An authentic and active trip around Guatemala’s most beautiful lakes, volcanoes, beaches, cities and ruins. Hike, bike, kayak, shop, eat and meet the locals. A fresh and creative approach to travel the region.
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala
Antigua is among the world's best conserved colonial cities in the Americas. It is a magic and captivating small town that makes you feel time might have stopped 300 years ago. From its colonial architecture to its beautiful surroundings; strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, will fascinate you! Hotel: Camino Real Antigua
Day 2: Biking Antigua
In this bike tour, you will see ruins one earthquake away from extinction. Starting from the cobblestone streets of Antigua, you’ll pedal your way past colorful villages, fertile farmlands, and fields of coffee and vegetables, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll learn about local traditions and rural life. Visit the San Lorenzo macadamia farm & explore the villages for Santiago Zamora and San Antonio Aguas Calientes, famous for their textiles and weavings. Approx. duration: 4hrs Hotel: Camino Real Antigua - B
Day 3: Private transfer to Pacaya volcano
Located just outside the capital of Guatemala City, Pacaya Volcano rises to 2,552m (8,373ft) is one of three active volcanoes in Guatemala. After a period of dormancy, it's been active since 1965, sometimes more dramatically than other times! It is about an hour drive from Antigua to the Pacaya National Park (declared in 2001) and the trailhead in the small village of San Francisco de Sales. The roughly 2 mile trail is relatively steep but well maintained and climbs steadily through farmland and pine forest before arriving on an exposed ridge offering a panoramic view of Pacaya's smoking black cone, miles of old blackened lava flows and the volcanoes to the north around Antigua and Lake Atitlan. The hike continues onto the barren moonscape of the lava flows where you'll be able to roast marshmallows over hot spots for a smores ala Guatemala! You'll enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the crater from afar (National Park regulations do not allow climbing to the top of the crater). Hotel: Camino Real Antigua BL
Total Distance: 8km / Elevation gain: 400mts / Highest point: 2,552mts
Day 4: Biking Lake Atitlan
Private transfer to Lake Atitlan. (This service is on a private basis.)Private transfer to Las Trampas where we will begin today’s bike ride. Upon arrival, we’ll unload bikes and cyclists and fit group members to their mountain bikes and gear. You will have a debrief on instructions on bicycle operation, safety tips, and a brief orientation of the surrounding terrain. Afterwards you will start on a country road traversing the high plateau above Lake Atitlan. This mostly downhill ride takes you through several small villages and towns before rounding a final ridgeline and joining the road up from the Pacific coast bound for Panajachel.
At the first vista overlooking Lake Atitlán, we will stop for a picnic lunch (included) and orientate you to the lakeside towns and geographic features of Lake Atitlan. After lunch, we’ll continue breezing down the quick and windy road to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Hotel: Hotel Atitlan BL
Day 5: Kayak & Tzununa Hike
After breakfast your guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for your boat transfer to the kayak starting point. Paddle for approximate 45 minutes along delightful peninsulas admiring the shore's beautiful gardens. After kayaking you will start the hike to Tzununa. The north shore of Lake Atitlan Guatemala has no true road access, so you will be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kaqchikel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily life and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world.
Day 6: Acatenago Overnight
Early transfer to Acatenango Volcano at 6am (believe me, the time spent up there is worth the early wake up!).
From here, it is a 50km/30mi (45 min.) drive to the trailhead, located at 2,566 meters above sea level (masl) (8,211ft). We will start at a place with amazing views so have your camera ready at all times!
The hike to our exclusive campsite is a 7km (4.7mi) steep but amazing hike. During the ascent, we will cross four different life zones or vegetation zones: agriculture land, cloud forest, pine forest and pre-Andean forest. Flora and fauna as well as the landscape vary a lot from one to the other, so keep your eyes open and your camera handy at all times! Depending on the hiking rhythm, we will have our delicious picnic lunch on the way or at our private campsite, located at 3,500m (11,200ft). Here, your own tent and camping gear will be ready for you to rest while you enjoy the eruptions of Fuego volcano.
The crew will prepare hot chocolate for you to enjoy the sunset. Dinner will be served hot by the campfire. Temperatures can drop down to -5 Celsius (23F) so you really need to make sure to bring all the gear listed.
All the camping gear we provide (tent, mat and sleeping bag) is for 3.5 seasons, great for rainy, windy and cold conditions. Overnight: Acatenango Camp BLD
Day 7: Acatenango & Flight to Flores
The 2nd day of our trip, we will get up early to go see the sunrise from the summit, located at 3,976m (12,723.2 ft).
This is the 3rd highest point in Guatemala and Central America. From here, we will have amazing views of Fuego, Agua, Pacaya and the other 33 volcanoes of Guatemala. When we’ve had enough views, we’ll go back to our campsite to enjoy a well- deserved breakfast and hot cup of Guatemalan coffee. We will start to descend at 9am to be back at the trailhead around 11am or 12pm and transfer back to Antigua. Hotel: Villa Maya B
Day 8: Hanging Bridges
Morning is at leisure for relaxation at the hotel.On arrival, you’ll walk on six impressive hanging bridges with more than 100 meters long and winding paths full of exuberant vegetation. Crossing the bridges, will give you the opportunity to have direct contact with nature. You’ll be able to also contemplate the magnificent forest and the beauty of Lake Peten Itza. Hotel: Villa Maya BL
Day 9: Tikal
After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and transfer you to Tikal National Park. Your guide will show you the layout of the temples, architecture, history, some theories of why the Mayans disappeared and if you are lucky a few monkeys, parrots, macaws, and toucans will be on site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the jungle. (This service is on a private basis.)Private transfer from Guatemala City airport to your hotel in Guatemala City.
Your driver will meet you at the BLUE exit of the airport (right side door) with a sign with your name on it. (This service is on a private basis.) Hotel: Clarion Suites BL
Day 10: Departure or onward travels
Private transfer to Guatemala City airport. (This service is on a private basis.) B
* Contact us for availability, customized itinerary and rate.
(Mayatrails)