Best of Guatemala

Day 3:Thursday: Today is market day at Chichicastenango (Chichi�) and the village streets are transformed into a massive, colorful array of stalls piled high with goods for sale. Nowhere else in Guatemala will you find such a wealth of handicrafts, blankets, belts, masks, clay pots, gourds, machetes and locally grown vegetables. After market shopping, usually late afternoon, transfer to Quetzaltenango which is Guatemala's second largest city  also known as Xela by the local population. Overnight at the Pension Bonifaz.

Day 4: Friday: Morning departure for Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, the world's most beautiful lake�. En route you will visit the quaint village of Zunil and its enclosed market where thousands of items are spread out over the earthen floor and tended by family members. You will also visit the open-air animal market of San Francisco El Alto and the Church of San Andres Xecul while passing through the beautiful Valley of Almolonga. Overnight at Hotel Atitlan.

Day 5: Saturday: Morning launch excursion to the picturesque Indian village of Santiago Atitlan, the ancient capital and religious center of the Tzutuhiles. Santiago's market stretches from street to street and it is here where you will see Maximon, a mysterious religious idol, being closely watched over by an entourage of confradias -  a group of men assigned the responsibility of protecting the idol. Look for the exquisite cortes and huipiles worn by the woman of the village. Afternoon transfer to the Colonial city of Antigua for overnight at the Casa Santo Domongo Hotel.

Day 6: Sunday: Morning tour of Antigua which was founded by the Spaniards in 1543. The city is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored Colonial buildings, stylish arcades, cobbled streets and a festive market area. Places to be visited include: La Conception (the first convent for women in Antigua); the Palace of the Captains General (built in 1776 as a residence of the governor then called Captain General); the Church of San Francisco built in 1579 and originally used by students to study theology, philosophy, canonical law, mathematics and physics. If time permits, before re turning to Guatemala City, you will stop off at the Jade factory where jade is cut, polished and made into fine jewelry. Overnight at Marriott Hotel.

Day 7: Monday -Early morning drive through the Eastern part of Guatemala via the states of El Progresso and Zacapa to arrive at the border with Honduras. After immigration formalities you will drive to Copan to explore the beautiful stelae and temples. In the afternoon you will return to Guatemala territory to Rio Hondo for overnight at the Hotel Longarone.