LA ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

You are invited to visit La Antigua Guatemala, which was also called the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, during the colonial period. This is a fascinating place, rich in history, to be enjoyed in all its splendor. This city was partially destroyed by the earthquake of Santa Marta in 1773. In 1965, Antigua was declared "colonial monument of the Americas" by the UNESCO. You will go back 300 years in time walking along cobble streets. Let's start the tour through the Plaza Mayor where you will find the only mermaid fountain (Las Sirenas) that represent fertility and was constructed in 1739. Next we will see, El Palacio de Ayuntamiento (Town Council Palace) constructed in the XVII century. On this route we will appreciate the colonial architecture from the Central Park, La Vieja Plaza Real where bullfights and merchants gathered nearby the cathedral. La Antigua in Guatemala has numerous ruins and restored buildings that constitute only a fraction of the splendorous colonial architecture of the city.

A visit to the Cathedral which has undergone many structural changes during the past centuries. Its façade of baroque style with mannerist and renaissance details, are added to its impressive height and various images. It stands out as a symbol of Catholicism. The church and to the San Francisco el Grande Convent. This is one of the most visited convents of today. The church, with its carving and baroque sketches, is one of the most opulent antique chapels with colonial art and traditions. We will approach the Cloister Institution and Temple of our Lady of Pilar of Zaragoza, better known as the Capuchinas. It was certified by Philip V on May 5, 1725 as he arrived to the city of Santiago of Guatemala (today La Antigua Guatemala) starting with five institutional nuns. It was the last women's monastery instituted in the city. Next we will visit the church and convent of La Merced, with impressive bell towers, of relatively low proportion. The impassive baroque façade of the church is now in sight. The mercedarians were the first ones to establish a monastery in the capital of Santiago of Guatemala.

We also have the opportunity to visit the jade factory also arts and crafts stores, where it is very likely to find a variety of Guatemalan popular arts in its different forms such as rock, gold, wood, wax, glass, silver, textiles, etc. These hand made articles in its majority are found in many stores, markets and street vendors.

Included: land transportation, tour guide and local tour guide, entrance fee, lunch, beverages.
Recommendations: comfortable shoes, sun block, hat, passport, light clothing.
Notice: Guatemalan visa required for some nationalities.
Departure: 6:00 AM Return: 7:00 PM

THE MAYAN ROUTE

The archeological discovery of greatest importance in the last 50 years throughout Latin America: a Mayan village that shows us how the Mayas lived, as Joya de Ceren was preserved by nature upon being buried under the ashes of the volcanoes Loma Caldera eruption 1.400 years ago. Joya de Ceren is considered a site t of first order of what is known as the Mayan Route or the Meso American Route. It has been recognized by UNESCO as Patrimony of Humanity. After this visit we will be transferred to San Andres, a ceremonial center where semi-discovered structures (pyramids), some mounds and its historical museum can be appreciated.

Close to noon time, we will be transported to Chalchuapa where we will find archeological site, El Tazumal and Casa Blanca, places that we will visit and admire their pyramids, as well as listening to the historical briefings of its inhabitants. Included is the opportunity to see archeological remains in the museums. In El Tazumal we can tour the pyramids and its sloping steps which will take us to the top where we will have the fabulous view of adobe and tile houses on the background of the Apaneca Mountains.

Close to El Tazumal we have available replicas and original pieces on sale. Casa Blanca is also known for its processing of indigo dyeing. Visitors can participate in the dyeing process.

Level of difficulty: I (includes climbing the steps)
Included: land transportation, tour guide, beverages, entrance fees, lunch.
Recommendations:  comfortable shoes, sun block, hat
Departure: 8:00 AM Return: 6:00 PM

CULTURE AND CRAFTS

This route is specially designed for those interested in crafts, since on the way between the City of Sonsonate to Ahuachapan there is a series of towns with a lot of cultural traditions. The first town will be Nahuizalco, characterized for having strong pre-columbian traditions. This is one of the country's most important indigenous and crafts populations. Baskets and furniture woven from natural fibers such as "Tule" and wicker dress up the streets. Its colonial church and the nocturnal market, lighted with candles, are an attraction in itself. In the heart of the route we find Salcoatitan. Its white colonial church in front of the Central Plaza is one of its main attractions. It was here where the first coffee tree was planted, a profitable item that supports the local economy.

We continue our tour towards Juayua, famous for its Black Christ. This beautiful town is of coffee tradition and it envelopes an extraordinary climate and nature. From the verandas we can observe the natives picking up the coffee beans. We will also visit the town of Apaneca where we will find lots of crafts and shops that work the coffee wood. Here the flowers grow in abundance and the constant breeze expels pine and coffee scents. We will finalize our trip at Concepcion de Ataco, a pre-columbian town established by the Pipeles tribe and located in the heart of the mountain where its cobblestone streets and lanterns take us back in history. Enjoy the serenity of a town in the mountains. The locals elaborate colorful textiles in traditional pedal looms. Amongst their crafts variations they also fabricate musical string instruments.

Included: Land transportation, tour guide, snack, beverages
Recommendations: comfortable walking shoes, sun block, light clothing, hat, sun glasses
Departure: 8:00 A M Return: 2:00 P M

SAN SALVADOR VOLCANO & COATEPEQUE LAKE

Exit towards the Capital of El Salvador, taking a panoramic highway from where it will be possible to appreciate the Pacific coasts from El Salvador, Arrival to the Volcano of San Salvador that is located to the west of the city and is a complex bulk that includes the tips: Peak (1.967m) and Wild boar (1.397 ms). The crater (the big hole) has a diameter of 1,500m and it is located to 1.800 mts. of height. We will make a long walk around its border, where we will be able to appreciate the beauty of the wild life, in addition to a variety of species of violets in the trunks of the trees. The Peak that is confused with the volcano, shines imposing, to its skirts the city of San Salvador grows and little by little it invades its environs. This volcano to destroyed several times the capital, that date from 1671 to the date, the last eruption in 1917 destroyed the capital almost completely. Afterwards, a panoramic ride takes us to the Coatepeque Lake, formed by the sinking of the ashes of two volcanic cones that gave origin to the lake, whose name comes from the Nahuat tongue that means "snake hill". It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in El Salvador, and considered one of the ten most beautiful lakes of the world.

Level of Difficulty: II - III
Included: land transportation, tour guide, entrance fees, lunch, beverages.
Recommendations: light clothing, sun block, bug repellent, running shoes, sunglasses, and cash for souvenir shopping.
Departure: 8:00 AM Return: 5:00 PM