Easy Hiking in Guatemala's Jungles and Highlands

For the more active among us, we have crafted this fascinating itinerary where you will be able to get up close and personal with some of Guatemala's most amazing natural highlights. This tour begins with exploring the lush, tropical jungles of the north where a once lost ancient Mayan city rises from the forest canopy, macaws screech in the trees and an amazing array of flora and fauna can be seen. From here, you will travel to the nearby southern and western highlands of the country, an outdoor lover's dream with almost limitless possibilities for outdoor activities. You will climb an active volcano, kayak in one of the most visually stunning lakes in the world and ride on horseback through rural farming areas of maize fields and steeply terraced fields of onion and garlic into the cloud forest. Hiking this area is extremely rewarding. You will hike through remote volcanic terrain to traditional Mayan villages, where people still dress in a riot of technicolored traditional clothing, and where the ancient languages of Tz'utujil and Kaqchikel are spoken more than Spanish. You will also visit one of the world's finest and most vibrant outdoor indigenous markets at Chichicastenango before ending the trip in Central America’s finest colonial city, filled with cobblestone streets and impressive architecture.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Guatemala (-)

Upon arrival at Guatemala City airport you will be met by one of our representatives and escorted to your city center hotel for a one night stay.

Day 2 - Fly to Flores, Lake Tour, Local Villages, Parque National Ixpanpajul (B)

An early start will be required this morning in order to take a flight to the northern jungles. The Petén region of Guatemala contains one of the largest remaining continuous tracts of tropical forest in the Americas. You will be taken on a private boat tour of Lake Petén Itzá, surrounded by deep green jungles and characterized by its turquoise-blue waters where you will visit the very friendly and laidback lakeside villages of San Andrés and San José. Following time for lunch in the island town of Flores, your tour will continue to the fascinating Ixpanpajul National Park – a wonderland of tropical rainforest from where you can experience a bird’s eye view of the forest via a series of six suspension bridges constructed through the canopy. As you walk across the bridges, you will have the opportunity to view nature close-up, concluding at the top of Miramás hill, where you can gaze at the splendor of the forest and the beauty of lake Petén Itzá in the distance. Forest nature trails, horseback riding and bird watching trails are also found in this fascinating eco-tourism destination.

Day 3 - Tikal, Yaxhá (B)

Following a leisurely breakfast in your lakeside hotel, you will be given a private guided tour of Tikal. This is one of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world. It was the Mayan civilization’s greatest city and is located in a spectacular, remote jungle setting with pyramids rising above the forest canopy. Settled around 800 BC and occupied continuously until records ended in AD 869, it once covered an area of 12 square miles and had a population of at least 100,000 people. The jungle reclaimed Tikal after it was abandoned and the city remained unknown to the western world until its rediscovery in the 17th century. Tikal boasts an amazing variety of flora and fauna, with abundant wildlife viewable early and late in the day. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here. The pyramids here are some of the few in the Americas that you can climb from where you can marvel in the beautiful scenery and spectacular views from over 200 feet above the floor of the jungle. This afternoon you will drive to the nearby Mayan site of Yaxhá, an amazing place to watch the sunset over the jungle before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 – Fly to Guatemala City, Transfer to Lake Atitlán (B)

Another early start will be necessary to catch your morning flight to Guatemala City. You will be met on arrival and drive approximately two and a half hours through lush forest covered volcanic scenery of the southern highlands in an area of spectacular natural beauty and home to over thirty volcanoes on your way to Lake Atitlán. This 12-mile long, 6-mile wide stunning crater lake surrounded by three conical volcanoes, is widely believed to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. After a visit to the lakeside town of Sololá home to one of Guatemala’s most fascinating local markets, you will visit the nearby Reserva Natural Atitlán Park where you can enjoy an enchanting walk along forested butterfly trails to a lovely waterfall and thrilling zip line rides ranging from 300 ft. to 1000 ft. long passing waterfalls, canyons, the valley and the coffee grove forest with the majestic backdrop of Lake Atitlán. You will then check in to your lakeside hotel, home for the next three nights.

Day 5 – Kayak and Hike to Lake Atitlán (3 hours kayaking, 3 hours hiking) (B)

A full day of activities is planned for you today, traveling by kayak in the morning while exploring the inlets and coves of this beautiful lake. You will paddle west along the shore to the village of Santa Cruz La Laguna, where you can stop for a drink and marvel at the spectacular lake scenery. Between here and the next village of Jaibalito, about two miles away, you will see the lake’s most dramatic scenery, paddling past rugged cliff faces filled with exotic bird and plant life. Take the opportunity here to climb up a cliff and jump into the crystal waters. During your paddle you will experience enjoyable interaction with friendly Kaqchikel fishermen, fishing from hand made ‘cayucas’ as they have for centuries. You will pull into the Bay of Tzununa after another hour, prepare for the next part of your adventure. The north shore of Lake Atitlan has no true road access, so you will be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Maya for centuries. You will meet friendly villagers going about their daily life, encounter farmers tending their maize and coffee growing fields, and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. This rugged and remote section of Lake Atitlán has barely been touched by the outside world. Your hike will take you several hundred feet above the ever-changing waters of the lake for breath taking views of the famous volcanoes.

Day 6 – Chichicastenango Market (B)

Following breakfast in your hotel overlooking the stunning lake scenery, you will drive approximately 90 minutes to the delightfully named Maya K’iche town of Chichicastenango. This is a magical town of cobbled streets and red tiled rooftops, with traditional spiritual and shamanistic tones, set in a valley and surrounded by mountains frequently enveloped in highland mists. Here you will experience Guatemala’s finest highland market, where traders from a dozen surrounding outlying Mayan villages come to sell their goods. The result is one of the most colorful, vibrant and most enchanting outdoor market experiences anywhere in the world. The market sprawls over the whole town center and is a delight to experience as your senses are bombarded with colors, smells and the sound of indigenous languages in a scene that has been going on for hundreds of years. Returning to Atitlán, you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 7 – Horseback Riding Around Atitlán (3 hours on horseback) (B,L)

This morning you will take a private boat to the town of Santiago Atitlán on the southern edge of the lake. The town is spectacularly set in an inlet with breathtaking views of San Pedro, Atitlán and Tolimán volcanoes rising in the distance. After a quick visit to the town’s colorful market you will be driven to Finca San Santiago, an organic farm growing over a hundred different herbs and vegetables, as well as over thirty varieties of orchids. Here you will saddle-up to undertake what Revue Magazine called ‘The most elegant horseback riding experience in all of Central America…perhaps the world’. This ride will take you on a trail through corn and coffee fields and into cloud forest before entering a mountain pass up to ‘El Mirador’, overlooking the shimmering lake below and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery found anywhere on Earth. Returning to the Finca you will be given a tour of the gardens and served a gourmet lunch made from scratch using the organic produce grown on the farm.

This afternoon, you will drive approximately two hours to Antigua, undoubtedly the most impressive colonial city in Central America and boasting a huge variety of architectural riches. After checking in to your luxurious boutique hotel you will be given a private walking tour through this delightful city, visiting its finest attractions including the Church and ex-convent of Las Capuchinas, the lovely, shaded main plaza, the Arco de Santa Catalina, a beautiful 17th century arch perfectly framing Volcán Agua, one of the three volcanoes encircling the town. This evening, take time at your leisure to enjoy this beautiful city of brightly painted houses, cobblestone streets and delight at some of the country’s best shopping and dining found here.

Day 8 – Pacaya Volcano (4 hours hiking) (B)

The Guatemala highlands are one of the few places in the world where you can have the amazing experience of climbing an active volcano with relative ease. An early start is required for this half-day guided trip. You will drive to the town of San Francisco de Salas, from where a well-maintained trail leads to the summit and the most spectacular view you’ve ever seen after 2-3 hours. No technical climbing is involved and although you don’t have to be super fit to make the summit you must be in good health and have an adventurous spirit. Enjoy your final evening in Guatemala with a stroll through the beautifully lit historic center of the city, perhaps sampling the cuisine from one of the excellent restaurants here.

Day 9 – Farewell to Guatemala (B)

This morning you will be driven by private car to Guatemala City airport for your flight home.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Guatemala City - Luxury - Princess Hotel

The Princess Hotel boasts an excellent location in the heart of Guatemala City’s affluent Zona Viva, where there are many excellent bars, shopping and dining options. This fine hotel has been recently updated and features 104 luxurious rooms, each designed with modern European decor with one king-size or two queen-size beds, air-conditioning and flat-screen tv. The Garden Court restaurant features a different style of cuisine every night from Guatemalan, to Caribbean to International, while Clancy’s English Pub offers a warm and unique atmosphere.

 

Guatemala City - Deluxe - Intercontinental Hotel

This luxury hotel is the perfect accommodation for business, entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy the recently renovated restaurants and leisure areas. Indulge yourself with more than 260 menu options from fouur creative restaurants - The Market, Picasso, Tanoshii, Saint Honoré and the vibrant Maya Lounge. Unwind in your spacious suite, rejuvenate in the new spa and fitness center. You will love staying at this hotel, our favorite in the city, renowned for its service and unparalleled location in the affluent Zona Viva. Rooms are stylish and modern featuring comfortable beds, Agraria toiletries and all luxuries one would expect from this world-renowned hotel chain.

 

Flores - Luxury - Camino Real Tikal (Standard Room)

Flores - Deluxe - Camino Real Tikal (Superior Room)

The Camino Real is located between two indigenous villages and the national reserve of Cerro Cahuí on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. It offers private access to the second largest lake in Guatemala and the nature that surrounds it.The hotel is a tropical retreat located in the heart of the Petén jungle, with excellent facilities and comfort that will ensure an unforgettable experience. Air-conditioning, cable tv, internet and fine linens are standard amenities for all rooms, while the Nakún restaurant serves a delicious selection of Guatemalan and International cuisine.

 

Lake Atitlán - Luxury - Hotel Atitlan

This stylish, historic hotel graces the shores of Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. High quality local fabrics are used for bed covers, curtains and cushions, made specifically to echo the ambience of the lake, while modern amenities such as high quality sheets, pillows, blankets, and hypoallergenic down comforters make your stay as pleasant as possible. Bathrooms at Hotel Atitlan feature high quality cotton towels as well as fine soaps, shampoo and conditioners. The hotel’s beautiful Botanical Gardens, filled with hundreds of varieties of plants as well as countless colorful tropical birds are a delight to stroll through before enjoying a delicious Guatemalan meal at the lake view restaurant.

 

Lake Atitlán - Deluxe - Casa Palopo

Perched above spectacular Lake Atitlan with a view of three volcanoes and located in the Guatemalan Highlands, Casa Palopó offers two distinct brands of romantic relaxation for the sophisticated traveler. All suites offer unbroken views of the scenic volcanoes and lake as well as first-rate amenities such as Italian luxury bed linens and L'Occitane products. This beautiful hotel is undoubtedly the finest accommodations in the Lake Atitlan region.

 

Antigua - Luxury - Camino Real

The Camino Real is a beautiful hotel located within Antigua’s historic center. Recently updated and refurbished, the hotel features 97 luxurious rooms and suites designed around five colonial-style courtyards. Each room has two queen size beds, presented with fine linens and a menu of pillows. The hotel’s restaurant serves a delicious selection of Guatemalan and International gourmet cuisine and the gardens are lush and tropical. This is a highly recommended luxury hotel that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

 

Antigua - Deluxe - El Convento

Awarded the 'Most Excellent Hotel in Mexico and Central America' award by Conde Nast Johansens in 2013, El Convento welcomes visitors to an oasis of stunning elegance and unparalleled comfort. The hotel is the perfect base from which to discover La Antigua, with its intriguing architecture and countless cultural landmarks. Many suites feature fireplaces, and some offer romantic outdoor terraces and Jacuzzis. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with a spa service, or sample delicious food at the hotel’s Elu Restaurant with its imaginative cuisine, impressive wine list, and awe-inspiring outdoor terrace.

 

Pricing

From $3555 per person (Luxury Hotels) or $3875 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journeys’s representatives while in Guatemala
All transportation as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Private sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary
Bottled water in the vehicle during all transfers 

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).