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Plus, enjoy our optional post tour to Costa Rica -
May 4 - 9, 2012.
Gay friendly Guatemala has a history of re-discovery and re-invention and as a result, modern-day Guatemala is a fascinating collage of cultures: full-blood Mayan people, the descendants of mixed unions between the Maya and the Spanish colonizers, the Afro-Antillean ancestry of the Garifuna people who settled in the Caribbean coast of Central America from the Caribbean islands about three centuries ago, and all the way down to the European immigrants from Germany, England, Italy and beyond.
Sociologically, it's a unique blend that gives the country a special imprint, a mix of urban sophistication, fine gastronomy, outstanding arts and crafts and textiles, and exotic indigenous customs. These and other cultural traits transcend the early Maya, the days of the conquistadors, the colonial era and the pre- and post-war immigration patterns of the 20th century.
Lending more shades to this cultural mosaic is the eco-diversity of this fascinating destination, with its eclectic mix of mountains, volcanoes, scenic coasts, rivers and lakes. In short, Guatemala offers gay travelers an exotic experience coupled with a geographical sense of a faraway place just a few hours from home—the ultimate vacation destination.
Zoom Vacations' exploration of Guatemala gives you the best of this incredible destination! Visit unbelievable ancient ruins, explore the romantic city of Antigua, taste some of the world's best cuisine, and more! Like always, this trip features enough free time to relax and do your own thing!
• Fully escorted with the services of a Zoom Vacations Concierge throughout the trip
• Welcome dinner at Guatemala City's finest authentic restaurant. Cuisine so good, you'll search for its equivalent back home (but it's only in Guatemala!)
• 5 nights accommodations at Guatemala's finest 5 star properties (based on double occupancy)
• A hearty Buffet Breakfast daily
• Private expert guided tour of the ruins of Tikal
• Guided gay nightlife tour of Guatemala City
• Guided tour of Mayan history plus the sensational modern day presidential palace in Guatemala City
• Volcano trekking excursion. Watch results of recent eruptions and the volcano smoking
• Traditional coffee plantation tour and shopping excursion
• Private, expert guided tour of Antigua
• Guided gay nightlife tour of Antigua
• Airport transfers
• All private transfers to Zoom Vacations excursions
• Services of a Zoom Vacations Concierge throughout the trip
• A Farewell cocktail event in the beautiful city of Antigua
• Guatemala gay guide, complete with information on nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and much more
• Optional Xaxha Ruins Excursion
• All this and more . . . Exclusively for Zoom Vacations travelers
• Optional post tour to Costa Rica - May 4 - 9, 2012. Click here for more information!
• Plus, you may add extra nights at either end of this vacation, if you wish to extend your stay!
Day 1 - Saturday, April 28, 2012
Guatemala City
Arrival:
Arrive in Guatemala. After clearing customs, please proceed to the luggage area to claim your check-in bags. Your hotel shuttle will transfer you the Hotel Westin Camino Real.
Evening:
Welcome Dinner
Our special evening will take place in one of the best restaurants in town that serves authentic Guatemalan cuisine.
Accommodations: Hotel Westin Camino Real, Five Stars
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Sunday, April 29, 2012
Guatemala City - Tikal
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Early Morning:
Fly to Tikal
After a quick 45 minute flight, we arrive at the Flores/Tikal Airport.
Morning:
Tour to the Mayan city of Tikal
Today, we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the many pyramids, stelaes, temples and buildings of the most important Mayan city yet discovered and restored. Additionally through the jungle paths we will be able to see birds, plants and the famous howler and spider monkeys. Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant in the middle of the jungle.
Afternoon:
Fly Back to Guatemala City
This afternoon, fly from Tikal to Guatemala City
Accommodations: Hotel Westin Camino Real, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - Monday, April 30, 2012
Guatemala City - Antigua
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Morning:
Guatemala City tour, including the Presidential Palace, Main Plaza, and cathedral.
After breakfast we take you to the main attractions in the most cosmopolitan city in Central America, Guatemala City. During our tour you will visit the National Palace of Culture; the Central Plaza, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Time permitting, we will visit the Popol Vuh and Ixchel archeology museums. We will then enjoy a quick, tasty lunch for our adventure continues.
Afternoon:
Drive to Antigua (45 minutes)
 Late Afternoon:
Arrival in Antigua
We check-in to the Five Star Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. Antigua is the most important and enchanting city of colonial Guatemala. Founded by the Spaniards in 1543, nowadays Antigua is a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new buildings in colonial style. It was declared " Monument of America " in 1965 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings, you will be charmed as you stroll through town on the cobblestone streets, exploring stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals.
Accommodations: Casa Santo Domingo Hotel, Antigua, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Antigua
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in Hotel
 Morning:
Tour to Pacaya Volcano
Today we enjoy private transportation to the Pacaya Volcano National Park entrance where you will meet your volcano guide and begin a 1½ hr hike up the volcano. Watch results of recent eruptions and the volcano smoking. Experience incredible views. Pacaya is one of 33 volcanoes in Guatemala and one of three active ones. It is located just 45 minutes from Antigua. Pacaya is a fairly popular volcano amongst travelers, because it offers climbers a unique glance into the geologic bowels of the earth. A relatively easy climb of one hour brings us to the fertile shelf called La Meseta where you can get an awesome view of the lava flows. Wear long pants and good shoes. Lunch is provided, and we will return in the afternoon.
Evening:
Tonight you are encouraged to explore Antigua's many sensational restaurants and nightlife.
Accommodations: Casa Santo Domingo Hotel, Antigua, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Antigua
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel
 Morning:
Guided Tour of Antigua.
Today we have the opportunity to learn the history behind the stunning buildings, ruins, and plazas of Antigua. This city often surprises our travelers by just how much they love it. From its romantic ruins to chic, stylish restaurants, Antigua masters the art of being ruggedly hip and sophisticated like no other place on the planet.
Afternoon:
Farewell Cooking Party and Dinner
This afternoon, our group enjoys a special last moment of bonding as together we create some of the incredible delicacies we have had over the past week. This is also a party, so of course we will have plenty of wine and cocktails! We will explore the history and culture of Guatemala through its cuisine while sharing stories and laughter.
Accommodations: Casa Santo Domingo Hotel, Antigua, Five Stars
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Thursday, May 3, 2012
Antigua - Guatemala City
Buffet Breakfast at leisure in hotel
Morning
transfer to the airport for the flights home.
Meals Included: Buffet Breakfast
This tour include stays at Guatemala's most luxurious 5 star Accommodations in Guatemala City and Antigua.
Westin Camino Real Hotel, Guatemala City
 Located int the heart of Guatemala City's shopping and entertainment district, The Westin Camino Real is a stylish hotel featuring a classic European decor. Offering a variety of services to make your stay more relaxing, guests will leave the Westin Camino Real, Guatemala feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Spend the day by our outdoor heated pool, or renew your body and mind in their state-of-the-art fitness center.
Location.
Situated in Guatemala City's Zona Viva neighborhood, The Westin Camino Real is close to El Obelisco, La Aurora Zoo, and Francisco Marroquin University. Also nearby are Torre del Reformador and Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.
 Hotel Features.
The Westin Camino Real has a health club, an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Business amenities at this 5-star property include a business center, small meeting rooms, and a technology helpdesk. This Guatemala City hotel offers a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar/lounge. Guests have complimentary access to a roundtrip airport shuttle. Guest parking is complimentary. Event facilities consist of a ballroom, exhibit space, conference/meeting rooms, and banquet facilities. The staff can arrange concierge services, tour/ticket assistance, wedding services, and event catering. Additional amenities include a casino, a children's pool, and spa services. The property has designated areas for smoking.
Guestrooms.
The 274 air-conditioned guestrooms at The Westin Camino Real include iPod docking stations and laptop-compatible safes. Rooms have city views. Televisions are equipped with satellite channels. All accommodations provide desks, ergonomic chairs, and cordless phones with voice mail. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access (surcharge) is provided. Beds have premium bedding. Pillow menus are available. All units feature minibars, espresso makers, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, phones, bathrobes, and makeup/shaving mirrors. Additional amenities include slippers and hair dryers. In addition, amenities available on request include in-room massages, hypo-allergenic bedding, and wake-up calls. Turndown service is offered nightly and housekeeping is available daily.
Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua
 Since its genesis, Casa Santo Domingo was the bastion of one of the most grandest convents of America: the one that sheltered the followers of the order of Santo Domingo de Guzman. Truly, staying here gives you the chance to experience history firsthand.
Each corner of this house, each stone, each image and each piece that composes this unequalled whole of works becomes a lost page in time.
Guests today enjoy charming rooms, and stunning common spaces which sadly are not built like this today, but are ours to enjoy at this remarkable property.
Location.
Situated in Antigua Guatemala, Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo is close to Antigua Cathedral, Parque Central, and La Merced Church. Additional regional attractions include Volcan de Agua and Acatenango.
 Hotel Features.
Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo has a health club, an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a sauna. Wireless and wired high-speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). Business amenities at this 3.5-star property include a business center and audio-visual equipment. The hotel offers 3 restaurants along with a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Guest parking is complimentary. The staff can arrange business services, currency exchange, and computer rentals. Additional amenities include a concierge desk, coffee in the lobby, and self parking.
Guestrooms.
The 128 air-conditioned guestrooms at Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo include minibars. Rooms open to balconies.
Frequently asked questions, specific to our trip to Guatemala.
Do I need a visa to travel to Guatemala?
If you are a United States citizen and/or are traveling from the United States, you will not need a visa to travel to Guatemala.
Into which airport do I need to fly?
You need to fly into the Guatemala City International Airport (GUA).
What day should I depart my home country?
You must depart your home country for arrival into Guatemala on April 28. Our welcome dinner is that night at 7:00 PM.
Can Zoom book extra days for me at the beginning or end of this trip?
Absolutely! Simply let us know the amount of days you need at the beginning and/or end of the trip, and we will book the nights you need (additional room night charges will apply).
If I am traveling as a single, does Zoom offer a roommate pairing program?
Absolutely! Before the trip, we will get to know all of our travelers, and we will use what we know about you to make the best pairing possible.
May I travel as a single without a roommate?
Absolutely, you may travel as a single and pay a single supplement, which varies depending on your time of booking.
How do we get from Guatemala City to the Ruins of Tikal?
Your flight from Guatemala city to the Ruins of Tikal is included in your package price.
What is the fitness level required for this trip?
This trip is easily accessible to a variety of fitness levels. None of our included activities require a high degree of athletic skill. However, your optional activities will give you the opportunity to make your vacation as active and/or adventuresome as you choose.
Is it easy to do this trip back-to-back with the Costa Rica trip?
Our Costa Rica and Guatemala trips are perfect compliments to one another. You get the tropical, eco-tourism experience with Costa Rica, coupled with the historic, architectural, cultural, and culinary delights of Guatemala. Plus, San Jose, Costa Rica is a short two hour flight to Guatemala City.
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