Departures: Thursdays and Sundays

Description

This program is part of GA’s Traditional One Day Tours. The tour can begin in Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City depending on where you are staying.

Discover the unique blend of Mayan influences and living culture in Guatemala during this day tour to Iximché and Chichicastenango. You will be amazed watching the indigenous people that still visit Iximché and learn about the 500 years that have elapsed since its foundation as the first capital of Guatemala. If you are lucky, you could witness a real Mayan ceremony that takes place in Iximché. In Chichicastenango you will be able to explore the indigenous market and be witness of the incessant exchange of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts between local people and foreigners. Then you´ll visit “Santo Tomás” church where the Popol Vuh (The sacred book of the Maya) was found.

Itinerary:

06:30AM: Transfer from your hotel in Guatemala City (Departure from Antigua Guatemala would be at 07:30 AM) to the archaeological site of Iximché.

08:30AM: Upon arrival, enjoy a guided visit to Iximché, the place where the first capital of Guatemala was founded.

10:00 AM: Transfer to Chichicastenango’s Market.

11:30 AM: Arrival to Chichicastenango. In the center of town is the local market where you can buy wood products, ceramics and even gifts that the Mayan priests offer on their prehispanic altars. You can also admire the Church of Santo Tomas which was built by Dominicans and Kichen in the year of 1540 on a Maya altar, which even today is used on the front steps of the church. On the other side is Calvary Church, in the square you can see a high stick where they have done each year the presentation of the Palo Volador.

01:30 PM: Time to have lunch in a local restaurant (not included).

03:00 PM: Transfer back to your Hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua.

The tour includes: ground transportation, professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees and taxes.

We pick up at downtown hotels and residences in Guatemala City in zones 1,2, 4, 9, 10, 13 & 14 and in Tikal Futura, Vista Real & AC Marriot Hotels. If you are in another area, please send us an email with the location to verify if it has additional cost.