjoy the sunset over Lake Atitlan - all travel guides from Conde Nast Traveler list this lake in the top 10 most beautiful in the world. Aldous Huxley (the same one who wrote "Brave New World") compared it with Garda and Como in Italy, and the comparison was in favor of Atitlan - indeed, there are no volcanoes on Garda, there are three of them on Atitlan - San Pedro, Toliman and Atitlan . We will see how sparks from smoking vents mix with the light of stars, how fire flies into the sky and even climb one of the active volcanoes.
We will visit cities and villages where time stopped hundreds of years ago, in places that the Spanish colonialists came to only at the end of the seventeenth century, and we will find ourselves in real Mayan villages. Let's learn how to say "thank you" and "please" in one of the 23 Mayan languages used in Guatemala. The Quiche, Tzutukhil, Kaqchikel peoples - almost half of the country's population considers itself Maya, which is about 6 million people. In the mountain villages, Mayan culture intertwined with Catholic traditions in bizarre rituals and customs. We will meet a god who loves cigarettes and Coca-Cola, and if we are lucky, we will get his blessing. The Maya are famous for their textiles and colorful vision of the world - after a walk through the largest handicraft market in Central America, red and purple, as well as handbags, reboso, wallets, will fall into our collection of colors and impressions.
The great Maya of the classical period - the ancestors of the modern inhabitants of Guatemala - surprise our contemporaries with their knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, fine arts and pyramids rising above the jungle. We will meet the dawn on one of them, in Tikal, the capital of the mighty Mutul Mayan kingdom, we will see the highest Mayan steles in Quirigua, we will learn to understand their counting system.
Waterfalls and lakes, volcanoes, jungles and mountain forests, colonial towns and villages of local residents, new colors, new tastes and new dishes and smells, new fruits and the famous Guatemalan coffee (we will visit one of the best plantations), Maya and Garifuna - all this will be seen by us, tried, photographed, discussed in the company of friends - the Paganels.
Go!
ROUTE PLAN
IN THE COST OF EXPEDITIONIT INCLUDES:
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Airport transfers (if you arrive on the program's exact start date)
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Bus rental along the route
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Entrance to archaeological sites: Iximche, Copan Ruinas, Quirigua
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Folklore performances and master classes
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Entrance fees to Atitlan National Park
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Boat trips on Lake Atitlan and Rio Dulce
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Ferry from Livingston to Puerto Barrios
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Guides - interpreters from "Paganell Travel" throughout the route
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Local guides and support
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Accommodation in hotels
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Breakfasts
EXPEDITION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare from your location to Guatemala City
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Airfare from Guatemala City to Flores ($125)
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Cost of the Pacaya volcano trek
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Entrance to Tikal National Park
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Honduras border crossing cost
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Transfer and entrance to Luna Jaguar Spa in Honduras
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Tips for local guides and drivers
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
01.07.2024
We meet at Guatemala City Airport and transfer to the city of Antigua Guatemala. We gather strength, get to know each other, and rejoice in old friends.
The transfer from the airport to Antigua Guatemala takes about an hour. Our transfer will make two trips from the airport.
We stay in a comfortable colonial-style hotel just a few blocks from the historic center of Antigua Guatemala.
Day 2
02.07.2024
We wake up in the hotel and have breakfast at 8:00.
Today is an acclimatization day so that we all rest well after the flight. We will explore the city, stroll, and enjoy. Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world. It is located in a lush valley between three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Eruptions of these volcanoes turned the city into a monument to itself - after a powerful eruption of the Fuego volcano in the 18th century, the city was partially destroyed, and the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala decided to move to a safer location. Nevertheless, the city center has been well preserved and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Colonial houses, remnants of magnificent cathedrals - we will visit a couple of them - Santa Clara Cathedral and the Capuchin Monastery, stroll through the cobblestone streets. Antigua is a city of celebration, and we will enhance our positive impressions in great restaurants and cafes.
We will stay in a colonial hotel in the center of the town of Antigua Guatemala. Breakfast is included.
Day 3
03.07.2024
In the early morning, the group of volcano enthusiasts will embark on a trek to the Pacaya volcano. This volcano recently gained worldwide fame due to its eruption, and those who dream of roasting marshmallows on a volcano will have the opportunity to do so.
For everyone else, there will be a leisurely breakfast at the hotel at 8:00, followed by a stroll through the galleries of Antigua Guatemala.
After lunch, we will head to Lake Atitlan. Eighty-four thousand years ago, volcanic lava, ejected during a massive eruption, blocked the path of a mountain river, giving rise to Lake Atitlan, which reaches depths of up to 360 meters. We will take a relatively easy and interesting road trip to the lake with several stops along the way. These stops include a coffee farm and a fruit market in the village of Solola. If time permits, we will also visit the Mayan museum and ritual site in the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel people, the archaeological zone of Iximche.
We will learn about coffee cultivation and meet the local farmers. Guatemalan coffee is among the best in the world, and the country ranks among the top 10 coffee exporters.
Solola Market is the largest fruit market in the region. The market is filled with the aroma of spices, the bustling of local traders, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and vibrant colors. We will arrange a fruit tasting right at the market, where you can try Guatemalan avocado and mango.
The travel time between these points is approximately an hour, with a total travel time of around three hours.
We will stay in a comfortable hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
Day 4
04.07.2024
We will wake up for breakfast at 8:00. However, for those who wish to wake up earlier, we have a special offer: you can take a dip in the hot springs that bubble up from the lake's bottom, located just 100 meters from our hotel.
Lake Atitlan is one of the most enchanting lakes in the world, celebrated by poets and travelers alike. On a sunny day, the forested volcanic cones are reflected in the dark cobalt-blue waters. Traditional villages and local farming communities dot its fertile shores, each with its own character, uniqueness, dialect, and often, distinct attire proudly worn by the residents.
After breakfast, we will depart right from the hotel's pier to explore the lakeside villages. We recommend bringing a windbreaker, as there can be a breeze on the lake. The boat rides between villages typically take about half an hour each.
In the village of Santiago de Atitlan, resides Maximon, a local god who enjoys smoking a cigarette and having a strong drink. He has a special entourage attending to him. Maximon is nothing like the saints we are accustomed to, but he is believed to help with various problems in exchange for modest (or not so modest) financial offerings.
We will have lunch at a lakeside fish restaurant and continue our journey around Lake Atitlan. Dinner will be at a restaurant in a Mayan village.
We will be staying at a hotel in the village of Santa Catarina, and breakfast is included.
Day 5
05.07.2024
Early in the morning, those interested can embark on an exciting medium-difficulty trek to the Indian Nose, a mountain on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlan. From its 2,550-meter summit, you can watch possibly the most beautiful sunrise of your life and see Guatemala's volcanic chain.
Lunch boxes will be provided on the bus.
For those who prefer a bit more sleep, you can stay at the hotel and have breakfast there. Today, we will set out to search for the legendary quetzals. Once they were hunted for their precious feathers, hunting is now prohibited, but sadly, the population of these birds continues to decline due to deforestation and climate change. Several reserves in Guatemala still preserve their population. Accompanied by reliable local guides, we will try our best to spot quetzals, which can be more challenging than finding a bluebird, but we will try.
We will stay in Santa Catarina at the same comfortable hotel by the lake. Breakfast is included.
Day 6
06.07.2024
We have an early wake-up and breakfast at 7:00 am because we have a quite long journey ahead of us.
The first stop on our route is the village of Chichicastenango. Here, you will find the most famous market for handicrafts in Latin America. Purple and orange, green and red - clothing embroidered in traditional Maya colors, pottery, ritual masks, bags, and various crafts - even the most discerning souvenir enthusiast will feel like he is in a souvenir paradise.
Guatemala is a predominantly Catholic country, but the Christian faith has mixed with local traditions. If we are lucky, we might watch one of the rituals at the Church of Saint Thomas, whose colorful facade is a hallmark of Chichicastenango.
After lunch, we will head to Guatemala City, returning to prepare for tomorrow's flight to the Peten jungles. If the road conditions allow (traffic in Guatemala can be quite intense, with narrow roads), we might visit a Maya museum on the way.
The average travel time from Chichicastenango to Guatemala City is about 4 hours. We will stay in a hotel near the airport and have dinner there.
Day 7
07.07.2024
We wake up and have breakfast at 8:00 am.
By 10:00 am, we will arrive at the airport, check our luggage, and board the flight to Flores, a small town on Lake Peten Itza in the northern part of the country.
This town was founded by the Itza people, who were closely related to the Maya and originally from the northern Yucatan. They were the last "owners" of the world-famous city of Chichen Itza, as reflected in its name. It is also famous for being the last Maya city conquered by the Spanish in 1697. Imagine, while the Enlightenment was in full swing in Europe, in the jungles of Guatemala, priests were offering prayers to the Maya gods such as Kinich Ahau and Chakam atop pyramids.
We relax on the sandy beach of Peten Itza and go to bed early to wake up at dawn in Tikal.
Day 8
08.07.2024
Today, we have a very early wake-up at 4:00 am.
We head to watch the sunrise over the impenetrable jungles of Yucatan in the most unusual place - on the pyramids of Tikal. In the past, Tikal was the capital of the mighty Mutul Kingdom, whose trade representatives existed in Teotihuacan, located in the heart of modern-day Mexico. It is also known as the filming location for famous movies. George Lucas filmed the forest rebel base for the fourth episode of Star Wars right here. We climb the pyramid to greet the rising sun, explore the remnants of Tikal's temples and palaces, all while listening to the howls of howler monkeys.
After immersing ourselves in the world of the Maya, we will relax in Flores, take a boat ride on the lake, and enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Rey Sapek viewpoint.
Day 9
09.07.2024
Today, we have a slow start; waking up at 8:30 am, having a hearty breakfast, and stocking up on provisions. We embark on a road trip through the Guatemalan roads towards the south, to Lake Rio Dulce. The journey will take us through jungles, lakes, volcanoes, and pyramids - quite an adventurous combination for a country. However, the roads in this part of Guatemala are quite challenging, with tropical rains washing away the road surfaces and occasional traffic jams due to landslides. But with good company like the Paganel family, these challenges will turn into unforgettable adventures. We will not say that nine hours on the road will pass in the blink of an eye, but we will have stops at interesting places along the way, exploring caves and natural sites. Villages of local residents, endless green jungle - it is not every day that you get to travel through such wilderness.
Upon arrival in Rio Dulce, we will check into a comfortable hotel and relax.
Day 10
10.07.2024
Today, we have a boat trip on the tropical Lake Isabel and an excursion to the Caribbean Sea! The freshwater Rio Dulce river flows into the lake, which is connected to the Caribbean Sea by a narrow strait. The river runs through the protected area of the National Park, established in 1955. If we are lucky, we might see manatees and crocodiles.
The final destination of today's journey is the town of Livingston, which can only be reached by water. In Livingston and along Guatemala's east coast in remote areas, the Garifuna people live - descendants of slaves who escaped from sugar plantations in the Caribbean islands. Our guides will tell us about sugar plantations and the conditions of labor during the journey. Just imagine the distances from the island of Hispaniola to the Guatemalan coast. People in various makeshift vessels, including logs and reed rafts, braving winds and currents, crossed the sea in desperation and exhaustion. We will get to know the Garifuna culture, which combines Yoruba traditions with local customs, and their language, which is a blend of African, English, and Spanish - declared as UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. We will meet them and try their cuisine. It will be fun and delicious!
Day 11
11.07.2024
We will have breakfast at 8:00 am, sharing a meal with the Garifuna people and saying "AYO" to them before embarking on a water journey to Puerto Barrios. From there, we will continue overland to... Honduras! Yes, we have a new country and new discoveries on our trip.
Depending on the time it takes to cross the border into Honduras, the travel time will be around 5 hours.
We will rest at a hotel and explore the small town of Copan Ruinas
Day 12
12.07.2024
We will wake up in Honduras to the sounds of amazing birds - Montezuma Oropendolas. It is hard to describe their song, but it is melodic and unforgettable. Oropendolas are large birds with beautiful chocolate-colored plumage and bright yellow tails. Breakfast will be at 8:00 am.
Early in the morning, following our tradition, we will visit the archaeological site of Copan - the city of the "K'iche'-Guakamaya" dynasty rulers. Copan is often referred to as the "Athens of the ancient Maya" due to its magnificent monumental architecture. It is the southernmost known Maya city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was the capital of a major state that covered parts of modern-day Guatemala and Honduras. Thanks to its superb monumental architecture, Copan is famous for having the longest known Maya hieroglyphic staircase. We will explore Copan, visit a small botanical garden with macaws and toucans, and try to spot the famous white Honduran fruit bats.
Afterwards, we will go to Luna Jaguar Spa - a complex of hot springs 20 kilometers from the city. Just imagine, water gushes from the rocks at 82 degrees Celsius, distributing into several pools hidden in the jungle, where it mixes with cooler streams. Tropical birds sing, giant blue morpho butterflies fly around, and the water gently murmurs. It is the most relaxing day of our trip!
Day 13
13.07.2024
We will have breakfast at 7:00 am and an early wake-up to cross the border with Guatemala without the crowds.
After crossing the border, we will head to the archaeological site of Quirigua, a city that was a perpetual rival of Copan. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its steles. We will learn the grim stories and scary facts why the Maya erected these monuments.
Most of the steles depict rulers, with hieroglyphs indicating the dates when the monuments were erected. Some depict animals with human faces, mythical creatures, and more. One of the steles found here is the tallest sculpted monument of the ancient Maya, standing over 10 meters tall.
After visiting Quirigua, we will return to Guatemala City by bus. Farewell dinner.
Day 14
14.07.2024
We have breakfast and then transfer to the airport. It is time to go home.
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club-family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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