Itinerary

Easter in Central America Journey 2019
Date:
April 18, 2019 - April 27, 2019
Meeting point:
Stuart, FL (KSUA)
Length:
10 days / 9 nights
Mileage:
2,305 NM
Day 1 - Thursday, April 18: Stuart, FL → Cancun, Mexico → Guatemala City → Antigua (520 + 440nm)

Your Journey Director will greet you in Stuart, FL at Witham Field (KSUA) for a briefing on our upcoming flight.

We will then fly to Guatemala City (there will be a technical stop in Cancun to refuel). After clearing customs, we will transfer to the Casa Santo Domingo - the bastion of one of the grandest convents of America (the one that sheltered the followers of the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán). Within this hotel-museum you will find preserved the treasures from the baroque period of ancestral America. Each corner of this house, each stone, each image and each piece that composes it becomes a lost page in time. The hotel decor includes works of art from renowned Guatemalan artists and handmade textiles with traditional and contemporary designs.

Hotel : Casa Santo Domingo
Welcome cocktail and Dinner included
Day 2 - Friday, April 19: Antigua

On Good Friday the streets of Antigua are covered with natural, aromatic carpets (alfombras) of flowers, pines, clover and fruits, which the residents put together and place in front of their homes. There are all kinds and shapes. Some are very long with colonial, Mayan, Roman or other original designs. At 3:00 A.M., preparations begin for the mock trial and sentencing of Christ. Participants dress as Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate and other participants in the drama. At 7:00 A.M., the sculpture of Christ carrying his crucifix is moved through the carpeted main streets of Antigua on the shoulders of his worshipers until early afternoon, when the image is replaced by another of Christ being laid to rest.

In the late afternoon Antigua becomes adorned with black crepe paper as thousands of people, burning incense and dressed in black, crowd the plazas and streets. A spectacular procession is led by the man bearing the crucifix, with hundreds of followers carrying black banners and standards engraved with the final words of Christ and the pronouncements of God. Life-like images representing the archangels, the Stations of the Cross, the Cavalry, the apostles and many others are part of the silent procession through the streets, where multitudes pray quietly. The image of Christ is laid to rest in a church at 11:00 P.M.

Hotel : Casa Santo Domingo
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 3 - Saturday, April 20: Antigua

Today is at leisure to relax or to explore on your own the beautiful town of Antigua for its history and culture. Though partially destroyed by the 1773 earthquake, it still preserves its colonial character with ornate churches, convents and Spanish-style homes. It is also home to some of the best quality arts and crafts in the country.

Holy Saturday’s funeral processions are dedicated to images of the Virgin Mary. These floats are relatively smaller and carried by women dressed in their best outfits and often in high-heeled shoes!

Hotel : Casa Santo Domingo
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 4 - Sunday, April 21: Antigua to Guatemala City → Rivas, Nicaragua (335nm)

We’ll follow the Pacific coast of Central America to Nicaragua where we’ll transfer to the luxurious Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. Set on a spectacularly beautiful four-mile stretch of white sandy beach, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast. 

Hotel : Mukul Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 5 - Monday, April 22: Emerald Coast

Today is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own. Choose from the optional activities available at the resort including biking through the rain forest, golfing in the jungle or on the ocean-shore, or taking a day trip to the historic village of Granada.

 

Hotel : Mukul Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 6 - Tuesday, April 23: Emerald Coast

Today is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own. Choose from the many activities available at the resort.

Hotel : Mukul Resort
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 7 - Wednesday, April 24: Rivas → Belize City, Belize → San Pedro (395 + 30nm)

Fly to Belize City where we will clear customs and then continue to San Pedro – one of more than 1,000 islands and cayes scattered throughout the western Caribbean waters of Belize. Enjoy tranquil waters, calm breezes, and a gently rolling surf.

This afternoon is at leisure.

Hotel : Victoria House
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Thursday, April 25: Ambergris Caye

We’ll enjoy a full day snorkeling excursion.

The Mayan National Park and Marine Reserve is a snorkeler’s paradise! An abundance of marine life can be seen in the crystal clear waters of Ambergris Caye. Lunch is included.

Hotel : Victoria House
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 9 - Friday, April 26: Ambergris Caye

Today is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Choose from the many optional activities available at the resort.
In the evening we will gather for a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel : Victoria House
Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 10 - Saturday, April 7: San Pedro → Belize City, Belize → Key West, Florida (30 + 555nm)

Rise and shine! It’s time to head to the airport for our flight to Belize City to refuel before continuing back to Key West to clear US customs.

Breakfast included