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B E LI Z E M E XI CO Caribb Lake of Peten ean Sea Tikal Gulf of Honduras Rio Dulce GUATEMAL A Lake of Izabal Puerto Barrios Coban Chichicastanango Quetzaltenango Guatemala City Jalapa HONDURAS Lake Atitlan Antigua Guatemala Escuitla San Jose E L S A LVA D O R PACIFIC OCEAN GUATEMALA Guatemala is for the explorer that lies deep within you. In this country, your average day may consist of hiking near a volcano, descending through a rainforest and shopping at a local market for fresh food and handmade crafts. All this before setting your eyes on beaches along the Caribbean Sea or Pacific Ocean. The mysterious and captivating world of the Maya still exists in Guatemala. This mighty civilization lives on in the amazing temples and ruins that dot the landscape of this lush tropical country. The magnificent Tikal was once the center of the Mayan world, and is now one of the most important and interesting ruins in the region. Spectacular palaces, plazas and monuments stand today, dramatically set against the luxuriant backdrop of the thick and verdant jungle. VACATION ENHANCING TOURS GLIMPSE OF GUATEMALA Depart for Antigua, the former Spanish-colonial capital, for brief sightseeing of this charming town. After lunch continue to Chichicastenango for overnight accommodations. The following day, visit the colorful open-air market and Church of Santo Tomas. After lunch return to Guatemala City via Lake Atitlan, for a brief stop at the lakeside village of Panajachel. Much of the allure of Guatemala lies in its stunning natural beauty. Explore gleaming shores on both coasts, abundant jungles and Lake Atitlan – one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, with three spectacular volcanoes as a natural backdrop. Spend time in the capital, Guatemala City, a cultural center of colonial architecture. Make a stop in Antigua, a colonial city bedecked with cobblestone streets. Four-hundred-year-old churches sit beside charming cafés and restaurants to create a romantic setting in the heart of Guatemala. For a glimpse into modern Mayan life, visit Chichicastenango when the local market comes to life with fresh food straight from the farm, handmade crafts and clothing. You might also witness a religious ceremony performed by a genuine Mayan priest. Let the magic of Guatemala defy your expectations, where a fascinating past and a sparkling present come together in an array of unforgettable experiences. COLORFUL GUATEMALA This comprehensive five-day tour includes visits to Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, Lake Atitlan and Antigua. Along the way, you will take in such popular sites as La Democracia and the Las Ilusiones Museum on Guatemala's south coast; the open-air market and the Church of Santo Tomas in Chichicastenango; San Francisco del Alto's open-air market, the Church of San Andres Xecul and the beautiful Valley of Almolonga in Quetzaltenango; the picturesque lakeside village of Santiago Atitlan; and the colonial capital of Antigua. Consult your American Express travel counselor for more details on these and other tours, as well as for available airport transfers. 20 Guatemala