You're in for a week of adventure on this action-packed trip to one of Central America's lesser-known gems. Discover the rugged natural beauty of Guatemala as you hike, bike, and kayak around its most stunning attractions and charming towns. Camp overnight on a volcano, go mountain biking through colorful Indigenous villages, and paddle along the peaceful waters of Lake Atitlán.

Upcoming Departures

Date Duration Availability Cost per person
Nov 9, 2024 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Dec 14, 2024 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Jan 18, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
View all departure dates

Highlights

  • Camp at one of Guatemala's tallest volcanoes
  • Kayak around beautiful Lake Atitlán
  • Wander the cobbled streets of historic Antigua
  • Mountain bike around farms, villages, and colonial ruins

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Guatemala, Transfer to Antigua Antigua
Day 2 Mountain Bike Tour of Almolonga Valley Antigua
Day 3 Hike Pacaya Volcano Antigua
Day 4 Transfer to Lake Atitlán, Mountain Biking Lake Atitlán
Day 5 Kayaking & Hiking at Lake Atitlán Lake Atitlán
Day 6 Climb Acatenango Volcano & Camp Overnight Acatenango
Day 7 Hike to La Soledad, Transfer to Antigua Antigua
Day 8 Depart Guatemala  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala, Transfer to Antigua

Antigua, Guatemala
Explore the colonial streets of Antigua

Welcome to Guatemala! Your driver will meet you outside the airport in Guatemala City and whisk you off to your hotel in Antigua, about 45 minutes away. This lovely Spanish colonial city is bursting with color and character, from its church ruins and the pastel facades of its old buildings 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 Almolonga Valley

Church ruins outside Antigua, Guatemala
Ruins of colonial churches in the Almolonga Valley

This morning you'll explore the culture and history of the Guatemalan highlands by bicycle. Riding south, head out of Antigua to the base of the Agua volcano, whose peak looms high over Antigua. Continue on to the little towns and villages around the fertile Almolonga Valley. This area is known for its agriculture, thermal springs, and many Spanish colonial churches. Along the way, you'll visit the ruins of such colonial buildings in and around Ciudad Vieja, which was founded in 1527 as the first capital of Guatemala. You'll also stop by an experimental macadamia farm and browse the local textile markets.

Day 3: Hike Pacaya Volcano

Hike up the dried lava fields of Pacaya 

Wake up early and fill your water bottles before setting out on a volcano hike. Today, you'll climb Pacaya, an 8,300-foot (2,530 m) active volcano. It takes about two hours to reach the summit and involves traversing several steep passes. At the top of the cone, you'll have the opportunity to look into the crater (safety permitting) followed by 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 kick back in your hotel and give your legs a rest.

Plan your trip to Guatemala
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Atitlán, Mountain Biking

Time for a ride through the countryside around Lake Atitlán

In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the 2.5-hour ride west from Antigua to Lake Atitlán. Not only is this volcanic crater lake the most enchanting in the country, but it's also the deepest in Central America. You'll transfer to a highland area above Atitlán, where you'll leave the car and get back on the bike for a thrilling ride down to the shore. As you zip down the hillside, enjoy the incredible views of the lake's sparkling azure waters surrounded by imposing volcanoes. As an added treat, you'll stop along the way for a picnic lunch at a lookout point.

At the bottom, pedal over to the town of Panajachel, on the northeast side of Atitlán, where you'll have time to explore the food and handicrafts stalls. Then take a quick boat trip to your lakefront hotel, which is perched high on the cliffside. Settle in and relax as you watch the gorgeous sunset over the lake.

Day 5: Kayaking & Hiking at Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlan
Volcano views across Lake Atitlán

Wake up to stunning lake views and start your morning with an open-water kayaking adventure. Paddle along the north 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 enjoy the local culture.

Day 6: Climb Acatenango Volcano & Camp Overnight

Camp amid views of the active Fuego volcano

Get ready to tackle the most challenging hike of the trip! This morning you'll head to Acatenango, which, at 13,041 feet (3,976 m), is the third tallest volcano 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 the summit. Along the way, you'll come across exotic birds, like warblers and trogons, and other wildlife as you hike through farmland, montane cloud forests, and up to the tree line at the volcanic zone.

Set up camp for the night on the south ridge of Acatenango, overlooking its twin peak, Fuego. While Acatenango has been dormant for decades, Fuego is one of Central America's most active volcanoes, as evidenced by its 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, Transfer to Antigua

Morning views from the top of Acatenango

This morning you'll begin the 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. In the evening, head out to dinner at one of the wonderful local restaurants for your last night of the trip.

Day 8: Depart Guatemala

Until next time

Alas, it's time to say goodbye to beautiful Guatemala. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at a local café before transferring back to the airport in Guatemala City for your flight home.

More Great Guatemala Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Guatemala? Check out these other Guatemala itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in Guatemala, or learn about the best time to visit Guatemala.

Map

Map of Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days
Map of Multi-Sport Adventure in Guatemala - 8 Days

Upcoming Departures

Date Duration Availability Cost per person
Nov 9, 2024 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Dec 14, 2024 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Jan 18, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Feb 15, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Mar 8, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
Apr 12, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire
May 10, 2025 8 days Available $1,650 USD Inquire