up to $325 off:
limited spots
Starts at
Guatemala City
Ends at
Guatemala City
Duration
5 days
Group Size
Maximum 18
Physical Rating
light 
Some walking and light hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels
Style
wellness
Rest up and reboot with a health-giving, soul-nourishing itinerary
About your trip
With its cobbled streets, brightly painted buildings, and the perfect green cone of Agua volcano punching through the clouds behind it, the Guatemalan town of Antigua almost looks too good to be true. But it’s absolutely real, as you’ll find out for yourself on this adventurous trip. As well as exploring Antigua at ground level with the insight of a Local Insider, you’ll trek across the slopes of an active volcano, witness a Mayan ceremony at an archeological site, paddle across a volcanic crater lake and visit an art-filled mountain village – not bad for five days, eh? All of our trips are flightless in destination, with 100% of all carbon emissions offset. It's just part of how we see the world while being good to it.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Antigua with a Local Insider
- Embark on a sunset trek of Pacaya volcano
- Witness a Mayan ceremony in Iximche
- Kayak across Lake Atitlan
- Dig out arty treasures in San Juan la Laguna
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Guatemala
After landing in the country’s capital, Guatemala City, you’ll be met at the airport (GUA) by one of our team and transferred to your hotel in Antigua. Once checked in, you’ll have the afternoon to check out your surroundings – the scenic central plaza is just around the corner. Come evening, it’s time to get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner and drink – before hitting the hay.
Total estimated Travel time: 1 hr / 40 kmActivities Included
- Welcome dinner and drinks
- Transfer from La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Accommodation
- El Meson de Maria
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Day 2
Experience Antigua on foot – and from the peak of a volcano
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by one of our Local Insiders for an expert tour of Antigua. Wander its grid of cobblestone streets, lined with brightly painted barocco antiqueño buildings (an earthquake-resistant adaptation of baroque architecture, pioneered in Antigua), churches and monasteries. Stop in at craft shops selling vibrant ceramics, textiles and traditional costumes, and catch cooking wafts drifting from open windows. After lunch, you’ll be driven to Pacaya volcano, to trek along trails through humid forest to the summit – where sunset views of Antigua below, encircled by smouldering volcanic cones, are your reward. Oh, and pizza slices and singed marshmallows cooked over molten lava.
Total estimated walking time: 3 hrs
Total estimated driving time: 3 hrs / 70 kmActivities Included
- Local Insider-led tour of Antigua
- Guided sunset trek to the summit of Pacaya volcano
Accommodation
- El Meson de Maria
-
Day 3
Good vibes only at a traditional Mayan ceremony
Today you’ll be swapping the city streets of Antigua for the shores of Lake Atitlan, a flooded volcanic crater. But first, breakfast, followed by a traditional Mayan ceremony among the ancient ruins of Iximche – a normal morning with Culture Trip, then. An hour or so from Antigua, Iximche was an important pre-Columbian Mayan city, evidenced by the still-visible remnants of its plazas, pyramids and ball courts – and it still is for the area’s contemporary Mayan population. After a tour of the site, you’ll witness a ceremony to set important dates, offer thanks and to ask for health, work and wisdom. After lunch, you’ll arrive at Lake Atitlan, where you’ll be free to spend the rest of the afternoon kicking back, or sign up for a heart-thumping zipline ride over the water.
Total estimated travel time: 3 hrs / 95 kmActivities Included
- Local Insider-led tour of Iximche and Mayan ceremony
Accommodation
- Porta del Lago
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Day 4
Take to the lake by kayak
Today is all about exploring Lake Atitlan, which is best done from the water. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be zipped across the lake to Santa Cruz la Laguna, where you’ll gear up for a kayak tour of the lush gardens that fringe the lakeshore. Afterwards, it’s back onto dry land for lunch, and then up into the hills to San Juan la Laguna, an eccentric place populated with artists and craftspeople. Galleries and workshops line the town’s steep streets, and are the perfect place to pick up something to remember your trip by.
Total estimated kayaking time: 1 hr
Total estimated walking time: 4 hrsActivities Included
- Kayak experience on Lake Atitlan
- Tour of San Juan la Laguna
Accommodation
- Porta del Lago
-
Day 5
Say so long to Guatemala, for now
Today’s the last day of the trip, so enjoy a slow breakfast at your hotel this morning. After you’ve finished, you’ll be transferred – along with your new travel buddies – to Guatemala City airport, where this particular trip concludes. Where you go next – home, or on to explore the rest of this fascinating country – is up to you.
Total estimated travel time: 3 hrs / 115 kmActivities Included
- Transfer to La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
What's included
- Four nights hotel accommodation
- Four breakfasts
- Welcome dinner with drinks
- Local Insider-led tour of Antigua
- Guided sunset Pacaya volcano trek with pizza
- Tour of Iximche with Mayan ceremony
- Kayak tour of Lake Atitlan
- Guided walking tour of San Juan la Laguna
- Return private transfers to Guatemala City airport
- Shared ground transport throughout
What's not included
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
Customer Reviews
Accommodation
El Meson de Maria
In the heart of Antigua, this boutique hotel may only be doing an impression of a colonial building, but it’s delightfully convincing. Sepia-toned stucco walls, reclaimed terracotta floor tiles, and handcrafted furniture that has the feel of time-worn heirlooms – it’s a haven of beautiful little details. Sip cocktails in the plant-filled courtyard terrace, or kick back to volcano views on the solarium.
Porta del Lago
This glitzy hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan makes the most of its location. A sun terrace with loungers overlooks the water, with the silhouettes of Atitlan, San Pedro and Tolimán volcanoes facing you on the other side. Below the terrace, a massive outdoor pool, fringed by lush foliage, is your very own oasis – while rooms, many with volcano and lake views, feel fresh and contemporary.
Frequently asked questions
When is my departure guaranteed?
This trip requires a minimum number of 4 passengers in order to operate. We will notify you via email once your departure is guaranteed so that you can go ahead and book flights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This period offers the most pleasant weather for exploring the country’s highlights—such as Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, and the highlands—thanks to clear skies, warm days, and cooler nights, especially in the mountains.
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
You should fly in and out of Guatemala City - La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
From the USA, there are direct flights to Los Angeles (Avianca, Delta, United, Volaris, Alaska), Dallas (American), Houston (United, Spirit), Chicago (American, Avianca, United), Atlanta (Delta, Frontier), Washington (Avianca, United), New York (Avianca, Jet Blue, United), Orlando (Spirit), Fort Lauderadale (Jet Blue, Spirit), Miami (American, Avianca, Frontier).
What time does my trip start and end?
This trip starts at 6 PM on day one with a welcome meeting at the first hotel. Please make sure to book a flight that arrives at least 3 hours before in order to avoid missing the briefing. If you'd like to arrive one day early, we can assist you in booking extra accommodation.
Can I add additional nights to my trip?
Yes, we will be happy to assist you in booking extra accommodation before or after the tour. We do recommend spending an extra night at the end of the tour to make the departure less rushed.
What is the accommodation like?
We use 3 star hotel accomodation across this trip.
The standard room is a twin-share room (2 single beds) and you should expect to share it with another traveller of the same gender. You can request a single room for an extra fee if you prefer more privacy.
Please note that your accommodation may change without notice. The hotels presented on the website are our usual choice, but sometimes we need to alternative properties.
Can I have my own room?
Our standard price is based on a twin-share room. However, if you would like to have more privacy, you can request a single room. The cost of the single supplement varies based on the season and for this trip it typically ranges around $250.
How physically demanding is this trip?
This itinerary is classified as light as it has some walking and an easy kayaking activity.
Day 2: Pacaya Volcano trek (3 hrs)
Day 4: Kayak experience at lake Atitlan (1 hour)
How much free time will I have?
This is a short itinerary with a good amount of inclusions. You will get some time off in the afternoon of day 3 and 4 in lake Atitlán.
Do I need a visa?
You are responsible to check the specific requirements required to your citizenship. You can find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
