Upon arrival in Guatemala City, transfer to the hotel in Antigua for check-in.

For more than 200 years, Antigua was the seat of the Spanish military governor in much of Central America. Yampu travelers will be met at their hotel this morning by a private guide to begin a half-day walking tour of Antigua. This tour will cover the architectural and historical highlights of this colonial city with a behind-the-scenes look at some of the many ruined churches, convents and cathedrals. Entrance fees are included to the Iglesia San Francisco, the Cathedral, Central Park and La Merced Church. After the tour, be privately transferred to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

Travelers will be picked up from their hotel for a scenic boat ride across the lake, passing by the three impressive volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro. Upon arrival in Santiago, walk with the guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is said to reside. Each year a different "brotherhood" has the privilege of taking care of their God, so his location changes. Once with Maximon, one may see local shamans performing rituals for local people. If one so wishes, they can ask their guide to help hire the services of a shaman to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon, visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town, see the market, and learn about the distinctive textiles and the area's famous primitive art. Enjoy lunch at Posada Santiago. After lunch, return to the hotel in Lake Atitlan. ...read less

Private transfer to Chichicastenango. There will be time to shop and visit the colorful, outdoor Maya market in Chichicastenango. Once there, there will be time to mingle with people from several ethnic Maya groups of the highlands that gather every Thursday and Sunday to buy, sell and trade goods. In the afternoon, be taken back to the hotel in Antigua.

Optional hiking tour to Pacaya Volcano available.

Early morning transfer to Guatemala City Airport to take the flight to Flores. Upon arrival, visit the impressive and mystical Maya city of Tikal. One of its largest buildings is the Temple of the Two-headed Serpent, which is 70 meters high. From its peak, hear the sounds of the rainforest: more than 300 species of birds, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and toucans. Due to its immense value, Tikal was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. One may also stay in the park and watch the sunset while enjoying some nocturnal wildlife viewing, at an additional cost. After the tour, transfer to the hotel in Peten. Lunch at El Meson is included. ...read less

Optional guided canopy tour to Ixpanpajul and sunset tour to Yaxha.

Transfer to Palenque and overnight there. The ground transfer takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Enjoy a visit to the archeological site of Palenque. This site is located in the Chiapanecan Jungle, and it was one of the most important ceremonial centers to the Mayan culture. Palenque's splendor was during the classic period. During the tour, visit the famous Temple of Inscriptions, where the tomb of Pakal, one of the best-known Lords of the Mayan civilization, was found. Then, continue on to see the Palace, the Count Temple, the Foliated Cross Temple and other sites. Overnight in Palenque.

Today, get back on the road, winding along mountain lanes to San Cristobal de las Casas. On the way, visit the Agua Azul Waterfalls, where the water descends over its limestone bed in steps, forming impressive cascades that create natural ponds contained by calcareous walls. Their color comes from the limestone bed (only seen in time of droughts), and during the rainy season its volume increases. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way to San Cristobal de las Casas.

Depart for the market of San Cristobal de las Casas, one of most typical of Chiapas, where hundreds of natives of the region meet to offer a great variety of products. There, one will be able to find leather articles and straw hats, among other many things. Visit the baroque-style Church of Santo Domingo, founded in 1547, and continue to San Juan Chamula, which is an approximately 10-minute drive.


San Juan Chamula is inhabited by the Tzotziles, one of the main indigenous communities of Mexico. There, visit the church, where travelers can observe the influence of the paganism in their ceremonies. Later, continue towards Zinacantan, another indigenous community. Visit the town, where there is a church and craftsmen. Return to San Cristobal de las Casas.
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Head towards Chiapa de Corzo and take a boat to the wharf for the route through the Sumidero Canyon. After the boat ride, visit the main square of Chiapa de Corzo, a town that was founded in 1528 by Diego de Mazariegos, where there is a beautiful fountain from the 16th century. Eat lunch in a typical restaurant and continue to Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport for a flight to Mexico City. Upon arrival, reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Be picked up at the hotel and head toward Mexico City's downtown area, passing through Reforma Avenue, which was constructed by emperor Maximillian, and where many of the important monuments of the city are located. Continue through Juarez Avenue, where one will see La Alameda Park and the Palace of the Fine Arts, built by Italian architect Adamo Boari.


Take Madero Street to Zocalo and visit the National Palace, which is the current seat of the government. Its walls are covered with frescoes done by Diego Rivera, one of modern Mexico's greatest painters. Travelers will also see the Cathedral and the Templo Mayor. Later, continue towards Chapultepec Park and pass through Las Lomas, one of Mexico City's most exclusive neighborhoods.


This afternoon, drive to the Basilica of Guadalupe, the most important sanctuary of Mexico. First, walk outside of the Three Cultures Square, where the main historical periods of Mexico (pre-Hispanic, Colonial and the Modern) are represented. Then visit the new Basilica, where one will see the original image of the "Virgin of Mexico". The old Basilica can be admired from the great vestibule that dates back to the 18th century. On December 12th, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans get together here in pilgrimage to worship the Virgin.


The visit will continue towards the archaeological site of Teotihuacan, known as "Place of the Gods", for an approximately one-hour drive. Visit the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Sun, the Temple of Quetzal-Papalotl, the Temple of the Plumed Snails and the Pyramid of the Moon (from where one can see the Road of Dead in all its splendor). Afterwards, return to the hotel.
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Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.