Private Car Service

Arrival in Guatemala City, Guatemala–Antigua. (Tue.) Upon arrival, meet your Local Host and transfer to Antigua, Guatemala’s capital from 1543 until a devastating earthquake in 1776 when it was moved to Guatemala City. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua is one of the Americas’ oldest and most beautiful cities, with pastel-colored buildings, wide cobblestone streets, and a beautiful natural setting ringed by three volcanoes. (D)

Sightseeing

Our morning tour of this magnificent highlands city, known for its 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture, includes lively Plaza Mayor flanked by the impressive Catedral de San José and Palace of the Capitanes Generales. We also see the ruins of churches and monasteries, some with hidden underground passages, destroyed by the earthquake of 1776; and take a tour of a JADE FACTORY. (B)

Sightseeing

Antigua is one of the oldest and prettiest colonial cities in Latin America, situated in a valley between three volcanoes. The setting is beautiful but hazardous, the town having experienced 16 earthquakes, frequent floods and a number of fires. It was the country's capital until 1776 when, after sustaining severe damage in a series of devastating earthquakes, the capital was moved to the present day Guatemala City, 30 miles (48km) away. In colonial times Antigua was considered to be one of the most splendid cities of the Spanish Empire and was the principal city in Central America. Today it remains an enchanting place with remnants of a prosperous past. It is a delight to wander down the quaint traffic-free cobbled streets, past single storey multi-coloured buildings and mansions, magnificent churches, monasteries and convents. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains are pretty reminders of the Spanish legacy. The town has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular destination for visitors. Buildings of interest include the Iglesia de San Francisco, La Merced and the Las Capuchinas. Antigua becomes extremely busy during the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa, when people from all over the region flock to see the colourful street processions. The rest of the time it has a relaxed and convivial atmosphere with a strong indigenous culture, prevalent in the Sunday market. It is also a popular place to learn Spanish at one of the many language schools, and most students are able to stay with a local family as part of the learning experience. For the more adventurous the three volcano peaks offer superb hiking opportunities and views, and many tour operators in town offer trips to the surrounding countryside, as well as excursions to the only active volcano in the region, Volcán Pacaya. Villages nearby, like San Antonio Aguascalientes, offer visitors a closer look at indigenous life and are centres for beautiful hand-woven textiles.

Sightseeing

Today, reach the whitewashed highland town of Chichicastenango, where we visit the colorful, open-air INDIAN MARKET and the Catholic CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÁS to witness ancient Mayan ceremonies that have long been practiced there. Continue to the shores of Lake Atitlán (Place of Great Water), surrounded by three volcanoes and numerous indigenous villages. (B,L)

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

This morning, embark on a CRUISE across the 900-foot-deep Lake Atitlán.

Sightseeing

Visit the Indian village of SANTIAGO ATITLÁN, where you can meet the Tzutuhil people, one of Guatemala’s indigenous tribes.

Sightseeing

This shimmering volcanic lake surrounded by forested slopes and three distinctive volcanoes has been hailed by some as the most beautiful lake in the world. Not only is Lake Atitlán scenically spectacular, the lake and hillside settlements are also rich in Mayan culture. Deeply cultural, some of these villages are the only ones in the country where traditional costume is still worn, each village sporting its own distinctive style and colour of densely embroidered dress. The people are also famous for their artisan crafts, and textiles are admired for their design and colour, distinguishing one village from the other. The colours are all blended in a flurry on market days when villagers from around the lake gather to sell their products. The Friday market at Sololá is one of the best in the highlands. Around the lake are the main tourism centres of Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna with lots of accommodation, small restaurants and craft shops. Santiago Atitlán is the biggest and most important cultural village along the shore with an interesting local deity. There are good hikes around the lake as well as various water sports and excellent swimming.

This afternoon, head back to Guatemala City for a tour and a Guatemalan FAREWELL DINER. (B,D)

Hotel

Upon your evening arrival you will be met by your Tour Director who will help you check into your hotel.

Sightseeing

San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, which is in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains. There are numerous museums as well as art galleries, theaters, exhibitions, parks and garden in the city. All regions in Costa Rica are accessible from the capital city of San Jose, which makes its an ideal starting point for touring the country.

Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy a San José city tour that will introduce you to the capital’s most important sights. Driving through Paseo Colon, visit the heart of the city to admire the pride of the ticos, the NATIONAL THEATER. This architectural jewel was designed as the opera house at the beginning of the 19th century.

Museums

Visit the NATIONAL MUSEUM, a faithful witness to Costa Rican history, then enjoy sightseeing at Central Park, the cathedral, the Congress Building, and the Justice Court.

Shopping

Continue to the town of SARCHI, for centuries a production center of Costa Rica’s famous hand-painted oxcarts, to have an included lunch and shop for unique souvenirs.

Hotel

Tonight, enjoy a WELCOME DINNER hosted by your Tour Director at the hotel. (B,L,D)

National Parks

Journey east to the Caribbean shore and TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK. On the way, stop at a BANANA PLANTATION.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Later, board a motor launch for your CRUISE along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caymans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys.

Relaxation

An afternoon at leisure lets you explore Pachira Lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. (B,L,D)

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Your Tour Guide accompanies you on a leisurely BOAT RIDE along remote, unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways, explaining the bountiful flora and fauna. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through an accessible portion of the nearby RAINFOREST. During the peak nesting season, from mid-July to mid- October, you may be lucky enough to observe an endangered green turtle laying her eggs under the starlight on an optional tour. (B,L,D)

Sailboat & Yacht Charter

A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Along the way, enjoy views of the passing rainforest.

Hotel

Arrive at your resort hotel for time to relax before dinner. (B,L,D)

Sightseeing

This morning, tour the CORSICANA PINEAPPLE FARM to learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples. Continue through TILAJARI RAINFOREST RESERVE. After settling in, experience the magic of the resort’s BUTTERFLY GARDEN and consider a walk in the nearby tropical rainforest in search of 300- to 400-year-old trees, poisonous frogs, monkeys, birds, and possibly small animals native to the reserve. (B)

Sightseeing

During your morning at leisure you may wish to go on an optional horseback ride or float trip. Or, you can take advantage of Tilajari’s amenities by walking along the shaded trails of the private, 750-acre tropical forest.

Sightseeing

Later this afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, offering spectacular views of the active Arenal Volcano. Next, drive to nearby ECOTERMALES HOT SPRINGS for a dip in the curative and relaxing pools. This evening, view ARENAL VOLCANO, hoping to see lava glowing on its sides. (B,D)

National Parks

Get an early start this morning to POAS VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK. On the way, see LA PAZ WATERFALL, one of the five magnificent falls in the area. Arrive at POAS VOLCANO for close-up views of the enormous crater with its deep, green lake; perhaps you will even see one of its sporadic geyser-like eruptions. Next, stop at the DOKA COFFEE PLANTATION where you will see firsthand the entire production process—from seedlings to your cup!

Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER at a local restaurant, ending an unforgettable discovery of Costa Rica. (B,L,D)

Commercial Flight

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)