Trip Overview:
Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and scenery of Guatemala. Wander the cobbled streets of the old capital, La Antigua, whilst unravelling the country's intricate past. Take a dip in Lake Atitlán, the most beautiful lake in the world, before visiting ancient Mayan villages. Pick up a bargain at the market town of Chichicastenango, whilst learning about Mayan syncretism. Along the way, discover what makes Guatemala the Mayan Heartland and the
Land of Eternal Spring.
Highlights:
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Hike through the lava field of Volcan Pacaya.
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Stay at a beautiful boutique lodge on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
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Sip award-winning coffee on the outskirts of La Antigua.
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Purchase Mayan handicrafts at Central America's largest artisan's market.
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Explore the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel Mayan Kingdom.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Welcome to Antigua
Welcome to the Highlands of Guatemala. Once you’ve settled into your hotel in the UNESCO Heritage city of La Antigua, you can explore as you please. We'll be meeting for a welcome drink at our hotel and then heading to dinner as a group.
- Overnight in Antigua: Hotel San Jorge (or similar).
- Dinner included
DAY 2: Ancient Capitals
Today we set off deeper into the highlands to the town of Tecpán, where we'll visit the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel Mayan Kingdom. We'll grab a quick lunch at my favourite roadside cafe, before driving to Panajachel, the gateway town to Lake Atitlán. From here, it's a short boat trip to our boutique lodge - "Guatemala's most magical hotel" - where we'll be staying for the next 3 nights. Dinner will be a family style meal, as the sun sets over the lake.
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- Overnight at Lake Atitlán: Casa del Mundo
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 3: San Juan La Laguna
A short boat ride will take us across the lake to San Juan La Laguna. For centuries, this town has been inhabited by the Tz'utujil people, and in recent years it's become well-known for its strong Mayan culture. Here we'll learn about local customs, visit a weaving cooperative and explore the most colorful viewpoint in the country. Following lunch, we'll have plenty of time to explore San Juan's many artists shops, before we head back to our lodge for a relaxing afternoon. After dinner, there will be a wood-fired hot tub, ready for anyone who wants to steep under the stars!
- Overnight at Lake Atitlán: Casa del Mundo
- Breakfast and dinner included
DAY 4: Lake Atitlán
This morning is dedicated to relaxing and enjoying our lakeside lodge. Go for a dip, head out on a kayak or have a long lie in. For lunch we'll head to a nearby terraced restaurant before boating across to another Mayan town, known for its rather cheeky "resident" saint. We'll have one last family-style dinner before our last night on the lake.
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- Overnight at Lake Atitlán: Casa del Mundo
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 5: Chichicastenango
In the late morning, we’ll head back to Panajachel, where we’ll hop into our private transport and make our way to Chichicastenango (aka “Chichi”). With its cobbled streets, pre-Christian beliefs and Mayan traditions, Chichi is as magical as it is mysterious. After checking into the beautiful Santo Tomás hotel, we'll have some downtime before our dinner and a musical surprise!
- Overnight in Chichicastenango: Hotel Santo Tomas
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 6: Market Day
Market days in Chichicastenango are a mix-mash of vibrant colors, smells, fabrics, and traditions. For the early risers, we'll be up exploring at the crack of dawn. At breakfast, we'll re-group before we have an introduction to the town’s market history and traditions. For the rest of the morning and early afternoon, we'll have plenty time to people watch, explore and pick up a few souvenirs. After lunch, we'll make our way back to Antigua, for a relaxing afternoon and a dinner at the city's greenest restaurant.
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- Overnight in Antigua: Hotel San Jorge (or similar).
- Breakfast & dinner included
DAY 7: Coffee with a view
Guatemala has some of the highest rated coffees in the world. A trip here wouldn't be complete without the whole coffee experience. From its history and cultural significance to production and tasting, today we'll be learning about coffee, with a backdrop of Acatenango volcano. We'll have the afternoon to explore or relax in Antigua. Dinner you can grab at your own leisure.
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- Overnight in Antigua: Hotel San Jorge (or similar).
- Breakfast & lunch included
DAY 8: Volcano hike
There are over 30 volcanoes dotting Guatemala, some more active than others! Today we visit Pacaya Volcano, and hike through its other-worldly lava field. As the day goes on, we’ll learn about the topography and history of this volcano, whilst taking in some stunning volcanic scenery. The hike only takes a few hours; however, we'll be out the whole day and eating a picnic lunch. After a few volcano-roasted marshmallows (and maybe even a Guate S’more!), it's back to Antigua for our final group dinner.
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- Overnight in Antigua: Hotel San Jorge (or similar).
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
DAY 9: Goodbyes
Today, catch flights home or onto your next adventure. I'll be on hand to help arrange transport to the airport or offer suggestions for things to do for the day.
- Breakfast included
Something to note
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Itineraries and daily schedules are subject to change. We expect to do everything listed in the itinerary; however, the order may be rearranged based on weather or other local conditions.
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Before you go ahead and book, scroll down and have a read of the additional info!
A few more bits of information
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What's included?
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Accommodation throughout the trip (8 nights).
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All meals as described in the itinerary.
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One alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) drink for the welcome dinner.
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All experiences as described in the itinerary.
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Transportation throughout the trip.
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Airport arrival transfer to Antigua (if you arrive on Day 1).
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Local translator (Spanish/English).
- Online Zoom session to help you plan flights.
- Dedicated guide & host (Ross).
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What's not included?
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Transportation and flights to/from Guatemala.
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Pre/post trip accommodation.
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Travel insurance (highly recommended).
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Additional meals and drinks outside of itinerary.
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Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
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Customary gratuities for Guides & Drivers.
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Travis! Sadly, he won't be joining on this trip.
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Airport departure transfer from Antigua to La Aurora International Airport​.
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Pricing
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The listed price of this trip (USD $2,900) is per person based on double occupancy. If you're happy to share a room, you'll be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender.
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If you would rather a private room, this is available for an additional cost of USD $375 (on top of the trip price). When you pay your deposit, this will be indicated clearly as an option.
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In order to reserve your spot on the trip, a deposit of USD $275 is required. This is fully refundable for 7 days after payment.
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Activity Level
We’ll be spending a lot of our time outside and in rural areas. In some cases, this will involve dirt and/or cobblestone paths. The most physical day will be our Volcano hike, so you should feel comfortable walking for at least 3 hours uphill and 1 hour downhill.
Arrival & Departure Flights
When booking your international flights, please choose Guatemala's La Aurora International Airport​
(with airport code GUA).
