Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Antigua, Hotel Convento (502-7832-3080 / private baths), Hotel Aurora (502-7832-0217 / private baths) or similar. (no meals)
A tour representative will greet you in Guatemala City, the political and economic capital of this captivating country. Escaping the hustle and bustle of the city take an immediate transfer to the beautiful city of Antigua, Here, you can enjoy the quaint feel and traditional Spanish colonial architecture as you stroll along cobblestone streets of this World Heritage Site and former colonial capital of Guatemala. Relax and enjoy your new surroundings tonight, as we’ll all meet in the morning to begin our adventure!
- Guatemala City-Antigua Transfer [1 hour]
Day 2: Pacaya Volcano Hike, Hotel Convento, Hotel Aurora or similar. (B,L,D)
This morning we meet our guide at 7:30 for breakfast and then transfer to Pacaya National Park where we will begin our hiking ascent of this famous, active volcano! Once we’re at the top you can see down into the crater as well as experience the energy of an active volcano. If it’s clear enough, enjoy spectacular views towards the coast and possibly even to El Salvador. Back in Antigua we enjoy a late afternoon walking tour and then you’ll have some free time to explore Antigua and enjoy the varied nightlife.
- Shuttle [2+ hours R/T]
- Pacaya Volcano Hike [3-4 hours, 500 meters/1640 feet elevation gain / drop]
Day 3: Bike & Hike Alaska, Home Stay (shared baths) (B, L, D)
Today we visit the ancient Mayan city of Ixmiche as we head into the un-spoilt, remote highland area known as Alaska. Here we hike and then bike through some of the most spectacular scenery of all Guatemala on local paths and trails, complete with views overlooking volcanoes and down to Lake Atitlan. Towards the end of the ride a spectacular downhill brings us to the highland village of Totonicapan arriving in time to visit a local artesian workshop, and share dinner, stories and photos with a local family. Tonight is spent in home stay accommodation with local families in Totonicapan.
- Ixmiche ruins visit [1-2 hours]
- Mountain Biking [2 hours, 15km/9miles, 300mts/1000 feet gain, 700+ mts/2310 feet loss]
- Hiking, [1-2 hours; 3 miles/5kms, 990 feet/ 300 mtr loss]
Day 4: Hike & Bike Zunil Ridge, Lake Atitlan, Hotel Bambu (+502-7721-7333 / private baths) or Posada de Santiago (+502-7721-7167 / private baths) (B, L, D)
Today we head even deeper into the Guatemalan highlands to the spectacular Zunil mountain range where we enjoy stunning views of up to ten volcano peaks at the same time, as well as other mountain peaks and lush valleys. Enjoy this magnificent scenery while hiking along the ridge, and then descend through Pacific cloud forest where the rare Guatemala national Bird, the colorful Quetzal lives. After a delicious picnic lunch we change to the bikes and explore on easy trails and roads this unique highland plateau.
At the end of the ride our trusty support vehicle awaits us for the transfer to the shores of the stunning Lake Atitlan. Experience riding through glorious Maya mountain villages and beautiful remote highland countryside, ending with magnificent views towards Lake Atitlan and her three surrounding volcanoes. Upon arrival at the lake we take a boat ride over to our hotel. Overnight at Lake. (2N)
- Hiking [2 hours, 3miles/5kms moderate up and down
- Biking: [2 hours, undulating hills]
Day 5: Kayak Lake Atitlan and Hike Cerro de Oro, Hotel Bambu or Posada de Santiago (B,L,D)
This morning you can take off and Kayak on what many have called, “the most beautiful lake in the world”, Lake Atitlan. Pass by local fishermen, indigenous Maya women doing their chores and men working in the fields wearing their famous embroidered Santiago shorts. You’ll also have impressive views of the three lake volcanoes. Once at Cerro de Oro we hike this impressive hill by foot. At the peak of this sacred hill we can sometimes witness Mayan rituals in process, which is an amazing and authentic glimpse of local Mayan life. There are also great views of the whole lake and her surrounding volcanoes from atop this hill.
When we are ready – we transfer back to our lodge on local pick up trucks. After lunch we visit town Santiago Atitlan and places of interest in this lively tzutuhil maya town, including its market and its strange Maya God, “ Maximon” which locals revere and perform rituals in front of to bring good luck – or bad!
- Kayaking [1-2 hours, 4 miles/7 kms]
- Hiking [1.5 hours, 300 mts/1000 feet elevation gain/loss, 2 miles/3.34 kms]
Day 6: Zipline Canopy Tour /Hike, Chichicastenango Market, Antigua, Hotel Aurora, Posada or similar. (B,L,D)
This morning we transfer by boat and then take a spectacular scenic drive on the most impressive back road around Atitlan. We stop en route to experience the thrill of exploring the surrounding forest on a zipline canopy tour. Our tour consists of cables and exciting traverses. With special equipment, slide along ziplines above and through the forest canopy from one platform to another, and experience what it is like to be an eagle!
Next we visit the world renowned Chichicastenango, with its famous craft market. Once in Chichi we have time to wander through the market and barter for crafts such as textiles, masks, jewelry and many other beautiful pieces of artesania. This evening we return to Antigua.
- Scenic Boat Ride [1/2 hour]
- Zipline & Hike Adventure [1.5 hours]
- Chichicastenango Market [2-3 hours]
- Transfer to Antigua [2.5 hours]
Day 7: Transfer to Guatemala City, Flight to Peten, Jungle Hike and Temples, Jungle Lodge (B,L,D)
Today we transfer to Guatemala City and take our flight to the northern rainforest in the Peten. A short drive brings is deep into the rainforest to the shore of Tikal. Enjoy time at the pool and lunch before starting our jungle trek ending at the complex called “mundo perdio” for sunset.
- Transfer to Guatemala City [45 minutes]
- Guatemala City-Flores flight [less than 1 hour]
- Shuttle time Peten [1.5 hours]
- Jungle Trek at Tikal [Up to 3 hours]]
Day 8: Tikal National Park and Ruins Tour, Antigua or Guatemala City Hotel or Jungle Lodge (Tikal or Belize extension only), (B, L)
TodayToday visit mystic and magical Tikal National Park! Once in the park enjoy a guided tour of the famous Maya temple site in the jungle. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
This afternoon we transfer back to the airport and fly back to Guatemala City. At the airport you will be met by a transfer to take you to your hotel and the rest of the evening is free to enjoy the nightlife of Guatemala City.
Tikal private tour [half day]
Note: You have your choice of staying in Antigua or Guatemala city on this last night. Please inform us of your chocie once you book your flights.
Day 9 Departure (B)
You will be met at your hotel by a transfer to take you to the airport in plenty of time for your international flight out or onward to the next segment of your adventure extension. Hasta luego…until we meet again!
