Guatemala Essentials and Acatenango Volcano

Description

The Acatenango Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most iconic landmarks, not only because of its height and the hiking trail leading to the summit, but also because of the unparalleled view it offers of the Fuego Volcano and the Altiplano—a unique spectacle that impresses all its visitors. This

itinerary captures the very essence of the country with visits to the Altiplano, La Antigua, and Tikal—a tour designed to allow you to leisurely enjoy Guatemala’s most iconic sites.

Departure: Saturday. Service: Regular. Minimum: 2 passengers. Maximum: 16 passengers. Languages: Spanish & Italian.

**The itinerary does not include the round-trip local flight Gua-Frs-Gua (50 lbs checked baggage) per person.

Read more

Read less

9Nights

5Destinations

4Planned accommodations

Visiting

Enlarge map

Trip summary

Adult

Nights 9

This idea includes

Destinations 5

Accommodations 4

Day 1 | SAT - Guatemala Airport - Guatemala

Airport pickup and transfer to our hotel in Guatemala City. Overnight stay.

Day 2 | SUN - Guatemala - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlán

Breakfast. We’ll set out for the Guatemalan highlands, heading to the town of Chichicastenango, where we’ll explore one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of Latin America. Today we’ll take part in an experiential activity: a workshop with local women on corn, Guatemala’s staple food. After the workshop, we’ll continue on to Lake Atitlán, which Huxley described as the most beautiful lake in the world. Overnight stay.

Day 3 | MON - Lake Atitlán - San Juan La Laguna - Santiago Atitlán - Lake Atitlán

Breakfast. Today we’ll take a boat to visit two of the twelve villages surrounding this beautiful lake. We’ll explore the Tzutuhil village of San Juan La Laguna, known for the harmony with which its residents coexist with nature and culture. We’ll continue on to Santiago Atitlán, a village inhabited by Tzutuhil indigenous people who make their living from fishing and handicrafts, though they’re best known as worshippers of a Mayan-Catholic deity they call Maximón. Overnight stay.

Day 4 | TUES - Lake Atitlán - Iximché - La Antigua

Breakfast. We’ll set out for La Antigua Guatemala. On the way, we’ll visit the archaeological site of Iximché, the ancient Mayan capital of the Cakchiquel kingdom. Upon arrival in La Antigua, we’ll tour this colonial city—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and explore its main streets and monuments. Overnight stay.

Day 5 | WED - La Antigua

Breakfast. We’ll have the day free to enjoy La Antigua, strolling through the cobblestone streets, admiring its historic architectural styles, or relaxing at the hotel. As an optional activity in the morning, we recommend taking a tour to the Pacaya Volcano. Overnight stay.

Day 6 | THU - La Antigua – La Soledad - Acatenango

Breakfast. We’ll depart very early for the La Soledad community, where our ascent of Acatenango Volcano begins—Guatemala’s third-highest volcano, at 3,8755 meters above sea level. Along the way, we’ll pass through cornfields and pine forests typical of the region until we reach the vicinity of our campsite. Once at the summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the other volcanoes on Guatemala’s high plateau, as well as a spectacular volcanic display if the Fuego Volcano is active.

Day 7 | VIE – Acatenango – La Antigua

Breakfast at the campground. We’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the summit of the volcanic cone to enjoy a 360-degree view from there. The descent to La Antigua takes approximately 3.5 hours. The rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight stay

Day 8 | SAT - La Antigua - Petén

Breakfast. Transfer to the Guatemala City airport for a domestic flight to Petén. Meet and greet, followed by transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to enjoy the hotel’s facilities and natural surroundings, explore Flores Island, or take an optional excursion to Yaxhá. Overnight stay.

Day 9 | DOM - Petén - Tikal - Guatemala City

Breakfast. Today we will visit the Mayan city of Tikal, the jewel of the Classic Mayan World. Lunch at the archaeological site.

Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 10 | MON – Guatemala City – Guatemala City Airport

Breakfast. Transfer to the Guatemala City airport. End of our services.

Read more

Read less

Itinerary

Day 1: Guatemala City

Day 2: Guatemala City, Atitlan lake

Day 3: Atitlan lake

Day 4: Atitlan lake, La Antigua Guatemala

Day 5: La Antigua Guatemala

Day 6: La Antigua Guatemala, Volcán de Acatenango

Day 7: Volcán de Acatenango, La Antigua Guatemala

Day 8: La Antigua Guatemala, Peten

Day 9: Peten, Guatemala City

Day 10: Guatemala City

Included

Accommodations at the specified hotels or similar.
Standard room occupancy.
American breakfast or box breakfast when required for operational reasons.
Lunch on the Tikal tour. Beverages not included.
Admission to sites included in the tour.
Bilingual guides.
Transportation.
Boat ride for visiting villages on Lake Atitlán.
Tips and local taxes.
Regular services

Acatenango Volcano Tour

- Experienced local guide from the community of La

- Soledad.

- Round-trip transportation from Antigua

- Park admission.

- Freshly prepared picnic lunch, dinner, and breakfast

- + juice/coffee/tea and snacks

- Sleeping bags

- Sleeping pads

- High-altitude tents

- 1 porter who can carry a maximum weight of 30 pounds

- Regular restroom facilities

Excluded

Tours listed as optional.
Lunches or dinners not listed in the itinerary.
Services not mentioned.
The itinerary does not include the round-trip local flight Gua-Frs-Gua (50 lbs checked baggage) per person.

Acatenango Volcano Tour

- Large backpack (50 L) with a rain cover.

- Toiletries and/or medications

- Camera, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

- At least 4 liters of water (a little over 1 gallon)

- Flashlight

- Hiking boots or trekking shoes (no sandals)

- A warm layer and/or windbreaker

- Rain jacket (May through October)

- Cold-weather clothing for nighttime temperatures near freezing at the campsite