Caribbean Sailtrek - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Antigua to Placencia - Belize City (IMT-LACS08)
Intro
A discovery of the Mayan people both past and present, culminating in an exciting sailing voyage through Caribbean waters. Walking through the ruins of Tikal you can see the magnificent remains of ancient Mayan culture, echoes of which live on today in the villages around the stunning Lake Atitlan. In the markets you\'ll see the evidence in the craftsmanship and artistic heritage, and get to know the people when you join a local family for dinner.Group Size
Max 18Activities
Extensive walking at sites, optional activities in San Ignacio, sailingAccommodation
8 nights simple hotels, 2 nights wooden cabins, 1 night hammocks in Tikal, 2 nights camping, 1 night overnight busTransport
Public and private bus, boat, foot, planeFlight
Placencia to Belize CityFully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local crew during the sailing tripMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner. On days not included, allow US$15-25 per dayItineraries
Day 1, ANTIGUAArrival day.
Day 2, ANTIGUAAntigua is one of the most beautiful of Central Americas cities. Surrounded by volcanoes and full of picturesque colonial architecture, Antigua is a delight to explore. (B)
Day 3, ANTIGUA - CHICHICASTENANGO - PANAJACHELDrive to Panajachel, a relaxed village on the shores of the impressive Lake Atitlan. On the way we stop to visit the Mayan market of Chichicastenango. (B)
Day 4, PANAJACHELA free day in Panajachel. Optional boat ride to visit some of the fascinating nearby villages, and find Maximon, the mysterious Mayan god that lives in one of the houses.
Day 5, PANAJACHEL - TOTONICAPANDrive to the village of Totonicapan, a wonderful place to find artisan workshops for all different kinds of crafts. In the evening we dine with a local family - our hosts for the night. (LD)
Day 6, TOTONICAPAN - ANTIGUA GUATEMALA CITYWe bid farewell to our host family and head for Antigua. Later we drive to Guatemala City in time to board the overnight bus to Flores. (B)
Day 7, FLORESFlores is a pleasant island town on Lake Peten Itza. Time seems to stop in this charming town of red roofs and colourful houses. After a day exploring, sit down in one of the many cafés and watch the sun setting over the waters of the lake.
Days 8, FLORES TIKALWe drive to Tikal and spend the night in the National Park, just 15 minutes away from the Great Plaza. This gives us the chance of watching the sunset over the ruins from the top of one of the pyramids.
Day 9, TIKAL - SAN IGNACIOA free morning to visit Tikal before the crowds arrive. Tikal is the most impressive of all the Mayan sites, set amidst imposing jungle that echoes to the calls of monkeys and exotic birds. After exploring the ruins, we take a bus to San Ignacio where we overnight in simple wooden cabins.
Day 10, SAN IGNACIOA free day in San Ignacio. The town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area and there are plenty of options to choose from, including horse-riding, jungle trekking, caving, canoeing and visiting some of the excellent Mayan sites such as Caracol.
Day 11, SAN IGNACIO BELIZE CITY - CAYE CAULKERWe head to colourful Belize City from where we take a boat ride to Caye Caulker, an idyllic island fringed with palm trees.
Days 12-13, CAYE CAULKER - SAILTREKToday we embark on our magical sailing trip along the Belizean coast, on an island- hopping adventure with many chances to go snorkelling around stunning reefs along the way. At night we eat our catch of the day around the fire, camping in spacious tents on the beaches. (Day 12 - LD, Day 13 - BLD)
Day 14, PLACENCIAToday we arrive at Placencia. This laid back fishing village is situated at the end of a 25km stretch of peninsula separating the Caribbean Ocean from Placencia Lagoon, with some of the finest beaches in the country. In April and May the seasonal migration of whale sharks takes place, and if you are lucky you might be able to swim or dive among them. (BL)
Day 15, PLACENCIA - BELIZE CITYA short local flight take you to Belize City International Airport in time for your international flight. Tour ends.
Last updated: 8th June 2008
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