Hike Guatemala

Day 1 — Antigua

Travelling from the UK and Europe, most visitors will arrive at Guatemala City’s La Aurora airport from early evening onwards.

Having been met at the airport, it is then an approximate 40-minute transfer to Antigua, your initial, beautiful base in Guatemala.

Day 2 — Antigua

One of Guatemala’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites, and regarded as amongst the most beautiful towns in Latin America, one could easily spend a very happy week in Antigua.

Not only is the town a huge draw in its own right, it also serves as a base from which to explore a number of nearby areas of interest.

The best way to explore Antigua is on foot so, accordingly, your day begins with a morning’s, private guided tour of the town centre, taking in the main square and numerous, surrounding historic sites of interest.

The rest of the afternoon is then free for you to further explore on your own or relax at your hotel.

Day 3 — Antigua (Group Hike)

Your first hike in Guatemala is a full day, moderate loop that begins in the town of Pastores, famous for its hand-made cowboy boots. From Pastores, the trail starts out gradually before turning steeper as you ascend from the town and onto the ridgeline.

Walking along this ridgeline, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside before the trail begins its gradual descent through chutes back down to the valley floor.

You will then return to your hotel in Antigua where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

(Please note that this hike operates on a group basis).

Day 4 — Antigua (Group Hike)

Today you will enjoy another day of moderate, group-based hiking that takes you climbing out of the Antigua Valley to the top of a nearby ridge.

The trail traverses the ridge to a tiny pueblo hidden away on the mountainside. The views back towards the Antigua valley and its three towering volcanoes are magnificent as the entire sweep of the valley – from the peak of Agua Volcano to the Acatenango and Fuego complex – frame the vista.

From there, the trail drops down into a working coffee Finca and then climbs into another lively mountain village. There then follows another hour on beautiful contouring valley walls before the trail takes you back into Antigua.

(As an alternative to another day of hiking, we also offer a variety of escorted cycle excursions around Antigua).

Day 5 — Antigua (Acatenango Overnight Hike)

You will be transferred to the collection point for the onward transfer to La Soledad village, the starting point of your trek.

The trail to Acatenango Volcano has four distinct microclimates, each of which will take you approximately an hour to navigate. You will begin by walking along a steep path through local agricultural fields, the same path that local villagers use each morning to access their fields of corn, peas and lilies. The first hour of walking will help you acclimatize and warm up your leg muscles for the day’s walk.

The second phase of the ascent passes through an ancient tropical cloud forest. In this environmental zone you will find some of the oldest trees in Acatenango, an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, fresh mountain air and the sounds of local birds and wildlife. This type of alpine cloud forest is found on the upper slopes of many of Guatemala’s highest volcanoes and mountains and is home to the famous Quetzal.

After emerging from the cloud forest, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the other highland volcanoes (Atitlán, Tolimán, San Pedro, Santa María, Santo Tomás, Tajamulco), along with glimpses of the Cuchumatanes mountain range. At noon, a fresh picnic is prepared.

Temperate coniferous forest and tropical dry forest characterize the third phase of the ascent, which will take you to the storm-battered tree line of the volcano. Having arrived at camp, there will be time to time to rest and enjoy the views followed by dinner.

(If you don’t fancy an overnight volcano hike, we can also offer a day hike up Mt Pacaya).

Day 6 — Antigua

Before dawn, for those willing to do it, the group embarks on a 45-60 minute climb to the summit along a sand and gravel trail dotted with dwarf pines and tall alpine mosses.

The trail to the summit is steep and leads to the rocky summit exposed to the cold, gusty winds that constantly pass over Acatenango Peak.

Sunrise from the top, enjoying the impressive 360-degree views. The time spent at the top will depend on weather conditions. Later return to the camp for breakfast.

After breakfast the group will begin the 3-hour descent back to La Soledad. From La Soledad, you will be transported back to Antigua, arriving approx 1230-1300hrs.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax at the hotel and / or further explore this beautiful town.

Day 7 — Antigua to Lake Atitlan via Iximche

Departing Antigua for Lake Atitlan after breakfast, enroute you will stop and visit the picturesque Mayan archaeological ruins of Iximche.

Unlike the more famous, jungle-strewn, lowland sites in the north of Guatemala, Iximche is located on top of a raised plateau, surrounded on all sides by steep-sided escarpments.

Capital of the Kaqchikel Maya who had earlier conquered Mixco Viejo, even Iximche’s natural defences were unable to protect the city from the Spanish Conquistadors who sacked Iximche in 1524.

Although the city never fully recovered, even today, hundreds of years later, Iximche is still sacred to the local Maya and it is not unusual for visitors to stumble across traditional ceremonies taking place within the ruins.

Exploring the atmospheric ruins of Iximche normally takes around an hour or so. Returning to the road, it is another 90 minutes to Lake Atitlan where you will arrive in time for a late lunch.

Day 8 — Lake Atitlan (Boat Trip & Atitlan Nature Reserve)

Formed by a volcanic eruption, Lake Atitlan is widely feted as being amongst the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Not only is Lake Atitlan stunningly beautiful, it is also home to countless, traditional Mayan villages and towns, all served by boats, or lanchas, criss-crossing the lake, carrying people and produce much as they have for done for thousands of years.

After breakfast, you will therefore enjoy another highlight of any holiday to Guatemala, a morning’s private boat trip on Lake Atitlan.

Quite aside from soaking up the beautiful views everywhere you look, there will be an opportunity to disembark the boat and explore a selection of indigenous, lakeside towns, each of which has its own, distinct character.

The largest of these towns is Santiago de Atitlan, primarily popular nowadays for the opportunity to come face to face with Maximon.

Having returned to your starting point in the town of Panajachel, it is just a short drive to the nearby Atitlan Nature Reserve where you will enjoy a visit to their butterfly sanctuary as well as a short walk along a guided trail.

You will then return to your hotel.

Day 9 — Lake Atitlan (Morning hike)

Departing the hotel after breakfast, this morning you will enjoy an approximate 3-hour hike around Lake Atitlan.

Following natural trails, many of them used by local Maya villagers for hundreds of years, you will pass through the traditional villages of San Marcos, Tzununa, Jaibalito and Santa Cruz, all the while taking in the spellbinding views of Lake Atitlán.

Day 10 — Lake Atitlan to Quetzaltenango via Chichicastenango

Departing Lake Atitlan after an early breakfast, you begin the journey back to Antigua, but not before first visiting the town of Chichicastenango.

Often abbreviated to simply Chichi, this attractive but otherwise unassuming town high in the Guatemalan Highlands is transformed into one of the most vibrant and colourful markets in Latin America every Thursday & Sunday.

Dating back to pre-colonial times, K’iche Mayans from the surrounding countryside descend on Chichi to sell all manner of wares, with colourful masks, huipils (the traditional garment worn by indigenous women in Guatemala) as well as assorted textiles, fabrics, bags, carpets, furnishings, carvings and pottery covering almost every available inch of pavement. There is also a significant flower market, some of it used for traditional, medical treatments.

More than just a busy market however, Chichi is also an important religious centre, displaying a fusion of traditional and Christian faiths. Santo Tomas, in the very centre of town, is over 400 years old and was built on top of an original Mayan temple. Traditional ceremonies that combine both Mayan & Catholic traditions can often be witnessed on the steps leading up to the church.

After exploring the key sites with your guide, including time to browse the countless market stalls, there will be time for a spot of lunch. Departing Chichi, it is then an approximate 3-hour drive to Quetzaltenango / Xela, your base for the next 3 nights.

Day 11 — Quetzaltenango (Volcan Chicabal)

You will be collected from your hotel for the approximate 1 hour drive to San Martín Sacatepéquez (also known as San Martín Chile Verde), enjoying views of agricultural fields and traditional Mam villages.

Upon arrival, your guide will provide an introduction to the protected reserve, the ecological importance of the cloud forest, and the spiritual significance of Volcan Chicabal.

You will begin your hike through a beautiful forest filled with native trees, mosses, orchids, and abundant birdlife. Depending on the individual, the hike to the summit (2,712 meters) will take around an hour.

After enjoying the panoramic views from the top, you will descend approximately 600 steps to reach the sacred crater lake where your guide will explain about the volcanic origin of the crater, Maya Mam spiritual traditions, sacred ceremonies still practiced today and conservation efforts protecting this unique ecosystem. Please note that it is not possible to swim in the lake.

After a walk along the shoreline, you will then climb back to the top of the crater rim, the most demanding part of today’s hike.

From there you will descend back down to the visitor centre before returning by car to Xela in time for a late lunch.

Day 12 — Quetzaltenango (Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs)

Today isn’t so much a hike, but more an opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in Guatemala at the famous Fuentes Georginas.

Located within lush cloud forest on the slopes of Zunil volcano, these thermal springs are fed by geothermal waters that are rich in sulphur and natural minerals.

Departing from Xela at around 09.00, it is a picturesque drive through the countryside surrounding the city to the small, attractive town of Zunil where you will have an opportunity to stretch your legs and have a brief explore before continuing to Fuentes Georginas.

On arrival, your guide will provide you with an overview of both the history and geology of the springs as well as guidance regarding the facilities and safety tips for thermal bathing.

After approximately 90 minutes relaxing in the pools, there will be a short, approximately 45 minute walk along the property’s forest trails. Your guide will be able to point out native vegetation including giant tree ferns and wild orchids as well as native birdlife.

Following lunch at the onsite restaurant, you will return to Xela arriving in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax at your hotel or explore the city’s historic centre on your own.

Day 13 — Quetzaltenango to Antigua

Departing Xela after a leisurely breakfast, you will begin the drive back to Antigua with a couple of stops enroute.

First up is the town of Salcajá, best known for the Church of San Jacinto, founded in 1524 and reputedly the first church ever built in Central America. In addition to the church, there will be time to wander around the town’s laid back plaza.

That is followed by the small town of San Andres Xecul, famous for its bright, yellow façade and psychedelic carvings and decorations.

You will then continue to Antigua, arriving in the mid-afternoon.

Day 14 — Antigua to Guatemala City Airport

Depending on flight times, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred back to La Aurora international airport for your return flight home.