GUATEMALA AND BELIZE FAMILY VACATION

Transcription

1 GUATEMALA AND BELIZE FAMILY VACATION

2 Itinerary Overview Discover Guatemala and Belize on a family vacation full of authentic cultural experiences, dramatic scenery, jungle wildlife, and spectacular Maya ruins, as well as snorkeling among coral reefs with relaxed family time at the beach. Traveling among native highland communities we experience the vibrant Maya culture and its rich heritage sharing a meal in a lovely local home, learning the art of weaving and colorful embroidery, and interacting with local people at colorful indigenous markets. Traveling from Antigua and the beautiful volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan we fly to the rainforest lowlands of Petén where we explore the vast ruins and abundant wildlife of Tikal National Park. A short connecting flight to the coast of Belize takes us to our beach front accommodation to explore the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. This is the perfect recipe for an enriching, relaxing, fun family adventure. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Sat ANTIGUA Casa Santa Domingo D Arrive and transfer to Antigua. 2 Sun SANTIAGO ATITLAN Posada de Santiago BLD Chichicastenango market visit 3 Mon SANTIAGO ATITLAN Posada de Santiago BLD 4 Tue FLORES 5 Wed TIKAL Nitun Private Reserve Nitun Private Reserve BLD BLD 6 Thu DANGRIGA Jaguar Reef BLD 7 Fri DANGRIGA Jaguar Reef BLD 8 Sat DANGRIGA Jaguar Reef BLD 9 Sun Horseback riding or hiking, Santiago Atitlan Tour Comolapa village visit, afternoon flight to Lago Petén Itza, boat transfer to Nitun. Tikal archaeological site tour. Fly to Belize city and connect on to Dangriga. Transfer to hotel. Half day Barrier Reef snorkeling. Free day Home -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ANTIGUA Met and warmly received after your international flight touches down in Guatemala City by your guide, a 45 minute drive brings you to Antigua, Latin America s premier colonial city. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former capital of Guatemala is a strikingly beautiful city, rich in history. Visitors and locals alike casually congregate in the central plaza sitting and strolling, watching the world go by. Overnight at the centrally located Palacio de Dona Leonor or similar. [D] DAY 2: CHICHICASTENANGO Arise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango where K iche indigenous people gather to barter, buy and sell. Take ample time to stroll through the streets, browse and purchase native handicrafts, and observe ancient native rites of burning incense, spreading flower petals and burning candles in the Santo Tomás Church. Although the rites are Mayan and not Catholic, the Catholic Church has allowed the Maya to practice religion in their own manner since the 17th century. After lunch depart for the shores of Lake Atitlan, a caldera lake whose crystal blue waters are flanked by three spectacular volcanoes, and take a short boat ride across the lake to your charming hotel near the Tzutujil Maya village of Santiago Atitlan on the scenic south shore. The Posada is surrounded by coffee trees and features individual volcanic stone cottages and suites which are perfect for families as well as a lakeside swimming pool, canoes and an excellent restaurant which emphasizes fresh food. Overnight at Hotel Posada de Santiago or similar. [BLD] DAY 3: SANTIAGO ATITLAN Options for the morning include either horseback riding or hiking. Choose to mount your horse for a morning ride in the nearby Mirador de Tepepul cloud forest. Under the guidance of an expert who knows the area intimately, follow a trail which takes you through corn and coffee fields before zigzagging up the mountain pass. On a clear day you can expect a great view of the lake and you may even be able to see the Pacific Ocean. No riding experience is necessary as horses are available for all levels of riders. The other option is to cross the lake by ferry to the village of San Pedro La Laguna and walk up through the forest to the lookout point to view the San Pedro volcano. The viewpoint gives you a new perspective and the chance to learn more about the complex of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan and how the lake itself was formed by a collapsed volcano. Following either morning option, return to the picturesque village of Santiago Atitlan and glimpse daily life as you explore the narrow streets encountering native women wearing their traditional huipiles (cloaks) and headwear. Stop by the Catholic Church founded over four centuries ago to see the saints draped in cloth. Visit the local Mayan-Catholic deity, Maximon and learn about the unusual gifts and rituals offered by local people in hopes of bringing good luck. Afternoon free time can be spent relaxing by the pool, soaking in the hot tub, biking near the lake, enjoying a siesta in a hammock, or canoeing on the lake. Overnight at Hotel Posada de Santiago or similar. [BLD] DAY 4: COMALAPA / FLORES Leaving Lake Atitlan behind, drive to the traditional village of Comalapa to visit a Mayan family and witness the ancient art of back strap loom weaving. This technique is passed down through generations and is still widely used today to make textiles. Explore the village and enjoy a traditional lunch in the home of a Mayan family observing the kindness, generosity, hard work and family values displayed by your hosts. We continue back to the airport in Guatemala City and leave the highlands to catch a late afternoon flight (included) to Flores, the gateway to the Maya ruins of Tikal. After landing a boat takes us across Lake Petén Itza to our eco-lodge set in a private reserve featuring casitas with rock walls and thatched roofs decorated with original paintings and beautiful indigenous textiles and carpets. Kids love the array of resident animals, the family friendly atmosphere and the delicious home-style cooking. Overnight Ni tun Private Reserve or similar. [BLD] -3-

4 DAY 5: TIKAL MAYAN RUINS Catch a little more sleep on the early morning (hour and fifteen minute) drive to the majestic Mayan ruins of Tikal. Rising out of the jungle canopy where Howler monkeys swing through the trees and parrots are frequently heard squawking, a visit to Tikal is unforgettable. Once the most powerful city in the Americas, this huge complex of temples, altars, pyramids, plazas and palaces, includes more than 3,000 structures. The Maya were one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world producing many works of literature, philosophy and architecture as well as a precise calendar. Keeping in mind the interests and attention span of children, your knowledgeable guide brings this ancient civilization to life as you explore some of the most interesting sites. Keep your eyes out for a chance sighting of jaguar, puma, tapir, anteaters and many species of birds as you walk the less traveled paths. After soaking in the great history of Tikal and its mysterious decline, kids can pretend to be a Howler monkey and fly among the trees on a zipline canopy tour before heading back to your lodge and a refreshing dip in the lake. Overnight Ni tun Private Reserve or similar. [BLD] DAY 6: CARIBBEAN COASTLINE Time for some carefree beach days! Cross the border on an early morning flight (included) from Flores to Belize City with a short connection on to Dangriga, located on Belize s central coast. Your lodge is located on a six hundred acre peninsula with seven miles of pristine white sand beach and surrounded by acres of reef and rainforest. Kick off your shoes, unpack and settle into your beach cabana or suite. The lodge features hardwood, traditional materials such as bay leaf thatch, ceramic tiles, wonderful ocean views and pristine white sand at your doorstep. Take a dip in the gentle ocean water or one of the swimming pools, simply relax in a hammock under the swaying palms and let your cares drift away, or indulge in a spa treatment at the newly opened, full service Butterfly Spa (not included). Overnight at Jaguar Reef Lodge or similar. [BLD] DAY 7: BARRIER REEF SNORKELING Check out the strange coral formations and swim amongst a variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish as you explore the marine environment on a half-day snorkeling and swimming excursion (8am-1pm). Boat through a string of mangrove cayes, home to an impressive variety of marine life including angel and parrot fish, sergeant major, barracuda, eel, and the occasional stingray or harmless nurse shark. Continue out to the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world. Your guide will swim along with you pointing out the dazzling array of tropical fish, hydrocorals, sea fans, feather plumes, sponges, and sea cucumbers. Return to the lodge for lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach. Don t forget the sunscreen! Overnight at Jaguar Reef Lodge. [BLD] DAY 8: FREE BEACH DAY The last full day of vacation is yours to plan as much or as little as you like! Sleep late, lounge on the beach, swim in the pool, borrow one of the complimentary kayaks and paddle the blue waters off shore. Hop on one of the lodge s bikes and pedal into the nearby village of Hopkins to witness Garifuna culture. Or bike 10 minutes to Iguana Lodge, Jaguar Reef s new outpost on the Sittee River. Explore the pristine river water by kayak looking for iguanas, manatees, crocodiles, turtles, parrots and parakeets. Or try your luck with the complimentary spin casting gear and fish the Sittee for grouper, snook, snapper, or tarpon. Complete the afternoon with a family game of bocce, badminton, cards or dominoes (included). Those wishing to discover more of Belize may choose to join one of the day trips offered by your lodge (not included). Lodge excursions include floating and walking through a cave system to witness evidence of ancient Maya ceremonial sites or hiking through the tropical forest in the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve seeing Howler monkeys, tapir, numerous reptile and bird species and if you are extremely lucky, the elusive jaguar. Overnight Jaguar Reef Lodge or similar. [BLD] DAY 9: DEPART Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to explore more of Belize s natural wonders. [B] END OF SERVICES -4-

5 Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING: GROUP SIZE Adult $3595 $3295 $3095 Teen* $2675 $2675 $2695 Child* $1995 $1995 $1595 *Child and Teen rates are based on sharing a room with 2 adults. Maximum two children or one teen per room. $100 surcharge applies to December departure. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions English-speaking naturalist guides Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation 8 nights hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -5-

6 Accomodations HOTEL CASA SANTO DOMINGO, ANTIGUA There are 129 rooms with diverse qualities. Each one has a private bathroom, mini bar, chimney (most of them), flat screen T.V., cable, telephone, hairdryer, and safety deposit box. The following services are available for our guests every day: medical services, shoe shine, laundry, postal service, newspaper in specific areas, baggage storage, lost objects, ice, wake up calls, voice mail, and taxis. The Casa Santo Domingo Cultural Center has a large collection of colonial objects, which has been formed through the years. The collection is very complete and is totally registered at the Registry Department of the General Directorship of Cultural and Natural Patrimony of Guatemala. From domestic sculptures to fine silver religious objects, it can be found in this collection. Part of it is exhibited in the main corridors of the hotel and in its rooms. Another part of this collection, extremely beautiful and unique, was reserved so that everybody could admire it at the Colonial Museum. HOTEL POSADA SANTIAGO Nestled between the volcanoes that cradle the indigenous Tzutujil village of Santiago Atitlan, the charming stone cottage lodgings, renowned cuisine and luxurious lakefront amenities of the Posada provide the perfect base from which to experience Guatemala's natural beauty and colorful cultures. Six individual volcanic stone cottages are artfully built of volcanic stone. The cottages are separated by lush tropical gardens, only a short walk to the restaurant, pool, and beachfront. All come with a queen-sized bed and a single bed, private bathroom with hot water, fireplace, and hammock. A suite and junior suite are larger two-story buildings catering to families and even include satellite television and a coffee maker. NI TUN ECO-LODGE A deluxe jungle eco-lodge located in the pristine area of Lago Petén Itza an hour and a half from Tikal National Park. Wood and rock cabins, constructed using traditional methods, have thatched palm roofs and private terraces with lake views. Double and twin bedded rooms are available and a large casita comfortably accommodates families. Handcrafted items from Guatemalan artisans from different indigenous communities can be found throughout the rooms and lodge. The kitchen prepared innovative Guatemalan cuisine focusing on organic local ingredients. Guests can spend days visiting nearby Maya sites, kayaking on the lake or simply relaxing in the shade. JAGUAR REEF, DANGRIGA In the midst of tropical rivers, untouched barrier reef and the most beautiful stretch of sandy beach, this luxury Belize lodge provides the epitome of adventure and relax+ation for your exciting Belize vacation. A choice between spacious cabanas or two-bedroom suites assures luxury accommodations and comfort during your stay in Belize. Delicious meals served under a covered patio give guests a stunning view while dining. Located halfway down the coast of Belize, Jaguar Reef boasts a beautiful, unspoiled offshore reef. Visitors enjoy the endless hours of diving and snorkeling. Other intriguing, nearby activities include jungle hikes, excursions to the lagoons, cayes and wide flats. This beautiful lodge is an ideal home base to rejuvenate your senses while you explore the wonders of Central America. -6-

7 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program Directors at Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and the initial trip deposit. Deposit requirements are as follows*: $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person 91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips) days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost *Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as 100% of the cost. PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS We think our trips are the best in the business. But don t take just our word for it. We re happy to provide you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a We re here to help. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at or use the Contact a Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions Wildland Adventures How to Reserve a Trip