Christmas in the Mayan Wonderland! GUATEMALA

December 18-27, 2018

Chichicastenango, Tikal, Copan & Quirigua!

Dear Members & Friends:

Travel enthusiasts grab your binoculars and

cameras, and come explore the enchantment

of Guatemala, the Mayan and scenic

wonderland of Central America!

This expedition offers a chance to visit the

Highlands of Guatemala during the festive

season. At this time, the local Maya people put

on fiestas, dances, processions, and religious

celebrations, creating an exceptional air of

excitement and interest.

This is also a wonderful opportunity to

explore the historic cities of Chichicastenango

and Antigua, and village life around the jewel

of the Americas, Lake Atitlan, which is

surrounded by spectacular volcanoes.

We then explore the finest Mayan ruins in

Central America—Tikal, Quirigua, and Copan—

plus the tropical lowlands around Rio Dulce.

The archaeological sites are fantastic, as are

the spider monkeys, macaws, and toucans!

Guatemala is a treasurehouse of wonders!

We invite you to take this opportunity to

explore them!

Sincerely,

Margaret M. Betchart

President

Betchart Expeditions Inc.

For AAAS Travels, Sigma Xi & ACS Expeditions

Pacific Ocean

BELIZE

MEXICO

EL SALVADOR

HONDURAS

GUATEMALA

GuatemalaCity

Antigua

ChichicastenangoCopanLake

Atitlan

Quirigua

Flores

TikalNational

Park

AmatiqueBay

PuertoBarrios

Rio Dulce

LEADERSHIP Leading this expedition for

Betchart will be Olga Slowing.

Olga was born and raised in

Guatemala City, amidst pine and

oak forests, white tailed deer,

armadillos and undiscovered

archaeological sites. As a child, she

played around knolls containing

prehispanic buildings and floors

covered with obsidian blades.

In 1993, she started leading trips

throughout Guatemala.

After falling in love with the region and its rich nature

and culture, Olga started studies in Ecotourism and

Archaeology at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala,

combining studies and explorations throughout the

Central American region. Olga says, “Discovering new

worlds and trying to make them understandable to

people from different cultures is one of my passions;

building bridges of understanding is one of my goals."

Olga looks forward to sharing the delights of Guatemala,

and the archaeological wonders of Guatemala and

Copan in Honduras with you.

MAYAN WONDERLAND In recent geological time,

the Central American isthmus

came to unite the continental

land masses of North America

and South America.

The North of this splendid

area called Central America

has been densely inhabited

since 1,200 BC or earlier by

people who profited from

the bountiful resources of

the region. Guatemala, in the

North of Central America, is

the heart of the Mayan World.

There are millions of Mayan people inhabiting

Guatemala today, speaking as many as 23 Mayan

languages, and living on a day-to-day basis in between a

modern state that wants to integrate them into the political

and economic dominant culture, and their own culture

with 3,000-year-old traditions, beliefs, cosmovision,

and organization.

The ancestors of the modern day Mayans are well

known for having developed one of the most advanced

civilizations in the Continent called America. Massive

and tall pyramids in huge urban centers, the biggest and

most densley populated in their times, were abandoned

in a time span of around 100 years between 800-900 AD.

This keeps being one of the biggest unsolved questions

for Mayan archaeology. What happened to the people

that dwelled around these magnificent and impressive

buildings?

The intellectual, technological, and organizational

developments that the ancient Mayans achieved remain.

They keep being a source of pride and honor, and a

compass to show modern Guatemalans that there have

been big times, and so, there are new big and better

times to come.

Day 1 Miami to Guatemala City

Fly from Miami to Guatemala City, the capital

of Guatemala since 1775. Transfer to the Westin

Camino Real Hotel. Welcome dinner. D

Day 2 Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

Today we will explore Guatemala City and learn

about its remarkable heritage. Nueva Guatemala

de la Asuncion was founded in the Ermita Valley

in the 18th century at the site where the Pre-

Columbian city of Kaminaljuyu rose to greatness

some 3,500 years ago. Enjoy a visit to the National

Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology and

Kaminaljuyu. Then depart through the Highlands

to Panajachel, by the beautiful volcanic Lake

Atitlan, situated at the foot of several volcanoes.

Hotel Porta Del Lago. B,L,D

Day 3 Santiago Atitlan

& San Juan La Laguna

to Chichicastenango

Enjoy a boat excursion across the lake to

Santiago Atitlan, located among three magnificent

volcanoes. Walk through the streets and visit the

different art galleries with "primitivist" paintings.

Also, see the Church of Santiago Apostol, built

in 1547 in honor of St. James. Later, watch the

curious Mayan rites of "Maximon," a native deity,

at the local Cofradia.

Continue by boat to San Juan La Laguna. This

town is home of the Tz'utujil people. Enjoy the

ancient traditions and unique marvels of nature.

This community offers a chance for visitors to gain

a deeper understanding of the natural and cultural

heritage of the local people, interwoven into the

fascinating mosaic of modern-day Guatemala. Visit

the local cooperativas and learn more about textiles

and traditions. Return to Panajachel, then head for

ITINERARYone of the most remarkable locations in Guatemala,

Chichicastenango. Santo Tomas Hotel. B

Day 4 Chichicastenango Market

& St. Thomas Festival to Antigua

Early in the morning, we'll visit Chichicastenango

on its market day —an unforgettable experience full

of color, sounds, and religious syncretism. We will

visit the famous open air market, where native

handi crafts are traded and enter the 400-year-old

Church of Santo Tomas, where Catholic and Mayan

rites take place in a mystical atmosphere. Today,

you can enjoy the celebration of the town's most

important festival in honor of patron saint Santo

Tomas, with an explosion of fireworks, music,

and color.

In the afternoon, depart for the renowned

colonial city of La Antigua, Guatemala, surrounded

by spectacular volcanoes including El Fuerte. Enjoy

the evening at leisure in Antigua, strolling the streets

and enjoying the beauty of this historic city. Porta

Antigua Hotel. B,L,D

Day 5 Antigua City to Flores

We will explore the city of Antigua this morning.

It was founded in 1543 and partially destroyed

by an earthquake in 1773. The city is the former

colonial capital of Central America. Today, it is

considered one of the

finest examples of urban

planning in Latin America.

Churches, convents,

and mansions recapture

the glory of a city that was

the capital of a Spanish

colony for over 200 years.

Visit the most important

buildings in this charming

city, including a jade studio

where you can observe

the Guatemalan artisans

making beautiful jewelry

and decoration pieces in

jade. Drive to Guatemala

City for a flight to Flores in

the tropical Peten. Transfer

to your hotel in El Remate.

Hotel Camino Real Tikal

(2 nights). B,L,D

Day 6 Tikal

Today we'll explore the magnificent archaeo-

logical site of Tikal, declared a World Heritage Site

in 1979 by UNESCO. At the heart of the Mayan

lowlands, the Peten was one of the first areas of

Mesoamerica to reach a high level of social and

cultural development. The sheer size of the

majestic city of Tikal is the culmination of almost

2,000 years of occupation, 800 BC to 900 AD. At its

height, Tikal stretched for 146 square km and is

thought to have had a population of 100,000. To

date only a few of the 4,000 buildings that dot

the 16 square km city core have been excavated.

Hemmed in by splendid monuments, such as

Temples I and II and the warren of palaces in the

North and Central Acropolises, the Great Plaza lies

at the heart of Tikal. Stelae and altars carved with

inscriptions recording the history of the powerful

ruling dynasty are scattered around the square.

Tikal is also part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve

created in 1990 to protect the dense forests of the

Peten, which started to disappear at an alarming

rate due to population pressures, illegal logging,

and slash-and-burn agricultural practices.

Enormous trees still shroud Tikal's buildings,

which cluster in groups reached by wide

causeways, meandering through the tropical

forest, home to toucans, parrots, wild turkeys,

howler monkeys, raccoon-like coati mundis, and

countless other creatures. Also visit the Sylvannus

G. Morley Museum which exhibits a fine collection

of ceramics and local

findings. B,L,D

Day 7 Rio Dulce–

Livingston–

Amatique Bay

Depart for Rio Dulce

this morning, then

continue by boat to

Livingston. During the excursion, you can observe

a wide variety of birds. Mangrove forests line the

riverbanks and the shores of the Caribbean coast.

Arrive in Livingston, home of the Garifuna people,

a culture well know in Guatemala and the world for

its language, traditions, and food. It was declared an

Intangible Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO in

2008. In the afternoon continue by boat to Puerto

Barrios and transfer to Amatique Bay Resort. B,L,D

Day 8 Amatique Bay – Quirigua –

Copan, Honduras

Depart for the archaeological site of Quirigua this

morning, also a World Heritage Site. The large plaza

has monumental stone carved stelae (up to 10.60 m).

Beyond that are zoomorphs, huge sand stones carved

in relief art. Continue to El Florido Border Station

in Honduras, and the Marina Copan Hotel. B,L,D

• SIGM

A XI • AC

S • The Planetary SocietyTH

E SCIEN

TIFIC R

ESEAR

CH

SOC

IETY

Yes! I/we want to join Christmas in Guatemala,

December 18-27, 2018, offered by AAAS Travels,

Sigma Xi, ACS Expeditions & The Planetary Society.

Please reserve ______ space(s). As a deposit, I/we enclose a

check for $_______________ ($500 per person) payable to

Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

Name(s) _______________________________________ Age_________

_______________________________________ Age_________

Address _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip ____________

Phone: Home (________) ______________________________________

Work (________) ______________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Membership: ___ AAAS ___ Sigma Xi ___ ACS ___ Planetary Society

Accommodations Preference:

___ Twin ___ Single Twin Share: ___ with a friend or

___ Nonsmoker ___ Smoker ___ assign a roommate

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

Please Mail To: Christmas in Guatemala 2018

Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

RESERVATIONS #1522

Betchart Expeditions Inc., the American Association for the Advancement of Science

(AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, and the American Chemical Society

(ACS) act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transpor tation and hotels, and

exercise every care possible. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage,

delay, loss, accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane,

ship, motor coach, or any other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of

the tour. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to

delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine,

terrorism, acts of God, or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses

will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates pro vide for arrange ments only for

the time stated. We reserve the right to substitute another leader of similar expertise

or reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case the entire

payment will be refunded with no further obligation on our part. The right is also

reserved to decline to accept or retain any per son as a member of the tour. No refund

will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrange ments are made in

sufficient time to avoid penalties. The price of the program is based on current tariffs

and rates, and is subject to change. Any tariff, exchange rate, or fuel increases will be

passed on to participants. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood

that the air ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger

and the airline concerned. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for

any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane

or conveyance.

©2018 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Map by April Milne. CST# 2036304-40

RESPONSIBILITY

Day 9 Copan, Honduras

Copan was declared a World Heriage Site in

1980. It is one of the Maya World's most beautiful

archaeo logical sites. Sylvanus Morley once

described it as the “Athens of the New World”

as well as perhaps the best preserved and most

studied. You can admire the longest-surviving text

of the New World in the Hieroglyphic Staircase on

Structure 10L-26. This remarkable work of art was

built with 1,250 carved blocks of stone and narrates

the story of Copan and its rulers.

The most important buildings in Copan are

grouped together around the Acropolis and north

of it is the Great Plaza, famous for the stelae and

statues placed there during the reign of 18-Rabbit

(711-736 AD), all of which have zoomorphic

elements. Then visit the Maya Sculpture Museum.

Afternoon return drive to Guatemala City. Westin

Carmino Real Hotel. B,L,D

Day 10 Guatemala City

to Miami & Home

Return flights to Miami and home.

Expedition Fee: $3,995 per person plus air fare of $725

from Miami to Guatemala City, round trip, plus in-tour fl ight

$225 Guatemala City to Flores.

Expedition Fee Includes:

Land transport; group airport transfers; accommodations

twin share; most meals; tips to drivers and local guides;

entrance fees; baggage handling; leadership, administration.

Expedition Fee Does Not Include:

International air fare (quoted separately); in-tour fl ight,

gratuities to expedition leader; personal items such as

laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, snacks, personal

insurance, or foreign airport departure taxes.

What to Expect:

This expedition is planned for the traveler who would

enjoy exploring the cultural and archaeological heritage of

Guatemala and Copan in Honduras during the festive holiday

season with an excellent Guatemala leader.

Visit outstanding scenic and cultural sites in the Highlands,

including Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango, and Antigua, plus

the archaeological wonders of Tikal, Quirigua, and Copan

and the Rio Dulce in the tropical lowlands. There will be

daily outings on foot of one-half to two miles at a leisurely

pace to explore markets, towns, and archaeological sites.

Typically, temperatures are springlike in the highlands

(60's - 70's) and in the 80's at Tikal. This expedition is a

tremendous experience for travelers with an appetite for

adventure who enjoy the camaraderie of traveling with a

group and have a keen interest in learning about the cultural

heritage of this fascinating and scenic country. (No smoking

in vehicles, during lectures, or meals, please.)

Accommodations:

Are in excellent fi rst class hotels. Singles are available for a

supplement of $795.

COSTS & CONDITIONSReservations, Deposits

& Payments:

Please mail a deposit of $500 pp with the completed

reservation form to:

Christmas in Guatemala 2018

Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

The balance is due 60 days before departure.

Questions:

Please call Terri Stevens

Betchart Phone: (800) 252 4910

Fax: (408) 252 1444

Email: betchartterri@gmail.com

On the Web: www.betchartexpeditions.com

Cancellations & Refunds:

The initial deposit is refundable up to 60 days before

departure less a handling fee of $100 per person. There

is no refund after the 60-day period unless your place is

resold, then only the $100 per person handling fee is

withheld. There are no refunds for unused meals or

other expedition features.

Christmas in Guatemala!

Including Chichicastenango, Tikal,

Copan & Quirigua!

December 18-27, 2018

FIRST CLASS

AAAS Travels

ACS & Sigma Xi Expeditions

The Planetary Society

BETCHART EXPEDITIONS Inc.

17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435