This value tour of Guatemala features the Colonial gem, Antigua. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, and is the focus of much curiosity, in its mysterious allure. Discover lakes and volcanoes in Atitlan while learning about ancient rituals and mysticism. Take a domestic flight to Flores and enjoy a tour of the Tikal ruins, set in the heart of the Guatemalan Jungle! Listen to the Howler Monkeys roar across the distance as you climb to the top of these ancient ruins. Tikal was an important Mayan settlement for over 1500 years, starting about 700 BC. During the Classic Period 300 - 900 AD, the city prospered through trade and military conquest when the population peaked at 100,000. Return to Guatemala City by domestic flight.

Day 1
Antigua
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Like many of the hotels in Antigua, the Spanish influence is still obvious in the Villa Colonial. An old, quaint ambiance surrounds this 50 room hotel, where traditional decor and modern necessities ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. Enjoy an array of fresh fruits and juices at breakfast, along with other staples for a satisfying start to the day. Be sure to try the nearby restaurants to have a taste of the region's specialties firsthand. Lounge in the courtyard, mingle with other guests, or simply take in these beautiful surroundings. The center of town is a bit of a walk, and a short taxi ride away, but it is important to discover the history of these old walls and buildings when free time arises. Antigua is situated southwest of Guatemala City, and was considered to be one of the most splendid cities in Central America before its partial destruction in the earthquake of 1773. The town is now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Despite the damage of countless earthquakes, floods and fires, Antigua is a beautiful place of multi-colored, single-story buildings, tropical gardens, plazas, fountains and cobbled streets. A popular tourist center, it has several good hotels, restaurants and bookshops with a fairly lively nightlife.

Day 2
Antigua
You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. Your tour will cover the architectural & historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrances are included to the Iglesia San Francisco (church), the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 3
Antigua
Transfer to Lake Atitlan ( 2.5 hrs ) to the town of Panajachel and board a private boat to cross Lake Atitlan for a 30 minute scenic boat ride past the 3 impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan & San Pedro. Arrive in Santiago and visit the house of Maya God Maximon. Each year a different "brotherhood" has the privilege olf taking care of their God. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman, in order to have a personal ceremony. After visiting Maximon, you can visit the local church to learn about the history of this very traditional town and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from the area. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 4
Antigua
Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through Kensington Tours to ensure you make the most out of your time in Guatemala. Optional activities in Antigua include: City Tour, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlan Tour, Birdwatching, Biking and Volcano hiking. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Day 5
Guatemala City - Flores
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). A haven of wildlife and nature's secrets, the Villa Maya sits on the shores of Petenchel and Monifata about 45 minutes from the Tikal National Park. The huge private reserve plays host to the villa's 56 rooms, which are designed to offer the most modern living conditions while still keeping to the rustic, pleasant side of adventure getaways. This means there are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Friendly service goes hand in hand with tasty local and international dishes utilizing ingredients from the region. This beautiful environment features monkeys, deer, birds and insects of all sorts, for guests are practically left to play in the jungle. Roam the lagoons, swim in the pool, and simply discover Villa Maya. Guatemala City lies at the edge of a plateau cut by deep ravines in the Valley of the Hermitage. Few colonial buildings remain but the old quarter, with its low colonial houses, is situated in the northern part of the city. The main plaza, Parque Central lies at its heart and is bordered by the National Palace, the Cathedral, the National Library and an arcade of shops.

Day 6
Flores
Pick up from your lodge and begin your privately guided tour of Tikal National Park. Tikal was one of the major cultural and population centers of the Maya civilization. Though monumental architecture at the site dates to the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 AD to 900 AD. Some of these pyramids are over 60 meters high (200 feet). Enjoy some free time at the site and return to your hotel after lunch. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Flores is built on an island in the middle of Lake Petén Itza. A causeway connects Flores to the mainland town of Santa Elena, where the banks and main shops are located. Buses run throughout the day from both Santa Elena and Flores to Tikal. The spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal (City of Voices) encompass vast pyramidal temples, ball courts, causeways, plazas and public buildings that extend over some 16 sq km (6 sq miles). While there are about 3000 known structures, many more lie buried under dense jungle vegetation. First occupied in about 800 BC, this great city was eventually abandoned around 1000 years later.

Day 7
Flores - Guatemala City
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Depart from the International Airport in Guatemala City.