Guatemala Adventure
17 days
Go on an unforgettable Guatemala adventure with this thrilling itinerary. Explore the charming colonial town of Antigua, camp under the stars with an active volcano as your backdrop, paddle through the serene waters of Lake Atitlan, swim in the stunning limestone bridge of Semuc Champey, and trek through the lush jungle for five days to discover the ancient Mayan City of El Mirador.
Guatemala boasts a quintessential Central American experience with its breathtaking landscapes, remarkable ruins, and vibrant Mayan culture. From smoking volcanoes to intricate weaving, every moment spent in this country will leave you in awe. It’s truly a miracle how Guatemala’s stunning crater lakes and fascinating Mayan ruins have managed to stay under the radar for so many people.
Lake Atitlan
World’s most breathtaking lake
Volcano de Agua
Hike to Volcano Acatenango
Semuc Champey
An awe-inspiring natural wonder
Tikal
Mayan ruins amidst the jungle
Highlights
Embark on an adventure tour of Guatemala to witness the breathtaking beauty of this country. From the charming town of Antigua Guatemala, explore the stunning Lake Atitlan, renowned as the most beautiful lake in the world. Delve into the lush jungles, marvel at the awe-inspiring natural bridge of Semuc Champey, and discover the ancient Mayan ruins of El Mirador and Tikal, all while immersing yourself in the rich colonial history of the region.
Itinerary
When you arrive at Guatemala City’s international airport, your guide will greet you and escort you to Antigua Guatemala.
Discover the captivating Antigua Guatemala, a breathtaking colonial city nestled in a valley and embraced by three magnificent volcanoes. Renowned for its world-class coffee, the city is a perfect destination for leisurely walks along its cobblestone streets, where every corner reveals spectacular monuments. Antigua Guatemala’s historical significance and stunning beauty have earned it UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status, inviting you to explore and indulge in its wonders.
Once you have settled into your lodging, you will have some free time to relax before dinner.
Two nights in Antigua Guatemala.
Begin your day with a serene stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets led by a knowledgeable local guide. Pause and savor some delicious local bites at cafes and food vendors—Marvel at the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and the remains of the Convento Santa Clara. Don’t forget to check out other exciting landmarks like the City Hall Palace, the Palace of the Captain’s General, and the Paseo de los Museos.
The vibrant Old Town surrounds the central plaza. The breathtaking contrast between the majestic mountains and the lively architecture of the city makes it the most stunning town in Central America.
Later, we will venture to the nearby villages and immerse ourselves in the local culture of Santa Maria, Ciudad Vieja, and San Pedro Las Huertas. In San Pedro Las Huertas, many women still dress in traditional Mayan garments, which adds to the town’s charm. Experience the exquisite Guatemalan textiles by touring a textile cooperative run by women who meticulously craft them.
In San Pedro Las Huertas, you can also take an excursion to a nearby coffee plantation and learn about the journey of this delectable beverage from the soil to your cup. This tour will enlighten you on the various stages of coffee processing, such as pulp, fermentation, drying, sorting, and roasting, before finally relishing a revitalizing cup of Guatemalan coffee.
Embark on an unforgettable hiking experience through Guatemala’s breathtaking terrain. Over two days and one night, you’ll journey up the slopes of Volcano Acatenango, reaching a campsite at an impressive 13,041 feet (3,976 meters) elevation. And, what a campsite, the views are out of this world!
We are beginning your adventure at 8:00 a.m. You’ll drive one hour from Antigua Guatemala, to La Soledad, a charming village on Acatenango’s slope. The trail has four different microclimates, each taking about an hour. Commence your journey by ascending a steep path through farmland, the same route locals use.
During your ascent, the second segment will take you through an old-growth, high-alpine cloud forest. Here, you will be amazed by the remarkable biodiversity and some of the oldest pines in Acatenango. The forest also serves as a habitat for various native birds, including the magnificent and resplendent Quetzal.
Around mid-day, as you emerge from the cloud forest, you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the six volcanoes and the Cuchumatanes mountain range. Why not take a break and savor a picnic lunch while appreciating the spectacular scenery?
The third and final part of your journey will take you through temperate and tropical forests, ending at the volcano’s storm-beaten tree line. You’ll be camping below the tree line and enjoy stunning views of the Antigua Guatemala Valley and the Volcano de Fuego.
After settling in, take a moment to relax as your guide prepares dinner at an impressive 12,300 feet (3,750 meters). While enjoying your meal, you can witness the spectacular eruptions of the Volcano de Fuego.
- Approximate hiking time: five to six hours
- Distance: eight kilometers
- Ascension: 1100 meters
Overnight: camping in Volcano Acatenango.
To learn more about the overnight hike to Volcano Acatenango, click here.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you rise early and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the volcano’s peaks. Embark on a 45-minute to 1-hour hike up a steep gravel trail surrounded by stunning pine forest, leading you to the rocky summit of Volcano Acatenango.
Pause for a moment and appreciate the breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Guatemalan highlands extending toward Mexico. After a well-deserved breakfast and breaking down camp, you’ll start the 3-hour descent back to La Soledad through a different trail, offering picturesque scenery as you journey through various microclimates.
Once we reach La Soledad, we will head back to Antigua Guatemala. After settling in at your hotel, you can relish the opportunity to discover the city at your leisure.
Overnight in Antigua Guatemala.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey to Lake Atitlan, approximately 2.5 hours west of Antigua Guatemala. As you approach your destination, be prepared to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach Lake Atitlan, you’ll take a canopy tour that will take you on an incredible adventure through the Atitlan Reserve tree canopy. From this vantage point, you will have a bird’s eye view of the lush and exciting environment.
The Atitlan Reserve boasts some of the most spectacular views of the three volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan. The pristine lake and its surroundings provide natural beauty beyond what you can capture in just a few snapshots. To reach the zipline cables, you will cross over hanging bridges, passing by a gigantic waterfall and coffee plantations. When you reach the trail’s summit, prepare to feel the exhilarating rush of mountain air as you glide through the treetops, giving you the most thrilling perspective of the forest canopy.
Experience the ultimate thrill of ziplining with the Cables X-Tremos that will take you through waterfalls, canyons, and the coffee grove forest, providing breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes. Even those new to extreme experiences can join the adventure with shorter cables.
This X-Tremos zipline adventure consists of 8 cables spanning 1,300 meters (4,223 feet). The length of each cable ranges from 90 meters (295 feet) to 320 meters (1,050 feet), and the height from the ground is 25 meters (82 feet). The tour takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a 450-meter (1,476 feet) walk with a vertical ascent of 80 meters (262 feet).
After having lunch, you’ll go to your hotel and spend some leisure time enjoying the lake.
Two nights in Lake Atitlan.
The stunning beauty of Lake Atitlan never ceases to amaze even the most seasoned travelers. The lake is surrounded by verdant hills and towering volcanoes, creating a unique and striking landscape that changes every time. It’s no wonder why so many people have fallen in love with this place and decided to call it home.
Aside from the breathtaking scenery, numerous indigenous villages around Lake Atitlan await exploration. Here are some beautiful towns that showcase the rich and diverse heritage of the Mayan civilization. Each village has its unique Mayan dress, featuring patterns and colors that reflect the heritage and traditions of that particular community.
You can hop on a boat to visit these villages and learn more about the local art, traditions, and stories of the Maya people. Visiting a local women’s weaving cooperative and sampling some of the world’s finest organic coffee are among the highlights of the adventure.
You can add an optional extra day in Lake Atitlan to your stay. Wake up early and set out to explore the captivating beauty of the lake. Today’s kayaking and hiking adventures are perfect for those seeking a moderate challenge while enjoying a relaxed schedule, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the lake.
Begin your journey with a 1.5 to 2-hour kayaking session along the shore, passing by picturesque villages nestled on the steep ridges of the lake. Then, embark on a hike to Rostro Maya (Mayan face) mountain, surrounded by verdant greenery. As you reach the summit, you’ll encounter various viewpoints offering awe-inspiring vistas of the volcanoes, the lake, and the mountains.
You’ll start the hike at 5,000 feet (1,500 meters above sea level), winds uphill on a single track through corn and coffee farms, featuring a steep slope and several stairs. After just 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll reach the top of a mountain with a cross overlooking the town of San Juan, providing a breathtaking view. The scenery from the summit is truly spectacular and worth the two-hour climb to witness.
You’ll travel by boat and car to reach the awe-inspiring Iximche archaeological site on Lake Atitlan. Once a prosperous capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom during the 15th century, the site now stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the past. The ruins boast magnificent pyramid temples, grand palaces, and two Mesoamerican ballcourts in the scenic western highlands. Join your expert guide on this tour and fully immerse yourself in the marvels of this ancient civilization. Afterward, you will return to Antigua Guatemala.
Overnight in Antigua Guatemala.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through Guatemala’s coffee country, Coban, where you will discover the natural wonder of Ram Tzul. A private nature reserve spanning over 247 acres, Ram Tzul boasts lush cloud forests and a breathtaking 260-foot (80-meter) waterfall that feeds into a serene lagoon.
As you venture forth, immerse yourself in the beauty of another cloud forest reserve, the magnificent Biotopo del Quetzal. This area covers 2,580 acres and is a sanctuary for many plants, such as orchids and birds, including the stunning Quetzal. Hiking around the reserve is an incredible chance to witness this exotic bird in its natural habitat.
After your exhilarating adventure in Ram Tzul, relax and unwind at your hotel in Coban.
Two nights in Coban.
Imagine a world where nature’s wonders are at your fingertips. As the morning sun rises above Coban, we embark on a journey to Semuc Champey. Our destination lies in the verdant hills and lush rainforests, waiting for us to discover its beauty. With a short stop in Lanquin, we switch to a 4×4 vehicle to traverse the off-beaten path.
Soon, we reach the magnificent limestone bridge that forms terraced turquoise pools above a roaring river that runs underground. Witnessing this marvel of nature up close, we see people swimming in crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water while the river Cahabon rushes below. As we hike uphill to El Mirador, we experience a breathtaking view of the limestone bridge 2,300 feet below. We have the time to explore the six natural pools of Semuc Champey, swim, and make memories before returning to our hotel in Coban as the day ends. Enjoying the beauty of nature is a privilege that we should all experience, and Semuc Champey offers us just that.
Today, we embark on a six-hour journey to Flores Island. The town of Flores welcomes us with its charming pastel houses, flowing down from the central plaza to the emerald-colored waters of Lake Peten. The picturesque scenery of the Mediterranean comes to life in this small town. Once we arrive, take the time to unwind and prepare for the upcoming adventure trek the following day.
Overnight in Flores Island.
Embark on an adventure through the lush jungle to explore the magnificent lost Mayan City of El Mirador, a true gem of Maya culture. Deeply nestled in the Guatemalan jungle, this city boasts an impressive cluster of buildings, including the largest pyramid ever built in the Maya world. Although much of the site remains hidden beneath the jungle, ongoing excavations continue to reveal more of its wonders.
El Mirador’s pyramids offer breathtaking views, so it’s named “the Lookout.” Two of its most notable structures, La Danta and El Tigre, are part of the unusual “triadic” style, where three pyramids crown a large platform. Both pyramids are adorned with intricately carved masks, adding a unique and awe-inspiring touch.
At its height, El Mirador was a thriving city covering 16 sq km and supported by tens of thousands of citizens, making it the most significant Maya city of the Preclassic era. Visiting El Mirador is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a glimpse back in time and allows visitors to imagine what life was like in this magnificent city.
During your trip, you will spend four nights camping in the jungle. On the 16th day, you will return to Flores Island for your final two nights in the country.
Click here for more information about this trek.
Today’s adventure awaits you at the Tikal National Park, an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore. Discover the magnificent splendor of Tikal, where towering temples rise above the lush green jungle, and broad causeways lead you on a scenic journey between the temple complexes. Watch for exotic wildlife like toucans, monkeys, and ocellated turkeys.
Walking quietly increases your chances of seeing monkeys, ocellated turkeys, toucans, and foxes.
Go on a journey to uncover the wonders of ancient civilizations with an expert guide by your side. Marvel at the temples and pyramids, and visit the grand citadels and towering landmarks that have withstood the test of time. Discover the beauty of Temples I, II, III, IV, and V, the Great Plaza, the Lost World, the Window Palace, and more.
At the peak of your adventure, you’ll be amazed by the awe-inspiring Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in Central America, standing at 70 meters. If you climb the stairs beside the temple, an unforgettable panoramic view will reward you and take your breath away.
Once you have taken a lunch break, you can dedicate more time to independently exploring the site.
After this trip, you’ll feel inspired by the stunning natural scenery and the friendly locals. A driver will transport you to the Mundo Maya airport for your one-hour domestic flight to Guatemala City, where you can catch your flight back home.
map, expenses & price
Guatemala Adventure
Expenses included:
-All private transportation
-Eleven nights of hotel accommodations
-Five nights camping
-Domestic flights
-Professional local guides
-Tours and activities as listed
-All park entrance fees
-Camping equipment
-Daily breakfast and meals while camping
Extension
guatemala adventure
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