5 days exploring Guatemala's highlights
Maximize your limited time with a high-impact, bespoke five-day Guatemalan expedition designed exclusively for the active outdoor enthusiast. Your adventure sparks to life in the cobblestone streets of colonial Antigua before you head into the surrounding highland villages on an exhilarating quad-bike excursion.
From there, transition to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Lake Atitlán where you will kayak across its deep blue waters and hike through mountainside cornfields for panoramic vistas of the towering peaks.
Conclude this whirlwind journey with a trek across the surreal, moon-like terrain of the active Pacaya Volcano, feeling the geothermal heat right beneath your boots. It is the definitive short-format escape for those who prefer their travel fast-paced, rugged, and completely immersive.
Services
Included:
- 4 nights accommodation in double rooms in 3 to 5-star hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Private transfers in air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver
- Boat transfers on excursions
- English/Spanish-speaking local guide on excursions
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- 24-hour assistance throughout your stay
Excluded:
- Entry/departure and immigration fees
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional:
- German/French-speaking guide service
- Box lunch on Pacaya tour
Itinerary at a Glance
Aeropuerto La Aurora - Antigua Guatemala
Welcome to Guatemala!
Antigua Guatemala - Panajachel
Discover Antigua's beautiful surroundings
Panajachel - Santa Cruz La Laguna - San Marcos la Laguna
Kayak on the Waters of Lake Atitlan
Panajachel - Jaibalito - Antigua Guatemala
Get a taste of rural living
Antigua Guatemala - Pacaya - Aeropuerto La Aurora
Get Up Close to the Volcanoes of Antigua
Detailed Itinerary
Aeropuerto La Aurora - Antigua Guatemala
Day 1: Welcome to Guatemala!
Bienvenidos a Guatemala! Upon arrival at Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the colonial city of Antigua.
Surrounded by 3 majestic volcanoes, the ancient capital of Central America is now one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by the tranquility and serenity of the Guatemalan countryside.
Once you've checked into your hotel, fresh up, and feel free to enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure.
Antigua Guatemala - Panajachel
Day 2: Discover Antigua's beautiful surroundings
Fetch your quad bikes and embark on an epic adventure! On this small group tour, which could also be enjoyed by buggy, you'll first make a trip to El Hato, towards the Cerro de la Cruz, to admire the view over the colonial city. Continue to Hobbitenango, a park and restaurant located at an altitude of 2,500m. The view of the valley is amazing and showcases the Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego volcanoes. Spend some free time walking along the paths here, and discovering the 12 viewpoints.
Return to Antigua in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time in the beautiful city. Then, you'll make the journey to Lake Atitlan, a true symbol of Guatemala, arriving into Panajachel at the end of the day. This beautiful lake is nestled between three volcanoes at 1,600m above sea level - the panoramas are magnificent. Many small villages sit on the lakeshore, and are often only accessible by boat. While you're here, you'll love exploring the local festivals and markets, which are firmly rooted in tradition.
Panajachel - Santa Cruz La Laguna - San Marcos la Laguna
Day 3: Kayak on the Waters of Lake Atitlan
We hope after a comfortable night's rest and delicious breakfast you're ready to embark on today's adventure starting in Santa Cruz La Laguna village. After familiarizing yourself with the kayak, you'll begin a private 3-hour kayak excursion with an English-speaking guide.
Paddle on the calm waters of Lake Atitlán while enjoying the exceptional view of the three volcanoes that dominate the lake. Sometimes you feel like you are alone in the world on the altitude lake. Take a break in a small cove near the village of San Marcos for swimming and jumping into the water from the rocks.
Afterward, you have the afternoon free to explore. We suggest going to the Atitlan reserve to appreciate the tropical forest from a course of suspension bridges.
Panajachel - Jaibalito - Antigua Guatemala
Day 4: Get a taste of rural living
In the early morning, meet your guide before a departure by boat to Santa Cruz la Laguna. Walk towards the village of Jaibalito and enjoy the beautiful views of the Toliman, San Pedro, and Cerro de Oro volcanoes.
The walk allows you to appreciate the local rural life, as you observe peasants working the corn and coffee plantations, and pass by villagers on paths along the lake. After up to 90 minutes of walking (or if you wish, you could extend the walk by about 90 minutes and include the village of Tzununa), return by boat to Panajachel and transfer to Antigua. This charming colonial city is surrounded by volcanoes in the south of Guatemala; take the time here to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Antigua Guatemala - Pacaya - Aeropuerto La Aurora
Day 5: Get Up Close to the Volcanoes of Antigua
Begin today with an early morning departure to Pacaya volcano, one of the 3 active volcanoes in Guatemala.
After driving to the base, we'll begin the ascent to its peak - 3h of walking. The hike is accessible to all and offers beautiful views of the valley and the Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes.
At the base of the cone, we'll observe the crater and the fumaroles which escape from it as well as the lava flows when the volcano is active. There's also the possibility of carrying out the excursion on horseback.
Once the adventure is complete, we'll begin the drive back to Guatemala City, dropping you off at the airport to catch your onward flights.
