9 days off the beaten path in Guatemala

Aeropuerto La Aurora - Antigua Guatemala

Day 1: Bienvenidos a Guatemala!

After arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you will meet your driver who will transfer you to Antigua, where you will stay overnight stay at Hotel Meson María.

Antigua Guatemala

Day 2: Explore Antigua

Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America has suffered throughout its history due to many natural hazards: earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions... but Antigua is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala.

Discover the city which is host to more than 30 monasteries and convents, as well as a grand cathedral in the central square. Take a walk down cobblestone streets which bump up against colonial houses with colorful patios. Then, stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring the Fuego, Agua and Acatenango volcanoes in the distance.

Antigua - Chichicastenango - Quetzaltenango

Day 3: Market life in Chichicastenango

Depart at 8am for Chichicastenango and its famous market (available to visit on Thursdays and Sundays). The Kaqchikel Indians come down twice a week from the surrounding villages to sell their goods here. The women wear traditional huipil representing the seasons of the Mayan calendar, and the city is transformed into a real kaleidoscope of colors and smells. Don't miss the display of shamans purifying the church stairs with incense and performing Mayan rituals. Then, you'll transfer to Quetzaltenango, the main city of the Guatemalan Altiplano.

Quetzaltenango - Chicabal - Fuentes Georginas

Day 4: Volcanic landscapes of Quetzaltenango

Make an early 6am departure for the cloud forests and volcanic landscapes that define the region of Quetzaltenango. You'll have the chance to take a hike and discover the Chicabal Lagoon, of great natural and cultural importance. It's a sacred and venerated site since the beginning of time, highly regarded by the Mayan and particularly the Mam people, and traditional rites and ceremonies are still organized there.

Surrounded by lush forest, spend a while admiring the mist as it descends from the crater onto the lake, adding to the latter's mystical allure. Take a break at Fuentes Georginas, home to four hot water pools with temperatures of up to 30 degrees. You'll then cross cultivated fields on the slopes of the Zunil volcano, whose activity heats the springs. Lastly, return to Quetzaltenango at the end of the day.

Quetzaltenango - Laguna Magdalena - Chancol

Day 5: Scenic drive to a peaceful rural ranch

Today, depart from the Altiplano and drive to the high plateaus and spectacular Sierra de los Cuchumatanes. Stop at the Mirador Juan Diéguez Olaverri (at an altitude of 3,200m) for a spectacular view of the valley and surrounding volcanoes.

Continue your drive to reach the Laguna Magdalena, a natural site located in a conservation area in the department of Huehuetenango. Dominated by tranquility, this lagoon is characterized by the tonality of its waters: from light blue to darker shades and turquoise, its nuances depend very much on the reflection of the sky. Its cool climate, contrasting vegetation, and harmonious calm make this lagoon a natural sanctuary.

It's then on to a horse ranch in the highlands. Tucked away in one of the magical corners of the Cordillera de Cuchumatanes, amidst agrarian highland landscapes with fascinating views, Pauline and Fernando's traditional home is a haven of peace in authentic rural Guatemala.

Chancol - Todos Santos - Huehuetenango

Day 6: A day in the spectacular Sierra de los Cuchumatanes

Today you'll enjoy a visit to the Todos Santos Cuchumatanes market, near the Mexican border. There, the men are all dressed in white-and-red pants and beautiful, white-and-purple striped shirts; meanwhile, the women wear traditional blue huipil. Soak up the market atmosphere and take in the surrounding scenery, which is stunning in this remote region of the country. Return to Chancol at the end of the day.

Chancol - Panajachel

Day 7: Journey to the iconic Lake Atitlan

Hit the road to Lake Atitlan, a true symbol of Guatemala. This beautiful lake is nestled between three volcanoes at 1,600m above sea level - as you might imagine, the panoramas are magnificent! Many small villages sit on the lake's shores, and are often only accessible by boat. Join the locals in a celebration of deep-rooted tradition, as you visit festivals and markets brimming with wonder. You'll then arrive into Panajachel at the end of the day, to check in and relax in your accommodation.

Panajachel - Santiago Atitlan - San Juan La Laguna

Day 8: Indigenous villages on the lake shore

This morning, hop on a boat and discover the Tzutuhil villages of Lake Atitlan. The Tzutuhil natives are one of the 21 Mayan peoples of Guatemala, and are present in only a handful of villages located southwest of Lake Atitlan.

Visit Santiago Atitlan and discover a curious syncretic cult. Somewhere between good and bad, Maximón, the smoking God of Guatemala, is feared as much as he is idolized. The villagers offer him gifts in the form of cigarettes, alcohol or money.

After, discover the small Mayan village of San Juan la Laguna, where a weavers' cooperative will open its doors to teach you about the techniques of natural coloring and traditional weaving. Admire the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region, then return to your hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Panajachel - Aeropuerto La Aurora

Day 9: Hasta la vista!

Today, it's time to bid farewell to Guatemala, as you check out of your accommodation and begin a private transfer to Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport - a journey of approximately three hours. Safe travels, and be sure to visit again soon!