Panama Embera Indian Village Chagres River Tour

The Embera-Wounaan Indians live in Panama’s province of Darien. Still very primitive and untouched by the outside world these Chocó people are very friendly and open to tourists, enjoying the opportunity to share their culture with others.

One highlight of Caravan’s 8 Day All Inclusive Panama Tour is a morning’s trip up the Chagres River to visit a Panama Embera Indian village.

During this morning visit tourists have the opportunity to:

• Cruise up the Chagres River and take in the sites of Panamanian jungle
• Interact with Embera Indians in their natural environment
• Browse and shop from the Embera handicrafts

Chagres River Panama Cruise

The Embera Indian village tour starts near Gatun Lake on the Caribbean side of Panama. Passengers board a small cruise boat and travel up the Chagres River into the heart of the Panama rainforest. The Chagres River is actually Panama’s primary source for water and is critical in the functioning of the Panama Canal. Along the riverbanks of the Chagres there are opportunities to spot many creatures that make up Panama’s unique wildlife and ecosystem. Toucans, macaws and quetzals all help make Panama one of the best bird watching areas in the world and can be easily spotted up in the trees.

Embera Indian Village Visit

Today the Embera Indians of Panama maintain their traditional living conditions and village structure. Each Embera Indian village is located close to the river bank throughout the Darien Province and most are about a half day’s walk away from neighboring villages. Built on stilts, Embera Indian homes are raised off the ground and have thatched roofs and no walls. All household items such as hammocks, baskets, pots, mosquito nets and bows and arrows hang from the posts and beams around the hut.

Panama’s Embera Indians, also known as the Chocó, have their own form of government and live by their own, unwritten standards. Healthcare is limited and the Embera Indians are not assimilated into Panamanian culture.

Very much community oriented, each villager contributes during harvest time to farm the land together. Food gained from hunting is shared between everyone. Often areas around the small village are cleared in order to grow bananas and plantain which can be used as a crop and resource for obtaining motors, mosquito nets and other goods.

Embera Native Handiwork

After meeting the Embera Indians of Panama many tourists like to collect a keepsake and provide a way to support or thank the village for being so welcoming. Most of the time the Emberas open up their own marketplaces and sell tourists some of their very best handiwork, including colorful woven palm fiber baskets and tagua nut or cocobolo tree carvings.

Visit Caravan’s Panama Cruise FAQ page or Check Availability for the Panama Canal Cruise Vacation Packages.

These vacations always book up quickly as they are All Inclusive and include your meals, in-country transportation and all accommodations.

Call 1-800-CARAVAN to reserve your space today and visit an authentic Embera Indian village in Panama!

Canadian East Coast Vacation Packages

Visit the east coast of Canada, home to almost 17,400 miles of incredibly beautiful coastline. Canadian East Coast tours extremely popular.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Canada is a remarkably large country, the second largest country in the world! To travel by land from Vancouver on Canada’s Pacific west coast to Halifax on Canada’s Atlantic east coast, one must cover approximately 2755 miles (or 4430 kilometers).

Most non Canadians view Canada’s largest city, Toronto as being in eastern Canada, when in fact Toronto Ontario is almost 800 miles inland from Atlantic Canada’s Halifax in Nova Scotia.

Toronto is unique however, in that it is still accessible by water from the Atlantic Ocean because the St. Lawrence River extends almost 744 miles inland from the Atlantic coast; all the way to Lake Ontario. In fact, many Canadian east coast tours will actually begin in Ontario or Quebec.

Caravan’s current Canadian east coast vacation packages begin and end in the heart of the Canadian Maritimes, in historic Halifax, Nova Scotia.

A Canada east coast road trip is like entering an enchanted world that transports you to a mixture of quaint old world charm and new world wonders. Driving the east coast of Canada, Caravan’s Canadian east coast bus tours offer tourists a mixture of aquatic adventures, urban experiences, cultural diversity, historic sites, scenic tours and hours of fascinating activities.

Caravan’s Canadian east coast tours have been carefully arranged so that the itinerary includes many of the Maritime’s “must see” places that should not be missed as you visit the maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Nova Scotia Tours

For a real taste of eastern Canada, travelers on Canadian east coast tours should experience the maritime province of Nova Scotia, Canada’s second smallest province (behind PEI). Nova Scotia vacation packages with Caravan will introduce you to Nova Scoitia’s warm friendly people, the amazing rugged coastline scenery (especially in the Cape Breton region), the province’s cultural diversity and the sense of down home community; all real treasures of this region of eastern Canada. Throughout the province of Nova Scotia tourists can enjoy rich historical sites including the UNESCO world heritage site of Lunenburg and the fishermen’s village of Peggy’s Cove. All types of outdoor east coast activities and adventure sports are available here. Nova Scotia tours impress the most worldly of travelers who are never more struck by unspoiled natural beauty than what is offered by the spectacular Nova Scotia landscape.

PEI – Prince Edward Island Tours

Confederation Bridge, Canada's East Coast

Prince Edward Island, another destination on Caravan’s east coast tours, is the place to visit for unique artistic and cultural heritage of the islanders. This island is the smallest province of Canada and is endowed with beautiful white sandy beaches circled by great scenic beauty. PEI tours offer tourists one of Canada’s most relaxing destinations. PEI is also home to the “Cavendish” house, the location of one of Canada’s greatest stories, “Anne of Green Gables”.

New Brunswick Sightseeing

The majority of tourists traveling between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on Canadian east coast tours use the Confederation Bridge which spans over 8 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Another major tourist attraction in New Brunswick is The Bay of Fundy, with its world famous Fundy Tides, the highest tides in the world at over 50 feet! The Flowerpot Rocks at Hopewell Cape is a popular New Brunswick park where at low tide you can walk along the ocean’s floor prior to witnessing the powerful tide that area is famous for. Tides can change as quickly as 6 to 8 feet per hour so tourists on Canadian east coast tours that visit this area are bound to see the infamous tides in action.

All Inclusive Canadian East Coast Tours by Caravan

Caravan Tours offers All Inclusive Tours throughout North and Central America including fully escorted Canadian East Cost Tours that include three of Canada’s Maritime Provinces including Nova Scotia, PEI and New Brunswick. Canada east coast tours are 10-day all inclusive tours yet affordably priced starting at just $995. Check out Caravan’s fall schedule (best dates start in October) for Canadian east coast fall foliage tours along the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.

Visit Caravan’s Canada East Coast Tours Reviews page to read what others have said about Caravan’s all inclusive Canadian east coast vacation packages.

Camelback Mountain, Phoenix AZ

The famous landmark icon of Phoenix, Arizona and surrounding areas such as Scottsdale and Paradise Valley is Camelback Mountain. This prominent monument in the center of Phoenix Valley is part of the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area.

For many local residents, this natural sandstone formation is Phoenix’s point of pride symbolizing a resting camel keeping constant watch high above the Phoenix horizon. In fact, Camelback Mountain was named after its resemblance to the head and hump of a kneeling camel.

As vacationers fly into the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport they cannot help but notice this massive prominent landmark overlooking the Valley of the Sun, which is shared by Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

Camelback Mountain History

Some say it took tens of millions of years to sculpt this masterpiece made of sandstone and granite that rises to over 2700 feet in elevation; the highest peak in the Phoenix mountain region.

Early exploration discovered a ceremonial cave nestled into the north side of the mountain suggesting that the Hohokam Culture lived in the area and considered Camelback Mountain a sacred site. Although they abandoned the area around the 14^th century, its religious cave and purposes cause many people today to still refer to Camelback as Sacred Mountain.

Over the years several key leaders have made efforts to preserve and protect the mountain area as a natural landmark. Recommended laws to prevent any building and development above the 1,600 foot mark have yet to succeed however, in 1965 US Senator Barry Goldwater secured higher elevations of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix for natural activities and the area became an official Phoenix city park in 1968.

Despite legislative restrictions, there are some luxury resorts and golf courses in the area that were designed to blend into the natural settings and help make Camelback Mountain a great vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Camelback Mountain Hiking

Camelback Mountain trails attract more than 300,000 avid recreational hikers from around the world each year. In fact, the area is famous for its ultimate urban hiking experience.

There are two hiking trails that lead to peak of Camelback Mountain. The ascent is 1,280 feet and the hike is not for the beginner hiker as both trails are strenuous with steep grades. Climbing Camelback Mountian, the usmmit hikes take between between 1.5 and 3 hours, round trip.

Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon Trail (Summit Trail)

1.2 miles 1,262 feet elevation gain

Hike among spectacular sandstone rock formations with unrivaled views from the Camelback Mountain summit overlooking all of Greater Phoenix.

Camelback Mountain’s Cholla Trail

1.4 miles 1,200 feet elevation gain

Hike up steep rocky sections and navigate through trails with drop-offs on both sides. Trail consists of dirt, gravel, boulders with some handrails.

Some Camelback Mountain also accomodate beginner hikers. The easier trails are equally enjoyable and take less than an hour to complete:

Camelback Mountain’s Bobby’s Rock Trail

0.25 mile 200 feet elevation gain

Camelback Mountain’s Ramada Loop Trail

0.123 mile 100 feet elevation gain

Praying Monk, Camelback Mountain

A natural point of interest situated on the northern slope of Camelback Mountain is formation known as The Praying Monk. This natural red sandstone formation is popular among rock climbers. It is also equally enjoyable to view as the outline reminds you of a man kneeling in prayer.

Other Camelback Mountain Activities

There are a lot of things to do on Camelback Mountain since it is also a cultural hub featuring a wide array of activities such as exciting nightlife, world-class shopping and outdoors activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking and Arizona desert eco-tours.

Several resorts located near or on Camelback Mountain host vacationers during their stay; popular Camelback Mountain hotels include Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Camelback Inn, Royal Palms and The Phoenician.

For the golf enthusiast there are several golf courses surrounding Camelback Mountain as well, such as Camelback Golf Course, Indian Bend Golf Course and Camelback Golf Club.

Grand Canyon All Inclusive Vacations Include Camelback Mountain

Drive along Camelback Mountain on a sightseeing bus trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon during Caravan’s fully guided Grand Canyon tour. The resting camel made of granite and sandstone is a sight to behold in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Camelback Mountain and many other famous Arizona landmarks are included as part of Caravan’s Grand Canyon All Inclusive Vacations.

These 8-day fully escorted vacations are all inclusive and affordably priced at just $1,095. Along with Camelback Mountain, other famous locations visited on Caravan’s Grand Canyon Tour include Grand Canyon National Park, Lake Powell Resort, Monument Valley Jeep Tour, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.

Visit Caravan’s Grand Canyon Vacation Reviews page to read what other vacationers have to say about these all inclusive Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Park vacations from Phoenix that include a visit to Camelback Mountain.

Grand Canyon Tour by Caravan Tours

Take a Grand Canyon Tour and travel fully guided to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  Grand Canyon National Park just north of Phoenix, Arizona is also a World Heritage Site and attracts nearly five million tourists each year.

In order to accommodate all the tourists the Grand Canyon area is well developed with excellent hotels and accommodations whether you are enjoying a Grand Canyon tour on the South Rim or the North Rim.

It’s relatively easy to find a good Grand Canyon tour company to explore the Canyon with.

Whether you are looking for a helicopter tour, a river rafting tour  or a chance to explore many of the other great activities within the Canyon area (such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk or the Grand Canyon Railway), your Grand Canyon National Park tour will be one that leaves a lasting impression.

Family, Senior & Group Grand Canyon Tour Deals

As one of the top rated full escort tour companies, Caravan Tours offers the best value for All Inclusive Grand Canyon Tours. The entire Grand Canyon bus tour is guided by a tour director with a depth of information and knowledge that pleasantly surprises all Caravan guests. The one low Grand Canyon tour price includes all itinerary activities, meals and accommodations while on tour.

Caravan Tours is very accommodating of special travel guests, making them the ideal travel company to choose for Family Grand Canyon Tours, Senior Grand Canyon Tours and Group Grand Canyon Tours. Special groups, seniors and children over five are especially welcome on these well planned and reasonably paced Grand Canyon tours.

Call 1-800-CARAVAN (800-227-2826) to book your family, senior or group Grand Canyon tour today.

The Grand Canyon & Tourism

The 227-mile long gorge that creates the Grand Canyon naturally attracts tourists from around the world. As one of the most complete geological cross sections visible on our planet there are a number of archaeological sites that date back hundreds of millions of years.

The Grand Canyon National Park tour allows visitors to explore some of the over 1.2 million acres that is home to over 1,500 species of plants and animals including cougars, rattlesnakes and Gila monsters. The enduring force behind sustaining the wildlife community and is responsible for carving the Canyon over millions of years is the mighty Colorado River.

The Grand Canyon is also in close proximity to three other natural tourist destinations, all included along Caravan’s Grand Canyon Tour bus route:

• Lake Powell
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Zion National Park

Grand Canyon Tour Highlights

Many tourists begin their Grand Canyon tour from Phoenix Arizona, which offers the best airport for easy access to Grand Canyon National Park. Caravan Tours begins all of their Grand Canyon tours from Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. Upon landing at the Sky Harbor Airport Caravan Tours’ guests stay one night in Phoenix before heading north to Sedona and on to the Grand Canyon.

Two full days of the Grand Canyon tour are spent right at the Grand Canyon with accommodations at one of four Grand Canyon Park Lodges located inside Grand Canyon National Park. Apart from a short orientation session, tourists are at leisure to choose the Grand Canyon activities that interest them, such as hiking Grand Canyon rim trails, visiting historic buildings or checking out the Lookout Studio.

After departing the Grand Canyon, Caravan tourists stay at Lake Powell where they enjoy a boat cruise and take a jeep tour of Monument Valley. This Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon tour includes one day at Bryce Canyon and one day at Zion Park, which nicely rounds out the tour experience before heading past the Grand Canyon west rim to Las Vegas, Nevada where the tour officially ends.

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Affordable Grand Canyon Tours

Caravan’s fully escorted Grand Canyon tour packages are unrivalled, priced starting at just $1,095 per person for an 8-day, all inclusive Grand Canyon vacation tour.

Visit Caravan’s Grand Canyon Tour Reviews page to read what other travelers have to say about this popular tour.

Panama Canal Tours by Caravan Tours

Panama is a tourist friendly Central American destination that keeps a rather low profile despite its natural beauty. The country is referred to as a traveler’s paradise although most people only recognize Panama for the Panama Canal.

In more recent years, Panama Canal tour companies like Caravan Tours, have successfully provided Panama tourists with all inclusive, fully guided tours through the Panama Canal.

Caravan’s Panama Canal tours are escorted by experienced tour guides familiar with Panama and its local people and culture. Caravan offers the best Panama Canal sightseeing tours that also include visits to other exotic Panama destination points including Panama rainforest tours and a visit to an authentic Embera Indian village.

Family, Senior & Group Panama Canal Tours

Other Panama Canal tour companies have trouble matching the value of Caravan Tours’ All Inclusive Panama Canal Tours. Caravan is North America’s leading all inclusive, fully escorted travel company. These Panama Canal tours are led by a trained Panama tour guides all Panama Canal guided tours also include itinerary activities, meals and accommodations for one affordable, low tour price.

These Panama Canal tour packages are designed to accommodate special travel groups for anyone interested in:

• Family Panama Tours
• Senior Panama Tour Groups
• Panama Tours for Large Groups (schools, clubs, etc.)

Call 1-800-CARAVAN (800-227-2826) to book your family, senior or group Panama Canal tour today.

Panama Tours & Tourism

Did you know that Panama was recently named the #1 place to visit in 2012 by the New York Times?

Despite its small size (approximately the same size as Southern Carolina) Panama is an exotic destination filled with tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, volcanoes and two ocean coastlines including the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast.

Panama City is the capital of Panama and has a well-developed international flavor with a vibrant nightlife and world class amenities. In contrast, rural Panama supports seven separate Indian cultures that live in remote reservations.

Some tourists choose to stay in Panama’s modern hot spots while others choose to venture off the beaten path. Caravan Tours’ fully guided Panama Canal tour does it all and features popular Panama activities such as a Panama Canal Cruise tour as well as a visit to an Embera Indian village in the tropical rainforests of Panama.

Panama Canal Tour Highlights

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is the core of the country and where most Panama Canal tours begin and end. Upon landing at the Tocumen Panama International Airport, visiting tourists become acquainted with Panama’s fresh Central American air. Caravan’s all inclusive Panama Canal tour includes two nights in Panama City while exploring the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. Here tourists have the opportunity to explore the Canal’s locks system along with visiting Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo. From here the excitement continues as the Panama Canal tour from Panama City then travels north to Colon, Gatun Locks, Monkey Island and the Rainforest Hotel. Before Caravan’s Panama Canal guided tours end, the tour group will travel back south to the Pacific Coast to enjoy two nights at Playa Blanca beach resort’s white sandy beaches.

Affordable Panama Canal Tours

Caravan’s fully escorted Panama Canal tours are unrivaled, priced starting at just $1,095 per person for an 8-day all inclusive Panama Canal vacation tour. Visit Caravan’s Panama Tour Reviews page to read what other travelers have to say about this well-liked and extremely popular Central American tour.

Guatemala Hotels

Included with All Inclusive Vacations

One of the most affordable options when considering Guatemala Vacations is to choose an All Inclusive Guatemala Tour which includes all your hotel accommodations in addition to food, ground transportation and tour activities.

When you do the math, it often works out that the price you pay for the entire tour is less than what you would otherwise pay to stay in the selected Guatemala hotels for the length of your visit.

Caravan Tours prides itself on selecting the very best Guatemala hotels at each destination point along its Guatemala Tour to provide ultimate comfort and security for all our guests.

Barcelo Hotel Guatemala

Caravan tour guests spend two nights at the start of their vacation and one night at the end of their vacation at Barcelo Hotel in Guatemala City, which is near the airport. The close proximity to Guatemala’s airport makes for easy hotel transfers.

Guatemala’s Barcelo Hotel has spacious modern rooms, which are a welcomed transition into Guatemalan culture before our Guatemala tour guests leave the city to explore Antigua, Tikal, Chichicastemango and Lake Atitlán in Guatemala.

Barcelo Hotel Guatemala features:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• High speed Internet access
• Local shops and restaurants within walking distance

• 

  Barcelo Hotel, Guatemala City

Atitlan Guatemala Hotel

Located in Panajachel, the Lake Atitlan Guatemala Hotel is built on the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Atitlán, which is also the deepest lake in Central America.

At nearly 1560 meters above sea level and covering 50 square miles of land, Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala’s most prized natural treasures. As a winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2011, Atitlan Guatemala hotel is a hidden hotel that offers a unique Guatemalan vacation experience with its:

• Spanish colonial-haciendar decor
• Rainforest surroundings
• Endless bird watching opportunities
• Close proximity to the Atitlán Natura Reserve featuring butterfly gardens, herb gardens and suspension bridges
  

  

  Hotel Atitlan, Lake Atitlan Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala Hotel

Located in the “Land of Eternal Spring”, Porta Hotel is a wonderful Antigua Guatemala hotel that welcomes guests with its personalized service and modern amenities.

Guests find the central location of Porta Hotel Antigua (only two blocks from Antigua’s Main Plaza) great for exploration and experiencing the culture of Guatemala’s old capital city. Porta Hotel Antigua was also awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2011 and offers Caravan tour guests:

• Two solar heated pools
• Natural trees, plants, flowers and tropical birds including macaws and parrots
• Warm reading room
• Ceiba Porta Spa offering relaxation, exfoliation and hot stone massages

Tikal Guatemala Hotel

Located at the heart of a true Guatemalan nature reserve and surrounded by lavish tropical landscape Villa Maya Hotel is a grand Tikal Guatemala hotel and popular with many tourists visiting Tikal.

Situated between two lagoons feeding into nearby Lake Peten, this Tikal Guatemala hotel offers a true Guatemalan wildlife experience with toucans, macaws and monkeys visible from your hotel room balcony.

Guests of Villa Maya can enjoy:

• Swimming in the pool that features a magnificent waterfall
• Dining in the open air restaurant
• Breathtaking views of the Tikal, Guatemala region

  

  Porta Hotel Antigua, Guatemala

All Inclusive Vacations Include Guatemala Hotel Accommodations

Fully guided, all inclusive Guatemala vacations by Caravan Tours currently feature these three Guatemalan hotels.

While all inclusive Guatemala tours are full of Tikal and Mayan sightseeing, guests have the opportunity throughout the 10 day tour to relax and enjoy at minimum 2 night consecutive stay at each of these Guatemala locations.

Visit Caravan’s Guatemala FAQ page for more details about this Guatemala Central American tour or visit our Guatemala Hotel Description page for an up to date detailed list of Guatemala hotels featured on this exciting Caravan tour.

You can also reach Caravan toll free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826).

All Inclusive

Central America Vacation Packages

The warmer weather and tropical climate attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to Central America each year. Central America is about 200,000 square miles and includes the states of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

The cultures in Central America are uniquely different so many travelers choose to purchase an all inclusive Central American vacation in order to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of well-established tour companies.

Fully Escorted All Inclusive Central America Vacations

Tour companies like Caravan Tours, design their Central America All Inclusive Vacations specifically for travelers who:

• Are cost-conscious
• Feel safer traveling with a local tour guide
• Do not want to plan all the details of their vacation
• Enjoy meeting new people

All inclusive Central America vacation packages cover all of your expenses while in Central America, including accommodations, food, ground transportation, activity entrance fees and in most cases, gratuities.

An all inclusive Central America vacation is an extremely cost-effective way to travel while enjoying four and five star accommodations, fine dining and all the best local activities.

The significant savings to be found in fully escorted Central American vacations are particularly valuable to seniors, groups and families.

All Inclusive Central America Vacations by Caravan

Caravan Tours currently offers three all inclusive Central America vacation packages including:

All Inclusive Costa Rica Vacation

Costa Rica is famous for its lush rainforests, exotic birds and animals, active volcanoes and eco-tourism activities such as tree top adventures, rainforest hikes and turtle nesting beaches.

All Inclusive Panama Vacation

As the most important waterway in the world, the Panama Canal is a major tourist attraction. The Panama Canal runs through the middle of Panama and is how most visitors enjoy an all inclusive Panama vacation. Caravan Tour’s all inclusive Panama Canal vacation also includes other wonderful destinations in Panama such as El Valle, Playa Blanca, Colon and a visit to an authentic Embera Indian village.

All Inclusive Guatemala Vacation

Guatemala is traditionally known as the “Land of the Eternal Spring” and attracts vacationers with ancient Tikal ruins, majestic volcanoes and its near perfect climate.

Each all inclusive Central America vacation package features a well thought out itinerary that allows vacationers to get the most out of their trip while finding time to relax and enjoy all there is to experience in Central America.

Central America Vacation Highlights

While each guest on our all inclusive Central America vacation may return home with completely different memories, several destinations within these Central American countries stand out as vacation highlights:

• Guatemala Tikal Ruins
• Panama Canal Panama
• Tortuguero National Park Costa Rica
• Natural Rainforests Costa Rica
• Lake Atitlan Guatemala
• Pacific Coast Guanacaste Costa Rica
• Coffee and Banana Plantations in Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala

Book Your Inclusive Central America Vacation Today

Travel Guatemala, Costa Rica or Panama fully escorted and experience the best that all inclusive Central America vacations by Caravan has to offer. Choose one of our outstanding Central America vacation packages for the best holiday value possible!

For more information about these amazing all inclusive Central America vacations, visit the following Caravan information pages:

Guatemala Vacation Reviews
Costa Rica Vacation Reviews
Panama Vacation FAQs

Call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) to book the Central America vacation of your dreams today!

Lake Atitlán Guatemala

Take an all inclusive Guatemala Tour with Caravan Tours and you will also get to visit Lake Atitlan Guatemala. Here is some interesting Lake Atitlan information:

• The locals refer to Lake Atitlan Guatemala as Lago de Atitlan
• Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in all of Central America
• Lake Atitlan elevation is unique; about a mile above sea level
• Lake Atitlan location prevents the lake water from flowing into any sea
• Lake Atitlan is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world

In the Mayan language, Atitlán translates to “the place where the rainbow gets its colors”. To this day the Atitlán area of Guatemala is rich in Mayan culture with locals known to be friendly, welcoming and even a little shy.

Other Lake Atitlán Facts

Lake Atitlán is often at the top of any tourist list for “Things to See in Guatemala” as it holds a reputation of being a picturesque setting with exotic must-see features.

View from Hotel Atitlan Guatemala

Lake Atitlan location is quite unique because it is surrounded by three dormant volcanoes and steep cliffs. Atitlan lake itself is a result of volcanic activity that occurred nearly 85,000 years ago.

Lake Atitlán is located in the coffee growing region of Guatemala with its water supporting many coffee farms in the area. Other Guatemala farm crops such as corn, onions, tomatoes and the pitahaya fruit are also grown and cultivated in this area, thanks to Lake Atitlán’s deep water basin and plentiful supply of water.

When visiting Lake Atitlán Guatemala, vacationers get first hand interaction with local Mayan people who live in small villages throughout the area. Traditional Mayan dress and farming techniques such as hand-tilling are still evident in this beautiful region of Guatemala.

Lake Atitlán Boat Tour

Boat tours operate across Lake Atitlán giving visitors on Guatemala vacations a unique chance to cross the expansive open waters and see other areas of the lake not otherwise accessible.

Nightime View from Hotel Atitlan Guatemala

The open waters also give Guatemalan vacationers the opportunity to take in 360 degree views of Lake Atitlán, including the three dormant volcanoes:

1. Volcán San Pedro
2. Volcán Tolimán
3. Volcán Atitlán

Lake Atitlán Hotel

Caravan Tours’ fully guided Guatemala vacation includes a two night stay at Hotel Lake Atitlán situated on the beach of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. This Lake Atitlan hotel offers fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding Guatemala volcanoes. As part of the “elite core” of Guatemala’s finest hotels Lake Atitlán hotel is both intimate and elegant and uniquely visitor friendly.

Tropical botanical gardens and rainforests on the property provide excellent opportunities for Guatemala bird watching. The nearby Nature Reserve, which is just a short walk away, provides opportunities to explore a butterfly reserve, a suspension bridge and to see spider monkeys in their natural habitat.

Hotel Atitlan Guatemala

Visitors on Guatemala vacations are given ample time between planned excursions in the Lake Atitlán area to rest and enjoy the amenities of Hotel Lake Atitlán. Leisure exploration of the above locations or quiet rest by the hotel pool are always popular choices. Whatever you choose to do, the dramatic scenery of Lake Atitlán Guatemala is like no other Central America destination.

All Inclusive Vacations Include 2 Nights at Lake Atitlán Guatemala

Two nights at Lake Atitlán in Eastern Guatemala is included as part of Caravan’s affordably priced all inclusive Guatemala Vacations. Starting at just $1,095 per person these fully guided Guatemala tours are the best way to enjoy the natural tropical surroundings and Mayan history of Guatemala.

To hear what others are saying about this popular Central American, fully guided vacation please visit Caravan’s Guatemala Vacation Reviews page or to book this tour, please call Caravan toll free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826).

Quiriguá Mayan Ruins Guatemala

Quiriguá ruins should be among your top three ancient ruins to visit while in Guatemala; Antigua ruins and Tikal Ruins being the other two.

Situated about 120 miles north east of Guatemala City, the Quiriguá Mayan ruins site contains remarkable Mayan monuments dating back to the 8^th century featuring some of the largest monolithic stone monuments (stelae) from the ancient Mayan world.

Quiriguá ruins Guatemala is an official UNESCO heritage site located in the south eastern part of the Central American country and covers approximately 1.2 square miles along the lower Motagua River. With its unique set of preserved stelae and sculpted Mayan monuments showcasing the Mayan calendar, the Quiriguá Mayan ruins help archaeologists and tourists alike to appreciate historical Mayan society, politics and economics.

Quiriguá Archaeological Park

Quiriguá Guatemala is thought to have been inhabited by early Mayan civilizations as early as the 2^nd century AD.

Because the Motagua River flowed near the Quiriguá’s Great Plaza during this time, the site’s elaborate monuments and stelae stone carvings stood proud and served the purpose of announcing Quiriguá’s power to all travelers passing by along the water.

Today, the Motagua River has shifted and now flows just over half a mile south of the Guatemala Mayan ruins.

When visiting the UNESCO heritage site of Quiriguá you will learn how its history is closely intertwined with Copán (an ancient Mayan city located in modern day Honduras).

Quiriguá’s civilization was much more rural with its population spread throughout the area. This is evident in the fact that archaeologists have found an average of 338 stone monuments per mile in Quiriguá compared to Copán which has nearly ten times as many structures.

Interestingly, in 738 AD, Quiriguá held a successful uprising against Copán and the King of Copán was sacrificed in Quiriguá’s Central Plaza.

Unfortunately, the ancient Guatemala ruins at Quiriguá are now  threatened by their geographical positioning; Quiriguá is situated in both a high seismic risk location and in a flood plain. Together with the tropical climate, Quiriguá Mayan ruins are exposed to natural deterioration despite the best intentions for preservation.

Quiriguá Mayan Monuments

Today Quiriguá is a UNESCO heritage site which hopes to preserve the Mayan ruins for all visitors to enjoy. The three points of interest at Quiriguá ruins in Guatemala include the:

1. Stelae
2. Zoomorphs
3. Ancient Altars

Stelae – Monolithic Stone Monuments

Quiriguá ruins are most commonly known for the stelae monolithic stone monuments which appear to document the lost Mayan civilization’s history.

The stelae in Quiriguá are tall pieces of sandstone decorated with elaborate carvings. It is thought that Mayans gathered the sandstone at quarries more than 3 miles away and brought them back to Quiriguá’s Great Plaza.

The carvings on these sandstone Stelae at Quiriguá are truly unique as they feature three dimensional sculptures compared to the two-dimensional carvings found in other regions of Guatemala. The long panels feature some of the most complex and beautiful glyphic text from any ancient Mayan ruins.

The primary purpose of Quiriguá stelae was to record historical events and track the passage of time using the advanced Mayan calendar system. In Quiriguá, a new stelae was raised at the end of each five year period – making it one of the two Mayan cities to do this.

Quiriguá Zoomorphs – Stone Sculptures

Over time Quiriguá’s carving styles took on their own advanced unique style, very different from other Mayan sculptures. Known for some of the most attractive and amazing pre-Columbian works, Quiriguá began carving boulders and large rocks into elaborate mythological creatures such as jaguars, crocodiles and toads.

Quiriguá Altars

Quiriguá also features grand altars at the front of its buildings. When visiting Quiriguá ruins Guatemala, it is obvious that these ancient altars were designed to decorate as well as give a sense of a formal entrance to monuments.

When compared to the graceful art at other Mayan ruins sites such as Tikal or Antigua, the altars at Quiriguá appear very rigid and stiff. Along with their stiff appearance the altars were also painted red using red pigment.

Today, archaeologists can find traces of red pigment on many of the monuments at Quiriguá, which symbolized birth, sacrifice and renewal in ancient culture.

All of the ancient Mayan carvings and monuments at Quiriguá are amazing especially when you consider that they were all made using stone chisels and wooden or stone mallets.

Caravan’s Guatemala Mayan Ruins Tour

A morning visit to Quiriguá ruins Guatemala is included as part of Caravan Tour’s all inclusive Guatemala Vacation.

This fully escorted 10-day tour package is affordably priced, starting at just $1,095.

Visit Caravan’s Guatemala Vacation Reviews page to read what other travelers have said about this all inclusive tour of Guatemala or call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) to book this unique Central America vacation.

Guatemala Coffee Plantation Tour

Did you know that it takes about 100 pounds of Guatemalan coffee cherries to produce 20 pounds of green Guatemala coffee beans?

Guatemalan vacationers learn facts like these while touring a local Guatemalan coffee plantation on Caravan’s all inclusive Guatemala Tours. Most Guatemala coffee plantation owners welcome tourists onto their farms and even provide specialized tours of their Guatemala coffee plantations.

Learning Guatemala’s coffee history and getting to taste fresh, locally grown and roasted 100% Guatemalan coffee are both highlights of taking a morning coffee plantation tour while on Caravan’s all inclusive Guatemala vacation.

Guatemala Coffee is Shade Grown

Guatemala is known around the world for producing some of the very best Shade Grown Coffee Beans such as Guatemalan Antigua coffee. This is partly due to the rich volcanic soil in Guatemala that is a result of over 30 volcanoes in the country.

The volcanic soil in Guatemala is full of nutrients that formed below the earth’s surface for thousands of years before being brought to surface level by volcanic explosions. These nutrients have very little deterioration with limited exposure to natural elements such as air and sun. This, combined with its tropical location, they provide coffee plants with some of the best growing conditions.

High Altitude Grown Guatemala Coffee

Guatemala is also a great place for growing gourmet coffee beans because of its high altitudes. Most Guatemalan coffee plantations exist along Guatemala’s highlands and mountain slopes. Because these Guatemalan mountain slopes face torrential rainfall, heavy winds and high UV rays, a rainforest covering provides the necessary shelter for the healthy coffee plants to flourish.

This type of natural cover is referred to as “Shade Grown” which means the rainforest provides shaded protection to the delicate coffee plants. This is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to grow high altitude grown Guatemala coffee beans as it also provides a habitat for birds, which help to reduce the need for harmful pesticides.

Even though shade grown Guatemala coffee beans take longer to mature, the final quality and coffee taste are truly worth it. Guatemala coffee beans are typically denser, larger and showcase more complex aromas and natural flavors. These wonderful attributes make high altitude grown Guatemala coffee very much in demand, contributing to Guatemala’s status as the second best coffee producing country in the world in terms of the percentage of high grade coffee beans produced.

Guided Guatemala Coffee Plantation Tours

Each Guatemala coffee plantation tour is fully guided by a local coffee expert who gives an overview of Guatemala’s coffee industry and the history that surrounds this amazing beverage. This type of historical information about Guatemala’s coffee is quite fascinating for coffee lovers and visitors alike.

Guests on Guatemala vacations also learn how the coffee plant grows from just a small seed to a full-grown coffee tree. For those who have only experienced coffee as the final roasted bean sold in their grocery store or local coffee house, witnessing the coffee plant in various growth stages is very fascinating indeed.

The coffee bean is actually the seed of a cherry-like fruit grown on the coffee tree. When the fruit ripens, it is handpicked and stripped of its pulp so that the coffee ‘bean’ can be extracted and dried. Local Guatemala coffee plantations wash and sun-dry the coffee beans for as long as needed to obtain the perfect moisture level. These “green” Guatemala coffee beans are then sorted by size, color, density and moisture content; each category having a varying level of quality.

Expert Guatemalan coffee guides explain how different prices can be charged for different grades of Guatemala coffee beans before giving vacationers on Guatemala coffee plantation tours samples of their farm’s freshly brewed coffee. Many tourists like to support the local Guatemalan coffee producers and purchase single source Guatemala coffee beans fresh off the farm to bring home to families and friends!

Caravan All Inclusive Guatemala Tours

A Guatemala coffee plantation tour is included as part of Caravan Tours’ economically priced all inclusive Guatemala vacation, starting at just $1,095 per person.

Visit Caravan’s Guatemala Vacation Reviews page to read what others have to say about this 10-day fully guided Guatemala tour or call 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826) to book your next Central American vacation in Guatemala.