Volcanoes of Guatemala: an intrepid adventure
For the true volcano enthusiast, few spectacles match the raw, primordial power of Earth shaping itself in real time. This bespoke six-day Guatemalan expedition invites you to confront two of the region's most active giants.
Setting out from the colonial elegance of Antigua, you will first scale Pacaya Volcano to witness its thermal activity firsthand, roasting marshmallows over glowing volcanic heat alongside local guides. After a restorative interlude exploring the mystical lakeside villages and vibrant, sensory-rich markets of Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango, the ultimate challenge awaits.
Trek the soaring slopes of the sleeping giant, Acatenango, to camp high above the clouds. From this dramatic vantage, you will watch the neighboring Fuego Volcano erupt into the night sky, a rare and monumental theatrical display of molten lava.
Services
Included:
- 5 nights accommodation in double rooms in 3 to 5-star hotels
- 5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- 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
- Acatenango entrance fee
Optional:
- German or French-speaking guide service on main excursions
- Pre-hispanic lunch in Chichicastenango
- Non-basic Acatenango gear rental
Itinerary at a Glance
Aeropuerto La Aurora - Panajachel
Bienvenidos a Guatemala!
Panajachel - Santiago Atitlan - San Juan La Laguna
Hiking & Mayan village discoveries
Panajachel - Antigua
Journey to Antigua
Antigua - Acatenango
A beautiful Acatenango volcano adventure
Acatenango - Antigua
Volcanic sunrise & stunning Antigua
Antigua - Aeropuerto La Aurora
Farewell, Guatemala!
Detailed Itinerary
Aeropuerto La Aurora - Panajachel
Day 1: Bienvenidos a Guatemala!
On arrival at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you will meet your driver who will take you to Panajachel, along the route to Lake Atitlan - a highly emblematic place in Guatemala. Nestled between three volcanoes at an altitude of 1,600m, it offers magnificent panoramas and is bordered by small villages - often only accessible by boat. Arrive into Panajachel, where you'll check into your accommodation and rest for the night.
Panajachel - Santiago Atitlan - San Juan La Laguna
Day 2: Hiking & Mayan village discoveries
Early in the morning, depart by boat for Santa Cruz la Laguna. Walk to the village of Jaibalito for beautiful views of the Toliman, San Pedro, and Cerro de Oro volcanoes; this hike will also allow you to appreciate the local life, as you observe farmers working in the corn and coffee plantations, and meet villagers on the paths along the lake.
You'll reach 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. Appreciate the naive paintings that represent scenes of daily life in the region, then return by boat to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.
For greater ease, you've the option of including the services of an English-speaking guide for today's activities.
Panajachel - Antigua
Day 3: Journey to Antigua
Today, travel to the city of Antigua, surround by volcanoes in the south of Guatemala. Spend your afternoon at leisure in this amazing city, which is host to more than 30 monasteries and convents and a grand cathedral in its central square. Spend a while exploring the cobblestone streets, which bump up against colonial houses and their colorful patios. Stroll along the arcades of Parque Central, admiring the Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango volcanoes that loom in the distance. Beautiful Antigua leaves no visitor feeling indifferent!
Antigua - Acatenango
Day 4: A beautiful Acatenango volcano adventure
Today, you'll set out on a scenic Acatenango volcano hike, 90 minutes away from your hotel. After a briefing from your guide, check your equipment and begin the hike up the volcano's slopes - about five hours of walking are ahead of you.
The dormant volcano, whose summit rises to 3,976m, offers a breathtaking view of the Antigua Valley. The longer you walk, the more you'll hear the Fuego volcano thunder in the distance, until its silhouette imposes itself before your eyes. The Fuego is well-named: it is one of the most monitored volcanoes in America, and is in constant activity. Its eruptions are violent and generate magma flows and lava projections that can reach hundreds of meters.
Settle down for the night at your tented campsite with breathtaking views of the active crater, enjoy dinner, and relax as night falls and awakens your senses. Enjoy a glass of wine while observing the active volcano; during periods of high activity, lava jets illuminate the darkness. Regular explosions resound in the valley, a reminder at all times of the presence of this imposing neighbor.
Acatenango - Antigua
Day 5: Volcanic sunrise & stunning Antigua
Today (depending on the weather conditions), you've the option of ascending to the top of the Acatenango to enjoy the sunrise. You can expect an early-morning departure around 4.30am, followed by a 90-minute walk to reach the summit. Do note that a good fitness level is required to cover this distance of 15.3km. Alternatively, this hike can be replaced with a less-demanding walk on the active Pacaya volcano.
Upon your descent from the volcano, drive on to Antigua, the former capital of Guatemala, in the late morning. The Fuego volcano will continue to follow you in the background, reminding you of the strong emotions experienced the day before.
Antigua - Aeropuerto La Aurora
Day 6: Farewell, Guatemala!
Today, check out of your hotel in Antigua and meet your driver for a transfer to Guatemala City Airport, in time for your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels and visit again soon!
