06
Oct
Easter in Antigua
There are few places in the world that celebrate Easter quite like Guatemala’s colonial city of Antigua....
Guatemala
Tailor-Made Tours
Introduction to Guatemala
Who would believe that such great natural and cultural contrast could be contained in such a small country? Guatemala, with perhaps the most friendly people in Latin America, is the perfect place to visit if you want to escape crowds of tourists – on the international circuit, almost an undiscovered paradise! Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle, beautiful colonial cities like magical Antigua, Chichicastenango market with its unique handicrafts, small villages little touched by time and hotels that were once old monasteries, lakes, mountains, volcanoes- and that’s just to name a few!
With so much on offer, how do you know where to begin? At South America Travel Centre our team of experts have collectively travelled to Guatemala many times and know the best way to see this culturally and naturally diverse country. You will travel at your own time and pace accompanied by private guides and transfers. Our attention to detail is what helps us make your holidays extraordinary.
HIGHLIGHTS
OVERVIEW:
Evidence of original settlement dates back to around 700BC and Tikal’s first complex of significant buildings was established by 200BC. This magnificent site, deep in the jungle, now contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation whose empire held sway between 200-900AD. There are more than 3,000 pre-Hispanic constructions of temples, plazas, sanctuaries and ceremonial platforms, along with countless sculptures, altars and steles, while much more still remains to be excavated. Immerse yourself in Mayan history and explore the Gran Plaza, the towering temples and pyramids, North, South and Central Acropolises, and the “Lost World” complex.
OVERVIEW:
One of the best-preserved colonial cities in Central America, the city of Antigua was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. Set in a beautiful location overlooked by three soaring volcanoes, it is the epitome of colonial splendour with some of the region’s most architecturally intact churches, houses and plazas. Antigua is also noted for its beautiful crafts including ceramics, wood- and stone-carvings, silver jewellery and a variety of traditional weavings and costumes.
OVERVIEW:
Lake Atitlán and its villages are a wonderful combination of scenic beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, easily accessible Mayan culture, and a good tourist infrastructure. Atitlan Lake is situated at an altitude of 1,560 metres with Tolimán volcano (3,158 metres), forming a very powerful back-drop. It is ringed by small towns, Panajachel is best known and well worth a visit.
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Lake Atitlan and the Indian markets of Chichicastenango & Panajachel
Lake Atitlan, a spectacular crater lake dominated by towering volcanoes and surrounded by forested slopes and volcanoes, is believed to be the most beautiful lake in all of the Americas. Lakeside and hillside settlements, such as Panajachel and Chichicastenango, are very colourful with lively Indian markets and are rich in Mayan culture. f great rejoicing from the people.
Semana Santa (Easter Week) – Antigua
During ‘Holy Week’, Antigua hosts the most beautiful religious celebration in all of Central America – perhaps in the world – when huge and elaborate processions wind through the city’s main streets. The celebrations actually begin on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and continue through until Easter Sunday; perhaps the climax is Good Friday, when Antigua’s streets are thronged with thousands of participants and reverent spectators.
The processions include massive floats (andas), bearing statues of Christ with a cross, that are carried by hundreds of purple-robed men. The processions move slowly through the cobblestone streets, the feet of the bearers cushioned by the alfombras (sawdust-and-flower carpets) which are destroyed as the procession passes over. Visiting Antigua during Lent and Holy Week will present you with an extraordinary spiritually-rewarding experience you will never forget.
A SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION
Boutique
El Convento Boutique Hotel
Antigua, Guatemala
Located on a cobblestone street across from the legendary Capuchinas Convent, in the heart of Antigua Guatemala,
El Convento Boutique Hotel welcomes visitors to an oasis of stunning elegance and unparalleled comfort.
26 spacious,exquisitely decorated suites draws upon the history and culture of this famous city,
creating an intoxicating blend of traditional simplicity and modern convenience.
Lodge
Laguna Lodge
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The Laguna Lodge is on the lakeshore of the legendary Lake Atitlan and exclusively nestled in its own nature reserve.
Entry into this Mayan world begins by boat.
The hotel commands sweeping views over azure waters to a trio of dramatic volcanoes. Inspired by nature and created from volcanic stone, adobe and palm spacious lakeside suites are individually appointed with comfortable hand hewn king beds, fine linens, intricate woven textiles and indigenous antiques.
First Class
Posada Del Angel
Antigua, Guatemala
Posada del Angel is traditional and elegant: each of the seven rooms is unique and has been designed with a color palette inspired by the famous wall textures all over La Antigua. Beds are covered with Mayan textiles made on backstap looms using the finest cottons and traditional indigenous techniques.
Tourist-superior and tourist class accommodation is also available. For more information on the accommodation we offer, call 1300 784 794 or email contact@satc.com.au.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Planning Your Trip
The Booking Process
South America Travel Centre can look after all aspects of your holiday, including flights and travel insurance.
We start by asking you what your interests are and where you are interested in, when, for how long, what standard and style of accommodation. Once we have a good understanding of just what you’re looking for, we can begin to create a holiday to meet your time and budget requirements and, most importantly, that will deliver interest and enjoyment in an experience to exceed your expectations.
Please book early. Many of the hotels, lodges and cruise vessels we recommend are relatively small. This exclusivity combined with high demand means they can be booked out up to 6-8 months in advance.
If you’re thinking of travelling during any major holidays like Christmas, New Year and Easter, or during any festivals, our advice is simply to book as early as you can, even 12 months or more, and we can add flights as soon as they become available.
Visa and Health Information
Australian citizens do not require a visa to enter Guatemala. You will need to hold a valid passport and have a return ticket when you arrival. V
Vaccinations are advised for common diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid as well as Influenza. There are no compulsory vaccinations.
We advise you to consult a Travel Doctor specialist prior to departure to assess any health risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans.
Flight Information
We have access to a wide range of airfares and have excellent relationships with our key airline partners. Our two main airline partners in Latin America are LATAM Airlines, QANTAS Airlines and Air New Zealand. We can also arrange internal flights for you within Latin America.
Irrespective of whether you book directly with us or with your preferred travel agent, we’ll request the details of all of your fights to ensure if there are any changes your transfers and other arrangements are adjusted accordingly.
The Best Time to Go
Guatemala can have a pleasant climate throughout the whole year. However some people consider the best time to travel to Guatemala is during their winter which is mid-December to late March, the driest time of year.
Summer- April-November is the rainy season, with a risk of hurricanes June-November. Rain characteristically only falls for a couple of hours a day.
Inspiration
Client Reviews
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards Joe & Judy
Now back in Sydney after a wonderful holiday. The EcoCamp was also fantastic! The whole holiday was co-ordinated beautifully – everything just flowed from one adventure to the next without a single problem. We now have 100’s and 100’s of absolutely spectacular photos to sort through. Interestedly we had 8 different flights whilst we were away and each one of them was either full or nearly full – people are obviously travelling again. Thank you so much for all your assistance in co-ordinating our Patagonia experience. With Kindest regards, Joe & Judy
We cannot recommend Hayley from South America Travel Centre (SATC) more highly. Our entire trip was planned perfectly from the second we left Sydney. Not only did she incorporate all of our preferred destinations, Hayley also made suggestions on additional places based on our preferences and some of these turned out to be the highlights of our trip! We tend to be more independent travellers and Hayley was able to create the perfect mix of seamless travel with the flexibility for us throughout the journey to take advantage of any unexpected opportunities that arose. The guides at every location were extremely knowledgeable and offered excellent suggestions on everything from safety through to restaurants and laundry locations. I absolutely cannot fault the services provided both locally and in Australia from the SATC team.