Highlights
- Camp on Guatemala's third-tallest volcano
- Kayak around beautiful Lake Atitlan
- Wander the charming streets of historical Antigua
- Mountain bike around farms, villages, and colonial ruins
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Guatemala, transfer to Antigua |
| Day 2 | Mountain bike tour of Almolonga Valley |
| Day 3 | Hike Pacaya Volcano |
| Day 4 | Mountain biking at Lake Atitlan |
| Day 5 | Kayaking and hiking at Lake Atitlan |
| Day 6 | Climb Acatenango and camp overnight |
| Day 7 | Hike to La Soledad, return to Antigua |
| Day 8 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala and Transfer to Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala! Your driver will meet you at the Guatemala City airport and whisk you away to your hotel in nearby Antigua, about a 45-minute drive. This lovely Spanish colonial city is bursting with color and character, from its church ruins and pastel facades to its volcano views and incredible street food. Spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing as you gear up for the high-octane activities ahead!
Day 2: Mountain Bike Tour of Surrounding Villages, Farms, and Ruins
This morning you'll explore the culture and history of the Guatemalan highlands by bicycle. Riding south, you'll head out of the city and onto the base of Agua Volcano, which rests majestically in the background of Antigua. Continue on to the little towns and villages around the fertile Almolonga Valley. The area is known for its agriculture, thermal springs, and its large concentration of churches. Along the way you'll visit magnificent religious buildings and Spanish colonial ruins. You'll also stop by an experimental macadamia farm and browse the local textile markets.
Day 3: Hike Pacaya Volcano
Wake up early and fill your water bottles before setting out on a volcano hike today. You'll climb Volcan Pacaya, an 8,300-foot (2,530 m) active volcano. It takes about two hours to reach the summit, and includes several steep passes. At the top of the cone you'll have the opportunity to look into the crater (safety permitting, of course), and enjoy a picnic lunch with sweeping views of the valley below. Then make your way back down the mountain and return to Antigua by late afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring, or rest your legs in the hotel.
Day 4: Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlan
Get back on your bike this morning for a thrilling ride down the hillside to Lake Atitlan. This enchanting body of water is Central America's deepest lake, created as the result of a collapsed volcanic crater. The sparkling azure waters surrounded by imposing volcanoes have led some people to consider Lake Atitlan the most beautiful lake in the world. You'll get to enjoy these views from the bike trail, and stop for a picnic lunch at a lookout point.
From there, you'll pedal over to the town of Panajachel, where you'll have time to explore the food and handicrafts stalls. Then take a quick boat trip to your lakefront hotel, perched high up on the cliffside. Settle in and relax as you watch the gorgeous sunset over the lake.
Day 5: Kayaking and Hiking at Lake Atitlan
Wake up to stunning lake views and start your morning with an open-water kayaking adventure. Paddle along the northern shore beneath the towering volcanoes for a few hours. Then don your hiking shoes for an invigorating hike along the cliffside trails. Walk up to the neighboring towns for spectacular panoramic views and local flavor.
Day 6: Summit Acatenango and Camp Overnight
Get ready to tackle the most challenging hike of the trip! This morning you'll head to Acatenango Volcano, the third tallest in the country. This excursion is not for the faint of heart, as you'll climb some 6,000 feet (1,830 m) through several different climate zones to an altitude of 13,044 feet (3,975 m). Along the way you'll come across vibrant tropical birds and other wildlife as you hike through farmland, a cloud forest, then on through a high alpine forest, and up to the tree line in the volcanic zone.
Set up camp for the night on the south ridge of Acatenango, overlooking its twin peak, Volcan Fuego. While Acatenango has been dormant for decades, Fuego is one of Central America's most active volcanoes with small daily eruptions. Gather around the campfire under the starry night sky while you watch the mesmerizing Fuego spout smoke and lava into the air.
Day 7: Hike to La Soledad and Return to Antigua
This morning you'll begin your three-hour descent on the south side of the volcano to the community of La Soledad. From there, return to Antigua, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax or squeeze in some last minute souvenir shopping. Go out to dinner at one of the wonderful local restaurants for your last night of the trip.
Day 8: Departure from Guatemala
It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Guatemala! Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at a local cafe before making your way back to the airport for your flight home.
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