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From Antigua, a delightfully preserved colonial town nestled beneath the impressive Agua Volcano we commence cycling through typical villages and coffee plantations with superb views over the Antigua Valley.
We climb the nearby volcano of Pacaya (2650m) before continuing our cycle to the serenity of Lake Atitlan, to see traditional Mayan villages and the colourful market place of Chichicastenango. Our journey heads north to Coban where the national bird, the quetzal, can be sighted during our nature walk in the Biotopo del Quetzal.
Continuing to the calypso town of Livingston on the Caribbean coast this exciting itinerary is completed with our foray into the Tikal National Park where more than 3,000 pre-Hispanic constructions of temples, plazas and sanctuaries are engulfed by a stunning forest that simply teems with rich flora and fauna.
Arrive Guatemala City
On arrival in Guatemala City you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. A group briefing will be held this afternoon.
Transfer To Antigua & Commence Cycling (Approx 40Kms)
This morning we transfer to Antigua and commence cycling through typical Guatemalan villages and local coffee plantations, while enjoying beautiful views over the Antigua Valley. The cycling within the coffee farm is a maze of great trails weaving their way through the plantation. The plantation's practice of shade-grown coffee means the farm will be alive with native bird species. After biking amongst the plants we'll head inside to sample the different varieties & blends of coffee and see the whole coffee "deal" from picking to packaging. Tonight we will overnight in Antigua at Posada Don Rodrigo Hotel.
Day Hike In Pacaya Volcano
This morning we transfer from Antigua for our day hike up Pacaya Volcano. The drive is approx 100kms. At 2,650 meters high, Pacaya is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and for more than 30 years it has been expelling pyroclastic material. Our ascent will take us approximately 3 hours, with the first couple of hours taking us on gradual incline. The final hour is a little more difficult as we ascend the crater cone. In the afternoon we transfer back to Antigua and overnight at Posada Don Rodrigo.
Option Of A Bike Tour In Agua Volcano
For those who would rather cycle than hike today we have the option to undertake a technical, cross-country single-track cycle from the village of Santa Maria de Jesus at the foot of the Agua Volcano. This is a downhill cyclists dream come true. The trip sees us explore the lush evergreen forest & high elevation cornfields before making our way down the flanks of the mighty Volcan de Agua along ancient indian footpaths. In the afternoon transfer back to Antigua, overnight at Posada Don Rodrigo.
Explore Ruins Of Iximche, Cycle To Lake Atitlan
Leaving Antigua a short road journey bring us to the legendary ruins of Iximche The ruins are set on a flat promontory surrounded by steep cliffs and it is believed the site was once the capital city of the Cakchiquel Maya. We spend some time exploring the archaeological site with its small museum. Afterwards we set out cycling (approx 25kms) along the back roads through glorious mountain countryside and Indian villages, finishing the day with the spectacular descent to Lake Atitlan. We overnight in the town of Panajachel at Posada Don Rodrigo.
Explore Lake Atitlan
Today we spend the day exploring Lake Atitlan by both bike and boat. This gorgeous lake, a ‘caldera’ or collapsed volcano cone, is surrounded by three volcanoes and a variety of local cultures can be found around it’s shores. This evening we return back to Panajachel and overnight in Posada Don Rodrigo. We cycle approximately 30kms today.
To Chichicastenango & Visit Indian Markets
Transfer to Chichicastenango, where the most famous Indian market can be found. We spend some time walking around in the colorful market and this is a great opportunity for testing your bargaining skills with the local’s if you are looking for typical Guatemalan handicrafts. Surrounded by valleys Chichicastenango is a interesting town, with its narrow cobbled streets, often enveloped in mists. In the afternoon we bike through the beautiful highland area, through pine forests and cornfields through undulating valleys (cycle approx 28kms). We overnight in Chichicastenango at Santo Tomas Hotel.
Morning Cycling Before Returning To Guatemala City
Today we enjoy a full day bike ride in the surrounding area. We set out by vehicle and after a short drive we commence cycling. We descend almost 4,000 feet in just 20 miles, enjoying the magnificent scenery while cycling along well surfaced, but quiet roads. Our descent sees us arrive at the impressive restored ruins of Mixco Viejo. The post-classic Pocoman Maya city, wedged between deep ravines, was the active capital of the Pocoman Maya when the Spanish arrived. We spend time exploring the site, marveling at how few other people venture here. Late afternoon we transfer to Guatemala City where we overnight at the Biltmore Express Hotel.
Transfer To Coban
This morning we depart Guatemala City by road bound for Coban (drive approx 215kms). Located in the Cahabon river basin, along an irregular landscape which makes the urban surrounding failry dispersed, in a widespread combination of hills and plains. Visit of the Quetzal Biotope, Orchid Nursery and cloud forest ride. Overnight in La Posada.
Vist To Semuc Champey
This morning we drive approximately 70 kms to visit Semuc Champey. Often considered as Guatemala’s most beautiful spot, this place could be compared to paradise. With it’s series of rivers and streams joining to form several pools ranging from turquoise to emerald green, it makes a great place for a swim. The area is also renowned for it’s natural limestone bridge, which spans almost 300 meters long. We enjoy the rest of day exploring the natural beauty of the area. In the afternoon we transfer back to Coban where we overnight in La Posada.
To Rio Dulce, Overnight In Livingstone
Today we drive approximately 340kms from Coban to Rio Dulce. On arrival in we board our boat for the trip to Livingston, Chocon Machacas Biotope and San Felipe Castle. Overnight in Livingston at Villa Caribe Hotel.
Transfer To Flores
Transfer from Rio Dulce to Flores takes approximately 300kms. We overnight in Flores at Del Patio Hotel.
Day Trip To Tikal
The majesty of the Mayan ruins at Tikal is striking. The winding, mossy jungle paths open up to a surreal world of pyramids and temples, where howler monkeys, frogs and birds like toucans create a cacophonous crescendo. Tikal has a number of step pyramids whose forty-four or so metres you can climb to gain a view across the jungle canopy. From the maze of courtyards of the Great Plaza, temples spread out into the jungle, including the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, and the North Acropolis of King Moon Double Comb.
The Mayans settled in Tikal around 700 BC and had started to build the grand North Acropolis by 200 BC. By the time of Christ, the Grand Plaza was being built from stone, but it wasn’t until AD 250 that Tikal became a religious and cultural centre. It reached its glory under King Great Jaguar Paw in AD 300 and underwent a renaissance around AD 700 under King Moon Double Comb, before falling into a mysterious decline, like other Mayan centres, around AD 900.
Fly Flores To Guatemala City. Trip Concludes.
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight from Flores to Guatemala City. On arrival in Guatemala City our trip concludes.
Note:
The itinerary described above is a sample of what you can expect. Distances can vary depending on various circumstances that may arise, however such changes will be made to further enhance the itinerary including local festivals, cultural shows and other events. Your leader, in consultation with group members and our local guides will make alterations to the itinerary.
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
- comfortable twinshare hotels throughout
- all internal transport including flight from Flores to Guatemala City US$85
- all guide fees and entrance costs for sites mentioned in itinerary
- expert bilingual guide
- Use of Mountain Bikes, helmet, gloves
- specialised cycling guide
- water during cycling section
- support vehicle during cycling section
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