Take in all the Guatemalan highlights, from Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches, to the lakes, volcanoes and caves that make this country famous. Add to this the most traditional and varied indigenous population in Central America and its most charming colonial city, Antigua, and you can see why many consider Guatemala the most fascinating destination in the Americas. Guatemala Encompassed Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Central America Guatemala Antigua Antigua Guatemala Guatemala Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 16 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/guatemala/guatemala_tikal_2.jpg Arrive in Antigua at any time. Travel north to the Mayan village of Lanquín, which is near the famous Semuc Champey, a natural limestone bridge with a series of turquoise pools perfect for swimming. Check out the famous local caves (and bats!) or tube down the swim in the river. Continue north towards Flores, a charming island town on Lake Petén Itzá. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, shop, or take a boat trip on the lake. Explore the incredible Mayan city of Tikal, probably the most impressive of all Mayan ruins. Watch out for monkeys! Head south-east into the lush Petén region of Guatemala. Stay at a nearby scenic ranch and working farm. Optional activities abound, including cave tours, tubing, jungle treks and admiring Mayan hieroglyphs. Arrive to boaters' haven Rio Dulce. Take a boat trip on the "sweet river" to Livingston, a coastal town known for its hybrid Afro-Caribbean Garifuna culture. Soak up the laid-back Guatemalan Caribbean atmosphere. Travel upriver for an excellent chance to spot wildlife, making sure to stop along the way for a swim in some basic hot springs. Crossing the mountainous interior, arrive in the laid-back beach town of Monterrico. Chill out on the beach, take an optional boat tour through the mangroves or set out on one of the many hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers and birders. This tiny village sits on the north shores of breathtaking Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. There are no paved roads leading into Jaibalito, but the paths weaving across the slopes offer rewarding views of the lake. Enjoy an included boat tour on the lake visiting nearby villages. Experience Chichicastenango, the most famous market in Central America. Check out different weaving styles or buy some uniquely Guatemalan souvenirs. Squeeze yourself onto the infamous 'chicken' bus for a memorable journey back to Antigua. Enjoy your last day in Antigua with a salsa class or take advantage of the many options including a city tour, jade museum, coffee plantations, Pacaya Volcano climb, horseback riding, or just hanging out in the main square of this relaxed World Heritage city.
Arrive Antigua at any time. There are no planned activities so check into the hotel and enjoy this charming city.

Guatemala is a small country, yet offers a wide variety of geography, climates and people. Its mountains and volcanoes are a magnet for climbers and hikers; the northern Petén region’s dense jungle and glorious Mayan past draw archaeology and wildlife enthusiasts alike; and the colourful highland towns and villages with their smiling residents are sure to leave their mark on the memories of your travels.

Antigua Guatemala is a short 45 km from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The trip takes you through many small towns and villages, past red, tile-roofed huts inhabited by modern Maya in colourful traditional clothing. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere, with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys and every inch of land covered with lush growth.

Note: Antigua is less than an hour’s drive from the Capital, Guatemala City, and airport transfers are easily arranged locally, whether you are starting or ending your tour in Antigua.

Travel north to Lanquín, where we stay at a cozy jungle lodge deep in the country. Activities abound here, from checking out the local caves and ominous-looking bats to swimming in the river and enjoying some spectacular waterfalls.

A long travel day on public transportation brings us to Lanquín and the Recreo jungle lodge. You might arrive just in time to do an optional visit to the Lanquín Bat Cave to see when these flying beasts exit their home for the evening.

El Recreo is beautifully situated near the Cahabón river and is one of the most tranquil places in all of Guatemala. The lodge has an on-site restaurant and you can rent tubes and cruise down the river for a lazy afternoon float along the beautiful blue waters. Some rooms at El Recreo may be multishare or dorm style with shared bathrooms.

On the full day here, take an optional trip to visit the unmissable pools of Semuc Champay. For the adventurous, first take a trip into a cave by candlelight where you have to swim in some spots (don’t let your candle go out!). Then take a walk up to Semuc, hike up to the Mirador viewing platform and then soak up the crystalline waters in these unforgettable pools. Make sure to visit the Sumidero where you can watch the roaring river pass underneath the natural pools. Those who don’t want to explore the cave can spend the extra time at Semuc. For many, the visit to Semuc Champey is the highlight of their Guatemalan experience.

While in Lanquín, we have an optional tour with a group of indigenous women on how they cultivate Cacoa and make home-made chocolates. We will be given a lesson on the entire process beginning with the planting process, the cultivating process, and the baking process. Free samples to be tasted and chocolate purchases can be made. You may even learn how to say “thank-you” in Mayan Q’echi.

Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours
Approximate Distance: 230 km
Continue north to Flores, a charming little town located on an island on Lake Petén Itzá. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, shop, or take a boat trip on the lake. Take a guided tour of the fascinating ruins of Tikal the following day and learn about the incredible Mayan history. Watch for the monkeys!

It was to the Lake Petén Itzá region, that the descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá immigrated, moving here from Mexico several centuries after the collapse of the great Maya cities in the Yucatán. These descendants founded the city of Tayasal, on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, and lived there for about four hundred years, isolated and forgotten by the rest of the country, including the Spanish conquistadors. It was not until 1697 that this small city was finally conquered by a military expedition led by Martin de Ursúa, who stumbled upon the city by accident.

The city of Tayasal was transformed into the city of Flores, officially founded by the Spanish in 1700. It remained an isolated area, relying on the subsistence farming of corn and beans, and the gathering of chicle (used in the manufacture of gum), from nearby trees. Despite the recent growth in Petén, Flores remains the same small island town, with narrow, cobble-stoned streets, small, brightly painted houses and friendly people. The island is now attached to the mainland by a causeway, but many of the local inhabitants still get around by cayuco, or dugout canoe. Flores remains one of the most scenic and charming towns in the Petén. It is particularly attractive to visitors because of Lake Petén Itzá, a large lake (12 km long and 3 km wide) offering all sorts of possibilities for fun, including swimming, boating, fishing and bird watching, as well as a small zoo and a nature preserve.

The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting. Even if you make it only to the main plaza, or spend an hour relaxing in deep contemplation, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The central area, with its five main temples, forms by far the most impressive section. If you start to explore beyond this you can wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth. If your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple lV, your senses won’t be unstimulated. Spectacular views of the surrounding jungle canopy will greet you from the top of the highest structure within the complex. Occasionally, you may spot toucans, macaws and other bright birds from this artificial perch within the greenery. Otherwise, you may simply marvel at the engineering and organizational skills needed to construct this city within the jungle. A local bilingual guide will explain the natural and artificial wonders of this site during our foray into Tikal.

The rainy season in the Petén is generally from mid-May until early January. Be prepared to get wet. Make sure you have plastic bags to wrap around the items in your daypack while hiking, and bring a good (light) waterproof jacket. Also make sure that you have strong insect repellent. The dry season runs January until mid-May. During this time you need to make sure you have adequate sunscreen.

While in Flores, we also have an optional tour where we can enter the home of a local woman in the small village of San Miguel and learn how to make a very Latin dish….tamales. This lake-side village welcomes you by boat as we will experience one of our first cultural experiences by learning how to make tamales. Tamales are a staple in Guatemala and are served at weddings, birthday parties, and even for breakfast. This is an experience you will not forget!

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 250 km In order to explore the lush Petén region of Guatemala a bit further, we head to Poptún, where we'll stay at a nearby scenic ranch and working farm. Optional activities abound in this beautiful area, including cave tours, jungle treks and visiting Mayan hieroglyphs.

The journey takes us to the Finca Ixobel ranch located near the city of Poptún. This ranch is a unique type of accommodation where international and local volunteers act as your hosts and will be sure to keep you entertained. The kitchen is amazing and offers great, inexpensive food all day long and a fantastic buffet dinner nightly. There are games, a ping-pong table, soccer, volleyball, an animal rescue area, a lake to swim in with a bar next to it, and a self-guided hike to keep you entertained.

The Finca offers some amazing optional activities into the surrounding countryside. Most popular is the River Cave, where you walk deep into the depths of the earth wading and even swimming some of the time, and Machaquila River Tubing which is not for the weak of heart! Two other easier spelunking options exist to the Ixobel and Echo caves, and there is also horseback riding and relaxing. We spend about two full days here before heading further north.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 100 km We continue to traverse the dense jungle of the Petén, and stop at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast. Río Dulce is a popular destination for yachts cruising from the Lake to the Caribbean coast along the Río Dulce. There are plenty of opportunities for R & R aside from boating on Lake Izabal. There are optional tours in the area to view protected howler monkeys at dawn by kayak, or you may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation. Explore San Felipe fort in Livingston, cruise along Lake Izabel to relax in the thermal springs or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.

We will take an included boat trip out to Livingston, a coastal town full of the Garifuna culture. Soak up the laid-back Guatemalan Caribbean culture, very different from that of inland. Head back up river with an excellent chance to see wildlife and swim in some spectacular hot springs along the way.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 140 km Monterrico, a small town on the Pacific coast, is much different than other parts of Guatemala. The town has a slow, tropical pace, and offers great beaches and beautiful surroundings, including the nearby Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii nature reserve: a 20km-long reserve of coastline and mangrove swamps bursting with wildlife.

Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours
Approximate Distance: 380 km
This tiny village sits on the north shores of breathtaking Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes. There are no paved roads leading into Jaibalito, but the paths weaving across the slopes offer rewarding views of the lake.

A long travel day by various modes of transportation including boat brings us to the incredible Lake Atitlán. The Lake was formed when a magma basin emptied a few hundred thousand years ago in a huge volcanic blast. Later, the San Pedro, Santiago and San Antonio volcanoes sprouted up and there is still volcanic activity that occurs within the lake heating it to bearable swimming temperatures.

We stay at the incredible Vulcano Lodge, located in the village of El Jaibalito. Spectacular views over the lake and volcanoes, hiking trails to nearby villages, and an amazing restaurant serving all meals and a really amazing breakfast are some of what is offered at the hotel.

On our full day here, we take an included boat tour on the Lake visiting a few of the diverse villages along the way allowing some good shopping opportunities. Arrive back in time to go for a hike to Santa Cruz or San Marcos from the hotel.

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 150 km Get ready for more spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes on our way to Chichicastenango, an important commercial hub of the area for many centuries. The people of this area have received tourists for some time, and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as eagerly as they will at a life long friend.

Unless you can resist the wonderful handmade items for sale, you should sharpen your communication and bargaining skills. The Chichicastenango market is the best known, but there are a number of other markets around where you may wish to purchase any number of handicraft items.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Wrapping up our shopping tour of Chichicastenango, we travel back to Antigua on colourful ‘chicken’ buses to enjoy this colonial city. Try your hand at salsa with an included dance class! Other options include: City tour, jade museum, churches, bike tour, visit coffee and/or macadamia nut plantations, Pacaya Volcano climb, horse riding, shop or just hang out in the main square.

Antigua is the old capital of Guatemala and as the seat of the Spanish colonial government, was once the most important city in all of Central America. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city.

Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala’s capital city for more than 200 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Modern Antigua is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Walk through quiet cobble-stoned streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. It is a short 45 km from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The trip takes you through many small towns and villages, past red, tile-roofed huts and people in colourful traditional clothing. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere, with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys and every inch of land covered with lush growth.

The point of reference for finding one’s way around Antigua is the Central Park, which is directly in the centre of town and the place to be in the late afternoon/early evening. You can pick up a map from the tourist office located on the ground floor of the Palace of the Captains General on the south side of the Central Park. Explore the museums, the colonial buildings and other sites in this delightful town and don’t forget to try some famous Guatemalan coffee.

Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the more traditional back strap loom. Jade, in the form of carved statues and jewellery, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewellery is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 120 km 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 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229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD 879 839 529 439 1149 779 699 1029 369.00 359.00 229.00 189.00 489.00 329.00 229.00 329.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Hotels (15 nts). Associated RT Project Optional visit to Planeterra community projects Brief Highlights Antigua, Lanquín, Semuc Champey, Flores, Poptún, Rio Dulce, Monterrico, Lake Atitlán. Combination Departure Departs Fridays, departures vary DepEnd Fri-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights Boat ride to Livingston from Río Dulce, Entry and guided tour of Tikal, Visit to Chichicastenango, Atitlán Lake tour, Salsa lesson in Antigua.
Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD320 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 My Own Room Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:

Nights 8-9: Rio Dulce and Nights 12-13: Jaibalito StartFinish ex Antigua, Guatemala Testimonial "Places seen were a wonderful cross-section of the country. It was another great G.A.P adventure which will be remembered for a lifetime!" - Karen Scherl travelled on Guatemala Encompassed Transport Private van, Local buses, Motor boat. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project
Brochure Intro Take in all the Guatemalan highlights, from Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches, to the lakes, volcanoes and caves that make this country famous. Add to this the most traditional and varied indigenous population in Central America and its most charming colonial city, Antigua, and you can see why many consider Guatemala the most fascinating destination in the Americas. Checklist •Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•USD cash and travellers cheques
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
•Camera and film
•Reading/writing material
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks
•Pocketknife
•Moneybelt
•Fleece top - Windproof/waterproof jacket - Small towel and swim wear
•4 shirts/t-shirts
•Sun hat
•2 pair of shorts
•2 pairs of long trousers
•1 pair hiking pants/track pants
•Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
•Sport sandals - very useful!
•Bathing suit
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Purification tablets or filter
•Flashlight
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, motion sickness tablets if need, DEET bug repellant, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
• You may also wish to bring a Spanish – English phrase book or dictionary Departure Tax USD30 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Take in all the Guatemalan highlights, from Mayan ruins and beautiful beaches, to the lakes, volcanoes and caves that make this country famous. Add to this the most traditional and varied indigenous population in Central America and its most charming colonial city, Antigua, and you can see why many consider Guatemala the most fascinating destination in the Americas. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 506 2231 4708.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica,
we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139.
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes 1) Roads are very curvy on every single travel day of this trip. Travellers subject to motion sickness should bring medication.
2) There are a lot of water activities on this trip.
3) Monterrico, Poptún, Lanquín and Jaibalito (Atitlán) are isolated . You won’t be able to use ATMs and banks so please plan ahead.
4) Antigua's nearest airport is approx. 1hr away in Guatemala City.
Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Antigua
Hotel Los Bucaros
7A Avenida Norte 94
Antigua, Guatemala

Tel: + 502 7832 2346
Fax: + 502 7832 2346
Joining Instructions Please make your way to the hotel on your own. The best way to get to the arrival point hotel is by taxi from the airport – there are fixed rates at the airport counter (approximately $25 USD or 200 quetzales). It is a 1 hour drive from Guatemala City (where the international airport is located) to Antigua, where the joining point hotel is located.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned. Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Your Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress In the heavily indigenous populated areas it is recommended to wear conservative clothing and avoid wearing shorts. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

GUATEMALA ATMs: Please note that daily withdrawal limits in this country are extremely low, currently set at 1000 quetzales - less than 140 USD. It is advisable to arrive with enough cash, if your daily needs exceed this amount.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in USD amounts. All prices are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Antigua:
City tour $5 - $20
Climb volcanoes $10-$15
Bicycle rental/tour $5 - $19
Coffee /Macadamia nut Plantation tour $10
Massages $25
Mayan Horoscopes $40
Village and Planeterra tour - $20

Lanquín:
Bat Cave - $7
Semuc Champey - $7
Semuc Champey + Cave trip - $12

Flores:
Boat tour: Lake Petén Itzá $12
Tamale Cooking Lesson $5

Poptún:
River Cave - $12
River tubing - $20
Horseback riding - $12 (2 hrs), $24 (all day)
Ixobel and Echo caves - $5
Rio Mopán archeological visit - $25+

Rio Dulce:
Hot Springs $20
El Castillo Fort $5
Horseback Riding $25
Birdwatching Boat Tour $25

En route to Monterrico:
Quirigua ruins entrance fee: $11

Monterrico:
Mangrove tour – $8
Turtle sponsorship - $2
Horseback riding on the beach - $8/hr
Quad bike rental - $20/hr

Lake Atitlán:
Bicycle rental $3/hr
Kayak rental $5/hr
Horseback riding $50 (full day)
Volcano climb $10
Nature Hike $5
Paragliding $80 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Responsible Travel On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following Planeterra projects:

OPEN WINDOWS FOUNDATION
Open Windows is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for children in the community of San Miguel Dueñas. Programs offered by Open Windows are free and have supported over1,500 children in the areas of literacy, computer skills, tutoring and art with priority given to those who have greater financial need. A scholarship program is offered to children who show great interest in learning and strong dedication to studying and for those in need of medical support, a health clinic is open free to the community twice each month.

Although the town of San Miguel Duenas is situated just twenty minutes from the wealthy tourist center of Antigua, it does not benefit from its proximity. It has a substantially lower standard of living (the average monthly income is less than $80, and many homes do not have running water or electricity) and level of education. The need to improve education is huge. In Guatemala the literacy level is only 71%, the average child completes only five and a half years of school, more than half fail 1st grade, and only 1% of the population reads for pleasure.

San Miguel Duenas is an agricultural town of 12,000 people, of which 4,000 are school-aged children and yet only 2,000 attend school. The rest do not go for various financial and cultural reasons. Instead of attending school many children must help provide for their families by picking coffee. This has resulted in an exceptionally low literacy rate in this community.

There are NO other libraries or computer centers in San Miguel Dueñas (not even the four local schools have either of these facilities). Open Windows, therefore, aims to improve the living conditions of the economically deprived children from in and around the town, by providing access to important educational resources through its services which the community has come to depend on.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Open Windows to identify the needs of the project. G.A.P Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support. It costs $500 USD to send one child to school for one year. This provides enough funds to cover the cost of the child’s uniform, school fees, books and school supplies. Highschool is six years in duration which means that by raising just $3,000 USD we can help one child further their education giving them the confidence and ability to access better jobs and create a brighter future.

While our goal is to raise funds to support the Open Windows Scholarship program, travellers can also help make a difference by visiting the Open Windows project while on your G.A.P Adventures tour and donating the following items:
• School supplies (i.e. pens, pencils, notebooks)
• Art supplies (i.e. yarn, crochete hooks, paint)
• Children’s clothes (i.e. T-shirts)
• Running shoes (new and used)
• Mouse pads and earphones to be used with the computers
• Toys to be used for the reading points program
• Over the counter medicine to be used in the health clinic (i.e. Tylenol, cough medicine etc.)

It is possible to visit this project on most tours that pass through Antigua, Guatemala. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader who can arrange this for you.

CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION
The Cornerstone Foundation is a registered non-profit humanitarian service organization that offers a variety of valuable programs to people in need in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

The programs offered through the Cornerstone Foundation have constantly been evolving and are based on specific needs within the community.

Relief & Aid
Through this program seniors, the ill and disabled are supported by a weekly food program whereby food such as rice, beans and meat when available are delivered to their homes. Children whose families cannot afford to provide them with food at lunch are able to participate in Cornerstones’ basic but nutritious lunch feeding program.

HIV/AIDS Education
HIV infection in Belize is the highest in Central America. This program collaborates closely with other local efforts to raise community awareness of high-risk behaviors, provides support for those who are living with AIDS, and conducts activities to change attitudes and reduce stigmatization.

Women's Issues
Supporting the move of local women towards greater independence and self-sufficiency is the focus of this program. Self-esteem building, ending domestic violence, training peer counselors, and teaching job skills are part of this program.

Disabilities
This program serves individuals, families, caregivers, teachers and others, helping to meet the physical, social, emotional, and material needs of the disabled. Belize has minimal information about special needs, limited physical therapy, nearly no equipment, and few professionals trained to work with learning and other disabilities.

Literacy
Although English is the country's official language, most Belizeans grow up speaking local indigenous languages instead. Cornerstone's Literacy and English Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to children, adults, developmentally disabled students which improves their ability to participate more fully in Belizean society and the economy.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Cornerstone to identify the needs of their programs. In the past we have supported Cornerstone’s Literacy and Disabilities programs and with your support we can help with continued annual donations through the Planeterra Foundation. G.A.P Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support.

It is possible to visit the Cornerstone project office on some tours that pass through San Ignacio, Belize. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader.

For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.