Discover the Mayan Wonderland! ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

Including Chichicastenango & Tikal

February 26 - March 3, 2020

with Optional Extension to Copan & Quirigua to March 5!

Dear Members & Friends:

We invite you to join us as we explore the

enchantment of Guatemala, the Mayan and scenic

wonderland of Central America!

We'll begin in Guatemala City with a visit to the

Jardin Botanico, a fine garden that was founded in

1922, and which has more than 1,400 species. With a

local expert, we'll explore the garden and learn

about fascinating Mayan super food plants such as

the Chaya or Mayan Tree Spinach.

Our adventure will next take us to the enchanting

colonial city of Antigua, which is situated in the

Guatemala Highlands surrounded by volcanoes.

We will explore this intriguing colonial city, and

seek out a unique native tree, Bourreria Huanita,

which had medicinal use in prehistoric times.

We will continue to enchanting Lake Atitlan where

we will boat across the lake to explore village life

around this jewel of the Americas.

We then fly to the finest Mayan archaeological site

in Central America -- Tikal, with an optional

extension to the superb archaeological sites of

Quirigua and Copan.

Guatemala is a treasurehouse of wonders! We

invite you to take this opportunity to explore them.

Sincerely,

Linda McKendryLinda McKendry,

Pacific Horticulture Tours

Pacific Ocean

BELIZE

MEXICO

EL SALVADOR

HONDURAS

GUATEMALA

GuatemalaCity

Antigua

ChichicastenangoCopanLake

Atitlan

Quirigua

Flores

TikalNational

Park

AmatiqueBay

PuertoBarrios

Rio Dulce

LEADERSHIP

Leading this expedition will

be Olga Slowing. Joining her

as the Pacific Horticulture escort will

be Ellen Zagory.

Olga was born and raised in

Guatemala City, amidst pine and

oak forests, white tailed deer,

armadillos and undiscovered

archaeological sites. In 1993, she

started leading trips throughout

Guatemala and studied Ecotourism

and Archaeology at the Universidad

del Valle de Guatemala.

Ellen Zagary is a professional

horticulturist and self -proclaimed plant nerd. Ellen recently

retired as the Director of

Public Horticulture at the UC

Davis Arboretum. She serves

on the board of Pacific

Horticulture and volunteers

for the California Native Plant

Society and the Puerta Vallarta

Botanical Garden.

Olga and Ellen look forward

to sharing the delights 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.

Olga Slowing

Ellen Zagory

Day 1 San Francisco to Houston &

Guatemala City

Our adventure to Antigua & Guatemala will begin

with flights San Francisco to Houston and Guatemala

City, arriving in the early evening. Transfer to the

Hotel Stofella, Best Western.

Day 2 El Jardin Botanico & Antigua

This morning, our adventure in Guatemala will

begin as we will explore El Jardin Botanico in

Guatemala City. This garden was founded in 1922

and has more than 1,400 species of native and exotic

plants. Accompanied by a botanical specialist, we will

explore this oasis of greenery and learn about the

collection. In the middle of the well-kept garden is a

statue of Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, dividing the

European half of the garden from the Guatemalan

half. Conservation, education, and investigation have

always been the emphasis of the garden. Now

research is being done by local biochemists and

agromomists who specialize in native Mayan super

food plants. Super foods include the chia plant,

named after the Mayan word for "strength." They

will introduce us to super food plants that are being

commercialized for their nutritious content.

Our adventure will continue as we drive into the

Highlands of Guatemala, to the renowned colonial

city of Antigua, which is surrounded by spectacular

volcanoes, including the active volcano El Fuerte.

Hotel Las Farolas Best Western (2 nights). B,L,D

Day 3 Antigua, Guatemala

Today we will explore the charming colonial city

of Antigua. It was founded in 1543 and partially

destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. The city is the

former colonial capital of Central America.

Churches, convents, and mansions recapture the

glory of a city that was the capital of a Spanish

colony for over 200 years. We visit the most

important buildings, including a jade studio where

ITINERARYyou can observe the Guatemalan artisans making

beautiful jewelry and decoration pieces in Jade.

We will stroll the streets and enjoy the colorful

weavings and artifacts in the shops, and also seek

out botanic gardens of interest. We will also look for

interesting native plants, including the Bohuerria

Huanita which is found in parks in Antigua and had

a medicinal prehistoric use. Enjoy the evening at

leisure in Antigua, strolling the streets and enjoying

the beauty of this historic city. B,L,D

Day 4 Lake Atitlan – Santiago Atitlan

& San Juan La Laguna

Today we will head for the beautiful volcanic Lake

Atitlan, which is situated at the foot of several

volcanoes. 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.

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, Hotel

Dos Mundos. B,L,D

Day 5 Chichicastenango Market

to Guatemala City

Early in the morning, we'll visit Chichicastenango

on its market day —an unforgettable experience full

Betchart Expeditions Inc. and the Pacific Horticulture Society 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.

©2019 Betchart Expeditions Inc. All rights reserved.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Ellen Zagary.

Map by April Milne. CST# 2036304-40

RESPONSIBILITY

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.

Chichicastenago offers one of the finest cultural

experiences in Latin America. The local people of

Chichicastenango are renowned for blending their

pre-Christian and Christian beliefs, and religious

brotherhoods may parade down the streets in

observance of their saints. After this visit, we will

return to Guatemala City. Hotel Stofella Best

Western (2 nights). B,L,D

Day 6 Tikal World Heritage Site

We will depart on a flight to Flores in the tropical

Peten of Guatemala this morning. We will then have

the day to 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. Return flight to

Guatemala City. B,L,D

Day 7 Guatemala City to USA or

Begin Copan Extension

Yes! I/we want to join Antigua Guatemala Expedition,

February 26 - March 3, 2020, offered by the Pacific

Horticulture Society and Betchart Expeditions inc.

Please reserve ______ space(s), plus ______ space(s) on the

Copan Extension. As a deposit, I/we enclose a check

for $___________ ($500 per person),+ $500 per person for the

extension, payable to Betchart Expeditions Inc. Trust Account.

Name(s) _______________________________________ Age_________

_______________________________________ Age_________

Address _____________________________________________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip ____________

Phone: Home (________) ______________________________________

Work (________) ______________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Membership: Pacific Horticulture Society _____ yes _____ no.

Accommodations Preference:

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

___ Nonsmoker ___ Smoker ___ assign a roommate

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

Signature ___________________________________ Date ____________

Please Mail To: Antigua Guatemala 2020

Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

RESERVATIONS #1557

OPTIONAL COPAN EXTENSION

MARCH 3 - 5, 2020

Day1 Guatemala City to Quirigua & Copan

Drive this morning from Guatemala City to the

remarkable archaeological site of Quirigua. This

World Heritage Site has a large plaza with

monumental stone carved stelae (up to 10.6 m high).

Beyond that are zoomorphs, huge sandstones

carved in relief art. Most of the stelae which give

Quirigua its reputation were carved in the 8th

century when it was a royal and administrative

centre. The hieroglyphic text on the stelae contain

important Mayan calendar dates, events such as

eclipses, and important political and historic events

in the city. They effectively describe Mayan history

from 426 AD until 810 AD, so archaeologists can

reconstruct Mayan history during this time. We will

then depart for the Honduras border and Copan.

Hotel Don Udo or similar. B,L,D

Day 2 Copan, Honduras

Copan was declared a World Heritage Site in

1980. It is one of the Mayan 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. Hotel

Stofella or similar. B,L,D

Day 3 Guatemala City to Home

Return flights to the USA and home.

PacificHorticulture Society

with B

etchart Expeditions Inc

Expedition Fee: $2,995 per person twin share plus air fare

of $650 from San Francisco to Guatemala City, round trip,

plus in-tour fl ight $225 Guatemala City to Flores, RT, and a

$250 pp donation to the Pacifi c Horticulture Society. Optional

extension is $995 pp share.

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; optional extension; 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 botanical and archaeological heritage

of Guatemala and Copan in Honduras with an excellent

local guide.

Visit the Jardia Botanico in Guatemala City, plus outstanding

scenic and cultural sites in the Highlands, including Lake

Atitlan, Chichicastenango, and Antigua. Also see the

archaeological wonder of Tikal, in the rain forest lowlands of

the Peten. There will be daily outings on foot of one-half to

two miles at a leisurely pace to explore gardens, towns, and

archaeological sites. The optional extension will include two

outstanding archaeological sites, Quirigua and Copan.

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 heritage

of this fascinating and scenic country. (No smoking in

vehicles, during lectures, or meals, please.)

COSTS & CONDITIONSAccommodations:

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

supplement of $795; on the extension, $195.

Reservations, Deposits & Payments:

Please mail a deposit of $500 pp (and $500 pp for the

extension) with the completed reservation form to:

Antigua Guatemala 2020

Betchart Expeditions Inc.

17050 Montebello Road

Cupertino, CA 95014-5435

The balance is due 60 days before departure.

Questions:

Please call April Milne

Betchart Phone: (800) 252 4910

Fax: (408) 252 1444

Email: betchartapril@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.

Discover Antigua Guatemala!

Including Chichicastenango &Tikal

February 26 - March 3, 2020

with Optional Extension to Copan & Quirigua

FIRST CLASS

P.O. Box 5995Berkeley, CA 94705