| TRIP DETAILS | ITINERARY | TRIP COMPANION | LEARNING | FINER DETAILS |
Guatemala’s indigenous people, lush landscapes, and vibrant colonial towns make it mysterious, colorful, and delightfully different than its neighbors. From the colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the crystal blue waters of Lake Atitlan, you will experience the thrill of a rich and ancient culture on this journey. You’ll spend four days walking through friendly Mayan communities, engaging with Mayan people and talented locals, tasting artfully-prepared fresh local foods and marveling at active volcanoes and cloud forests. Staying in cozy boutique hotels in colonial Antigua, trekking through breathtaking landscapes in the Guatemalan highlands, and exploring Mayan pueblos that surround Lake Atitlán … this trip is guaranteed to be spiritual, adventurous, and comfortable. Join us!
Your Journey Mapped Through the Countryside
Your Journey
Day 1 - Antigua
Fly into Guatemala City
Group Transfer to Antigua
Rest of the day free to explore this UNESCO protected town
Welcome dinner as a group!
Day 2 - Antigua
Cultural walking tour of Antigua with local historian and author Elizabeth Bell. Group lunch, then free afternoon to explore Antigua's nooks and crannies
Trek Briefing with Local Tour Leader
Day 3 - Countryside Trek
Begin 4-day trek to Lake Atitlan. Stop at Mayan deity San Simón shrine to offer a blessing to your journey. Climb through lush cloud forest amid orchids and bromeliads before arriving at Terra Camp
Day 4 - Countryside Trek
Descend through forests and agricultural fields to the La Vega River Valley. Cross a hanging foot bridge and embrace your inner Indiana Jones
After lunch in Mayan village, hike to Fuego Camp. Learn tortilla making with local women around a campfire overlooking Fuego Volcano
Day 5 - Countryside Trek
Morning climb to the highest point of the trek at over 9,000 feet
Follow pristine ridgeline with panoramic views of six volcanoes and cloud forest. Learn traditional backstrap weaving from a Mayan women’s cooperative before a well-earned sleep at Agua Camp
Day 6 - Lake Atitlan
Descend into Madre Vieja River Valley and stop (and sip at!) a working coffee farm. Arrive at Lake Atitlán, the terminus of your trekking journey!
Board private boat to hotel & soak in the wood-fired hot tub
Day 7 - Lake Atitlan
Leisurely morning to enjoy the dramatic scenery from your lodge
Boat ride to Mayan village to visit local markets and sites. Private astrological readings with a Mayan Shaman & introduction to Mayan Shaman rituals
Day 8 - Return to Antigua
Morning yoga overlooking the lake
Return to Antigua by boat and private vehicle
Optional spa, zip line, or mountain biking adventure
Evening Celebration Dinner
Day 9 - Departure or Tikal Extension
Transfer to international airport for your return flight home
Optional: Begin your 2-day Tikal Extension
Travel Companion
A bit about Pam Perry
Pam would be president of the Guatemala Fan Club, if such a thing existed. Fresh out of college she spent three weeks in Guatemala, falling in love with the culture, small towns and people and then returned 20 years later to immerse herself for three months in all its colorful, flavorful and spiritual glory. Living with a family, taking private Spanish language lessons and living in a pyramid on the shores of Lake Atitlan studying with a shaman, she fulfilled a promise to herself to get to know that country and culture better. Now, she’s delighted to have created this very special journey that weaves trekking and glamping, with the best of Mayan culture, cuisine and history, to help people experience Guatemala from the inside-out.
Refresh & Reflect
This part should talk about how peace & quiet as well as a clean, happy place for comfortable reflection at the end of the day is a priority for us on this trip. After a long day on the safari, we understand how important it is to nurture a comfortable space to reflect.
Antigua @ Hotel Meson de María
Constructed in harmony with the colonial style of Antigua Guatemala, the Hotel Meson de María was established in a finely restored mansion and provides a relaxed and refined atmosphere. The hotel is located in the heart of Antigua, just 150 meters from the Main Plaza. You can enjoy the sound of the water fountain while you walk through the beautiful corridors where you can admire the decoration of the rooms. On the third floor, we have a roof top terrace with the best view of the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes which surround the valley.
Glamping in Tents
During the trek, we will stay in comfortable safari-style tent camps with two people sharing a spacious 10 ft x 14 ft waterproof canvas tent. Each tent includes comfortable mattresses and goose down comforters. Trek staff will prepare delicious food and knowledgeable guides will keep us safe and on the right trail. Each day, you’ll travel light with day packs while the camp and your gear is moved from one breathtaking destination to the next via an overland “Trek Truck, a modified vehicle that not only carries all trek gear and food but also features a hot water shower, portable flush toilet, and sink. The shower is private, but allows you to look up at the stars as you rinse the trail dust off each night.
La Casa Del Mundo @ Lake Atitlán
Picture yourself in a balmy resting area during sunset with an aerial view of Lake Atitlan, surrounded by terrace gardens with a scent of Guatemalan cuisine nearby. Rest, read, relax, or cuddle in one of our 17 cozy rooms, each with distinct architecture and placement on the cliffside. Enjoy high-quality orthopedic mattresses, solar-heated hot water, handcrafted Mayan decoration, and breathtaking panoramas of the lake. In the morning, sleep in, enjoy our new and updated breakfast menu or go for a swim. In the evening, venture out to see one of the 13 indigenous villages surrounding the lake or take up a volcano climb and kayak trip. The combination of our "Casa" and the magnificence of the Lake region set the stage for a visit that you will hold in fond memory forever.
We emphasize personal growth
Connection
This journey is chock full of opportunities to interact, learn, observe and engage with the local communities in Guatemala. We cherish these friendships by encouraging travelers to ask questions, make a new friend and embrace a learning mindset.
Creativity
Throughout this journey, you will be inspired by the architecture of Antigua, prints in fabric, colors & flavors in the food and handmade crafts weaved into your experience. The culture of Guatemala relies heavily on creativity and pride in creation, an attribute that’s worth understanding and learning for oneself.
Challenge
We invite you to walk with us on this multi-day journey through the hills, volcanoes, rivers, and lakes of this gorgeous region. The long and windy paths will test your limits at times but develops a certain mental strength and ability that leaves longer-lasting memories, behavior change and enjoyment. Embrace a growth mindset!
Trek the Guate countryside with us?
Price Per person
$3,485 (based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $625
Tikal Extension
$795 (including RT flights)
Single Supplement: $120
Jan 18 — 26, 2020
Travel@explorer-x.com
+1 (206) 212-0227
Finer Details
+ What is included in the price of the trip?
- All accommodations listed above (8N)
- All meals/drinks listed on the itinerary
- All experiences and activities
- All transfers and transportation
- Luggage transfers throughout
- English-speaking guide throughout
- Use of the Trek Truck
+ What is not included?
- Round-Trip Flights to/from Guatemala > We Can Help Book Flights!
- Travel Insurance > We Can Help!
- Meals/Drinks Not Listed on the Itinerary
- Items of a Personal Nature
- Souvenirs
+ Is there an additional solo supplement rate?
For those that want a guaranteed single room, an additional cost of Single Supplement: $625 (hotels only; not available on trek)! If the amount of travelers amounts to an uneven number, we will never force a single supplement cost.
+ I want to see more of Guatemala! Can you provide assistance for extensions?
Absolutely! We have a pre-built extension to Guatemala's northern jungle region to Tikal where you can visit the infamous Mayan Ruins of Central America. If this isn't for you or you'd like to take your trip one step further, we're always happy to build something custom! Let us know in your application and we'll follow up. :)