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Guatemala

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

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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
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.

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Itinerary Pricing Gallery

The Antigua to Atitlán Trek

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 3 Days · Guatemala
1
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
2
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
3
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
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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Guatemala Tour Details

Pricing & What's Included

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

Group Rates

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

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
*
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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Madagascar

"My kids are still talking about the lemurs months later. EcoVoyager handled every detail so we could actually be present together."

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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