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GLOBUS 2010: MAYAN CIVILIZATIONS:HONDURAS GUATEMALA & BELIZE W/PRE EXT (SDQ)
15 days from Managua to Belize City
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 Explore the history of ancient Mayan civilizations during this exciting vacation to Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize. Start your trip in Managua, Nicaragua, for an overnight and a city tour. Drive through Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua's first national park, to see active volcanoes as well as incredible flora and fauna. On to the colonial city of Granada for a guided sightseeing tour of the colonial city and a boat ride on volcano-formed Lake Nicaragua with its freshwater sharks. Then fly to Guatemala City for an overnight before departing for the colorful Indian market and Church of Santo Tomas at Chichicastenango. Continue to Lake Atitlan, known for its beauty and many colorful Mayan towns and villages along the shores. Here, enjoy a cruise across this impressive 900-foot-deep lake formed after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Visit Santiago Atitlan and meet one of Guatemala's indigenous tribes.Next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua, Guatemala's capital from 1543 until a devastating earthquake in 1776, when it was moved to Guatemala City. In Antigua, one of the Americas' oldest and most beautiful cities, enjoy a sightseeing tour and witness the city's 16th-century Spanish Colonial architecture. See ruins of churches and monasteries-some with hidden underground passages-that were destroyed by the 1776 earthquake. From Antigua, travel to Copan, Honduras, the site of the once major Maya kingdom with the greatest collection of Mayan stone sculptures anywhere in Central America. After Copan, your tour travels to Quirigua, Guatemala, with the largest stelae in the Mayan world, weighing more than 65 tons. Then, a full-day excursion takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal, the largest of the ancient Maya cities with artifacts dating as early as the 7th century BC. Your guide will explain the significance of the major temples and monuments in the park, of which only a fraction have been excavated. Because it sits within the rainforest, it is common to see spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots. On to San Ignacio, Belize, with a stop at Yaxha, another significant Mayan excavation consisting of more than 500 structures in the preliminary stages of excavation. From San Ignacio, enjoy an excursion to Caracol, the largest known Mayan archaeological site in Belize and one of the great Mayan city-states of the Classic Period. See the great Caana Pyramid standing 140 feet high and the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Your tour of these ancient Mayan civilizations ends with a farewell dinner in Belize, a perfect conclusion to your magical ancient Mayan Civilizations vacation!
HOTELS
Guatemala City Barcelo Guatemala City Hotel (SF), Lake Atitlan Hotel Atitlan (F), Antigua Casa Santo Domingo (F), Copan Marina Copan (MF), Rio Dulce Banana Palms Hotel (F), Flores Camino Real (F), San Ignacio San Ignacio Hotel (MF); Nicaragua Extension: Managua Real Intercontinental (SF), Granada Plaza Colon Granada (F)
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| Call (307) 266-4550 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8656863 | | Globus | | Offer valid through 11/30/2009 | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Managua | (Wed.) Upon your evening arrival you will be met by your Local Guide, who will help you check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. (D) | | Day 2 | Granada | (Thu.) Begin the day with a guided Managua city tour highlighting the old city center, where you see the ruins of the old Presidential Palace, the Park of Peace, and Lake Managua. Visit the MUSEUM OF ACAHUALINCA to see the ancient fossilized human footprints made 6,000 years ago in volcanic ash. After a drive through the new city center, continue to Nicaragua's first national park, MASAYA VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK, to see the active Santiago Crater. Learn about the volcanic activity as well as the flora and fauna of the region, including the small parakeets that nest in the toxic crater walls. (B,L,D) | | Day 3 | Granada | (Fri.) This morning, embark on a relaxing BOAT RIDE around some of the islands of Lake Nicaragua. Formed by the impressive Mombacho Volcano, the lake has a history of Caribbean pirates and plays host to freshwater sharks! This afternoon, your guided sightseeing introduces you to the colonial city of Granada, which was founded by Captain Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba in 1524. See La Merced Church, the house of the Zamora family, the famous 'Casa de los Tres Mundos,' and the San Francisco convent. Learn the history of the city, including the adventures of filibuster William Walker, who invaded the city in the year 1855. Due to the historical and cultural value of the city, it is in the process of being declared a UNESCO Heritage of Mankind Site. (B,L) | | Day 4 | Guatemala City | (Sat) After some time at leisure this morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Guatemala City to join your Mayan vacation. (B) | | Day 5 | Lake Atitlan | (Sun.) After a morning orientation of Guatemala City, travel to the whitewashed highland town of Chichicastenango. Here, visit the colorful, open-air INDIAN MARKET and the Catholic CHURCH OF SANTO TOMAS to witness ancient Mayan ceremonies that have long been practiced. Continue to the shores of Lake Atitlan (Place of Great Water), surrounded by three volcanoes and numerous indigenous villages. (B,L) | | Day 6 | Lake Atitlan | (Mon.) This morning you will embark on a CRUISE across 900-foot-deep Lake Atitlan, renowned for its beauty and many colorful Mayan towns and villages along the shores. Learn how an enormous caldera formed after a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago to form what is known today as Lake Atitlan. Next, visit the Indian village of SANTIAGO ATITLAN, where you have the chance to meet the Tzutuhil people, one of Guatemala's indigenous tribes. This evening, enjoy a special dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,D) | | Day 7 | Antigua | (Tue.) Journey 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. (B,D) | | Day 8 | Antigua | (Wed.) 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 Jose and Palace of the Capitanes Generales. See the ruins of churches and monasteries-some with hidden underground passages-that were destroyed by the earthquake of 1776, and take a tour of a JADE FACTORY. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own. (B) | | Day 9 | Copan | (Thu.) A scenic drive through Guatemala's highlands awaits you today before crossing the border into Honduras. Arrive in the colonial village of Copan Ruinas, where you will have time to relax or to explore the village before dinner this evening. (B,L,D) | | Day 10 | Copan | (Fri.) Today's guided tour introduces you to COPAN, the site of a once major Maya kingdom and considered the 'Athens of the Maya World.' From the moment you step inside the archaeological zone you will see elaborate stone sculptures everywhere. Walking into the dramatic expanse of the Great Plaza, become witness to the cultural achievements of the ancient Maya. This principal Copan plaza contains the greatest collection of Mayan sculptures anywhere in Central America. Learn about the majestic temples and the intricately carved stelae, representing past rulers of the city and the power, politics, and ideology of the times. (B,L) | | Day 11 | Rio Dulce | (Sat.) After breakfast, cross back into Guatemala to visit the archaeological site of QUIRIGUA with the largest stelae in the Mayan world, weighing more than 65 tons. The site also boasts a number of enormous and unexplainable carved monoliths sculpted into the forms of mythological animals (zoomorphs). Later this afternoon, head to the Caribbean Lowlands and the Rio Dulce area. (B,L,D) | | Day 12 | Rio Dulce-Flores | (Sun.) A full-day excursion today takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of TIKAL, the largest of the ancient Maya cities. With artifacts dating as early as 7th century BC, it wasn't until circa 200 AD that Tikal became the leading political, economical, and military power of the Maya region. Your guide will explain the significance of the major temples and monuments in the park, of which only a fraction have been excavated. Within the rainforest, it is common to see spider monkeys, howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots cavorting in the dense canopy enveloping the ruins. Keep an eye out for jaguars and coatis, as they are said to roam the park as well! (B,L,D) | | Day 13 | San Ignacio | (Mon.) This morning, depart Flores for the site of YAXHA, second in importance behind Tikal. Unlike Tikal, this ancient civilization consisting of more than 500 structures is in its preliminary stages of excavations. Also visit TOPOXTE, which was inhabited from 900-1200 AD. Continue into Belize, which was granted independence from Britain in 1981 and is the youngest nation in the Western Hemisphere. We head through beautiful countryside past limestone mountains and miles of uncharted forests to San Ignacio in the Cayo District in western Belize. (B,L) | | Day 14 | San Ignacio Excursion to Caracol | (Tue.) CARACOL is the largest known Mayan archaeological site in Belize and one of the great Mayan city-states of the Classic Period. During its heyday, Caracol was home to more than 140,000 people-twice that of Belize City's current population. Located deep within the Chiquibil Forest Reserve, the ruins cover 30 square miles of thick, high-canopy jungle rich in flora and fauna. Your guide will point out some of the most important buildings, including the Caana Pyramid ('Sky Palace'). Standing over 140 feet high, it is the tallest Mayan building in Belize and the tallest man-made structure in the country. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Director. (B,L,D) | | Day 15 | Return Home | (Wed.) Transfer to Belize City International Airport for your homebound flight. (B) |
| | US$ Price Details
Single Room Supplement: $796Triple Room Reduction per person: $126Extra Nights per person in Managua:in single room $177; in twin room $104; in triple room $962011 prices and itineraries are subject to change.
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2008, 2009 & 2010 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.
Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2008, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.
Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature. |
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