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18 | Guatemala 18 | Guatemala Steeped in Mayan myth and heritage, you can't help but leave Guatemala with a passion and respect for their land—one where trade is done in Quetzals, a beautiful bird of legend, and traditional fare like the globally savored tamale can be traced back to 8000 BCE. Just as old but much more majestic are the ruins of Petén, one of the most significant Mayan areas in the world…but its desolate cities pale next to Tikal, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity Site. One of the biggest discovered, its 50 temples once served 100,000 residents, ruled by Jaguar clan lords. Another UNESCO site reveals itself en route to the capital: Antigua, famous for its wines, banana cakes, and as the old Spanish capital of the New World. Travel on to Guatemala City, the largest in Central America, and the heart of the "Land of the Eternal Spring." Dip into its youthful energy in vibrant Zona Viva, where nothing but the most exclusive hotels, restaurants, and discotheques preside over more than 30 art galleries, theaters, museums, and the Historic Center. GUATEMALA Heart of the Mayan World Lake of Izabal Lake of Peten Gulf of Honduras P A C I F I C O C E A N Guatemala City Chichicastanango Coban Quetzaltenango Puerto Barrios Antigua Guatemala Jalapa Escuitla San Jose Tikal H O N D U R A S E L S A LVA D O R B E L I Z E M E X I C O G U A T E M A L A Caribbean Sea Rio Dulce Lake Atitlan GUATEMALA CITY BARCELÓ GUATEMALA CITY O O O O This hotel is in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Its elegant 397 rooms offer high-speed Internet connections and numerous amenities to make your stay an enjoyable one, be it for business or pleasure. Enjoy the cuisine at its restaurants, play sports at its facilities, or take a stroll through the nearby ruins of Tikal. TIKAL CAMINO REAL TIKAL O O O O H This is a tropical retreat set in the heart of the Peten Jungle, with all the facilities to assure an unforgettable experience. The resort features 72 thatched-roof bungalows with modern comforts and private decks overlooking Lake Peten Itza. In addition to a host of water sports, guests can enjoy the adjacent Tikal National Park. THESE FINE HOTELS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ANTIGUA GUATEMALA CASA SANTO DOMINGO O O O O O PORTA HOTEL ANTIGUA O O O O GUATEMALA CITY THE WESTIN CAMINO REAL O O O O VACATION ENHANCING TOURS COLORFUL GUATEMALA (5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS) DAY 1: Arrival Transfer to La Democracia and Las Ilusiones Museum in the morning, then to Chichicastenango in the afternoon to spend the night at your hotel. DAY 2: Chichicastenago/Quetzaltenango The colorful open-air market and Church of Santo Tomas brighten up the morning; transfer to Quetzaltenango for an overnight stay. DAY 3: Quetzaltenango/Lake Atitlán The animal market of San Francisco El Alto, the Church of San Andres Xecul, and the beautiful Valley of Almolonga begin your day. Take a ride to Panajachel near Lake Atitlán, where you can settle in for the evening. DAY 4: Atitlán/Antigua After breakfast, join the excursion to picturesque, lakeside Santiago Atitlán. Your transfer tonight takes you to accommodations in Antigua. DAY 5: Antigua/Guatemala City The old colonial capital of Antigua is displayed in the morning sun, and a tour of this city brings you full circle to the country's current capital of Guatemala City for contrast. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. This schedule shows you some of the most exciting sides of Guatemala.