Guatem-all-a the best things! [MTrek 2023]

Welcome to Guatemala, the land of eternal spring and ancient history! As soon as you've arrived at the airport in Antigua, you'll have a private transfer waiting to take you to your hotel. Once you've checked into your room, drop your bags, freshen up, and enjoy a bit of the free time you have getting your bearings and exploring the city before dinnertime. Antigua's cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning architecture will transport you back in time to the 16th century, when it was a bustling hub of colonial trade and culture. Today, it is a charming and vibrant city, famous for its lively markets, artisanal crafts, and mouthwatering cuisine!

In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner and a short orientation. You will have the opportunity to meet your tour guide, learn more about the activities that will take place in the coming days, and spend a fantastic night with your group over a delicious meal. Cheers to the start of an unforgettable adventure in Guatemala!

We'll begin the day with an early breakfast at 7:30 am to get a head start. We'll then drive about 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of town to visit a Mayan ruins site that dates back to the mid-1400s. Learn the history behind the ruins and the Mayan people who once occupied this site. You may even have the opportunity to witness a Mayan spiritual ceremony happening on the day. This tour includes entry to the site, a local guide, entry to the museum, and roundtrip transportation. Remember to bring sun and rain protection, a light jacket, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks.

After the tour, we'll depart for Lake Atitlán. Spend some free time at Panajachel. Make it a day trip to remember!

At 5:30 pm, it's time to head back to Antigua. Anticipated arrival: 8:00 pm. This will give you enough time to find dinner, but you MUST be back in Panajachel in time, as public boats cease operating at 5:00 pm from the other side of the lake.

Start your morning with a delicious group breakfast before we set off on our 3-hour walking tour of Antigua. On this tour, you will be taken through the historic center of Antigua, where you will see famous landmarks, learn about the culture and geography of the region, and delve into the fascinating history of this beautiful city.

After this tour, you will have a break for lunch and a bit of free time to explore as you wish. Then, we will reconvene and be picked up at the hotel to be transported to a lovely local cooking school where you’ll make a traditional Guatemalan dish together! This is your chance to learn to make authentic Guatemalan food and level up your skills! There will be three courses, lots of wine, and lots of laughs. This experience ends at around 8 pm, after which you’ll be transported back to your hotel. This activity includes roundtrip transportation from the hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll take a private van to the highland market town of Chichicastenango. Here, a guided 3-hour tour commences! Discover the town’s market, mask factory, cemetery, and also learn all about the Mayan spiritual practices that happen here. This will be a thorough day that will culminate with some free time for shopping. There will also be a stop for lunch (but the cost of the meal is not included).

Back in Antigua, enjoy a free evening, look for some delicious dinner, and have a great night with your fellow travelers.

Begin the day with a filling breakfast to fuel up for an adventure of a lifetime. Today, your group will be picked up and transported to the Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano located an hour and ten minutes outside of Antigua. After arriving at the starting point of our hike, you'll begin the moderate ascent to the old lava flows, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. If needed, you can rent a horse (at your own expense) to make the climb easier. Once you reach the old lava flows, you'll be able to see spectacular panoramic views of the area! Take your time to absorb the beauty around you. Then, we'll take a break — a light boxed lunch will be provided — before descending back down the volcano.

Participants should bring sun and rain protection, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking, and a light jacket on this tour. It's also essential to bring water to stay hydrated during the climb.

You will return to the hotel by 4 pm. Spend some time freshening up and relaxing before tonight's farewell dinner!

We've come to the final day of your adventure in Guatemala — we hope you have had a wonderful time exploring the treasures and gastronomy of Antigua and beyond! After one last breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave the hotel behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!