Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel with Host Lecturer Maria Luisa Crawford 60 presents...

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1 ryn Mawr Alumnae Travel with Host Lecturer Maria Luisa Crawford 60 presents... Small groups: Never more than 24 travelers guaranteed! Route of the Maya El Salvador Honduras Guatemala elize 15 days Land Tour only from $ days including international airfare from Philadelphia from $ 3495 Additional departure cities are available pre-trip extensions: El Salvador: Colonial Suchitoto & the Flower Route 4 nights from $595 Nicaragua s Colonial Cities & Volcanic Landscapes 5 nights from $1145 post-trip extension: Southern elize s Natural & Cultural Gems 5 nights from $1395 n International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges unless you choose to make your own air arrangements n All land transportation and 1 internal flight n Accommodations for 15 nights n 34 meals daily breakfast, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch) n 23 small group activities n Services of a resident, English-speaking OAT Trip Leader n NEW for 2015: Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters n 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure an average of $183 P a To/From U.S. Internal flight Land route 0 Miles 60 MEXICO c i f i c O c e a n Tikal National Park Lake Petén-Itzá Flores GUATEMALA Panajachel Lake Atitlán Antigua Guatemala City Yaxha San Salvador Lamanai ELIZE I TINERARY S UMMARY April 13, 2015 pre-trip option: El Salvador: Colonial Suchitoto & the Flower Route OR Nicaragua s Colonial Cities & Volcanic Landscapes DAYS DESTINATION LODGING 1-2 Fly to San Salvador, El Salvador Hotel Alicante 3-4 Joya de Cerén Copán Clarion Hotel Copán Ruinas 5-6 Guatemala City est Western Hotel Stofella 7-8 Lake Atitlán Porta Hotel del Lago 9-11 Antigua Hotel Los Pasos Fly to Flores Tikal La Casona del Lago elize City elize iltmore Plaza 16 Return to U.S. elize City post-trip option: elize s arrier Reef & Ambergris Caye C a r i b EL SALVADOR b e a e a n S Copán HONDURAS POST-TRIP EXTENSION Managua Granada Masaya NICARAGUA Lake Nicaragua From elize City Pacific Ocean PRE-TRIP EXTENSION GUATEMALA Ataco San Salvador P acific O cean Suchitoto COSTA RICA Caribbean Sea HONDURAS EL SALVADOR Please mention this code when booking: G Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2

2 I T Day 1 Depart U.S. Arrive San Salvador, El Salvador. Today you ll arrive in San Salvador, where your OAT Trip Leader will assist with your transfer to our hotel. There, you ll meet your fellow travelers, including those who took our optional pre-trip extensions to El Salvador: Colonial Suchitoto & the Flower Route or Nicaragua s Colonial Cities & Volcanic Landscapes. This evening, dinner is on your own. Hotel Alicante Day 2 Explore San Salvador. After breakfast at our hotel, we ll embark on a fullday exploration of San Salvador. We ll begin by viewing the city s history from multiple perspectives as we visit the Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen, the Military History Museum, and the San Salvador Cathedral. After lunch, we ll visit a local women s coop. We ll return to our hotel and enjoy some free time before dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d Hotel Alicante Day 3 Discover Joya de Cerén Overland to Copán Ruinas, Honduras. This morning, we ll explore Joya de Cerén, a well-preserved Mayan ruin that features dwellings once buried under 20 feet of volcanic ash. Afterward, we travel overland to Honduras, stopping for lunch en route and arriving in time for dinner at a local restaurant. Please note: If I N E R A Day 3 falls on a Monday, we ll enjoy a visit to Fernando Llort s gallery in lieu of Joya de Cerén.,L,D Clarion Hotel Copán Ruinas Day 4 Explore Copán ruins Optional La Pintada Village Horseback Ride. This morning after breakfast, we set out to explore the crown jewel of the Mayan civilization: the ruins of Copán (or Xukpi to the Maya) a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoy a full morning here to explore its sprawling ball court, adorned with markers resembling macaw heads; the Great Plaza, scattered with altars and carved stelae, stone statues of powerful Mayan rulers; and the Hieroglyphic Stairway, which features 63 steps with 2,500 glyphs, or symbols, carved into the stone. During our visit, we ll keep an eye out for the toucans and monkeys that inhabit the surrounding jungle. After lunch, join us for an optional horseback ride to La Pintada, a quaint farming village of thatched-roof homes and garden patches, where we ll meet its friendly residents and enjoy a traditional Honduran dinner. Or take the time to explore the sleepy town of Copán Ruinas before dinner on your own.,l Clarion Hotel Copán Ruinas Day 5 Overland to Guatemala City, Guatemala Paleontology Museum. Following breakfast, we journey overland R Y to Guatemala, stopping en route to visit the Museum of Paleontology in Estanzuela, home to both Mayan artifacts and prehistoric fossils, and to enjoy lunch on our own. This evening, we check into our hotel in Guatemala City, where we ll have dinner at a local restaurant.,d est Western Hotel Stofella Day 6 Visit local nonprofit Explore Guatemala City. Today, we ll explore the hardships many Guatemalans face by visiting a local nonprofit organization supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. The organization provides financial, medical, developmental, and academic support to impoverished children between the ages of 2 and 21, while also offering adult literacy and social entrepreneurship programs to their parents and families. We ll meet some of the organization s students today and discuss how they are striving to rise above their difficult situation. This afternoon, we begin our explorations of Guatemala City with a panoramic drive, enjoying views of its stately Civic Center, the red aroque façade of the Iglesia Yurrita, the Neoclassical Metropolitan Cathedral, and the bustle of Reforma Avenue. We ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is on your own. est Western Hotel Stofella Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2

3 Day 7 Overland to Panajachel. Today, we ll depart for Panajachel or Pana, as it is fondly called by locals stopping en route to meet a family that makes roof tiles and bricks in El Tejar. We ll also stop to visit a local market in Sololá, one of the largest Mayan cities in Guatemala. Here, we ll see colorfully dressed locals selling meat, vegetables, fruit, housewares, and clothing. In the late afternoon, we ll arrive in Panajachel, with time to check in to our hotel and enjoy a brief walking tour before dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d Porta Hotel del Lago Day 8 Cruise Lake Atitlán Optional Canopy & Hanging ridges tour. Today, we cruise breathtaking, volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America and the heart of the Mayan world. We ll discover the lingering influence of Mayan art when we stop to visit a textile market in Santiago. While there, we ll also learn about the traveling statue of Maximón a famous Mayan deity and visit an altar where local people still perform rituals to honor him. Then we ll cross the lake to San Antonio Palopo to have lunch at a local restaurant. When we return to our hotel this afternoon, you ll enjoy some time at leisure. Or, you might choose to join an optional wildlifeviewing walk along the hanging bridges of the Atitlán Nature Reserve, followed by a thrilling zip-line ride. Please note: During the rainy season, the Canopy & Hanging ridges optional tour will be available in the morning, and the other activities will move to later in the day.,l,d Porta Hotel del Lago Day 9 Overland to Antigua Visit macadamia farm. This morning, we set off overland to Antigua. We ll stop en route for lunch on our own. As we approach Antigua, we ll visit a local macadamia farm to learn how these nuts are grown, harvested, and used. Later, we ll check in to our hotel and gather for dinner at a local restaurant.,d Hotel Los Pasos Day 10 A Day in the Life of Santa Catarina arahona Home-Hosted Lunch. After breakfast, we ll visit a colorful market in Antigua, where we ll have the chance to interact with local people and delve deeper into their vibrant culture. Later, we ll participate in a tortilla-making lesson. Our cultural discoveries continue when we experience A Day in the Life of Santa Catarina arahona. Here, we ll briefly visit a local school (when in session) supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation and meet two local families. We will join one of these families for a Home-Hosted Lunch, where we ll enjoy a taste of regional specialties and glimpse into the lives of our hosts. We return to Antigua this afternoon, when you ll have time for independent exploration. Tonight, we ll have dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d Hotel Los Pasos Day 11 Discover Antigua Optional Life in Guatemala s Mayan Villages tour. This morning, we embark on a walking tour of Antigua, one of the Americas oldest and loveliest cities full of Spanish Colonial and aroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and graceful stucco homes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour takes in several of Antigua s museums, as well as the restored convent of Santo Domingo. Then, enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Antigua and dinner on your own. Or, join our optional Life in Guatemala s Mayan Villages tour, which includes a visit to two villages outside of Antigua, followed by dinner with a traditional folkloric dance performance. Hotel Los Pasos Day 12 Morning at leisure Fly to Flores. This morning, enjoy time at leisure in Antigua to make your own discoveries in this charming city. After lunch at a local restaurant, we ll depart to the airport for our late afternoon flight to Flores, where we ll settle in to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.,l La Casona del Lago Day 13 Explore Tikal ruins. Today, we explore Tikal, a magnificent 1,800-yearold Mayan complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immersed in the lush Petén jungle, Tikal features roughly 3,000 structures, including 200-foot temples that rise through the leafy canopy. We ll enjoy lunch at the site, then return to our hotel for time at leisure. This evening, we ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d La Casona del Lago Day 14 Explore Yaxhá ruins Overland to elize City, elize. Today, we travel to Yaxhá an active site in various stages of discovery. Here, we ll observe as archaeologists carefully free centuries of Mayan history from the verdant grip of the jungle. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we travel overland to elize City. We ll enjoy a brief orientation walk around the area before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d elize iltmore Plaza Day 15 Explore Lamanai ruins Discover elize City. After breakfast, we travel by boat up the New River to explore the ruins of Lamanai (a Mayan word which translates to submerged crocodile ), the ruins of which date back to 700 C. Nestled amid thick jungle vegetation alive with exotic birds and howler monkeys, Lamanai boasts the second-largest Classic structure in the Maya world: its magnificent High Temple. The site also features the 13-foot Mask Temple, a stone temple mask of a Maya king. After our exploration of Lamanai, we ll enjoy a elize City tour. Tonight we toast the completion of La Ruta Maya over a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.,d elize iltmore Plaza Day 16 elize City Return to U.S. or begin post-trip extension. After breakfast at our hotel, transfer to the elize City airport for your flight home. Travelers taking our Southern elize s Natural & Cultural Gems post-trip extension will transfer to Placencia. Please note: We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group s experience. Expand your discoveries with these optional tours LA PINTADA VILLAGE HORSEACK RIDE WITH DINNER (Day 4, $65 per person) CANOPY & HANGING RIDGES (Day 8, $50 per person) LIFE IN GUATEMALA S MAYAN VILLAGES (Day 11, $60 per person) Please note: Optional tour prices listed are U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary. Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2

4 Make the most of your international airfare: Stay longer and discover more El Salvador: Colonial Suchitoto Nicaragua s Colonial Cities & the Flower Route & Volcanic Landscapes 595 Travel from only $149 a day 4 nights pre-trip from $ n Accommodations for 1 night on the Pacific Coast, 2 nights in Suchitoto, and 1 night in Ataco n 8 meals 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners n 6 small group activities n Services of an expert local guide, who speaks English and the native language n All transfers n Porterage for 1 bag per traveler Itinerary Day 1 Depart U.S. Arrive San Salvador, El Salvador. Arrive in San Salvador today, where your OAT Trip Leader will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer to our hotel. Hotel Pacific Paradise Day 2 Overland to Suchitoto Walking tour. This morning, we travel overland to Suchitoto, where we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the cobbled streets of this beautiful colonial town. This evening, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d Hotel Los Almendros Day 3 Suchitoto Visit Hacienda Los Nacimientos Cihuatán. Following breakfast, we visit Hacienda Los Nacimientos, the location of a former guerrilla camp during El Salvador s Civil War. Today, the hacienda is home to an organic farming initiative which produces, among other crops, indigo dye. After lunch at the farm, we explore the ruins of Cihuatán, the impressive capital city of a post-maya, pre-hispanic civilization. We return to our hotel, and dinner is on your own this evening.,l Hotel Los Almendros Price per person: from $595 Single Supplement: FREE MYP2015 Discovery Highlights Enjoy the colonial charm of Suchitoto Visit a former guerrilla camp used during El Salvador s Civil War Experience Salvadoran culture at a local school, and in the rural villages of the Flower Route Discover a variety of tropical flora and fauna amidst the stunning volcanic landscapes of Cerro Verde National Park Day 4 Cerro Verde Overland to Ataco Explore Ataco. After breakfast this morning, we explore the verdant rain forests of Cerro Verde National Park and discover Izalco Volcano. We then drive to the mountain village of Ataco and admire the colorful weavings produced by its residents, as well as the elaborate murals that adorn its buildings. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at our hotel.,d Hotel Alicante Montaña Day 5 Flower Route to San Salvador egin main trip. This morning, we travel along the Ruta de las Flores (Flower Route) to San Salvador, arriving in time for lunch on your own. Here, we ll begin our Route of the Maya adventure. 995 Travel from only $199 a day 5 nights pre-trip from $ n Airfare from Managua to San Salvador n Accommodations for 1 night in Managua and 4 nights in Granada n 11 meals 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners n 8 small group activities n Services of an expert OAT Trip Leader who speaks English and the native language Itinerary Day 1 Depart U.S. Arrive Managua, Nicaragua. Fly from the U.S. to Managua and check in to your hotel. Hotel Camino Real Day 2 Managua Travel to Granada. After breakfast, we explore Nicaragua s capital, Managua, from the Tiscapa Historical Park to the Palacio Nacional and the National Cathedral. We have lunch at a local restaurant in Managua, then depart for Granada. When we arrive in Granada, we ll check in to our hotel and take an orientation walk. We ll have dinner at our hotel this evening.,l,d Casa del Consulado Hotel Day 3 Discover Granada oat tour of Lake Nicaragua. This morning, we delve into the Spanish colonial heritage of Granada, which was founded in Afterwards, lunch is on your own and your early afternoon is free. Later in the afternoon, we ll take an excursionboat cruise for about 1.5 hours along the islet-dotted waters of Lake Nicaragua. This evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant in Granada.,D Casa del Consulado Hotel n All transfers for 1 bag per traveler n Porterage Discovery Highlights Immerse yourself in Granada s Spanish colonial heritage Cruise Lake Nicaragua in search of its aquatic wonders Discover the pueblo blanco (white town) of Catarina Volcano National Park, visiting active and inactive craters on the 2,083-foothigh volcano. Later, we ll return to Masaya city to visit craft workshops, then continue to the village of Catarina to admire the view of Catarina Lake, have lunch, and visit workshops where local craftspeople make ceramics and bamboo baskets and furniture. Dinner is on your own in Granada this evening.,l Casa del Consulado Hotel Day 5 Visit farming cooperative. After breakfast, we ll visit the Nicaragua Libre Farming Cooperative to see how Nicaraguan farmers live and work. We ll tour the facilities and see how some handcrafts are made from local seeds. Then, we ll enjoy a lunch of traditional Nicaraguan specialties at the farming cooperative before returning to our hotel in Granada. We ll have dinner at a local restaurant in Granada this evening.,l,d Casa del Consulado Hotel Day 6 Fly to San Salvador egin main trip. After breakfast, we ll fly to San Salvador, El Salvador to begin our Route of the Maya adventure. Day 4 Discover Masaya & Catarina. This morning we ll take a driving tour of the city of Masaya. Next, we ll explore the volcanic landscapes of Masaya Price per person: from $995 Single Supplement: FREE MNC2015 Additional taxes and fees apply. Gratuities are not included on these extensions due to operational limitations and are at your discretion. Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2

5 Make the most of your international airfare: Stay longer and discover more Southern elize s Natural & Cultural Gems 1395 Travel from only $279 per night 5 nights post-trip from $ n Transportation to Placencia from elize City n Accommodations for 5 nights in Placencia n 12 meals 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners n 6 small group activities n Services of an expert local guide who speaks English and the native language n All transfers n Porterage for 1 bag per traveler Discovery Highlights Cruise the mangrove channels of Monkey River Witness the colorful Garífuna culture by meeting local students and families in Seine ight Featured Hotel The Placencia Placencia, elize Sitting on a private beach in Placencia with easy access to Maya each The Placencia Hotel is equipped with an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and several bars and lounges. Each of the hotel s 88 air-conditioned rooms has a safe, flat-screen TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, and private bath with hair dryer. Optional Tour Itinerary Day 1 Overland to Placencia Walking tour of Placencia. After breakfast, we ll travel overland to Placencia, stopping en route to visit St. Herman s lue Hole National Park and eat lunch. We ll arrive in Placencia in the late afternoon and take a brief walking tour of the area. Tonight, we ll gather for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.,l,d The Placencia Day 2 Cruise Monkey River Visit banana farm. Today, we ll enjoy a boat ride on Monkey River, one of Southern elize s major waterways. We ll stop for lunch in Monkey River town, a serene village of only 200 residents. After our boat ride, we ll visit a local banana farm, where we ll learn how these fruits are produced. This afternoon, we ll return to Placencia for some time at leisure. Dinner tonight is on your own.,l The Placencia Day 3 Seine ight Visit local school and home. After breakfast at our hotel, we ll depart for Seine ight, a small coastal village north of Placencia and one of only a few Garífuna villages in elize. Today, we ll explore the Garífuna culture which is a unique mixture of African, Carib, and Arawak traditions by visiting a local primary school. After meeting the school s children, we ll delve deeper into their culture by visiting a local home, where we will get unique insight into Garífuna history and traditions. Then, after lunch at a local restaurant, we ll return to Placencia. Dinner tonight is on your own.,l The Placencia Day 4 Optional Snorkeling at Laughing ird Caye tour Visit seaweed farming cooperative. This morning, you can enjoy some free time to explore Placencia on your own, or join our optional tour for Snorkeling at Laughing ird Caye. This protected island located just 11 miles off the coast of Placencia village boasts one of the best snorkeling spots in elize. During our swim, we may see colorful corals and sponges, Queen Angelfish, Trumpetfish, and Gray Snapper. This afternoon, we ll visit the Placencia Producers Cooperative Society, which specializes in seaweed farming. We ll learn more about this process today as we visit the coop and speak with the women who package the seaweed to be sold to the local market. Later, we ll return to our hotel and enjoy time at leisure before dinner at a local restaurant.,d The Placencia Day 5 Visit Gulisi Garífuna Museum Afternoon at leisure. This morning, we ll visit the Gulisi Garífuna Museum in Dangriga, the largest town in Southern elize and the unofficial capital of the country s Garífuna people. Next, we will sharpen our culinary prowess at the Marie Sharp Factory, exploring how this popular brand of elizean hot sauce is created. We ll enjoy lunch on our own before returning to Placencia, where we ll have the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant.,d The Placencia Day 6 Return to U.S. After breakfast, we ll transfer to the airport for our short flight to elize City. This afternoon, we ll board our flight to the U.S. Please note: Gratuities are not included on this extension due to operational limitations and are at your discretion. Single Supplement: FREE This extension may not be available on all departures. Additional taxes and fees apply. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details. Snorkeling at Laughing ird Caye, $70 per person Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2

6 Route of the Maya 15 Day Land Tour only. Maximum Group Size: 24 Land Tour Only April 13, 2015 Land Tour only $2595 Air Add-On April 13, 2015 Philadelphia $900 Additional departure cities are available. Call for details. MYR2014 SAVE up to 10% and lock in your price! PAY IN FULL prior to your departure date YOUR SAVINGS off your total trip price* 12 months or more prior to departure 10% off 11 months prior to departure 7% off 10 months prior to departure 6% off 9 months prior to departure 5% off 8 months prior to departure 4% off 7 months prior to departure 3% off 6 months prior to departure 2% off 5 months prior to departure 1.5% off Make your final payment by check within the last 120 days $50 off EXAMPLE: ased on a $5000 trip price Paid in full by check 12 months prior to your departure date, you save $500 (10% of your trip price) Paid in full by check 8 months prior to your departure date, you save $200 (4% of your trip price) Paid in full by check 6 months prior to your departure date, you save $100 (2% of your trip price) * You will save a minimum of $50 when you pay in full by check. Deposit: $350 per person. Guaranteed Travel Protection Plan: Please visit for details on this optional program. Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this program. Visit our website at for details. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. After you reserve your trip, toll-free Customer Service and our Air Department are available Monday Friday 9 am to 8 pm ET, Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 7 pm ET at GOVERNMENT TAXES AND FEES The following government taxes and fees are now included in your airfare price. Government and other authority taxes and fees: September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 USD applies per passenger, per flight segment (maximum charge per trip $5.00 USD one-way, $10.00 USD round trip). A flight segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing. Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) of up to $18 per passenger. Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of up to $3.70 USD applies per passenger, per flight segment (defined as a takeoff and a landing). U.S. or International Departure and Arrival Charges of up to $200 USD may apply depending on itinerary. On select itineraries that include the purchase of a pre- and/or post-trip extension, U.S. or international departure and arrival charges of up to $300 USD may apply. Call for details. Standard Terms & Conditions can be found on the web at MORE value, MORE choices with Overseas Adventure Travel s Lowest Price Guarantee Reserve early to receive our LOWEST PRICE on any 2014 or 2015 departure of an OAT adventure guaranteed. We ll AUTOMATICALLY REFUND you the difference of the Land Tour-only or Small Ship Adventure-only price if we reduce your main trip price up until the day you depart. Plus, you ll pay up to $1800 less per couple than you paid last year when you purchase our Land Tour-only or Small Ship Adventure-only option in SAVE UP TO 10% off of the cost of your adventure with our Good uy Plan. Lock in your entire trip price, including cabin categories, optional extensions, and airfare even if government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges go up. Act fast for EST SELECTION. The earlier you reserve, the better your chances are that your first choice of departure dates and pre- and post-trip extensions will be available. Please note: OAT s Lowest Price Guarantee applies to Land Tour-only prices or Small Ship Adventure-only prices based on the lowest cabin category; and does not include pre- or post-trip extensions, cabin categories, optional extensions, and airfare. Reservations & Information: Call Toll-Free: Press 2 name/code: Route of the Maya/MYR Please be ready to give the Departure date: April 13, 2015 reservations agent the following information Trip Please mention this code when booking: G CST