How difficult is the 3-day trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlán in Guatemala?

The trek covers 42.5 km over three days with significant elevation changes, including up to +1,390 m of ascent and -1,543 m of descent in a single day. The overall tour has a difficulty rating of 7 out of 10, and the trek crosses canyons, ridgelines, and highland paths still used by Maya farmers. High-quality camping equipment, a support vehicle, and certified bilingual guides are provided throughout.

When is the best time to visit Guatemala for the volcanic highlands and Tikal tour?

The best time to visit is November through April, which corresponds to Guatemala's dry season. This period offers more reliable weather for the 3-day highland trek, kayaking on Lake Atitlán, and jungle hiking in the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

Can you see scarlet macaws in the wild on this Guatemala adventure tour?

Yes, the itinerary includes two nights at Las Guacamayas Biological Station, the only site in Guatemala where the Scarlet Macaw nests in the wild. The station is located deep inside Laguna del Tigre National Park, the largest protected area in Guatemala, and is reached by boat along the San Pedro River. The 14km hike to the ruins of Waká Perú also passes through the primary scarlet macaw nesting habitat.

What is included in the price of the Guatemala Adventure tour from Antigua to Tikal?

The price of $3,495 USD per person (for groups of 9–10) includes all accommodations, meals as listed in the itinerary, private airport and ground transfers, local flights between Guatemala City and Petén, boat transfers, the 3-day trek with full camping equipment and guides, a guided kayak expedition, a traditional temazcal session, a bean-to-cup coffee experience with a bag of coffee, all entrance fees, and a contribution to a local social project. International airfare, travel insurance, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and the single supplement are not included.

How do you get from Lake Atitlán to Tikal National Park on this tour?

After leaving Lake Atitlán, a private transfer takes you to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City for a 45-minute local flight to Mundo Maya International Airport in the Petén region. From there, ground and boat transfers bring you into the Maya Biosphere Reserve before eventually reaching Tikal National Park by road, approximately 3.5 hours from Paso Caballos. Both local flights are included in the tour price.

Guatemala

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

Duration

13 Days

From

$3,495

Group Size

Max 10 Guests

A 13-day active expedition through the volcanic highlands of Antigua and Lake Atitlán to the ancient ruins and rainforest of the Maya Biosphere Reserve

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Ecovoyager Experiences

Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Three-Day Trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlán

Bean-to-Cup Coffee Experience on Agua Volcano

Kayaking Lake Atitlán and Traditional Temazcal

Las Guacamayas Biological Station: Scarlet Macaw Nesting Habitat

Hike to Remote Waká Perú Through Primary Rainforest

Uaxactún: Ancient Astronomy and Community Forestry

Tikal National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site

Guatemala Tour Overview

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

A 13-day active expedition through the volcanic highlands of Antigua and Lake Atitlán to the ancient ruins and rainforest of the Maya Biosphere Reserve

Duration

13 Days

Price

$3,495

Difficulty

Hard

Best Time

November – April

This 13-day active expedition moves through two dramatically different sides of Guatemala: the volcanic highlands of Antigua and Lake Atitlán, and the deep rainforest of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Trek ancient paths still walked by Maya farmers, kayak the shores of Lake Atitlán beneath towering volcanoes, navigate the San Pedro River by boat, and hike through primary jungle to the remote ruins of Waká Perú. The journey culminates at Tikal and Uaxactún, where a community forestry concession shows how conservation, livelihood, and heritage coexist in one of the most important tropical forests in the Americas.

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 13 Days · Guatemala

Day 1

Arrival in Antigua

A private transfer picks you up at Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport for the 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Antigua, Guatemala's colonial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. After checking in, explore the cobblestone streets, browse the markets, and try a first taste of Guatemalan cuisine at one of the city's restaurants. An optional 3-course welcome dinner of elevated Guatemalan cuisine is available for those who wish to start the expedition together. Meals: D (optional)

Colorful colonial street in Antigua Guatemala with yellow arch, volcano backdrop, and flying birds

Cobblestone street in colonial town with volcano backdrop and colorful buildings in Guatemala

Traditional Guatemalan pepian stew with chicken served in clay bowls with rice and accompaniments

Day 2

Bean-to-Cup Coffee Experience

Meet your local guide and travel by private transfer to a small town just outside Antigua, where coffee farming remains a way of life. A local farmer walks you through the full bean-to-cup process on the slopes of Agua Volcano, sharing how land, climate, and tradition shape each harvest. Walk the fields, return to the farm to take part in the artisanal processing, and share a home-style lunch with your hosts. Each participant takes home one bag of freshly processed coffee. Meals: B / L

Coffee farmer harvesting red coffee cherries on hillside plantation in Guatemala highlands

Farmer harvesting red coffee cherries from coffee plants in Guatemala's volcanic highlands

Stone cross overlooking colonial town with volcanic mountain backdrop in Guatemala highlands

Day 3

Río Xaya Trek

Begin the 3-day trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlán with a visit to the shrine of Maximón, a Mayan deity revered in the local villages, before heading to the trailhead. The day's hike winds through coffee plantations and small villages, descends into the Río Xaya canyon, and climbs to a remote highland community with sweeping views of Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes. A warm welcome and hearty dinner await at the campsite. Distance: 16 km. Elevation: +1,390 m / -1,439 m. Meals: B / L / D

Dirt trail winding through forested mountains with misty volcanic peaks in Guatemala highlands

Traditional Guatemalan spiritual ceremony with man and masked figure surrounded by candles and flowers

White canvas tents at campsite with volcanic mountains in background during sunset in Guatemala

Day 4

Highline Ridge Trek

After breakfast, ascend to a scenic ridgeline with views stretching from the Antigua Valley to the Pacific Coast. The trail undulates before descending into small villages. A short local flete ride by pickup truck brings you to the final campsite overlooking Lake Atitlán. The evening includes a weaving demonstration, tortilla-making, and a local-style dinner around the camp. Distance: 14 km. Elevation: +746 m / -636 m. Meals: B / L / D

Hiker with backpack overlooking lush green valleys and mountains in Guatemala highlands

Hiker with backpack and trekking poles on grassy mountain slope with volcanic peaks in background

Group of hikers posing together in grassy field with volcanic mountains and clouds in background

Day 5

Madre Vieja Trek to Lake Atitlán

On the final day of the 3-day trek, descend into the Madre Vieja canyon, passing farms and small villages. A visit to a local coffee farm offers a second look at traditional highland coffee production. After lunch atop the final ridge, begin the last descent toward San Antonio Palopó, with sweeping views of Lake Atitlán unfolding below. Distance: 12.5 km. Elevation: +609 m / -1,543 m. Meals: B / L

Group of hikers posing together on wooden bridge surrounded by lush green forest canopy

Person walking through agricultural fields with mountains and palm trees in Guatemala highlands

Lake Atitlan with volcanic mountains and tree in foreground, Guatemala highlands landscape

Day 6

Kayak Adventure and Temazcal Session

Wake to an early breakfast before a 3-hour guided kayak expedition along the shores of Santa Cruz la Laguna, with views across the lake to the surrounding volcanoes and lakeside communities. After returning by private boat, the afternoon shifts to a traditional temazcal session: a Maya steam bath ceremony lasting 2 to 3 hours, followed by a rustic lunch with local hosts. A free evening by the lake rounds out the day. Meals: B / L

Kayakers paddling red and yellow kayaks on Lake Atitlan with volcanic mountains in background

People sitting in circular formation inside traditional temazcal sweat lodge with candles and stone walls

Wooden dock extending over blue lake water with volcanic mountains in background, Guatemala

Day 7

Travel to the Maya Biosphere Reserve

After a late breakfast, a private transfer takes you to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City for a 45-minute local flight to Mundo Maya International Airport in the Petén. On arrival, a ground transfer takes you to the village of Paso Caballos, near Laguna del Tigre National Park, the largest protected area in Guatemala. A boat transfer along the San Pedro River then delivers you to Las Guacamayas Biological Station, the only site in Guatemala where the Scarlet Macaw nests in the wild. Settle in and let the sounds of the jungle take over as darkness falls. Meals: B / D

Colorful boats moored on calm river with blue canopies in Guatemala

Two scarlet macaws flying with vibrant red, blue and yellow plumage against green forest background

Elevated wooden lodge with green roof nestled among tropical forest along riverbank in Guatemala

Day 8

San Pedro River and Hike to Waká Perú

Set off by boat along the San Pedro River toward the trailhead leading to the ancient Maya city of El Perú Waká, located within Guatemala's most important scarlet macaw nesting habitat. The 14km hike passes through primary rainforest with stops to learn about regional flora, fauna, and the site's archaeological significance. Back at the station, climb the lookout for panoramic sunset views across the jungle. In the evening, choose between a guided boat excursion in search of Morelet's crocodile along the riverbanks, or a nocturnal forest walk to observe amphibians and reptiles after dark. Meals: B / L / D

White boat with canopy navigating green river surrounded by lush tropical rainforest in Guatemala

Tourist examining ancient Mayan stone stelae with hieroglyphic carvings in tropical forest setting

Morelet's crocodile with open jaws in muddy water surrounded by green vegetation

Day 9

Travel to Tikal National Park

Spend the morning at the biological station watching hummingbirds and looking for wildlife in the surrounding forest. After a final morning on the river, board the boat back to Paso Caballos for the transfer to Tikal National Park, approximately 3.5 hours by road through the Petén. Check in at the Jungle Lodge, the only accommodation inside the national park, and enjoy a free evening by the pool or in a hammock as the jungle shifts to its nighttime soundtrack. Meals: B

Spider monkey hanging from tree branches in tropical rainforest canopy

Wooden jungle lodge veranda with colorful chairs overlooking tropical garden with bromeliad plants

Ancient Mayan pyramids rising above dense jungle canopy at Tikal National Park Guatemala

Day 10

Uaxactún: Ancient Astronomy and Community Forestry

Travel north through the national park to Uaxactún, one of the oldest ceremonial cities in the Maya world, located 24km from Tikal. An expert guide brings the site's history to life as you explore temples once used as astronomical observatories. Far fewer visitors than Tikal make this an unhurried and intimate experience. The adjacent village of Uaxactún runs a model community forestry concession; learn how local families balance conservation, livelihood, and cultural heritage in one of the most biodiverse forests in Central America. A chewing gum collection demonstration by the community rounds out the visit before lunch in the village. An optional bicycle ride from Tikal to Uaxactún is available for those who want to cover the 24km on two wheels and spot endemic birdlife along the way. Meals: B / L

Aerial view of ancient Maya ruins with stone pyramids and structures surrounded by dense jungle canopy

Man in red shirt examining plants and logs on forest floor in dense tropical rainforest

Woman with mountain bike on jungle trail surrounded by lush tropical vegetation in Guatemala

Day 11

Exploring Tikal and Lake Petén Itzá

Begin at dawn with the sounds of howler monkeys before your guide leads you through the ancient Maya city of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance. Walk the site's trails to discover restored temples, palaces, and altars, with the option to climb Temple IV for panoramic views above the jungle canopy. Lunch inside the national park, then a 45-minute transfer to your final lodge on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, adjacent to the Cerro Cahuí Biotope natural reserve. A free evening by the lake marks the close of the active expedition. Meals: B / L / D

Ancient Mayan pyramid temple at Tikal surrounded by lush jungle trees during golden hour sunset

Ancient Mayan pyramid and temple ruins in Tikal National Park Guatemala with tourists exploring

Sunset over Lake Petén Itzá with silhouetted palm trees and colorful boats in foreground

Day 12

Free Day and Flight to Guatemala City

A morning at your own pace on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá: swim in the lake, walk the Cerro Cahuí Biotope trails, or simply rest. In the afternoon, a private transfer takes you to Mundo Maya International Airport for the short local flight back to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. A private transfer delivers you to your hotel in the heart of the capital. The evening is free to explore nearby restaurants and celebrate a complete expedition through Guatemala. Meals: B

Wooden dock extending into crystal clear turquoise Lake Petén Itzá with thatched roof palapa and boats

Panoramic view of large lake surrounded by lush green forest from elevated viewpoint in Guatemala

Aerial view of Guatemala City at twilight with city lights sprawling across valleys below volcanic peaks

Day 13

Departure

Savor one final cup of Guatemalan coffee at the hotel before a private shuttle transfer to La Aurora International Airport for your departure flight. Meals: B

Guatemala Tour Details

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

What's Included

Accommodations in boutique hotels, lakeside properties, biological station, jungle lodge, and eco-lodge based on double occupancy
All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Private airport transfer on arrival and departure
All inter-destination private ground transfers as listed in the itinerary
Local flights: La Aurora International Airport to Mundo Maya International Airport and return
Private boat transfers on the San Pedro River and Lake Atitlán
Three-day highland trek with high-quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags) and support vehicle
Local bilingual guides with certified First-Aid training on all trekking days
English-speaking guides on all cultural and activity days
3-hour guided kayak expedition with kayak and lifejacket rental
Traditional temazcal session at Lake Atitlán
Hands-on bean-to-cup coffee experience including 1 bag of coffee per participant
Contribution to social project visited on Day 2
All entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
Chewing gum collection demonstration by the Uaxactún community

Not Included

International airfare
Travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Visa fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Single supplement
Alcoholic beverages
Optional welcome dinner on Day 1
Optional bicycle ride to Uaxactún on Day 10 (available at additional cost)
Medical evacuation costs

Guatemala Tour Details

Tour Pricing

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

Per Person

$3,495

Based on group of 9-10

CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
Solo traveler	$4,495	Per personSingle occupancy supplement
2 travelers	$3,995	Per personStandard package
3 travelers	$3,795	Per personStandard package
4 travelers	$3,695	Per personStandard package
5-6 travelers	$3,595	Per personGroup rate
7-8 travelers	$3,545	Per personGroup rate
9-10 travelers	$3,495	Per personBest value, max group size

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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Each stop on this journey through Guatemala, and the country that ties them together.

Guatemala

Where ancient Maya cities rise from the world's largest tropical forest north of the Amazon, 37 volcanoes sculpt cloud forests sheltering the resplendent quetzal, and 22 living Maya cultures weave…

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Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

Tour Highlights

Three-Day Trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlán

Bean-to-Cup Coffee Experience on Agua Volcano

Kayaking Lake Atitlán and Traditional Temazcal

Las Guacamayas Biological Station: Scarlet Macaw Nesting Habitat

Hike to Remote Waká Perú Through Primary Rainforest

Uaxactún: Ancient Astronomy and Community Forestry

Tikal National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

Request More Information

Arrival in Antigua

Pensativo House

Bean-to-Cup Coffee Experience

Pensativo House

Río Xaya Trek

Highline Ridge Trek

Madre Vieja Trek to Lake Atitlán

Villas de Santa Catarina

Kayak Adventure and Temazcal Session

Villas de Santa Catarina

Travel to the Maya Biosphere Reserve

Las Guacamayas Biological Station (EBG)

San Pedro River and Hike to Waká Perú

Las Guacamayas Biological Station (EBG)

Travel to Tikal National Park

Jungle Lodge

Uaxactún: Ancient Astronomy and Community Forestry

Jungle Lodge

Exploring Tikal and Lake Petén Itzá

Gringo Perdido

Free Day and Flight to Guatemala City

La Inmaculada

Departure

What's Included

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Pricing

Group Rates

Book Your Adventure

What Our Adventurers Say

More Adventures in Guatemala

The El Mirador Trek

Highland Trek to Atitlán and Acatenango Summit

Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Trek

Explore the Places You'll Visit

Guatemala