Central American Charm Rainforests & Ruins

Transferring to the capital, Managua, this morning, we board a privately chartered flight for Guatemala. Upon touching down in Flores, a short drive takes us along a causeway to the town’s island. Admire the bright, colourful houses during a walking tour before dining in one of Flores’ local restaurants on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá. Take in further perspectives of the lake and its surrounds during a cruise. Our boat then docks at Hotel Camino Real Tikal, where we spend the next two nights. Take the rest of the afternoon at leisure before we reconvene for dinner at our hotel.

Explore the jungle ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander paths beyond the thriving vegetation to admire a collection of ancient temples. Though we may find ourselves transfixed by these archaeological wonders, we also can’t help but be distracted by sightings of monkeys and the occasional ocellated turkey. We continue on after lunch, our expedition taking us to the Uaxactun archaeological site. A tour of the area informs us of the sustainable forestry practices of the local community. We also meet with a local chiclero, who offers us a demonstration of the processes involved in harvesting chewing gum. One of the Maya temples provides an ideal viewing point from which to appreciate the vast jungle surrounds. Absorb these astonishing views while enjoying sunset drinks. This evening, we dine by candlelight among the ruins before taking a final short walk through the jungle.

Returning to the airport, we take a scheduled morning flight to Guatemala City. We then transfer by road to the city of Antigua. The well-preserved Spanish-colonial architecture here remains the city’s focal point. Look beyond this succession of colourful buildings and you will also spy the three looming volcanoes of Pacaya, Fuego and Santiaguito. Walk the city’s network of cobblestone streets to discover the elaborately designed facades of its many churches. This evening, we retire to El Convento Boutique Hotel for the first of three nights.

After this morning’s breakfast, Antigua reveals more of its charms. Follow the road to the town of San Miguel, where you will meet the owner of a coffee plantation. Join the workers in picking, pulping and grinding the raw materials that produce the finished product, before sampling your own brew. 

You are also free to enjoy a relaxing morning or discover the town on your own schedule. 

This afternoon, join an optional adventure to the Acatenango Volcano. A fleet of 4x4 vehicles negotiates our ascent of the volcano’s steep slopes, taking advantage of a private road along the way. Our access to this local route saves us several hours and what would have otherwise been a long and demanding hike. Exiting our vehicles, we continue with a much more manageable climb, taking approximately 90 minutes, which sees us arriving in time to admire spectacular views of the nearby Volcan de Fuego, or Fire Volcano. We celebrate our arrival at the summit with sunset drinks. From this safe distance, we are treated to a fiery show as Volcan de Fuego erupts, sending its searing red lava skyward. 

As before, you are also welcome to remain in town for an afternoon at leisure. 

We take our choice of dining venue this evening from Antigua’s many restaurants; you may also like to dine at our hotel.

Board a helicopter this morning for a swift flight to the town of Chichicastenango. Along the way, we soar over terrain punctuated by active volcanoes and a patchwork landscape of fertile fields. On arrival, explore the fascinating and colourful market town before heading to the revered Iglesia de Santo Tomás, the Church of St Tomas. Its striking white facade is reached by negotiating 18 stone steps, which represent the 18 months of the Maya calendar. We then attend an authentic shaman ritual; the enthralling ceremonial act taking place before a pre-Columbian Maya idol. Afterwards, take a walk through Chichicastenango’s colourful cemetery. Here, families of the departed routinely paint their tombs and monuments in vivid hues. Each colour is imbued with symbolism, from the purity of white to turquoise for protection. A personal tribute may also be expressed using their loved one’s favourite colour. 

Our helicopter waits on stand-by, and we soon take to the skies once more for the brief flight to Lake Atitlan. This idyllic body of water and its beautiful surrounds is the preferred setting for many of the region’s local artisans. We take a tour of one of the villages, meeting some of its craftspeople and admiring their work. Enjoy lunch along the waterfront before we meet back up with our helicopter for the return flight to Antigua. Tonight, our gala dinner will take place within one of the town’s colonial monuments.

From Guatemala City’s airport, we join a scheduled flight to Mexico City. After touching down, we head straight to The St Regis Mexico City, where we relax in Grand Deluxe rooms. Our hotel hosts us for this evening’s dinner.

Mexico City’s expansive square, the Zócalo, awaits our arrival this morning. Extending from the quad are an assemblage of architectural marvels representing the city’s storied past, from pre-Columbian ruins to the Spanish-colonial era, and the modern day. Admire the grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and the Palace of Fine Arts. And get swept up in all the activity and atmosphere pervading the bustling Avenida Francisco Madero. 

Following lunch, set out on your choice of Your World experience:

— In the southern neighbourhoods of Coyoacán and San Ángel, enjoy an exploration of the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Visit Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s vibrantly decorated house, which now serves as a museum. At Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, gain further appreciation for the enduring connection between these two influential figures of the art and political worlds. 

— Walk the halls of grand Chapultepec Castle, whose interiors are adorned with murals painted by one of Kahlo’s contemporaries – Juan O’Gorman. Chapultepec Castle is notable in that it is the only true castle in North America, having been the residence for Mexico’s Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota in the 19th century. Take in panoramic views of Mexico City from the castle grounds.

You may, of course, prefer to spend the afternoon at leisure, to relax or explore on your own terms. A choice of dining is available this evening, at either our hotel or one of the city’s many quality establishments. Should you wish, perhaps adjourn to the Arena México for an evening of authentic Mexican wrestling, otherwise known as Lucha Libre. A line-up consisting of masked heroes and villains enters the ring, where they strive for dominance and the rapturous applause of the crowd.

Make the most of your final full day with a Your World experience:

— Begin your day with a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the valley of Teotihuacán at sunrise. Staggering perspectives arise as you pass over the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Following breakfast, explore the ancient archaeological site from the ground, as you wander the Avenue of the Dead. This central passage leads you between a succession of grand temples and palaces. While here, you will learn about the beliefs, rituals and daily life of the Teotihuacanos civilisation.

— Meet at a local market, where you’ll select fresh, seasonal ingredients, guided by your expert culinary mentor. Then join a cooking class, during which you will learn all about the techniques and tantalising flavours of Mexican cuisine. 

You also have the option to take the day at leisure.

Early this evening, we enjoy an after-hours visit to the National Anthropology Museum, which yields comprehensive accounts of the peoples who have collectively known this land as home. Joined by our private guide, we see a wide-ranging collection of artefacts, including the tomb of King Pakal and the colossal Aztec Sunstone. We then toast our journey during a Farewell Dinner.

Our thrilling exploration concludes after today’s breakfast. Farewell your Tour Host Team and fellow guests as we join our respective transfers.