Highlights |
Guided Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Guatemala City
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 4 nights accommodations
- All transfers
- Breakfast daily
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Tour of Antigua
- Market and Church of Santo Tomas in Chichicastenango
- Excursion to Lake Atitlan
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Friday - Depart the USA, Arrive in Guatemala City
Depart the USA for Guatemala. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival in Guatemala, transfer to your hotel via hotel shuttle van. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Guatemala City
DAY 2, Saturday - Tour of Antigua Guatemala
This morning, depart for an exciting tour of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1543 by the Spaniards, today Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and modern colonial-style buildings. Visit the heart of the city, Central Plaza, surrounded by the Palace of the Captains-General, colonial churches, monasteries, and a even a jade factory. Take in the amazing beauty and atmosphere of the city before transfering to Chichicastenango in the afternoon. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Chichicastenango
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Sunday - Market in Chichicastenango, Church of Santo Tomas, and Lake Atitlan
Depart this morning to visit the most picturesque and colorful Indian Market in the country, located in Chichicastenango. Hundreds of vendors from the surrounding countryside gather here to sell handicrafts, textiles, candles, food, flowers, and pottery. Spend time browsing the market for unique items that cannot be found elsewhere. Next, move on to the 400-hundred year old Church of Santo Tomas, built on a pre-Columbian temple platform, and witness the captivating religious ceremonies that take place right on the steps. Later, continue on to Lake Atitlan, arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Formerly a volcano, water now covers the caldera to create the deepest lake in Central America. The banks of Lake Atitlan are home to many villages in which Mayan culture is still practiced. After the excursion, transfer back to Guatemala City. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Guatemala City
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Full Day in Guatemala City
Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Guatemala City. Spend the day in "The Land of Eternal Spring" by exploring the many sights of Guatemala's capital city. Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. View the city's museums or take time to explore Kaminaljuyu, an ancient Mayan City around which Guatemala City was built.
Optional: Full Day Tikal
Overnight: Guatemala City
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Tuesday - Depart for the USA
Today transfer to the airport via hotel shuttle for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Full Day Tikal |
Day #4 |
15 Jun 2009 - 31 Dec 2009 $330
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Join an optional tour to Tikal National Park, in the heart of the jungle of northern Guatemala to visit one the greatest Mayan ruins in Central America, You will be picked up early this morning for your flight to Flores, Peten. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the ancient Mayan City of Tikal, located at the center of the 222-square-mile park. On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit the Twin-Pyramid complex, the Lost World Complex, where the Great Pyramid is located, Temple III, the Palace of the Windows, the Great Plaza, the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar, the Pyramid of the Masks, and the Palace of the Nobles. Also visit Pyramid IV, the highest of the Mayan pyramids, from which you will have a complete view of Tikal and its surrounding jungle. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guatemala City.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Guatemala - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling outside of major cities like Guatemala City. In addition, dengue fever is endemic Guatemala, so please consult your physician before traveling to Guatemala.
In the event of illness in Guatemala, state funded hospitals are best avoided, so travelers should look for a private-clinic if possible. Treatment can be refused at any health facility without insurance, so good travel insurance is important.
| | Climate & Clothing | Guatemala - Spring: 59°F-84°F; Summer: 61°F-86°F; Autumn: 60°F-77°F; Winter: 56°F–75°F. Guatemala's climate varies more according to altitude, rather than by season. There is a rainy season near the center of the country, in the higher regions, which lasts from May to September.
Bring comfortable shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Shorts and swimsuits worn in public are strongly discouraged. Note that all military clothing is illegal.
Guatemala Average Temperatures:
http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#guatemala-panama-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
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| Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Guatemala - Guatemala is known for its textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, and baskets. A great place to purchase these items is at a market, which are abundant; Guatemala City and Chichicastenango both have famous markets. Please note that bargaining is expected by vendors and is the best way to get good deals. Guatemala City also offers many modern shopping centers, which are typically open seven days a week.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Guatemala - The Guatemalan Quetzal is the currency of Guatemala.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Guatemala - It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants when service has not been included on the bill. Taxis drivers are not usually tipped, but hotel staff and tour guides do expect to be tipped for their services.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Guatemala - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Guatemala, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. It is advised that travelers avoid contact with children, including taking photographs, especially in rural areas. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. Do not take public transportation on vehicles that resemble U.S. School buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Travel outside of major cities is not recommended, especially by bus.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Guatemala
- Ambulance: 123
- Police: 110
| | Languages | Guatemala - Spanish is the official language. Many indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. English is widely spoken.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Guatemala - The voltage used is 120 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Guatemala - Waving goodbye in Guatemala is unique. The wave looks similar to someone fanning themselves. Always ask permission before taking someone's photo. Public displays of affection should be avoided, especially when traveling outside of Guatemala City.
| | Holidays - Guatemala |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| April 9 |
Maundy Thursday |
| April 10 |
Good Friday |
| Apr 9 |
Holy Thursday |
| April 12 |
Easter Sunday |
| Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
| June 30 |
Army Day |
| Aug 15 |
Assumption |
Sep 15 |
Independence Day |
Oct 20 |
Revolution of 1944 |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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| Food | Guatemala - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. It is advised to stick to food from reputable vendors. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
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