How difficult is the Antigua to Atitlán Trek and what distance does it cover?

The trek covers approximately 42 kilometers over three days and is rated 7 out of 10 in difficulty. The most demanding day is Day 1, with 16 km of trekking and significant elevation changes of +1,390m gain and -1,439m loss through the Río Xaya canyon. All three days involve consecutive highland trekking with notable ascents and descents.

What is included in the Antigua to Atitlán Trek price?

The trek includes 2 nights of camping with tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags provided, plus 1 night at Villas de Santa Catarina on Lake Atitlán with breakfast. All meals as indicated in the itinerary, private transfers, an English-speaking bilingual guide, local community guides on all three days, a support vehicle, the Maximón shrine visit, a coffee farm visit, picnic lunches, and mineral water are also included. Pre-trek accommodation in Antigua, travel insurance, gratuities, and alcoholic beverages are not included.

When is the best time to do the Antigua to Lake Atitlán trek in Guatemala?

The best time to visit is November through April, which corresponds to Guatemala's dry season. This period offers the best chances for clear views along the Pacific-facing ridgeline on Day 2, where panoramas can extend from the Antigua Valley to the Pacific Coast on clear days.

What cultural experiences are part of the Antigua to Atitlán Trek?

The trek includes a visit to the shrine of Maximón, a syncretic Mayan deity still actively venerated in highland communities along the route, at the outset of Day 1. On Day 2, the evening features a weaving demonstration by local artisans and a hands-on tortilla-making session. Day 3 includes a stop at a working coffee farm for firsthand insight into traditional Guatemalan coffee production from cultivation to processing.

How does the Antigua to Atitlán Trek end and where do you stay at Lake Atitlán?

The trek ends on Day 3 with a descent into San Antonio Palopó on the eastern shore of Lake Atitlán, with the lake gradually emerging in full view below as you lose elevation. A private transfer then takes you to Villas de Santa Catarina on the lake, where your final night's accommodation includes breakfast. Arriving on foot after three days of highland trekking provides a dramatically different experience of the lake than arriving by shuttle.

Guatemala

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

Duration

3 Days

From

$695

Group Size

Max 12 Guests

A 3-day point-to-point highland trek from Antigua through the Río Xaya canyon, Pacific-facing ridgelines, and the Madre Vieja coffee country to Lake Atitlán

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Guatemala Tour Overview

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

A 3-day point-to-point highland trek from Antigua through the Río Xaya canyon, Pacific-facing ridgelines, and the Madre Vieja coffee country to Lake Atitlán

Duration

3 Days

Price

$695

Difficulty

Hard

Best Time

November – April

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek is a three-day point-to-point highland expedition covering approximately 42 kilometers on ancient routes still walked by Maya farmers, moving from the colonial city of Antigua to the shores of Lake Atitlán. Each day crosses distinct terrain: the Río Xaya river canyon and a remote highland camp on day one, a sweeping Pacific-facing ridgeline on day two, and the coffee-growing Madre Vieja canyon before the final descent to the lake on day three. A Maximón shrine visit at the outset and a working coffee farm stop on the final day provide cultural depth alongside the physical challenge of three consecutive days in the Guatemalan highlands.

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 3 Days · Guatemala

Day 1

Río Xaya Trek

A private transfer from your Antigua hotel takes you 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 along the route. The trail winds through working coffee plantations and small farming villages before descending into the Río Xaya canyon, then climbs steadily to a remote highland camp with panoramic views of Acatenango and the active Volcán Fuego across the valley. A warm camp dinner awaits after a demanding first day in the mountains. Distance: 16 km. Elevation gain/loss: +1,390m / -1,439m. Meals: - / 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 2

Highline Ridge Trek

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 trek. The trail undulates before descending through a sequence of small highland villages. A short flete ride (a local pickup truck used as informal transit) 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: 14 km. Elevation gain/loss: +746m / -636m. 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 3

Madre Vieja Trek to Lake Atitlán

The final day descends into the Madre Vieja canyon through working farms and small communities. A stop at a local coffee farm offers firsthand insight into traditional Guatemalan coffee production from cultivation to processing, in one of the country's most productive highland growing regions. 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 across three days of highland trekking. A private transfer delivers you to Villas de Santa Catarina for the night. Distance: 12.5 km. Elevation gain/loss: +609m / -1,543m. 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

Guatemala Tour Details

What's Included

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

What's Included

2 nights camping with tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags provided
1 night accommodation at Villas de Santa Catarina on Lake Atitlán (breakfast included)
All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Private transfer from Antigua to the Day 1 trailhead
Private transfer from the Day 3 trail endpoint to Villas de Santa Catarina
English-speaking bilingual guide throughout the trek
Local community guides on all three trekking days
Support vehicle on all three trekking days
Maximón shrine visit including community entry fee
Coffee farm visit on Day 3
Freshly prepared picnic lunches on all three trekking days
Mineral water (1 liter per person per day on trail)
All community access fees along the route

Not Included

Pre-trek accommodation in Antigua (not included in this package)
International airfare
Travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Visa fees (if applicable)
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and support staff
Single supplement (contact us for current rate)
Alcoholic beverages
Medical evacuation costs

Guatemala Tour Details

Tour Pricing

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

Per Person

$695

Based on group of 9-12

CurrencyUSD

Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
Solo traveler	$1,295	Per personSingle occupancy supplement
2 travelers	$995	Per personStandard package
3 travelers	$895	Per personStandard package
4 travelers	$795	Per personStandard package
5-6 travelers	$745	Per personGroup rate
7-8 travelers	$725	Per personGroup rate
9-12 travelers	$695	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.

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The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

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Río Xaya Trek

Highline Ridge Trek

Madre Vieja Trek to Lake Atitlán

Villas de Santa Catarina

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