Guatemala – Mayan Ruins of Tikal
Guatemala – Mayan Ruins of Tikal
A journey through spectacular Mayan ruins that will fill you with awe
Erika Affolter is a much-travelled Advisor and she has spent a good deal of time in Central America. After 2 weeks travel through Guatemala visiting Lake Atitlan, an astonishing bowl of sapphire-blue water backdropped by several volcanoes, the gracious, mansion-lined streets of Antigua and a Sunday market in Chichicastenango, she arrived at what was to be a highlight of the journey – the celebrated Mayan ruins of Tikal, located approximately an hour’s drive away from Guatemala City at the centre of a 525 square kilometre national park.
The recommended time for a visit, if you wish to stroll through its grand ceremonial plazas in comparative solitude, is in the early morning Erika arrived just after sunset at the basic accommodation, unaware of the magnitude of the site. In the early morning she walked through misty jungle into the park – no Ipod needed – the jungle fauna and birds welcoming the new day, were soundtrack enough to raise the intensity of anticipation.
The sun challenged the morning and its rays penetrated the jungle and dispersed the mist to unveil spectacular Mayan ruins. Erika was enthralled by the power of these ancient Mayan monuments. To come to grips with awesome magnitude of just the technical achievements of the Mayan civilization is what each visitor must ultimately do. Sitting in the Great Plaza, dominated by two colossal 45 metre pyramids, it is impossible not to be bewitched by one of the most impressive and mysterious archaeological sites in the world. The scale and complexity of the revealed pyramids and the enigmatic humps awaiting future excavation take one’s breath away. Erika was thoroughly transfixed by this national park and site but says that aside from Tikal, the surrounding region contains numerous other Mayan cities that attract relatively few visitors. It’s a place that photographs do no real justice to and Erika is happy to talk to you about this, one of her favourite journeys.
Recommended package: Short Break in Antigua
Day 1: Arrival – Antigua – arrival transfer and overnight accommodation.
Day 2: Architecture & History Tour (B)
You will have a guided half day walking tour of Antigua. (3-4hr). All entrance feesare included. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlan. (2.5hr). Overnight at lake Atitlan.
Day 3: Chichi Market (B,L)
Today you will be transferred (approx. 1hr) to the famous market at Chichi. Time for shopping in this fabulous craft market and an opportunity to see Maya rituals being performed in the Catholic Church before transferring on to on to Guatemala City Airport (3hr) in time to catch the early evening flight toFlores. (45min) In Flores you will be met & transferred to your hotel in the rainforest. Overnight in Tikal area.
Day 4: Tikal (B,L)
You will be transferred to Tikal National park (approx 1hr) to explore the amazing UNESCO protected Mayan Temple site of Tikal. After lunch there is time to relax and refresh and then fly back to Guatemala City (30min). A transfer to your hotel (Approx10min). Overnight in Guatemala City.
Day 5: Transfer Out (B)
This morning a driver will transfer you to the airport (approx 10mins) in plenty of time to catch your departure flight.
Included:
• Accommodation for 4 nights
• Meals with service charge as listed in itinerary
• Private Guided tours as listed in itinerary with entrance fees
• Transfers as listed in the itinerary
• Internal flights
Not Included:
• International flights
• Insurance (required)
• Drinks with any included meals
• Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides & hotels
Contact Erika for more information on (02) 8270 4800 or email her at eaffolter@conciergetraveller.com.au
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