Explore the highlands, volcanoes and villages of Guatemala.

Explore the highlands, volcanoes, and villages of Guatemala! Hike up an active brooding volcano, boat and hike at Lake Atitlán-one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, visit lively markets brimming with vivid color, discover fabulous birdlife, explore a cloud forest, and discover ancient Mayan history on this exciting trip. Visit colonial Antigua and local Quiche mountain villages. You're sure to discover the fascinating layers to this country.

Activities

8 days hiking and touring.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Head deep into the highlands, exploring small villages and cool forests, with a sentry of volcanoes all around
  
• Hike through cloud forest, colorful Mayan farms, along a stunning volcanic crest, and up an active volcano!
• Explore Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and traditional Mayan markets

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Guatemala City End Location: Guatemala City

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Guatemala City – Antigua

  Meet in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Transfer to Antigua, the peaceful old colonial capital.

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  Day 2 : Lake Atitlán

  Drive to the caldera of beautiful Lake Atitlán, encircled by three major volcanoes. Hike to Panajachel and take a boat ride across the lake.

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  Day 3 : Cerro de Oro – Santiago de Atitlan

  Morning boat transfer to the village of Cerro de Oro and hike through a remote area to a hilltop with a Mayan altar.

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  Day 4 : Atitlan Highlands - Santa Lucia Utatlan to San Jose Chacaja

  Walk in the highlands above Atitlan to San Jose Chacaja, visit Panajachel.

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  Day 5 : Zunil Ridge - Quetzaltenango

  Hike along rolling ridge with spectacular views of Lake Atitlan and more than ten volcanoes towards the volcanic peaks of Zunil & Santo Tomas at the end transfer to Quetzaltenango with neoclassical architecture.

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  Day 6 : Almolonga - Cerro Quemado

  Visit the vegetable market in Almolonga, hike around the Cerro Quemado (burnt hill)-a huge expanse of lava and beautiful forest.

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  Day 7 : Santiaguito or Laguna Chicabal

  Hike to Volcan Santa Maria with views of volcano Santiaguito, or up into the crater of the dormant Volcan Chibacal.

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  Day 8 : San Francisco El Alto - Antigua Foothills

  Visit traditional market in San Francisco El Alto and hike in the rolliing hills outside Antigua.

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  Day 9 : Pacaya Volcano – Antigua

  Transfer to the foothills of the active Pacaya Volcano, and hike through pine forest to the flank of the sulfur smoking cone, where you'll see great views of the northern volcanoes and possibly some lava flow. Enjoy a farewell dinner in Antigua.

• Day 10 : Depart

  Transfer to Guatemala City and depart.

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  Hotel Aurora

  Antigua

  Hotel Aurora is the oldest guesthouse in Antigua, and it lies at the very heart of the city. For more than 75 years, travelers thirsty for history, adventure, and camaraderie have called this hotel home because of the feelings it invokes. The hotel has a very friendly, family-style atmosphere, and peaceful breezeways and lush gardens contribute to make guests feel cozy and comfortable during their stay.
   

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  Posada de Santiago

  For over twenty years the Posada de Santiago has built a reputation for excellence among travel agencies, tour groups, and countless satisfied guests from across the globe. Nestled between the volcanoes that cradle the indigenous Tzutujil village of Santiago Atitlan, the Posada provides the perfect base from which to experience Guatemala's natural beauty and colorful cultures. With charming stone cottage lodgings, renowned cuisine and luxurious lakefront amenities, the Posada is a place where happy guests leave wanting not only to remember, but to return.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
 

• Keith Albritton

  Keith Albritton was raised in Wisconsin, but has always had a passion for mountain and desert environments. Armed with boundless curiosity and a degree in geography, he headed west in the mid-eighties to begin what has now become a twenty plus year career as a field naturalist and wilderness guide. An interest in birds first carried him to Mexico in 1986 (where he now runs MTS Copper Canyon offerings), as well as other work stints in Belize and the Galapagos. When not working south of the border, Keith splits time between Salida, Colorado and a cabin in Wisconsin's north woods.

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