Bella Guatemala Travel Announces 2017 Lineup of Tours

(Los Angeles, CA) – From inspiring ventures to the ancient cities of Mesoamerica to uplifting participation in one of the world's largest Easter Day Pageants, Bella Guatemala Travel truly submerges travelers into the authentic and rich Maya culture. Bella Guatemala Travel's lineup of 2017 tours offer a wide variety of cultural celebrations, excursions, destinations and activities that are certain to help travelers discover the unique culture of Guatemala for an unforgettable trip through the Kingdom of the Maya.

Easter Week Tour:  April 12-22

Bella Guatemala Travel's Easter tour features guided access to the ceremonies at the annual Holy Week, a one-of-a-kind reflection of the religious fervor imported from Spain 500 years ago. The Easter celebration in Antigua, Guatemala is the largest in the world, bringing together the entire city along with thousands of travelers annually. This extraordinary homage to the Passion of Christ is reflected in a series of colorful processions with hand-carried floats, costumed participants, musical performances and gorgeous sawdust, vegetable and flower 'carpets' (alfombras) on display throughout the city. Bella Guatemala Travel's Easter week tour is $5095. per person, based on double occupancy.

Lost Kingdoms of the Maya Tour:  May 3-14 and June 25-July 8

A testimony to a culture that flourished between 700 BC and 900 AD, Guatemala is home to some of the most remarkable ancient Maya ruins. With Bella Guatemala Travel, travelers will have the opportunity to explore these archaeological treasures - architectural and sculptural monuments that are lauded as some of the most spectacular achievements of both the Maya civilization and mankind itself.  The “Lost Kingdoms of the Maya” tour includes visits to Tikal National Park, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Central America; Yaxhá, located on picturesque Lake Yaxha in northern Petén, beautifully restored Mixco Viejo with its Aztec and Toltec influences,  and Copan, Honduras, known for the most elaborate high relief sculptures of the Maya world.  Additionally, the tour includes a visit via helicopter to spectacular El Mirador, where guests will be personally led on a tour of the extensive excavation site by the Director of the Mirador Basin Project, Dr. Richard Hansen.   Bella Guatemala Travel's Lost Kingdoms of the Maya tour is $6195. per person, based on double occupancy.

Guatemala Amigas Getaway Tour:  April 21 – April 29, May 12-20, July 7-15 & September 8-16

Guatemala comes with a natural and beautiful backdrop of volcanoes and calming lake views. An off-the-beaten track destination to unwind, rejuvenate and awaken all the senses, Guatemala is the perfect getaway for both relaxation and a chance to bond with family and friends. Travelers on this tour will be pampered with luxurious spa services, fascinating classes and outdoor experiences. This tour also includes visits to the local open-air artisan markets and weaving collectives where travelers can shop for stunning hand-crafted wares such as jewelry, textiles, art, pottery, leatherwork, woodcarvings and more.  Bella Guatemala Travel's relaxation, wellness and shopping tour is $3295. per person, based on double occupancy.

Belize and Best of Guatemala Tour:  June 1 – June 10

The best of Guatemala tour brings together beloved ancient Mayan traditions and culture with modern adventures. Travelers are fully immersed as they explore the charming cobblestone streets of Antigua, cruise the Rio Dulce River, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Caribbean Cayes and enjoy the local flavor and sizzle of Belize.  Tour includes a visit to Guatemala's most renowned ancient Maya archaeological site, Tikal National Park.  Bella Guatemala Travel's Belize and Best of Guatemala Tour is $4395. per person, based on double occupancy.

Guatemala Photography Tour:  November 30-December 10

Both beginning shutterbugs and experienced photographers are certain to appreciate Guatemala for the natural visual paradise that it is. Designed by photographers for photographers, this tour will help travelers develop their skills to capture creative and timeless photos. Professional travel photographer Brent Winebrenner, who has shot photos in over 60 countries, leads this tour and he will help travelers take their best shots by guiding travelers to the best photo locations, hosting focused travel photography workshops and giving one-on-one critiques. Guatemala is a treasure trove of unique images waiting to be captured, including stunning landscapes, lush jungles, picturesque Spanish Colonial towns, ancient ruins, churches, pyramids, temples and colorful cultural displays. Bella Guatemala Travel's photography tour is $3995 per person, based on double occupancy.

Dia de los Muertos  (Day of the Dead) Tour:  October 25 – November 4

The cornerstone of Bella Guatemala Travel's Dia de los Muertos tour is a visit to the spectacular All Saints Day Giant Kite Festival at the Santiago Sacatepéque cemetery in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, a 3,000-year-old tradition. Guatemala is the only country in the world to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by flying enormous, hand-crafted colorful kites, which take months and months to create.  The kites are believed to both communicate with and honor lost loved ones, and it is thought that the higher the kite is in the sky, the closer the message is to the spirits of those in heaven.  Bella Guatemala Travel's Dia de los Muertos tour also includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Antigua and Tikal National Park, as well as the splendid Lake Atitlan, and is priced at $4495. per person, based on double occupancy.

Bella Guatemala Travel tour packages are based on double occupancy and include luxury accommodations, three meals daily, internal flights and transportation, entrance fees, bilingual tour guides, taxes and gratuities, as all-inclusive tours.  All Bella Guatemala Travel tours are comprised of small and intimate groups, with no more than 16 guests. All hotels have been carefully inspected and selected because of their connection to Guatemala's heritage and culture as well as their premium services and luxury standards.  International airfare is not included.

About Bella Guatemala Travel

Since 2005, CEO and Travel Consultant Elsie YiDonoy, a Guatemalan native, raised and based in Los Angeles, California, has been sharing her passion for her country's culture, heritage, and people with travelers from around the world through Bella Guatemala Travel.  With the goal of creating extraordinary travel experiences that exceed expectations, Bella Guatemala is able to provide its premium services as a result of strong partnerships with luxury hotels and local businesses. A truly exclusive travel experience with a sustainable approach, every detail in the adventure to discover the Land of the Maya has been thoughtfully and carefully organized, ensuring safety and comfort as well as access to unique opportunities that make for lifelong memories.

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