General information
Destination | Category |
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Guatemala City, Guatemala | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
Enjoy more, saved more, this package you are thinking to yourself and your family, enjoying the same services but with savings when purchased together.
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Admire colourful mountain villages, highland lakes and pine forests
* Spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes
* Explore Antigua’s Cathedral
* Absorb the Spanish Baroque architecture
Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán Tour.
Take a journey through deep ravines and pine forests to Chichicastenango, whose beating heart is the market that takes place every Thursday and Sunday. Tour through the impressive indigenous market that has barely changed for centuries and browse the colourful handicrafts and produce on offer. Women weave and wear huipiles (tunics) that are embroidered with brilliantly coloured birds and flowers, and seeing their spectacular dress is a highlight on its own. Visit Santo Tomas Church, a splendid example of colonial architecture, that was built on the base of archaeological pre-Hispanic temple.
Lake Atitlan is a feast for the eyes: clear calm waters that reflect the spectacular mountain range bordering the lake, it is the closest you’ll find to complete bliss. Hop aboard a boat across the lake to the village of Panajachel, where you have time to explore its Kakchiquel roots. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. Witness real-life Mayan culture that you normally only read about, and take away picture postcard photos of this bewitching part of the world.
Cultural Antigua.
Travel back in time to Antigua Guatemala and take a tour of Spanish Colonial America in a city where time stands still. Enjoy a three and-a-half hour walking tour around the centre and absorb the Spanish Baroque architecture the city is famous for. Head to Central Park, in the heart of the city, and be surrounded by the Palace of the Captain Generals, City Hall, the church of San José (formerly the Cathedral of Guatemala), the Archbishop’s Palace and the Portal of Commerce (or the Bakers’ Portal). Make sure you also look out for the Mermaid’s Fountain, and learn how it was built to remember a popular local legend.
Explore the Cathedral and admire its elaborate baroque façade. Originally built between 1543 and 1680, it was later rebuilt after the Santa Marta earthquake in 1773, and walk under the Arch of Santa Catalina which connects the old convent to the gardens on the other side. You also have time to be dazzled by the bright yellow exterior walls of the Church of La Merced before we make our way back to Guatemala City, with plenty of time for you to enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up at the hotel in Guatemala City only.
Duration: Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán Tour - 12.5 hours. Cultural Antigua - 4 hours.
Start/opening time: Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán Tour - at 6:30am. Cultural Antigua - at 8am.
End/closing time: Chichicastenango Market & Lake Atitlán Tour - at 7pm. Cultural Antigua - at 12pm.
Languages: English and Spanish.