Glorious azure Lake Atitlán, with its soaring volcanoes.
NEW YEAR's 2003 in GUATEMALA!
Leave Old Man Winter and the stateside rush and pressures of the Christmas
season behind you by joining this special relaxing end-of-the-year excursion to
beautiful Guatemala., the "Land of Eternal Springtime".
Guatemala is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable places on earth. Slightly
smaller than the state of Tennessee, its mountainous topography ranges from
sea level to soaring volcanic peaks over 13,000 feet high; its climate zones
include steamy tropical jungles, rain-shadow desert valleys, cool cloud
forests, and chilly alpine plateaus; and it is home to an amazing diversity of
Maya, Mestizo, European and Caribbean traditions. The Highland Maya,
comprising roughly 60% of Guatemala's population and speaking some 20
different languages, have maintained a rich and colorful culture that gives
Guatemala its basic character. So much to see, so much to leave you
marveling, so much to make you want to return to Guatemala again and again.
We have been exploring Guatemala since 1969-- and each year we learn new
secrets.
Every year since 1987 we have led a very special summer excursion to Guatemala,
and 2002 was no exception-- we had a great trip in July. But we have had
several requests for a Guatemala trip in the U.S. wintertime:, and SO:
Rutahsa's end-of-the-year Guatemala Adventure will take place Dec. 29 - Jan.
12. World-famous highlights include colonial Antigua Guatemala, the colorful
indigenous market of Chichicastenango, glorious Lake Atitlán, and the
mysteries of the Classic Maya ceremonial center of Copán (Honduras).
The itinerary covers the best of Guatemala, but in more style and luxury than
the typical Rutahsa summer trip. We will maintain a relaxed pace, with two
nights at every hotel. And all our lodgings are memorable places featuring
charming settings, historic buildings, great food, wonderful gardens. Here is
the itinerary:
Sun. Dec. 29: After flying from the U.S. to Guatemala City you will
be picked up at the airport and driven 45 km to Antigua Guatemala to settle in
at the Posada de Don Rodrigo, a colonial home
converted into a delightful hotel, with flowery patios, a good restaurant, and
a daily marimba concert.
Antigua, now a UN World Heritage site, was in its heyday the third largest
city in the new world, with a population of 60,000, surpassed only by Lima and
Mexico City. Antigua served over two centuries as capital of Spain's colonial
territory known as the Kingdom of Goathemala, and as such was replete with
splendid public buildings, such as the Palacio
de los Capitanes Generales. Then, in 1773, a series of powerful
temblors turned many of the great colonial churches, convents, colleges,
government palaces and private mansions into rubble.
Antigua today is a colonial-style city, full of historic buildings, some
restored, others still standing as massive romantic ruins. For a good introduction to Antigua's history and
lots of photos of its monumental architecture, visit our website on Antigua,
using the link at the end of this trip description.
You will find Antigua's historic sites fascinating to explore, the variety of
shops and places to eat seemingly endless, the climate at around 5000 feet
above sea level highly agreeable, and the overall ambience delightful.
Mon. Dec. 30: Morning: an introductory tour of Antigua's most
important colonial buildings, guided by Elizabeth Bell, author of one of the
best-selling Antigua guidebooks. Afternoon: free time to explore more romantic
ruins, visit the jade shops, museums, market, etc. Any excursion participants
unable to arrive in Guatemala on Dec. 29th may join the group today. Second
night at the Posada de Don Rodrigo.
Tues., Dec. 31: Today we board our private bus and motor across the
central volcanic highlands, through Maya villages to the glorious Lake Atitlán, sunk in a dramatic volcanic
caldera.
A bit of winding road brings us to Santiago Atitlán, a Tz'utujiil Maya
town on the south side of the lake. This town is a favorite goal of
day-trippers who cross the lake by boat from Panajachel, arrive mid-day, spend
a couple of hours buying from the justly famous artisans, and admiring the
unique indigenous costume of Santiago. By arriving via the back door and
after these tourists have left we will find a Tz'utujiil town remarkably little
changed from its traditional ways. We will stay at the Posada Santiago, a
charming hotel of unusual stone architecture, unique bungalows, lovely gardens
and excellent cuisine. David and Susie, our hosts, can be counted on to have
some fine dining choices for your New Year's eve supper. And we can expect
lots of noisy fireworks and goings-on in town.
Weds., Jan. 1, 2003!: Women in Santiago still weave on the backstrap loom, and some still wear the famous
"halo" headwrap made famous by the 25-centavo
coin. We have all day to prowl about Santiago's narrow streets, visit the
ancient Catholic church, perhaps to visit
the shrine of the cult of Maximón, and to visit the Peace Park to learn
something of Santiago's tragic experiences during La Violencia in the
1980s. Some may wish to swim off the Posada Santiago's private dock for
guests. And, of course, there's shopping to be done at the artisans' shops
lining the main street. And New Year's celebrations may well still be taking
place.
Thurs., Jan. 2: After time for a leisurely breakfast we'll take a boat
across gorgeous and dramatic Atitlán to the main lakeside town of
Panajachel. We don't have to hassle with our luggage on the boat as it will be
in the bus sent around the lake to await us at the docks.
Boarding our bus in "Pana", we will drive a winding road up out of the
Atitlán basin, stopping for photogenic vistas along the way, onto
the central volcanic plateau, and head west along the Panamerican Highway
towards Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second most important city. En route we
will pass by the K'iche' Maya town of Nahualá, where many of the men
still wear the wool kilt traditional to this village. On beyond Nahualá
we pass a windy, treeless area called "Alaska", at an elevation over 10,000 ft!
Quetzaltenango-- traditionally known as Xelajú (pronounced
"Shay-lah-hoo!"), or just "Xela" for short-- is situated at an elevation of
over 7700 ft, in the shadow of the cone of Volcán Santa María.
Here we will check into the Pensión Bonifaz, an elegant old hotel with a
European flavor. The Bonifaz has full amenities, including an indoor swimming
pool. For a preview of the Bonifaz, visit their webpage, then use your "back"
button to return to this trip description:
Pensión Bonifaz.
After checking into the Bonifaz you can have a late lunch in their excellent
restaurant, or head immediately out into downtown Quetzaltenango (map in hand!)
to sample nearby restaurants, to stroll the historic plaza, to visit the
central market and shop for more Mayan textiles, and/or visit the two museums
just off the plaza. There's a good deal to do in this interesting city, and
all within easy walking distance of the Pensión Bonifaz.
Fri., Jan. 3: We billed this as a relaxing trip, so you can sleep late
today, if you want to. But it wouldn't be a Rutahsa Adventure without at least
one foray into some place that requires a bit of an effort to get to, some
place that ordinary travelers don't get to see. So, for the adventurous
members of the group, today will be an up-and-at-'em early day. We'll leave
the Bonifaz at 5:30 AM and head out of town about five kilometers, then up a
rough mountain road for another five kilometers-- or until our vehicle can't go
any further. Then we'll walk about 1 or 2 kilometers to a spectacular overlook
where we can peer across a deep void at the huge steaming, smoking (and
sometimes rumbling) volcanic lava dome of Santiaguito. En route to the overlook we'll see fascinating
and impressive tropical plants.
Santiaguito volcanic dome is a massive grey mountain of hot rock that pushed up
through an explosion crater formed in the spectacular volcanic explosion of
Santa María volcano in 1902. It is quite a sight to see! And with just
a little bit of luck, it will put on a show for
us. Santiaguito is generally pretty cooperative about this...so far we've
not had to sacrifice any virgins to get it to perform.
We'll be back in the Bonifaz around 9 AM or so for breakfast, and then have a
bit of relaxing time. But around 11 AM we'll mount up again, this time taking
our bathing suits in hand, and head out to Fuentes Georginas, a
hot springs spa where we can have a lunch and
soak in relaxing thermal waters while surrounded by Eden-like cloud forest
vegetation. En route to the spa we will pass through some of the most amazing
Indian agricultural lands where checkerboards of meticulously hand-tilled plots
climb breath-taking slopes to form stunningly picturesque mosaics.
On the way back to Xela we'll stop at the Indian town of Zunil to visit its
mind-boggling vegetable and fruit market. Much of the produce cultivated on the
beautiful patch-work farms around Zunil passes through this market destined for
other parts of Guatemala and also for Mexico. Time permitting, we'll visit a
women's co-op here, where excellent quality hand-loomed textiles can be
purchased. Second night at the Pensión Bonifaz.
Sat., Jan. 4: This morning we drive along the Pan American highway to
Chichicastenango, with stops along the way at the famous yellow church of San
Andres Xecul and the Maya town of Nahualá. In Chichi we will take up
lodging in the luxury of the Mayan Inn, a
famous hostelry for over 60 years. With no two rooms alike, all furnished with
valuable antiques, staying in the Mayan is like staying in a museum! To learn
more about the Mayan Inn, visit their website:
Mayan Inn, but don't fail to use your "back" button to return to
this itinerary.
For supper you can sample the excellent food at the Mayan, or go out on the
town to find a restaurant and see the preparations for tomorrow's market going
on all about the town center. We've come to Chichi for the Thursday market,
but you can start your souvenir shopping tonight if you like.
Sun., Jan. 5: You may be startled awake by explosions around 6 AM,
thinking a revolution is in progress, but it is only a typical market day in
Chichi, replete with bombas along with all the other noises, smells and
color. This is without question the most colorful native market in all the Americas, with native vendors
coming long distances from all over Guatemala to sell their varied wares. See
Rutahsa's website on Chichi's market by clicking here:
Market day at Chichi.
We will have all day here for taking pictures and haggling for blankets, wall
hangings, native blouses, men's shirts, ceramics, carved wooden masks, and all
kinds of other crafts, antiques, and souvenirs. You can also take a walk out
of town to visit a well-known mask-maker's shop, and then climb the hill behind
his shop to visit the Pascual Abaj idol where K'iche' Maya still come to pray.
(Be respectful and keep your distance if Maya worshipers are there.) Second
night in the luxury of the Mayan Inn.
Mon., Jan. 6: Today we travel to the coffee producing town of
Cobán, but not by the highway most people travel. We'll be taking the
"direct" route, a spectacular --occasionally dizzying-- mountain road through
backwoods Guatemala. Today you will see dramatic panoramas and small Indian
towns seldom visited by tourists. There's not much in the way of good eateries
en route, and the drive will take us about nine hours (including three
half-hour rest stops along the way at villages and short photo stops at scenic
points) so stock up on some snacks before you leave Chichi.
Cobán, the capital of the Department of Alta Verapaz, came into
prominence as a coffee-producing center under the influence of German settlers
in the late 19th century. It is a pleasant town, in a very pleasant area of
Guatemala, and our hotel, La Posada, is an
inn of colonial charm and some of the best food in all Guatemala.
Tues., Jan. 7: This morning we'll stroll a short distance from La
Posada to the Finca Santa Margarita for a tour of a coffee plantation, seeing
how coffee is grown and processed, and sampling of their products, of course.
From the finca we can continue to stroll Cobán, to visit the Maya
Prince Museum, a very nice private museum of Mayan artifacts. Then on the way
back to our hotel those who wish to can drop off at the Cobán market to
see what's happening there (and to make more purchases!).
After lunch we will visit Vivero Verapaz, an orchid nursery (thousands of
plants, hundreds of species), a beautiful site indeed. This nursery is truly
special, as it is not a commercial operation growing orchids for sale, rather
it is a rescue operation, saving orchids-- and likely saving species from
extinction. Orchids are collected from areas where the forest has been cut
down and cleared in the age-old process of slash-and-burn agriculture, still
widely practiced by the Guatemalan Maya.
Another option for this afternoon would be going to a nearby park for a swim
in a lovely natural swimming hole. We'll decide what to do according to the
group's druthers when we're there. Second night at La Posada.
Weds., Jan. 8: Today we have a fairly long drive, but all on good
roads, from Cobán to Copán! Hard to tell from the names whether
you're coming or going, but Copán is actually a country away! We'll
cross the international border to reach the town of Copán Ruinas 12
kilometers inside the Rep. of Honduras. The border crossing is rather
bucolic-- something like a scene out of a movie about banana republics! And
the town of Copán Ruinas is also rural, but with an interesting overlay
of international activity. It is a thoroughly charming small town of cobbled
streets and very friendly people.
Our hotel, the Marina Copán is delightful, complete with pool and
swim-up bar. To get a preview of the Marina, visit their website
Marina
Copán, then click your "back" button to return to this trip
description. In addition to the Marina's restaurant there are several good
eateries in town, plus internet cafes and shops with wood carvings, lovely
pottery, and other items.
Thurs., Jan. 9: All day at Copán. Copán ruins are
magnificent. Whereas most Classic Maya cities were built of limestone (which
slowly dissolves away in the tropical rains), Copán was built of
weather-resisting volcanic tuffs. For this reason the stone carvings are
exceptionally well-preserved. And stelae of
Copán's once-powerful kings, plus altars, glyph panels, wall friezes,
and other carvings are everywhere. Copán is called the "Paris of the
Maya" for its abundance of sculptural art. In addition to temples, pyramids
and courtyards, Copán features a very elegant ballcourt, where a deadly serious ritual ballgame was played.
Your excursion package includes your entry to the partially restored ruins of
the thousand-year-old Maya ceremonial center, the tunnels under the ruins
(revealing the intact Maya temple known as "Rosalila"), the wonderful Museum of
Sculpture with its full-scale replica of "Rosalila"), and the small but important Old Copán Museum on
the city square. You'll need all day to see it all. Second night at the
Marina Copán.
Fri., Jan. 10: Back to Antigua today, as our Guatemala odyssey comes
full circle. En route we'll stop at an obsidian outcrop where you can see (and
sample) the raw material from which the Maya made knives, spear points and
other items of trade. You can collect some pretty souvenirs here, but be
careful: this black volcanic glass can give you a nasty cut if you handle it
carelessly.
Once again back in Antigua, this time we'll
settle in at the Quinta de las Flores, located on the edge of Antigua, quieter
than our original hotel, but still within easy walking distance of the central
plaza. Within the meticulously manicured, peaceful gardens we can properly
reflect about the many wonders seen --so far-- on this excursion, where we have
been, whom we have met, and what we have learned. The Quinta has a small
restaurant exclusively for its guests, and, of course, Antigua is loaded with
many fine places to eat.
Sat., Jan. 11: A hard choice today: There is so much to see and do in
Antigua, that it's hard to leave it; some will choose to spend another full
day here, and who can blame them, after all, this is meant to be a relaxing
trip. You can explore more ruined colonial buildings; visit various museums,
the jade shops, women's co-ops for more textiles; explore the huge city
market; or sit in the central plaza and have your shoes shined while you
people-watch. It will take some time to figure out where you want to eat:
traditional Guatemalan food, Chinese, pizza, vegetarian, it's all here.
One place you should definitely visit is the Casa Popenoe, a lovingly
restored colonial mansion complete with a
fine collection of period furniture.
However, for the energetic and hearty in want of a bit more adventure, today
is the day we climb active Volcán Pacaya. This is a completely
non-technical climb, but it is a real huffer-puffer. We hike for about 1 1/2
to 2 1/2 hours to reach the peak at about 8550 ft (it changes from year to
year because of the constant activity which alternately builds it up and blows
it away!). A stupendous view along the Pacific
volcanic chain is just one of the rewards for those who make the climb.
Over the years, we have seen Pacaya in quiet steam eruptions, explosively
blasting bombs and ash skyward, and with glowing red streams of lava oozing
down its flanks. We may get to peer into the fuming crater, or, if the volcano is in a strombolian phase, we will
time our trip to see the fireworks at night.
To see Pacaya in many different states of activity, visit our
Pacaya webpage. Whatever it is doing,
Pacaya is always exciting, and getting there is certainly breathtaking (both
figuratively and literally!). This can be an all-day trip, and a hot shower at
the end of the day to remove the ash that's worked its way into your clothing
and your pores will sure feel fine. Second night at the Quinta de las Flores;
the contrast between Pacaya's barren peak full of primal energy and the
tranquility of the Quinta's gardens could hardly be more striking!
Certainly lots to do today! Second night at the Quinta de las Flores.
Sun., Jan. 12: All good things must come to an end, and today is the
day you head to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City to wing your
way back home, carrying lots of photos and treasured crafts, addresses of your
traveling-companions-become-friends, and a million memories. Shuttle service
will be provided at the appropriate time for your particular flight schedule.
HOWEVER, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO END JUST YET...
OPTIONAL TWO-DAY TIKAL EXTENSION:
For travelers with a little extra time and a yen to see another world-class
archeological site that is very different from Copán, both in the nature
of its ruins and its setting, Rutahsa Adventures has organized the following
two-day trip extension to Tikal National Park.
Sun., Jan. 12: Up real early today to go into Guatemala City to the
airport to take an in-country flight across the Chuacús Mtns. north
across the Petén lowlands to the town of Flores. From here the
Jungle Lodge will provide bus transportation and an introductory lecture on the
countryside and Tikal Ruins as you motor an hour to the park. Once in Tikal
National Park, you'll have a guided tour to the great Plaza Mayor,
flanked by the soaring temple-pyramids of Temple I and Temple II, then return to the Jungle Lodge for lunch.
After lunch you can return to the sprawling archeological complex on your own
to prowl amid crumbling, jungle-encrusted temples, palaces, causeways,
pyramids, and numerous ruined edifices of unknown purposes. But most
spectacular of all are the soaring skyscraper-like pyramid/temples...if
Copán was the "Paris" of the Maya, Tikal was surely the "New York City"!
In addition to the amazing ruins of a once populous Classic Maya city, Tikal is
also a wonderful site for its lowland tropical jungle, its
brilliant birds and other wildlife. You'll
see parrots, toucans, toucanettes, hummingbirds, oropendola, the beautiful
ocellated turkey, and many other avian
inhabitants of the jungle. And you'll almost certainly see foxes, guatuza
(agouti), pisotes (coatimundi), and spider
monkeys. You might see howler monkeys, deer, peccary, small alligators in
the water hole near the hotel, or other jungle beasts. One of our lucky
travelers in June 2001 got a good look at a jaguar sprawled out on a trail; he
and the great spotted cat stared at each other for about 10 seconds, until the
cat got up and ambled off, with our amazed (and intrepid!) adventurer
following behind taking pictures!
Tikal is really a wonderful site, but it is hot! Fortunately, the
Jungle Lodge has a pool!
Mon., Jan. 13: Get up early today and enter the ruins before breakfast
to take advantage of the cool morning air; maybe you can watch sunrise from
Temple IV, an awesome experience. You've got the morning to explore the ruins
further and to visit the archeological museum. Then, after lunch, board the
bus and return to Flores to fly back to Guatemala City. Here you'll shuttle
back to Antigua to spend a final quiet evening at the Quinta de las Flores.
You may need some extra time to pack away your treasured purchases, or perhaps
to run out to a store for that one last item you want!
Tues., Jan. 14: Shuttle in to the airport and fly away home. But don't
expect this to be your last visit to Guatemala-- This was your introduction,
and you will want to come back!
Three little girls from Santiago Atitlán, with a friend from
another village.
COST OF THE EXCURSION:
- 15-day trip: $1395, in double room accommodations. At the present (Aug.
23, 2002) this price, based on 2003 quotes from our suppliers, is believed to
be firm. However, in the unexpected event of a major price increase by one
of our suppliers we would have to revise the trip cost.
Trip cost includes shuttle service from Guatemala City airport to and from
lodgings in Antigua; ground transportation in Guatemala by private bus with
professional driver; Lake Atitlán crossing by boat; all lodging in
Guatemala (double occupancy rooms); guided introductory walking tour of
Antigua; all park and visitors site entries specified in the itinerary;
services of bilingual tour conductor.
NOT included in the trip cost: Airfare between point of origin and Guatemala
City (see "NOTE" below); meals (allow $15 - $18 per day); souvenirs; tips;
phone/fax/e-mail and other communications services; other personal expenses;
Guatemala exit tax ($30 at the time of this writing).
- 2-day Tikal extension: $255 in double room accommodations; $290 in single
room accommodations. Included in the Tikal trip: round trip transportation
from Antigua to Tikal (including flight from Guatemala City), first day entry
to Tikal National Park, with introductory tour by bilingual guide; lunch on
the day of arrival at Tikal; lodging Jan. 12 at the Jungle Lodge; Tikal
Museum entry; lodging Jan. 13 at Quinta de las Flores in Antigua; shuttle
service from Antigua to the airport on Jan. 14. Not included: Tikal park
entry Jan. 13 (approx. $6.50), drinks, additional meals, souvenirs, tips.
- Singles supplement for the main Guatemala excursion: single-room
accommodations on the main Guatemala trip are available for the additional fee
of $325.
NOTE: Trip prices DO NOT include US-Guatemala-US air fare. Travelers are
responsible for arranging their own air travel to and from Guatemala. For
excellent prices on air fares to Guatemala, Rutahsa Adventures gladly
recommends Solar Tours at 1-800-388-7652; ask for Patricia at extension 558,
and tell her you are going on Rutahsa Adventures Dec. trip to her homeland.
Also, MENA Travel at 1-800-536-6362; ask for John and tell him Rutahsa
Adventures sent you.
A minimum of 10 travelers is necessary to make this trip go; a maximum of 16
will be allowed. Thanks to a wonderful review by Frommer's, our New Year's
2001 trip sold out, so interested parties are advised to make their
reservations early.
If you'd like to see what Frommer's said about our most recent Guatemala
adventure, click here: Frommer's May 2002 review.
To make an enquiry about Rutahsa's Guatemala New Years Excursion, e-mail Dr.
Ric Finch at rfinch@tntech.edu.
To make a reservation, request a trip application blank or send a check made
out to Rutahsa Adventures, Inc., for the amount of $350, to 299 Allen Hollow
Rd., Cookeville, TN 38501. Once your trip application blank has been received
and your deposit accepted by Rutahsa Adventures, Inc., you will be guaranteed a
space on this excursion. Your deposit will be fully refunded if for any
reason the trip is canceled. If you decide to cancel your reservation,
your deposit will be fully refunded provided cancellation is made before
Nov. 1, 2001. After Nov. 1 there will be a cancellation penalty of $175 if
cancellation is made before Dec. 1. In the event of cancellation after Dec. 1
the full deposit is subject to retention.
Thanks for visiting!
Photos on this website by Janie and Ric Finch, @copyrighted.