This 7 Day Tour Includes:

• 4 and 5 Star accommodations (Marriott Hotel and Irtra Resort hotels–www.irtra.org.gt).
• Visits to the archaeological ruins of El Baul, Bilbao, Izapa & Abaj Tak’alik.
• 3 full meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner included all days).
• 2 Day passes to theXetulul Amusement Park and Water Park.
• Book of Mormon lectures from LDS scholars and archaeologists at the hotel & on buses.
• First class, air-conditioned motorcoach ground transportation.

Day 2: El Baul - Bilbao

Today we will drive from the city to our resort at Retalhuleu. On the way, we will stop at a couple of Maya sites including El Baul and Bilbao. These are pre-classic sites and have dedicated stelae dating back to 36 AD. We will stay at a resort near the Irtra an amusement and natural springs park. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Izapa - Stelae 5

Today we will take the full day to visit the site of Izapa. After an 1.5 hour bus ride, we will arrive at Izapa, which is a very large pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Chiapas; it was occupied during the Late Formative period. The site reached its apex between 600 BC and 100 AD; some archaeologists have theorized that Izapa may have been settled as early as 1500 BC, making it as old as the Olmec sites of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán and La Venta. Izapa remained occupied through the Late Classic period. The period of Izapa’s height is still unknown due to little material for carbon dating, so the issue is still widely debated. This site was made famous among Latter-Day Saints due to the discovery of what has been called the “Tree of Life” stone. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Abaj Tak’Alik - Xocomil Water Park

Today we will take the morning to visit the nearby Maya site of Takalik Abaj. Tak’alik A’baj’ is a pre-Columbian site. It is one of several sites with both Olmec and Maya civilization features. The site flourished in the Pre-Classic era, from the 8th century BC through the 9th century AD and was an important commerce centre, trading with Kaminal Juyú and with Chocolá. The core of the site covers about 6.5 square kilometers, with remains of some 82 monumental structures around a dozen plazas. It has 2 ball courts and over 282 stone monuments known to date, including impressive stelae and altars. The afternoon will be free to visit the nearby waterpark or hot springs. (B,L,D)

Day 5: BMAF Convention - Xetulul Amusement Park

This morning we will have a conference room reserved for presentations in which we will hear from LDS scholars and archaeologists. The afternoon will be free to visit the nearby amusement park or just relax. Entrance into the park is included for those interested. Irtra is the Disneyland of Guatemala and has great rides as well as other attractions. There is also a water park. A two-day pass is included with the tour (B,L,D).

Day 6: The morning will be reserved for the BMAF Convention. In the afternoon, we will travel back to Guatemala City to the Marriott Hotel where we will have a final dinner together. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Flights home from Guatemala City. For those with afternoon flights, we can arrange a tour of the National Museum or the LDS Temple.

Terms and Conditions

• Deposit of $300 per person is required to secure a spot in the group. Deposit is nonrefundable.

• Final Payment is due by January 1, 2009.
  After January 1, 2009, full payment is due upon booking and subject to availibility, prices will increase $100 per person after January 1st.

• Passports are required

• No refund after January 1, 2009–you may want to consider trip cancellation insurance.