January 15 Antigua; Posada la Merced
Day 1--Arrive in Guatemala City, early am (Taca or United) private shuttle to Antigua. Posada la Merced, www.merced-landivar.com.
This will be our host hotel, with 25 rooms, interior patios, a well equipped communal kitchen, private baths, and a rooftop patio overlooking the city for happy-hour sunsets. It is a very special place owned by Gail Rogers, a New Zealander, who makes these journeys possible, making all the arrangements for the shuttles, tours and lodging. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage city in the morning, with a tour of the Centro Cultural de Azoteja, www.centroazotea.org, a coffee, music and costume museum in the afternoon. Welcome dinner at 7:30pm.

January 16 Antigua; Posada la Merced
Day 2--leave at 10am for Pacaya Volcano. An active volcano, it erupted in April 2006. Last month, 14 of us climbed to within 30 feet of the lava flow, a breathtaking sight. And an easier hike than climbing all the way to the top of the cone as in past tours. But just as memorable. Return 4pm. Dinner on your own.

January 17 Lake Attitlan; Casa Del Mundo
Day 3--leave Antigua for Chichicastenango, world famous for its' indigenous market, and Iglesia Santa Tomas, a church dating back to 1540, always the scene of rituals on the steps... only slightly Catholic and distintively Mayan. Transfer to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan for private boat transfer to Casa del Mundo, www.lacasadelmundo.com described by Lonely Planet as the "most magical hotel in Guatemala".

January 18 Lake Atitlan; Casa Del Mundo
Day 4--

January 19 Quetzaltenango ~ Xela; Casa Mannen
Day 5--Boat to Panajachal, shutle to Quetzaltenango arriving at Casa Manen, www.comeseeit.com. Described by Lonly Planet guide as "the top hotel in town, actually a nine-room bed and breakfast perfectly fit for honeymooning couples, with tranquil gardens. All the rooms have hand-carved furniture, handsome rugs and decor. A rooftop terrace and fine breakfast are also included." Our hosts, Jack and Dana Manen are directors of Light the Way Foundation, www.light-the-way.org. We will meet the girls at the Hogar the following day. Dinner in the hotel courtyard or at their new restaurant, Dos Texanos, on the city square is included. The Manen's are very special folks.

January 20 Quetzaltenango ~ Xela; Casa Mannen
Day 6--

January 21 Antigua; Posada la Merced
Day 7--Last night in the Highlands; Final shopping & pack for return home next morning...

January 22 Departure day
Day 8--Return home or add on a day trip to Ruinas Tikal. Add on fee of $240 for airflight, shuttles, 1 night at Tikal Inn & guides, & 1 extra night at Antigua

January 23 Antigua; Posada la Merced
Day 7--Return from Tikal, pack & last minute shopping & last night in Highlands

January 24 Departure Day
Day 9 --Return home

The cost for 8 days/ 7 nights is $600, and the roundtrip airfare from Taca is now quoted at $371. Space will be limited to 12 participants.
Adding two nights to visit Tikal at the end of the tour is an option for an additional $240 ($840 for 10 days / 9 nights)

Let us know if you want to go; CLICK HERE & tell us your name(s) & phone # & we will get back to you with a confirmation, deposit due dates & complete details. (Shop but do not book your flight until confirmed!)

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