Teachers Who Travel
Guatemala 2009
TOUR# 4044
July 22 - 29, 2009
$1,499.00
(includes airfare, taxes and fuel surcharge)
Encounter colorful markets, smoking volcanoes, mysterious traditions, local art and warm hospitality in the Guatemalan highlands.
| DAY 1 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 | DEPARTURE/ANTIGUA | |
|---|---|---|---|
Depart from Philadelphia to Guatemala City via Miami. Flight AA 1689 leaves at 11:05 AM. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Antigua. | |||
| DAY 2 | THURSDAY, JULY 23 | ANTIGUA | |
|---|---|---|---|
Half day city tour with local guide. Explore Antigua's bustling markets where the local Maya gather and sell an impressive variety of local crafts and produce. Once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America, Antiqua resembles a living ruin. Remainder of the day at leisure. | |||
| DAY 3 | FRIDAY, JULY 24 | LAKE ATITLAN | |
|---|---|---|---|
Meet your local guide and travel to Lake Atitlan. Visit the town of Solola en route, home to one of the most authentic markets in the highlands. Continue on to Panajachel to explore the handicraft market and see the Posada de Don Rodrigo museum. In the late afternoon, cross the azure-colored waters of Lake Atitlan, a deep caldera lake flanked by three majestic volcanoes. Settle in to your charming lodge in the village of Santiago Atitlan. | |||
| DAY 4 | SATURDAY, JULY 25 | LAKE ATITLAN | |
|---|---|---|---|
Morning walking tour. Villagers in Santiago Atitlan still adhere to the traditional lifestyle of the Tz'utuhil Maya and you will see many cloaked in brightly-colored, hand-woven clothing. Art depicting local scenes in galleries along the main street may be of interest, and you can also visit Maximon and leave an offering to this curious and revered deity. Your local guide is on hand to help you plan your time as you wish. | |||
| DAY 5 | SUNDAY, JULY 26 | CHICHICASTENANGO | |
|---|---|---|---|
Early departure from Santiago Atitlan. Return across the lake and drive to Chichicastenango. A quaint and beautiful town surrounded by valleys and overshadowed by mountains, it has many spiritual and ceremonial overtones. Explore the local market offering wares from throughout the region. It disperses in the early afternoon and you spend the remainder of the day relaxing. | |||
| DAY 6 | MONDAY, JULY 27 | TOTONICAPAN | |
|---|---|---|---|
Scholars tell us that the Ancient Maya disappeared mysteriously a thousand years ago, but anyone who has intimately explored this fascinating region knows that the Maya continue to thrive in the highlands of Guatemala. Today, you travel to the town of Totonicapan, where you arrive early afternoon. Here, a community of over twenty K'iche families reaches out to visitors with the vision of bringing people into their homes to share their culture with the outside world. In return, your host family is eager to learn about your life back home. You will arrive in time to share a communal dinner and overnight with them. | |||
| DAY 7 | TUESDAY, JULY 28 | ANTIGUA | |
|---|---|---|---|
Accompany your host family on a visit to the early morning market, a weekly local tradition. Afterwards, you have the chance to visit the workshops of ceramic artists, weavers, mask makers and woodworkers. Enjoy a local lunch with traditional Marimba music and local dancing. Return to Antigua. | |||
| DAY 8 | WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 | RETURN | |
|---|---|---|---|
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Guatemala City airport. Flight AA 2128 leaves at 1:30 PM for Philadelphia via Miami. | |||
The exact timing of these flights is subject to change and will be reconfirmed.
Check-in at the airport should be 3 hours prior to departure time.
| DATE | FLIGHT NO: | FROM | TO | DEP | ARR | |
| JUL 22 | AA 1689 | PHL | MIA | 11:05 AM | 02:06 PM | |
| JUL 22 | AA 2125 | MIA | GUA | 07:00 PM | 07:40 PM | |
| JUL 29 | AA 2128 | GUA | MIA | 01:30 PM | 06:10 PM | |
| JUL 29 | AA 1290 | MIA | PHL | 08:40 PM | 11:24 PM |
$1,499.00
(includes airfare, taxes and fuel surcharge)
This price includes:
- Round trip flights from Philadelphia to Guatemala City with American Airlines
- Airport security taxes and 'Q' tax (fuel surcharge) at approximately $ 205 (subject to adjustment at time of ticketing)
- 6 nights accommodation as listed in itinerary (in double, triple and quad rooms)
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner and lunch in Totonicapan
- All transportation, sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- English speaking guides
This price does not include:
- Single room supplement.
- Cost of personal items such as phone, drinks, laundry, etc.
- Meals other than specified.
- International departure tax at approximately $ 33
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers
- Optional excursions
- Optional travel insurance.
- Passport & VISA FEE
Additional costs:
- PSU tuition.
- Cost of CEUs
Every American citizen needs a passport valid until January 29, 2010. A green card is compulsory for returning to the US.
Registration online:
(click here)
Register online, then mail your deposit immediately with copy of your passport, if
available, along with the optional travel insurance amount to:
Celestial Voyagers
79 Watermill Lane
Great Neck, NY 11021
Registration by mail:
All registrations for this trip should be submitted online
Earn Penn State University Graduate Credit - Integrative Art 497 (3 credits) or ACT 48
Contact Professor Constance Kirker for course description and full information.
Deposit: $500.00 by check only due immediately.
Balance due no later than May 11, 2009
After May 11, 2009 full payment is due with registration.
All check payments to be made out to Celestial Voyagers escrow account. Your deposit secures your reservation with the airline, the hotel and other suppliers. It must be sent with a copy of your passport, the registration form and the optional travel insurance premium, should you choose to purchase it.
Credit card payments:
We accept Visa and Master Card. Since Merchant fees are not included in the package
price, a 3.5% supplement applies if you wish to pay by credit card.
Cancellation:
All cancellations must be received in writing. The following penalties will apply:
- $150.00 processing fee upon receipt of a written cancellation.
- $150 additional for cancellation received between April 1 and May 11
- Penalty of 50% of the cost of the trip if written cancellation is received between May 12 and June 8, 2009.
- Penalty of 100% of the cost of the trip if written cancellation is received after June 9, 2009 and in case of a no-show.
These policies will be strictly applied.
In case of cancellation due to medical emergency, penalties will be covered under ACCESS AMERICA travel insurance which may be purchased at an additional cost. Pre-existing conditions are covered only if insurance has been submitted and paid for with your deposit.
We strongly recommend that you avail yourself of travel insurance as protection against penalties as well as baggage damage and travel delays. Without insurance, if you cancel your trip within a few days of the departure date, the total value of the trip will not be refunded. Pre-existing medical conditions are covered only if the insurance registration has been submitted within 14 days of sending your deposit.
Please check with Celestial Voyagers for insurance plans and premiums, or refer to our insurance page for additional information. Premiums are subject to change without notice.
To purchase your travel insurance from Access America:
Classic and Limited Classic Plan
Basic Plan
If your documents have to be sent individually, you must submit your request for this service in writing and supply your address. Somebody will need to be home to sign to receive the package and a $20.00 administration, handling and mailing fee applies.