Aged in the Clouds: Guatemalan Rum & Antigua
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Port
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All,61
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$129.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
At an elevation thousands of feet above sea level, the Antigua region is often shrouded in cloud. It is a rich and fertile area with sugarcane fields and is dominated by majestic volcanoes. This land produces the sugarcane for Guatemala's finest rums. It is also home to one of Central America's most beautiful colonial cities.
From the pier, you'll travel by coach to Antigua -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site city. watch the scenery, ecosystems and microclimates change as you climb to 5,000 feet above sea level. Since a massive earthquake in 1773, Antigua has become a living museum with a distinct nostalgia for its splendid past evident among its cobblestone streets. Even today, as you tour the city, you can see the earthquake's destruction in the rubble at some of Antigua's historic sites.
Head to Casa del Ron, where an expert bartender and rum connoisseur will guide you through a tasting of Guatemala's finest rums. Learn how the elevation of the cane fields influences the flavor and body of the finished product, and discover how to combine rum with a variety of foods for a terrific pairing. You'll also taste some exceptional rums that are literally aged in the clouds.
Continue to a local restaurant for a lunch of authentic Guatemalan delicacies such as frijoles volteados (a bean dish), platanos fritos (fried plantains), and grilled meats.
Your last stop is at a jade factory and museum, where you'll learn how this hard rock is transformed into beautiful jewelry. You may wish to buy a piece for yourself as a memento of your journey into the clouds.