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Guatemala

Highland Trek to Atitlán and Acatenango Summit

Duration
9 Days
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Guatemala Tour Overview

Highland Trek to Atitlán and Acatenango Summit

A 9-day active expedition trekking ancestral highland routes from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, kayaking Santa Cruz la Laguna, and summiting Acatenango with front-row views of active Volcán Fuego.

Duration
9 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Best Time
November – April

This 9-day expedition combines three days of trekking ancestral highland routes from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, a guided kayak expedition on the lake’s western shore, and an overnight summit of Acatenango, one of Central America’s highest active volcanoes at 3,976 meters. The highland trek follows trails still used by local farmers through coffee plantations, river canyons, and remote Maya villages before arriving at Lake Atitlán from above. Acatenango’s overnight base camp at 3,400 meters sits directly facing the active Volcán Fuego, where eruptions illuminate the sky after dark, before a pre-dawn push to the summit and sunrise above a sea of clouds.

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Tour Highlights

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Highland Trek to Atitlán and Acatenango Summit

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 9 Days · Guatemala
1
Day 1
Arrival in Antigua Guatemala
Your journey begins at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City with a private transfer to Antigua Guatemala, the UNESCO World Heritage colonial city that serves as the expedition's home base for the first and final days of the trip. The drive takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Settle into your hotel, explore Antigua's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture at your own pace, and prepare for the highland trek that begins tomorrow. An optional three-course welcome dinner of elevated local cuisine is available this evening. Meals: Optional welcome dinner only
Your Accommodation
Casa Antigua
Boutique hotel in Antigua Guatemala's historic center, within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor and the city's main colonial landmarks.
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2
Day 2
Río Xaya Trek — Trekking Day 1
The three-day highland trek begins with a private transfer from Antigua to the trailhead on the city's outskirts. Before setting out, visit the shrine of Maximón, a syncretic Mayan deity still actively venerated in highland communities today. The trail winds through working coffee plantations and small farming villages before descending into the Rio Xaya canyon, then climbs to a remote highland camp with panoramic views of Acatenango and the active Volcán Fuego. A warm dinner awaits at camp after a demanding first day in the mountains. Distance: approximately 16 km. Elevation gain/loss: +1,390m / -1,439m. Meals: B / L / D
3
Day 3
Highline Ridge Trek — Trekking Day 2
After breakfast at camp, the trail climbs to a sweeping ridgeline where views on clear days extend from the Antigua Valley all the way to the Pacific Coast, one of the most expansive panoramas of the entire expedition. The trail undulates before descending into a sequence of small highland villages. A short flete ride (a local pickup truck used as informal transit) or an optional walk brings you to the final campsite perched above Lake Atitlán. The evening includes a weaving demonstration by local artisans and a hands-on tortilla-making session before a camp-cooked dinner. Distance: approximately 14 km. Elevation gain/loss: +746m / -636m. Meals: B / L / D
4
Day 4
Madre Vieja Trek — Trekking Day 3
The final trekking day descends into the Madre Vieja canyon through working farms and small communities. A visit to a local coffee farm offers firsthand insight into traditional Guatemalan coffee production from cultivation to processing. After lunch at the final ridge, the trail descends toward San Antonio Palopó on the eastern shore of Lake Atitlán, with the lake gradually emerging in full view below as elevation drops. Reaching the lakeside marks the completion of approximately 42 kilometers trekked over three days. Distance: approximately 12.5 km. Elevation gain/loss: +609m / -1,543m. Meals: B / L
Your Accommodation
Villas de Santa Catarina
Comfortable lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlán near Santa Catarina Palopó, with volcano views and a swimming pool.
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5
Day 5
Free Day on Lake Atitlán
A full day at your own pace on the shores of Lake Atitlán, the deepest lake in Central America, ringed by three volcanoes and a string of indigenous Maya communities. Use the day to explore by tuk-tuk or lancha (local water taxi) to nearby villages such as San Juan la Laguna, San Marcos la Laguna, or Santiago Atitlán. Options include visiting local weaving cooperatives, hiking to a mirador above the lake, exploring the village markets, or recovering from three demanding days in the mountains. No guide and no schedule. Meals: B
Your Accommodation
Villas de Santa Catarina
Comfortable lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlán near Santa Catarina Palopó, with volcano views and a swimming pool.
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6
Day 6
Kayak Expedition on Lake Atitlán and Return to Antigua
An early breakfast precedes a private boat transfer to Santa Cruz la Laguna on the lake's western shore for a 3-hour guided kayak expedition at first light. Paddling at water level, the scale of Lake Atitlán becomes fully apparent, with three volcanoes rising on three sides and lakeside villages clinging to steep forested shorelines above the water's edge. Kayaks and lifejackets are provided. After the expedition, a private vehicle transfers you back to Antigua for a free evening in the city before the Acatenango ascent begins tomorrow. Meals: B
Your Accommodation
Casa Antigua
Boutique hotel in Antigua Guatemala's historic center, within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor and the city's main colonial landmarks.
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7
Day 7
Acatenango Overnight Trek
The expedition's defining challenge: the ascent of Acatenango, the third-highest volcano in Central America at 3,976 meters above sea level. The trail departs from the base in the morning and climbs steadily through four vegetation zones, from farmland and coffee plantation to cloud forest, high scrub, and bare volcanic terrain over approximately 4 to 5 hours. By mid-afternoon, you reach base camp at approximately 3,400 meters, positioned directly facing the active Volcán Fuego across the valley. As night falls, watch Fuego erupt in real time, with ash plumes visible by day and glowing lava illuminating the cone after dark. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents are provided and set up on arrival. Meals: B / L / D
Your Accommodation
Acatenango Base Camp
High-altitude tent camp at approximately 3,400 meters on Acatenango's upper flanks, directly facing active Volcán Fuego across the valley.
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8
Day 8
Summit at Sunrise and Descent to Antigua
Rise before 4:00am for the final push to the summit. With headlamps and cold mountain air, the two-hour climb from base camp to the crater's edge at 3,976 meters is the hardest stretch of the entire expedition and the most rewarding. As the first light of day breaks over the Guatemalan highlands, watch the sunrise above a sea of clouds and volcanic peaks, with Volcán Fuego often still erupting in the valley below. After time at the summit, descend to base camp for a hot breakfast before continuing the full descent to the trailhead. A private vehicle returns you to Antigua before lunchtime, with the rest of the afternoon and evening free. Meals: B
Your Accommodation
Casa Antigua
Boutique hotel in Antigua Guatemala's historic center, within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor and the city's main colonial landmarks.
View Details
9
Day 9
Departure from Guatemala City
After a final breakfast in Antigua and a last cup of Guatemalan coffee, a private shuttle transfer takes you to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City for your departure flight. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. End of services. Meals: B

Guatemala Tour Details

Pricing & Departures

Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.

November 14 — November 22, 2026
9 days
Available
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December 5 — December 13, 2026
9 days
Available
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January 23 — January 31, 2027
9 days
Available
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February 13 — February 21, 2027
9 days
Available
Book This Date

Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships — tailored entirely around your group.

Private Group Rates

Group SizePer PersonNotes
Solo travelerContact for pricingSingle occupancySingle supplement applies
2 travelersContact for pricingPer personDouble occupancy
3 travelersContact for pricingPer personGroup rate
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5-6 travelersContact for pricingPer personGroup rate
7-8 travelersContact for pricingPer personGroup rate

What's Included

  • Accommodations in hotels and high-altitude base camp based on double occupancy
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All private ground and water transportation as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking bilingual guides throughout the expedition
  • Local community guides on all trekking and summit days
  • Three-day highland trek: tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags for all camping nights
  • Acatenango overnight: tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, set up prior to arrival at base camp
  • All park entrance and community fees as indicated in the itinerary
  • 3-hour guided kayak expedition with kayak and lifejacket rental
  • Private round-trip boat transfer on Lake Atitlán for kayak expedition day
  • Support vehicle on all highland trekking days
  • Freshly prepared picnic lunches on all trekking and summit days
  • Mineral water on all active days (1 liter per person per day)

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses and personal laundry
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Gratuities for drivers, guides, and support staff
  • Single supplement (contact us for current rate)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional welcome dinner on Day 1
  • Medical evacuation costs
  • Additional activities during free day at Lake Atitlán (Day 5)
*
Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
†
Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

Ready to secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.

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Total: 2 travelers

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Kyrgyzstan

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David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
Cuba

"The trip was thoughtfully curated for a REAL Cuban cultural experience, juxtaposing between the island's insolvency and the faux luxuries propped up by foreign investment."

Jerry R. · Cuba
Bolivia

"The salt flats at sunrise were even more stunning than I'd imagined. Our guide positioned us perfectly for the reflections."

James C. · Salt Flats Adventure, March 2024
Kyrgyzstan

"EcoVoyager put my mind at ease with expert guidance on how to stay safe and enjoy the vibes. If I were to plan another solo trip to an unfamiliar country, I'd trust EcoVoyager to help me through it all."

Won C. · Kyrgyzstan
Japan

"I had a wonderful time. Organization was superb and our experiences were maximized due to great planning and enthusiasm."

Diana P. · Japan
Kyrgyzstan

"Staying with nomadic families, riding through valleys with no other tourists in sight. This is the kind of travel I didn't know I was missing."

David T. · Silk Road Journey, September 2024
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