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Guatemala

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

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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
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.

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Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

Guatemala Adventure: Volcanic Highlands to Mayan Ruins

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 13 Days · Guatemala
1
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)
Your Accommodation
Pensativo House
Boutique hotel in the heart of Antigua Guatemala's historic center, steps from the central park.
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2
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
Your Accommodation
Pensativo House
Boutique hotel in the heart of Antigua Guatemala's historic center, steps from the central park.
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3
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
4
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
5
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
Your Accommodation
Villas de Santa Catarina
Lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlán with volcano views in Santa Catarina Palopó.
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6
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
Your Accommodation
Villas de Santa Catarina
Lakeside hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlán with volcano views in Santa Catarina Palopó.
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7
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
Your Accommodation
Las Guacamayas Biological Station (EBG)
Eco jungle station on the San Pedro River in Laguna del Tigre National Park, the only site in Guatemala where Scarlet Macaws nest in the wild.
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8
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
Your Accommodation
Las Guacamayas Biological Station (EBG)
Eco jungle station on the San Pedro River in Laguna del Tigre National Park, the only site in Guatemala where Scarlet Macaws nest in the wild.
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9
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
Your Accommodation
Jungle Lodge
Long-established lodge within Tikal National Park, the only accommodation inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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10
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
Your Accommodation
Jungle Lodge
Long-established lodge within Tikal National Park, the only accommodation inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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11
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
Your Accommodation
Gringo Perdido
Eco-lodge on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá at the edge of the Cerro Cahuí Biotope natural reserve.
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12
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
Your Accommodation
La Inmaculada
Boutique hotel in the historic center of Guatemala City for the final night.
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13
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

Pricing & What's Included

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

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
*
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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Maria R. · Family Adventure, July 2024
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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
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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We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
We partner exclusively with local operators who share our conservation values, ensure tourism revenue supports local communities, limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact, and contribute directly to conservation projects in each destination we visit.
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
Safety is our top priority. Our local partners are extensively vetted and trained in wilderness safety and emergency protocols. We provide comprehensive safety briefings, maintain communication equipment, and have established emergency evacuation procedures for all our remote destinations.
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