Mexico & Guatemala. Guatemala: Guatemala City Antigua Lake Atitlan Flores Antigua Mexico: Cancun Uxmal Chichen Itza Playa del Carmen.

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1 Mayan Magic Mexico & Guatemala For SOLO TRAVELLERS 45 to 69 Years Sunday 5 to Thursday 23 March days ex Guatemala Guatemala: Guatemala City Antigua Lake Atitlan Flores Antigua Mexico: Cancun Uxmal Chichen Itza Playa del Carmen Mayan Magic This is a trip jammed-packed with culture, colour and authentic experiences while discovering the magic of the Mayan culture in Guatemala, and the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Guatemala is a feast for the eyes and a mystery to the soul; drenched in rich traditions, a natural beauty famed for its imposing volcanoes and a fascinating history. The colours of Guatemala will captivate you and the mystery of their ancient Mayan temples will astound. Guatemala is no make-believe tourist destination. Rituals are not performed for show; locals do not dress in traditional costume to satisfy the tourist. This is simply part of everyday Guatemala life. The Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico possesses ancient ruins, rain forests, underground caves, colonial cities and natural wonders that will satisfy even the most seasoned travellers. Bordering Belize and Guatemala, the Yucatan Peninsula maintains its close Maya ties, observed in its inhabitants dress, language, religion and cuisine. A small group deluxe experience exclusively for solo travellers. Highlights Discover the colonial charm of Antigua, Guatemala Be awe-inspired by the jungle setting of the ancient ruins of the Maya site, Tikal Visit the local villages of Lago Atitlán (Lake Atitlan) where Maya culture continues to influence day to day to life and traditional dress is still worn Enjoy the serenity of Lago Atitlán Visit the leading archeological The Pace [3 out of 5)] sites of the Mayan world. Stay in Merida, one of the Yucatan Peninsula s most authentic towns Uncover the spectacular wetland reserve, Biosphere Reserve of Celestun Traditional, regional cuisine included with meals, throughout the itinerary Enjoy a 3 night stay in Playa del Carmen, a Mexican Caribbean delight A small group experience with a maximum of 14 travellers This is a medium pace, small group tour with a maximum of 14 travellers. The day-to-day pace is a mix of some full days and some half days of sightseeing tours along with some days of leisure while enjoying the Caribbean in Mexico. A more relaxed pace is created by a number of two and three night stays in some of destinations. We go the extra mile and offer a predeparture contact service for group members.

2 TOP 5 REASONS TO BOOK 1. Age-matched holiday groups 2. Travel with like-minded solo travellers 3. Tours provided by leading tour operators 4. Early bird savings with many tours 5. Roommate matching option Inclusions 18 nights hotel accommodation Domestic, return airfare Guatemala City to Flores A professional English speaking guideescort in Guatemala A professional English speaking guideescort in Mexico (days 10-16) Daily Breakfast 8 lunches including highlight lunches 7 dinners including welcome, arrival and highlight dinners Welcome drink on arrival, Mexico Entrance fees to sites Private boat transfers as mentioned in itinerary Private touring transport Tips for room maids & bellboys in Mexico, days Taxes where applicable (hotels, restaurants) Airport transfers on arrival & departure * A small group deluxe experience, maximum 14 travellers * Airport transfers are included with tour package if the nominated group flight is purchased as part of your package with us, arriving on the first day and departing on the final day, of the tour. Exclusions: International flights including flight required day 10 Travel insurance Excess baggage Visa fees (if applicable) Meals & beverages not specified on itinerary Tips for guides and drivers Tips for room maids, bellboys in Guatemala & final hotel, Playa del Carmen Prices Prices Per Person AUD Early Bird Tour Price Standard Tour Price Pre tour hotel, Antigua, Guatemala Post tour hotel, Playa del Carmen inc. breakfast Airfares Twin Share Single Room $6589 $7839 $6739 $7989 TBA TBA $185 $349 additional Airport Transfers See website for airport transfer option and prices when not travelling on group nominated flights and/or not arranging flights with us as part of your package. Roommate Match See website details about the option to share and take advantage of the twin share price per person and the reduced single supplement, if we can t offer you a roommate match. About Us At Encounter Travel we offer holiday groups for solo travellers. All trips are age-matched so there s more chance you ll share your journey with likeminded travellers. Visiting destinations across Australia and around the globe, choose from short escapes to adventure trips and leisurely touring. Contact Us Encounter Travel Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm (Sydney time) Phone: Fax : holidays@encountertravel.com.au Web : encountertravel.com.au

3 Itinerary for Mayan Magic, Mexico & Guatemala 5-23 March 2017 DAY 1 SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2017 Arrive to Guatemala Arrive to Guatemala City. Flights connecting from Australia, arrive in the evening. On arrival on the group nominated flight *, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Antigua, about a 60 minute drive from Guatemala City airport. Check-in to your hotel will be late evening, and a fruit platter and small snack will be available in your room before retiring for the evening. * airport to hotel transfer is included when you book your airfare with us as part of your package on the group nominated flight. See, the GETTING THERE page of our website for details of the group nominated flights. supper on arrival DAY 2 MONDAY 6 MARCH 2017 Antigua Wake up to Antigua, Guatemala. Founded in the 16th century and Guatemala s capital until 1776, Antigua is a cosmopolitan destination with a rich colonial past. Its long cobblestone streets are lined with colourful stucco houses, crumbling but beautiful ruins, and a generous offering of boutique hotels, shops, galleries, and mouth watering food options. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this city of approximately 35,000 sits in a fertile valley surrounded by small scale coffee farms, indigenous villages, and three imposing volcanoes. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. A great start to your day is to take the stairs to your hotel rooftop to reveal the imposing volcanoes around Antigua. After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel mid-morning for a group briefing, including where to change money, and where to get a good coffee. It s a relaxed start to the day so you can be well rested after your flight the day before. Guatemala has a major coffee growing industry, and during your free time, sitting at one of the local coffee spots around the main town square is a great place for people watching. Then, your walking tour of Antigua commences to reveal the charm of this special place. There s no better way to soak up the atmosphere than on foot. First, visit the local market for a real insight into the local way of life. Then the group will stop for lunch and your guide will make a recommendation. Lunch is at your leisure. After lunch continue your exploration of this colonial city s cultural, architectural, and social history with a behind the scenes look at some of Antigua s ornately decorated churches, Spanish colonial era ruins, and the tomb of the first Guatemalan saint. Entrance to the Cathedral of San Jose and the San Francisco el Grande and La Merced churches are included. Your guide will escort you back to your hotel, where there will be time at leisure. Tonight, there is a welcome three course dinner at a local renowned restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Breakfast, Highlight Dinner DAY 3 TUESDAY 7 MARCH 2017 Antigua ~ San Antonia Aguas Calientes After breakfast at your hotel the group meets with your guide, and we set off for a full day guided tour of the surrounds of colonial Antigua. It s a short transfer to the small town of San Miguel Escobar, just outside of Antigua. The group is met by a local guide from De La Gente (DLG). DLG is a charity working to support small independent coffee producers and promotes environmentally responsible agriculture in Guatemala. Included today as part of our coffee farm experience, is a traditional meal in a local farmer s home before transferring back to Antigua. (Coffee season is November to March, so we are here at the right time). This tour today includes a donation to DLG. This tour takes you to visit some of the families supported by this organisation

4 Itinerary for Mayan Magic, Mexico & Guatemala 5-23 March 2017 where you can work side by side with small coffee farmers in their daily coffee processing, pick, pulp, ferment, wash, dry, trilla, sort, and grade the coffee (depending on the season), roast coffee over an open fire and grind by hand on a grindstone before sampling their handiwork. After lunch, we make our way to visit a Women s Textile Cooperative. On the way, we go via the Cerro de La Cruz a vantage point over Antigua that presents a superb view that spans across town and to the imposing Volcano Agua directly opposite that frames the view across the town. The Women s Textile Cooperative is a group of women, following in the footsteps of their mothers, working together to better their living, while being able to stay at home with their children. The visit includes a presentation of what they have created, from humble beginnings, where traditionally women didn t have the opportunities to prosper through commercial ventures. Tonight, enjoy selecting from a great line up of restaurants in beautiful Antigua with recommendations available from your guide (and with your tour documentation, we will make some recommendations). DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH 2017 Antigua to Lake Atitlan After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and we transfer to Lake Atitlan, which is around three hours away. We then take a private boat to Santa Cruz where we enjoy a market tour, followed by a Guatemalan cooking class. Lake Atitlan Guatemala Cooking Class Experience the taste and flavours of Guatemala cooking at the Lake Atitlan Maya Kitchen. This class will help you understand how our Mayan culture and Spanish colonial influence blended together in a perfect harmony through food. You will have lots of hands-on fun learning how to cook up authentic Guatemalan dishes during this Guatemala cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional recipes that are unique to Guatemala, and come away with all the skills you need to prepare them in your own kitchen.the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. DAY 5 THURSDAY 9 MARCH 2017 San Juan La Laguna & Santiago Tour Breakfast this morning is at your hotel. Today a full day guided tour includes a discovery of Lago Atitlan (Lake Atitlan). We transfer by boat to San Juan La Laguna, a local village across the lake. At San Juan La Laguna Village we visit a local textile cooperative to see the back strap loom in use and to see how they still dye with natural dyes. Also, this morning we visit the workshop of local naïf painters. Then, we board our private boat and travel across to Santiago, another lakeside village. In Santiago we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different brotherhood has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed. After visiting Maximon, there s time to visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town.. As the day comes to an end we transfer back to our hotel. Dinner tonight is at leisure. You can take the chance to find a local spot for dinner in the main town of the lake, Panajachel. DAY 6 - FRIDAY 10 MARCH 2017 Lake Atitlan ~ Flores A day at leisure at the Lake. Your guide will be able to make some recommendations of ways to spend your day. Breakfast DAY 7 SATURDAY 11 MARCH 2017 Lake Atitlan ~Guatemala City ~ Flores Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide to head off to the famous Maya archaeology site of Iximche for a tour of this fascinating site. Towards the back of the site is a lesser known (to visitors) yet extremely important Maya spiritual, ceremony site. Here we will meet a local Shaman who will perform an authentic Maya ceremony for them in a local Maya language and include them in the ceremony as they wish. After the ceremony guests continue on to Guatemala City stopping on the way to enjoy a local lunch. From here, we transfer by air to Flores, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Tikal. You arrive to your Flores hotel at the end of day, and dinner is included at the hotel. Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8 SUNDAY 12 MARCH 2017 Tikal Enjoy breakfast at our hotel. Today, we transfer to Tikal, about one hour from Flores, for a guided walking tour of the site. Tip: it s a guided walking tour on uneven pathways and earth. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is required.about Tikal Tikal, a ruined Maya city located in the northern Petén province of Guatemala, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It s a fascinating archaeological city and its jungle setting makes for an impressive visit. There s some 3000 ancient structures that rise from the rainforest floor. At the height of the Maya Empire, Tikal was a very important and influential city. Like the rest of the great Maya cities, Tikal fell into decline around 900 A.D. and was eventually abandoned. Once at the Tikal site there s a guided tour of this magnificent Maya temple.tikal boasts huge temples rising up through the jungle canopy and a variety of tropical animals and birds on show. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys as well as many colourful tropical birds and other mammals. This afternoon we transfer to Flores Airport for our return flight to Guatemala City. On arrival to Guatemala City we transfer to Antigua, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner

5 Itinerary for Mayan Magic, Mexico & Guatemala 5-23 March2017 DAY 9 MONDAY 13 MARCH 2017 Antigua Enjoy breakfast at our hotel. Today is a full day at leisure in Antigua. OPTIONAL TOUR: Chocomuseo Workshop Today you have the option for a private group workshop about the indulgent art of chocolate making. We ll start by learning a bit about the history, from the Mayan discovery of the cacao bean to the mass production of chocolate throughout the world. We ll also have some time to talk about the industry today, the different types of cacao, its health benefits and more before taking on the challenge of making our own chocolate. We ll start wit the bean and will work this into Cacao tea, Mayan hot Chocolate and European hot chocolate. We ll then try our hand at traditional chocolate bars, to which you can use your creativity by adding some fun ingredients, including almonds, coffee beans, ginger, sea salt and much more. Of course we will taste our handicrafts and 45 minutes after the workshop guests can return to pick up their chocolate bars. DAY 10 TUESDAY 14 MARCH 2017 Depart Guatemala for Cancun, Mexico ** GUATEMALA TO MEXICO ** There is an international flight today, that is not included in the tour price. This is a one way flight Guatemala City, Guatemala to Cancun, Mexico. If making your own flight arrangements (and not through us) you should check that you book the flight that corresponds to the group transfers to and from the airport provided as part of the tour arrangements. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Antigua. After breakfast we transfer to Aurora International Airport, Guatemala to take our flight to Cancun, Mexico. AFTERNOON Bienvenido a Mexico! Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport. The group is escorted by a private group transfer to your hotel. On arrival to the hotel, you will be welcomed with a drink, and the evening is at your leisure. Breakfast (in Guatemala) DAY 11: WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2017 Cancun Ek Balam Valladolid Merida Breakfast is a full buffet at your Cancun hotel, taken at your leisure. After breakfast, we ll head inland for an expertly guided tour of the beautiful Mayan archeological site of Ek Balam. Next, we head to Valladolid, the first capital city of the Yucatan, for lunch and a stroll around the centre square. After a city tour, we ll continue on to Merida, The White City, where you will enjoy your next three nights. On arrival you ll have free time to explore the city and head out for dinner. Your hotel is centrally located, close to the main plaza and restaurants. DAY 12: THURSDAY 16 MARCH 2017 Merida After breakfast, we explore the historicce city of Merida. We visit the Paseo de Montejo, lined with colonial mansions and modelled after the Champs Elysees in Paris. We ll stop at the Central Plaza to view the beautiful cathedral, the ornate Casa Montejo, and the renowned murals of the Palacio Nacional. We also view the incredible collectio of Mayan artifacts at Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. In the afternoon, you ll have time for lunch and more time to explore the city on your own. In the evening, enjoy a highlight group dinner at a local restaurant in Merida. Breakfast, Highlight Dinner DAY 13: FRIDAY 17 MARCH 2017 Merida Celestun Merida After breakfast, today we travel to the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, a large coastal wetland reserve and wildlife refuge. It s one of the most naturally beautiful areas in Yucatán state and one of the largest areas of mangroves in the Gulf of Mexico. Given its significance it s one of the regions most protected areas as well as a UNESCO site. Here, our guides will help us navigate the serene waters of this massive wetland site to view one of the world s most important Pink Flamingo colonies. Lunch today is in the shade of a charming thatched roof beach restaurant. In the afternoon we return to Merida. The evening is at your leisure. DAY 14: SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2017 Merida Uxmal After breakfast, we head to the legendary Mayan temples of Uxmal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This classic Maya site is a highlight of the Yucatan and dates back to the 10th century AD. It is considered to be one of the most complex and impressive expressions of Puuc architecture. Our expert tour guide will illuminate the Mayan mysteries of the region as we learn about its engineering, architecture, and society. Lunch today is traditional fare, at a local Mayan family restaurant; slowly cooked pork and chicken in an earth oven Mayan pib, with achiote paste, wrapped up in banana leaves. Pollo Pibil / Cochinita Pibil is a classic meal in the Yucatan peninsula, a true gastronomic jewel! The main ingredient in this dish is the Achiote paste, also known as Recado Rojo, an essential ingredient and the base of many dishes in Yucatecan Cuisine. The Achiote (Annatto) tree grows in tropical and subtropical weather in different regions of the world. The seeds are used as a natural colourant and seasoning, or as a part of home remedies, but it is also used to give colour to cosmetics, paint, varnishes and textiles. In the kitchen, it gives color and seasoning to dishes like rice, soups, broths, atoles, meats, fish, and sausages, besides other cold meats. After lunch, we have a Tequila tasting, where we ll learn about Mexico s national drink. Today ends at our hacienda. It s an idyllic spot to relax, and enjoy cooling off in the pool. Past guests of the hotel include Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Great Britain, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, King Umberto II of Italy, Henry Kissinger, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India. Sound and Light Show AN OPTIONAL EXCURSION Tonight, there is the option to join the Uxmal Sound and Light Show, returning to the ruins under the very starry skies to

6 Itinerary for Mayan Magic, Mexico & Guatemala 5-23 March 2017 see the building facades lit up, to enjoy a unique experience. Small participation fee applies. Dinner this evening is at our hotel., Dinner DAY 15: SUNDAY 19 MARCH 2017 Uxmal Sotuta de Peon Izamal Chichen Itza After breakfast, the day begins at the living museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. Here, we ll learn about haciendas, which functioned like the plantations in the southern US, and about Henequen (sisal fibre), which was the source of the Yucatan s wealth during the Colonial Era. We ll tour the processing plant, which is still in action, visit the beautiful main house, and take a mule drawn rail cart tour of the fields, ending at a refreshing cenote (natural pool of water that leads to an underground river). We ll have lunch at the hacienda and then we re off to the city of Izamal to visit the magical Franciscan monastery. Later, we head to our hotel nestled beside Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan archeological icon and USESCO World Heritage Site. Chichen Itza Situated about 125 kilometres west of Cancun is the Yucatan s grandest archaeological site and could be argued as the largest, most famous and most accessible Mayan site. This ancient Mayan ruin is a rugged place of soaring pyramids, massive temples, startling carved columns and do-or-die sports fields. From 600AD it was a thriving site and from 750 until around 1200 AD it was a major urban centre. DAY 16: MONDAY 20 MARCH 2017 Chichen Itza Coba Playa del Carmen After an early breakfast, we utilise our private entrance into Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to explore the site with our expert guide. The journey continues to Coba, where we ll have a superb lunch on the shores of a beautiful lake at our private venue. After lunch, we ll visit the towering temples of Coba, some of the tallest in Mexico. This unique site has barely been restored and while only a few structures have been uncovered, it s estimated that some 6500 still remain to be exposed. We make our way to Playa del Carmen for a three night stay. Time permitting, we will visit the archaeological site of Tulum, overlooking the beautiful Ocean. Dinner this evening is at your leisure. There s plenty of spots to enjoy a Mexican evening on the Caribbean. Breakfast, Highlight Lunch DAY 17: TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2017 Playa del Carmen There s two full days ahead to explore your beachside town, Playa del Carmen. Relax, swim, shop; Playa del Caribbean is the perfect spot to wrap up your Mayan Magic discovery. The hotel is centrally located, where all the services can be found and is in easy walking distance from the main beach. Tonight we say goodbye to our guide at the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, aslo in easy walking distance from our hotel. ** no guide service, nor transportation included today except for your farewell dinner that includes your tour guide and driver ** Breakfast, Farewell Dinner DAY 18: WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2017 Playa del Carmen Today is a day of leisure. 5th Avenue is the main street of Playa del Carmen, where all the services can be found. The hotel is also located within walking distance from the main beach. ** no guide service, nor transportation included today ** Breakfast DAY 19: THURSDAY 23 MARCH 2017 Departure day After breakfast, the morning is free for leisure until the group transfer* departs the hotel for Cancun International Airport for your onward journey. * The group airport transfer is included when your airfare is purchased with us, as part of your package and you are travelling on the nominated group flights. [see more details on their GETTING THERE page of our website]. End of services. See website for full details about tour hotels, and more details about getting there and other helpful information. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Full terms and conditions are available on the holiday website. Information was correct at the time of publishing however some details may change without notice.