Guatemala truly has it all: a rich indigenous culture (by far the strongest in Central America), spectacular natural beauty, the gorgeous colonial city of Antigua and the warmth and charm of its proud people.

This is not to ignore Guatemala's turbulent past or the dramatic social inequities that still exist. However, with the signing of the 1996 peace accords, things have calmed down considerably. It's time to experience this splendid country first hand.

Some Highlights:

* Walking Antigua. Recognized with World Heritage status in 1979, Antigua is one of the most charming colonial towns in the Americas. Its spring-like climate, cobblestone streets, fountains and public squares make it an ideal hub city
* Discovering Lake Atitlan, famously described by author Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world, both on and off the water
* Meeting the locals. We'll visit with weavers, farmers and other local friends
* Participating in one of Guatemala's spectacular festivals
* Exploring the dramatic Mayan sites of Tikal and Yaxhá

Signature Experiences~
Positive Impact Project
We'll visit with families improving their lives with micro-loans administered by Friendship Bridge, a local NGO. Culture Xplorers provides financial support to this program with each of our visits.

Coffee: Crop to Cup ½ Day Immersion~
We'll experience it all from an open air pick-up ride to an organic coffee farm, to picking coffee cherries alongside local workers (if in season), to sipping fine coffees at a professional style tasting, all in four intense, fun-filled hours of immersion!

Mayan Textiles~
Desire, a passionate champion of Mayan weaving, leads us on this ½ day adventure which will take us from her home to a nearby weaving community where we'll meet some of the artists and experience their intricate craft first hand.

Semana Santa festivities in Antigua~
The scale and color of the holy week celebrations and processions in Antigua are unrivaled in the Western Hemisphere. One of the highlights includes the beautiful carpets (alfombras) that are created and destroyed in an equally spectacular manner

Day in the Life of a Farmer~
We'll visit with Don Filberto to begin to understand rural farming life in Guatemala. While visiting his plot of land halfway up the flank of volcano Agua, he'll share his personal survivor stories from Guatemala's violent civil conflict.

Included:

* An experienced local, bi-lingual guide will be with the group for all organized activities
* Culture Xplorers' signature experiences listed in the itinerary
* All lodging - double occupancy in charming, locally run hotels (4-star equivalent)
* Approximately two meals daily as listed in the itinerary
* One internal round trip flight on the 12 day trip (Guatemala City/Flores)
* All ground transportation: private van, taxi, boat and mule
* All entry fees (museums, national parks, monuments, etc.)
* Travelers' insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation up to $50,000
* Airport pick-up and drop-off

Items not included and estimates:

* International airfare to Guatemala City. Budget $550
* Approximately one meal/day. Budget up to $15/day
* International departure taxes at airport. Budget $33
* If you are traveling alone and opt for a single room, then add $500 for our 10 day trip or $600 for our 12 day trip. Note: to avoid this upgrade fee, ask us to assign you a roommate. If no roommate is available, the single room upgrade will be charged
* Trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This is optional. Speak with us about the details when booking.

Details:

* Activity level: moderately active. Participants must be able to walk comfortably for 2- 3 hours per day at altitudes around 5,000 to 6,000 feet. There is some hilly terrain and cobblestone streets in Antigua. There is one strenuous hike halfway up a volcano.