Guatemala - Land of Fire Trek

Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and take a private transfer to your hotel. We provide an overall trip briefing the first day of arrival to cover the entire trip. You will also receive regular briefings throughout the itinerary. Your initial day in Guatemala unfolds in the charming city of Antigua, where you have the opportunity to delve into its colonial architecture, explore artisan markets, and savor a multitude of culinary delights at its numerous restaurants. Overnight: Porta Hotel Antigua or similar

Meals: Nil

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Volcano Pacaya, standing at an impressive 2,552m (8370ft), ranks among Central America's most striking volcanic landscapes. It's renowned for its high activity level and offers an excellent opportunity for a moderate day hike, which serves as an ideal warm-up for our upcoming trek to Lake Atitlán. Situated within its designated National Park, Pacaya is a picturesque volcano, perpetually emitting a plume of smoke from its summit, while a vast expanse of dried lava forms the valley at the foot of its caldera. After breakfast, we'll leave Antigua for a 1.5-hour drive to reach the volcano. As we ascend by 610m (2000ft), Guatemala's breathtaking vistas gradually unveil themselves. Upon arriving at the caldera's base, our guide will lead the group across the rugged terrain of dried lava fields. Here, we'll pause for a freshly prepared picnic, relishing the scenic backdrop of neighboring volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The hike also provides ample opportunities to explore geothermal hotspots, perfect for roasting marshmallows! Our descent takes us through the remaining dried lava fields before we venture down through Pacaya's verdant forests and farmlands. In the afternoon, we return to Antigua, completing our memorable adventure. Overnight: Porta Hotel Antigua or similar

Meals: B,L

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Our journey from Antigua marks the commencement of the Antigua to Atitlán Trek, embarking on a culturally enriching experience by first visiting a shrine dedicated to the Mayan deity "San Simón." Here, guests can observe locals paying homage to the enigmatic San Simón and even light a candle to bestow blessings upon their travels. Following this visit, a brief drive transports us to our trailhead, where we initiate our trek that leads us from verdant vegetable and fruit plantations into the lush expanse of the Guatemalan cloud forest. Our ascent takes us to an elevation of nearly 2,650m (8700ft), with the imposing Acatenango Volcano, the tallest in the Antigua Valley, dominating the skyline as we start our descent through the dense cloud forest terrain. This descent leads us to a picturesque grassy saddle nestled between two mountain peaks. Here, we embark on a brief climb into a forested protected area, where a sunlit and secluded clearing awaits us for a well-deserved lunch. After savoring our midday meal, we continue our descent through the protected area, traversing beneath towering trees adorned with epiphytic plants like orchids and bromeliads. Our journey eventually brings us to Terra Camp, where guests can refresh themselves with a hot shower and indulge in appetizers. As the day winds down, guests gather around a campfire to warm up before enjoying a delectable dinner. Activity approx: 11km (7mi); Ascent 870m (2870ft); Descent 1080m (3550ft) Overnight: Terra Camp – Luxury safari tent

Meals: B,L,D

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On the second day of our trek, we start by descending through forests and agricultural fields, dropping more than 580m (1900ft) into the La Vega River valley. Here, we cross a hanging footbridge that adds an adventurous touch to our journey, reminiscent of Indiana Jones! Following this, we face a challenging but awe-inspiring ascent of 730m (2400ft) through coffee plantations, reaching our lunch spot near a charming Mayan village. After our midday meal, we push onwards, ascending to Fuego Camp by late afternoon. Upon reaching Fuego Camp, our staff welcomes you with a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. It's time to relax, kick off your boots, and savor the panoramic view, which offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking Fuego Volcano. This volcano is renowned for its regular eruptions since the time of the Spanish conquest, and if luck is on our side, we might witness it lighting up the night sky with molten lava. Gathered around the campfire, a local women's group will demonstrate the art of crafting traditional Guatemalan corn tortillas by hand (trust us, it's more challenging than it appears). Afterward, we sit down for a satisfying dinner, preparing for a restful night ahead. Activity approx: 13km (8mi); Ascent 1390m (4550ft); Descent 1210m (3980ft) Overnight: Fuego Camp – Luxury safari tent

Meals: B,L,D

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On the third day of our trek, guests are treated to Guatemala's most splendid natural beauty. We kick off the day with a morning ascent that leads us to the highest point of the trek, slightly above 2755m (9040ft). From this vantage point, we traverse along an unspoiled ridgeline for the remainder of the day, granting us sweeping vistas of six volcanoes and the captivating cloud forest, ultimately reaching Agua Camp. Following a moment of relaxation, we venture into the local Mayan community of Chuinimachica. Here, we have the opportunity to visit a women's cooperative specializing in the ancient art of traditional backstrap weaving, a practice that has been honed for centuries in Guatemala and is still employed to craft fabric for clothing and various textiles. Distance 15km (9.3mi); Ascent 1100m (3590ft); Descent 960m (3150ft) Overnight: Agua Camp – Luxury safari tent

Meals: B,L,D

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The last leg of our trek commences with a descent into the Madre Vieja River valley, where we have the pleasure of visiting a charming coffee farm. Here, we gain insights into the cultivation and harvesting of small-batch coffee (with a chance to sample some too). Following this, we embark on a brief ascent leading us to the rim of Lake Atitlán, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the shimmering waters below and the three colossal volcanoes that encircle it. Our final descent brings us to the lakeside village of San Antonio Palopó, marking the conclusion of our first section of trek. Congratulations, you've successfully completed the first chapter of the journey. To cap off the adventure, you'll board a private boat for a short voyage to your lakeside accomodation. Here, you can unwind under the starry night sky. Activity approx: 13.7km (8.5mi); Ascent 1030m (3380ft); Descent 1990m (6530ft) Overnight: Lakeside boutique hotel on Lake Atitlán or similar

Meals: B,L,D

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Savor a leisurely morning at your lakeside hotel, before embarking on a mid-morning boat ride to the charming Mayan village of Santiago. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you, leading you on a captivating walking tour through this enchanting village. The day's agenda encompasses explorations of local markets, shrines, historical sites, and a delightful lunch. After enjoying your meal in Santiago, you'll journey back by boat to the lakeside hotel, where you can while away the afternoon swimming, kayaking, or simply swaying in a hammock. Overnight: Lakeside boutique hotel on Lake Atitlán or similar

Meals: B,L,D

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After a tranquil morning at the hotel, your journey will lead you back to Antigua. Following a hotel lunch, you'll arrive in Antigua in the late afternoon, leaving you with the remainder of the day to indulge in activities, treat yourself to a spa session, or simply unwind. Your overnight stay will once again be in one of Antigua's charming boutique hotels. In preparation for tomorrow, we’ll meet with you to give you a pre-trip briefing ahead of your next trekking days, at our outfitters store in central Antigua (located right behind the main Cathedral). During this briefing, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the trip, including what to pack, what to expect, and any last-minute details or questions you may have. Overnight: Porta Hotel Antigua or similar

Meals: B,L

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Climbing Guatemala's awe-inspiring Volcan Acatenango is a top priority for adventure enthusiasts. This towering volcano stands tall at 3976m (13041ft) and offers not only panoramic views of the entire region but also a bird's-eye perspective of the nearby and incredibly active Volcan Fuego, which has been erupting consistently since colonial times. Our Acatenango Overnight Hike provides the ultimate experience, allowing hikers to witness the mesmerizing nighttime display of flowing lava and the breathtaking sunrise from Acatenango's summit the following morning. Although it's a demanding trek, even for seasoned hikers, there's no better way to satisfy the cravings of adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers than our Acatenango Overnight Hike. This overnight adventure is bound to leave an indelible mark. Our journey begins with an 8:00am departure from Antigua, followed by a comfortable one-hour drive to the Mayan village of Soledad and the Acatenango trailhead. The ascent, spanning 1525m (5000ft), guides you through four distinct ecosystems. You'll start amidst lush agricultural fields where local farmers cultivate corn, flowers, and snow peas. As you ascend, you'll transition into an ancient tropical cloud forest, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering shade and comfort during the challenging ascent. Emerging from the cloud forest, hikers will find themselves in a sparse high-alpine forest, offering stunning views of six additional volcanoes, an ideal spot for a scenic trailside lunch. After lunch, hikers will embark on the final leg of the day's journey, ascending above the tree line into a wind-swept and mystical volcanic terrain. At an elevation of 3750m (12300ft), we arrive at camp, allowing you to relax and savor sweeping views of the Antigua Valley and Volcan Fuego. Dinner will be served hot, followed by coffee, tea, and even marshmallow "S'mores" by the campfire. The campsite provides a direct view of Volcan Fuego, promising an evening filled with awe as you alternate between marveling at volcanic eruptions and gazing into the mesmerizing star-studded sky above. Activity approx: 8km (5mi); Ascent 1525m (5000ft) Overnight: Acatenango High Camp – Luxury safari tent

Meals: B,L,D

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After an early morning breakfast, hikers embark on a 45-minute ascent to reach Acatenango's summit. This steep but gratifying climb takes them through dwarf pine trees and gravel scree, ultimately leading to the pinnacle of the world. At the summit, guests are rewarded with 360-degree vistas encompassing Volcan Fuego, the Antigua Valley, and the distant Guatemalan highlands, stretching all the way to the Mexican border. Following approximately one hour spent at the summit, contingent upon weather and time conditions, we initiate a 3-hour descent down the volcano, arriving at La Soledad where our transportation awaits around mid-day. Typically, groups return to Antigua by early afternoon, offering ample time for a well-deserved celebration with a beer, cappuccino, or a much-needed siesta. Activity approx: 6km (3.7mi); Ascent 250m (820ft); Descent 1525m (5000ft) Overnight: Porta Hotel Antigua or similar

Meals: B

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The trip concludes after enjoying breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Antigua as you embark on a private shuttle journey to Guatemala City's international airport for your return flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable Guatemala adventure.

Meals: B

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