Adventure

Adventure
Hanging bridges, active volcanoes and cloud forest…oh my!
Guatemala Adventure

Guatemala’s adventure scene is pretty non-stop. In addition to our Sky Route Trek, there are ample opportunities here to strap on those hiking boots and climb. A great warm-up for trekkers is the Pacaya Volcano 1/2 Day Hike where you can roast marshmallows over lava vents. Feeling a bit more ambitious? Then check out the Acatenango Volcano Day Hike or spend the evening on the volcano with our overnight option. If mountain biking is more your thing, the Antigua valley offers a number of great rides, from beginning to expert. And finally, Antigua Canopy Tours located just outside Antigua is a great spot to zip through the trees on a sprawling green coffee finca.
Below you’ll find a sample 12-day adventure-themed itinerary for your Guatemala visit that we hope appeals to you adrenaline junkies!
Sample 12-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival/Antigua
Enjoy your first night relaxing in the beautiful colonial city
Day 2: Pacaya Volcano Hike
Warm up those trekking legs with a easy climb up this active volcano before returning to Antigua for a delicious dinner
Day 3: Trek to Terra Camp
Hike through cloud forest under the shadow of Acatenango Volcano
Day 4: Trek to Fuego Camp
3000 ft descent into the La Vega River valley before a climb to our camp overlooking active Fuego Volcano
Day 5: Trek to Agua Camp
We reach the highest point of the trek today with views of six volcanos before arriving to camp and visiting a weaving cooperative
Day 6: Trek to Lake Atitlan
Descend through coffee fincas before arriving to our final destination, Lake Atitlán, and its welcoming waters
Day 7: Lake Atitlán Relax
Time to sit back, take in the views and relax…you’ve earned it
Day 8: Lake Atitlán Kayaking
After a day of kicking back, time to get back out there and splash around a bit
Day 9: Santa Cruz to San Marcos Hike
Explore the villages and landscapes that surround Lake Atitlán’s, ending up at a natural reserve
Day 10: Lake Atitlán to Antigua
Following a relaxing morning at the lake, return to Antigua to spend the night
Day 11: Antigua Zipline & Spa
Start your day with some zip-lining at one of Antigua’s prettiest coffee farms, end it with a well-deserved spa treatment
Day 12: Departure
Unfortunately, you have to go home at some point. Or do you?!?!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Day 1: Arrival / Antigua
Day 2: Pacaya Volcano Hike / Antigua
Day 3: Trek / Terra Camp
Day 4: Trek / Fuego Camp
Day 5: Trek / Agua Camp
Day 6: Trek / Lake Atitlán
Day 7: Relax / Lake Atitlán
Day 8: Lake Kayaking / Lake Atitlán
Day 9: San Marcos Hike / Lake Atitlán
Day 10: Return to Antigua
Day 11: Zip-Lining & Spa / Antigua
Day 12: Departure
Recommended Adventure Activities

Guatemala Weather

Antigua, Guatemala
March 25, 2023, 1:48 am
Mostly cloudy
58°F
real feel: 56°F
humidity: 79%
More forecast...
					A wonderful time with Trek Guatemala! We had a wonderful time with Trek Guatemala! They arranged to have a driver pick us up at the airport... read moreWe had a wonderful time with Trek Guatemala! They arranged to have a driver pick us up at the airport in Guatemala City and drop us off with our guide, Diego. They took our bags up the mountain by truck and we hiked 2 hours to get the base camp. There are stairs about 2/3 of the way up, then you walk on a drivable path to base camp. My phone said it was about 50 flights and about 4 miles. The tent and beds were already set up, there was wonderful food, drinks, and fellowship. At night it gets. Old so they built a fire for us and put hot water bottles in the beds- that was wonderful! The views are fantastic and you can see and hear Feugo Volcano erupting! So cool. The breakfast was perfect and the chef made us snacks to go. My husband and I loved our time with Trek Guatemala! read less				
3/20/2023

					Absolutely Amazing Experience!!!! This was absolutely amazing!   We were picked up from the airport by Pattie.  She was fantastic and... read moreThis was absolutely amazing!   We were picked up from the airport by Pattie.  She was fantastic and found us an authentic restaurant for lunch.   We met our guide, Diego, for the hike.  He was knowledgeable, fun, spoke great English, and more importantly for a 57 year old, he hiked at my pace.  The camping was amazing.  Great tents overlooking. Fuego saw the orange lava at night.   Our chef was incredible with great meals. He even provided a warm water bottle— “the baby” to keep is warm at night.  I highly recommend this group of amazing people Well done!!!! read less				
3/20/2023

					Magical! This was the best experience of my life! the guide Papito was incredible,the porters well I could not of made... read moreThis was the best experience of my life! the guide Papito was incredible,the porters well I could not of made it without their help,  it was such a fun adventure he was super positive and very helpful and thoughtful. Thankyou so much truly. read less				
3/14/2023

					Magical! This was the best experience of my life! the guide Papito was incredible,the porters well I could not of made... read moreThis was the best experience of my life! the guide Papito was incredible,the porters well I could not of made it without their help,  it was such a fun adventure he was super positive and very helpful and thoughtful. Thankyou so much truly. read less				
3/14/2023

					Experience of a lifetime I booked the Acatenango Overnight hike with a friend. We were grouped with one other hiker, for a total of... read moreI booked the Acatenango Overnight hike with a friend. We were grouped with one other hiker, for a total of three. This small group was much more pleasurable than some of the groups of a dozen or more we saw. Our guide, Juan Pablo, was top notch! I cannot recommend him enough! He was knowledgeable and did a great job of seeing us to the top. The food was home-made and the tents were set up for us, with sleeping bags and mats already laid out. Juan Pablo did such a great job answering our questions and teaching us about hiking steep trails. This was great for me because I live at sea level on flat ground! We had an awesome trip, got to see Fuego erupt, a gorgeous sunrise and more. Every penny spent with Trek Guatemala was totally worth it and I hope to do it again in the future! read less				
3/08/2023

					Experience of a lifetime I booked the Acatenango Overnight hike with a friend. We were grouped with one other hiker, for a total of... read moreI booked the Acatenango Overnight hike with a friend. We were grouped with one other hiker, for a total of three. This small group was much more pleasurable than some of the groups of a dozen or more we saw. Our guide, Juan Pablo, was top notch! I cannot recommend him enough! He was knowledgeable and did a great job of seeing us to the top. The food was home-made and the tents were set up for us, with sleeping bags and mats already laid out. Juan Pablo did such a great job answering our questions and teaching us about hiking steep trails. This was great for me because I live at sea level on flat ground! We had an awesome trip, got to see Fuego erupt, a gorgeous sunrise and more. Every penny spent with Trek Guatemala was totally worth it and I hope to do it again in the future! read less				
3/08/2023

					Inoubliable et incontournable expérience dans les environs de La Antigua Guatemala Expérience inoubliable avec un guide aux petits soins. La nourriture était très bonne et les portions amplement suffisantes. Il était... read moreExpérience inoubliable avec un guide aux petits soins. La nourriture était très bonne et les portions amplement suffisantes. Il était agréable de faire l’excursion en petit groupe comparé aux autres compagnie qui book des dizaines de personnes. read less				
3/08/2023

					Challenging hike but well worth the view Great tour, very well organized by Tomas, and guided by JP. Guide was fantastic - very knowledgeable, gave some excellent... read moreGreat tour, very well organized by Tomas, and guided by JP. Guide was fantastic - very knowledgeable, gave some excellent advice along route, as both encouraging of moving along and understanding of need to go at own pace. Awesome cook as well - lunch and dinner were very good, shocking he was both carrying a lot of it as well as making it in his tent!!! 

Not a hike for anyone not in some reasonable condition. Highly doable but challenging. A fairly steep upward hike, especially at beginning and final summit (day 2) going down harder on legs than going up. Bring plenty of warm clothes - very cold, below freezing, and windy. Need multiple layers gloves hat etc. 

But the views are shockingly spectacular. Cannot overstate how incredible. read less				
2/28/2023

					Totally worth it. Mario is the man! The view and experience of hiking Acatenango are what everyone has hyped up, but what makes Trek Guatemala unique is... read moreThe view and experience of hiking Acatenango are what everyone has hyped up, but what makes Trek Guatemala unique is the preparation and attentiveness of the guides. As a large 35 year old man, this hike definitely pushed me to my limits BUT Mario and the other guides/porters were all really helpful, enthusiastic, and kind. The food and accommodations were superior to any other guide company that I could tell. We were also in a much smaller group of 10 people with 2 guides compared to other companies with 30 hikers per guide. 

If you're willing to book with this company you will undoubtedly have a great experience! read less				
2/20/2023

					This is NOT a scam! In February 2023, myself and four friends booked the 4 day hike from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.  At first... read moreIn February 2023, myself and four friends booked the 4 day hike from Antigua to Lake Atitlan.  At first I was skeptical and unsure about sending money for the trip to a foreign country; however, I learned after spending a great deal of time with these individuals that this is a first class operation.  Our guides were Juan Pablo, Diego, and Manuel.  They were absolutely outstanding.  They made sure we were safe and had everything we needed.  They were patient and provided the best guide service that I have ever experienced.  This trip was one of the most enriching experiences I have encountered.  The trip traverses farms, villages, and woodlands.  Before and after the trip we spent several days traveling around the country.  Most everything I have heard about Guatemala is false.  It is one of the most picturesque places I have visited and we had zero safety issues.  Every local we encountered was very friendly.  I have enjoyed most any vacation I have had outside of the US but I would go back to Guatemala today if I didn't have to work.  I would recommend bringing your family, children (10 and over), and friends.  Don't miss this opportunity! read less				
2/16/2023

					Great hike. Excellent outfitter! Trek Guatemala was awesome!   Our Acatenango guide, Mario, was super friendly and a great trekking companion.  Tomas... read moreTrek Guatemala was awesome!   Our Acatenango guide, Mario, was super friendly and a great trekking companion.  Tomas was awesome in helping us get all the details and travel arrangements set.  And Matt met us the day of our hike to send us off.   Great experience and excellent customer service. read less				
2/11/2023

					Overnight Acatenango Hike I can't speak highly enough about my experience with Trek Guatemala for the overnight Acatenango hike. Mario, our guide, was... read moreI can't speak highly enough about my experience with Trek Guatemala for the overnight Acatenango hike. Mario, our guide, was by far the best guide I've ever had for any excursion. Our group was mostly novice hikers and we were pretty unprepared for the intensity of the read less				
2/06/2023

					Overnight Acatenango Hike I can't speak highly enough about my experience with Trek Guatemala for the overnight Acatenango hike. Mario, our guide, was... read moreI can't speak highly enough about my experience with Trek Guatemala for the overnight Acatenango hike. Mario, our guide, was by far the best guide I've ever had for any excursion. Our group was mostly novice hikers and we were pretty unprepared for the intensity of the read less				
2/06/2023

					Amazing Everything was great! Our guides Mario and Diego war really kind and supportive! Highly recommand this company even tho it’s... read moreEverything was great! Our guides Mario and Diego war really kind and supportive! Highly recommand this company even tho it’s a bit more expensive than some others. read less				
2/01/2023

					Amazing Everything was great! Our guides Mario and Diego war really kind and supportive! Highly recommand this company even tho it’s... read moreEverything was great! Our guides Mario and Diego war really kind and supportive! Highly recommand this company even tho it’s a bit more expensive than some others. read less				
2/01/2023

					Amazing Night on Acatenango We’re so grateful we did Acatenango with Trek Guatemala. We had a great group of 8 folks and Diego, our... read moreWe’re so grateful we did Acatenango with Trek Guatemala. We had a great group of 8 folks and Diego, our guide, kept us warm, happy and well-fed. We saw so many massive groups heading up with miserable humans, where our group was energized, joyful, and excited the whole time (even at the end!!) Highly recommend this guide - you won’t regret it!! read less				
1/07/2023

					Fuego is extraordinary! We used this company to do the Acatenango hike. They are one of the more expensive but, in my opinion,... read moreWe used this company to do the Acatenango hike. They are one of the more expensive but, in my opinion, definitely worth it. The owner did a video call with me a couple of months before to reassure me (a 61 year old reasonably fit guy) that I’d be able to make it. We also had a face to face briefing 48 hours before, so had a really good idea what to bring and how the day and a half would play out.

Meals provided were really tasty, our guide was concerned to make sure that all four in the group progressed at a pace comfortable to them and gave us a lot of interesting cultural and botanical info along the way.

We hired a porter to carry tent, sleeping bags and pads. He also carried my spare water and camp shoes. This meant our tent was erected and taken down when we were tired from the hike and the next days early start.

Fuego behaved spectacularly for us, though this did mean that we could not do the final ascent because of the risk of getting a blast of sulphurous volcano dust in the eyes.

I actually found the descent slightly more difficult than going up. Quite hard on the quads though obviously not the aerobic effort of the climb. I’d done a lot of step machine training before coming, which I’m sure was beneficial. read less				
12/13/2022

					100% recommend This is a special trip so you want to do it properly. Our guide was excellent and was very experienced.... read moreThis is a special trip so you want to do it properly. Our guide was excellent and was very experienced. The small group size was appreciated, especially when you pass groups of 20+ people on the way! read less				
11/29/2022

					Acatenango Overnight Hike Absolutely amazing trek, so well organised, good pace, great food! Also wanted to say how amazing Mario is as a... read moreAbsolutely amazing trek, so well organised, good pace, great food! Also wanted to say how amazing Mario is as a guide! From the moment he picked us up he just inspired such a good vibe in us and was so accommodating to everyone’s different needs and working in well with the local guides. 10/10 would whole heartedly recommend to anyone! read less				
11/26/2022

					Wonderful experience We did the 4 days trek between Antigua and Lago Atitlan with our 4 children (aged 9 to 15). It... read moreWe did the 4 days trek between Antigua and Lago Atitlan with our 4 children (aged 9 to 15). It was a wonderful experience that we will not forget. 

The route takes you through all kinds of landscape (forest, coffee farms, corn fields, mountains, valleys and small villages).  It’s also an opportunity to see closely the remote communities living in that area. 

The team is super dedicated and does an excellent job in putting together a comfortable camping camp and the food was really good (even our picky kids liked it). 

The level of difficulty was challenging (last day was hard) but all our kids completed it without complaints (or almost). 

It’s not cheap, but it’s a unique and high quality products so I would say it was worth every dollar! read less				
11/06/2022

					Awesome Family Adventure We did the overnight Acatenango trek and while the weather was horrible, the trip was incredible. Matt did such an... read moreWe did the overnight Acatenango trek and while the weather was horrible, the trip was incredible. Matt did such an awesome job communicating what we would need to prepare for the trip from a packing standpoint, met with us the night before to go over everything and then had all the logistics mapped out to a tee.  We had our two boys ages 10 and 13 on the hike and even though a tropical storm rolled in almost two days earlier than expected we still had an amazing time! Mario, our guide, was fantastic and was wonderful with our kids and also an excellent chef.  Even though the weather blocked us from seeing lava explosions from Fuego, we had an amazing time. read less				
10/09/2022

					Sky Route 4-day Trek (Antigua to Atitlan) My 5 friends and I just completed the 4-day Antigua to Atitlan "Sky Route" trek in mid-February. It was spectacular!... read moreMy 5 friends and I just completed the 4-day Antigua to Atitlan "Sky Route" trek in mid-February. It was spectacular! All of the staff were incredible - our guide Mario was very friendly and knowledgeable and the camp crew kept things running smoothly (the meals were especially good!). This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will always remember. Walking through and staying near tiny Mayan villages was special and not something the vast majority of visitors to Guatemala ever get to do. The trek is 54 km and some of the terrain is fairly challenging (and we were 6 fit guys in our mid-30's), so be prepared to sweat a little!  I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a bit of adventure and something unique. read less				
3/02/2022

					Sky Route 4-day Trek (Antigua to Atitlan) My 5 friends and I just completed the 4-day Antigua to Atitlan "Sky Route" trek in mid-February. It was spectacular!... read moreMy 5 friends and I just completed the 4-day Antigua to Atitlan "Sky Route" trek in mid-February. It was spectacular! All of the staff were incredible - our guide Mario was very friendly and knowledgeable and the camp crew kept things running smoothly (the meals were especially good!). This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will always remember. Walking through and staying near tiny Mayan villages was special and not something the vast majority of visitors to Guatemala ever get to do. The trek is 54 km and some of the terrain is fairly challenging (and we were 6 fit guys in our mid-30's), so be prepared to sweat a little!  I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a bit of adventure and something unique. read less				
3/02/2022

					Sky Route 4-day trek with Trek Guatemala Nov 2021 - just finished 4-day sky route trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan with my kids and niece ... read moreNov 2021 - just finished 4-day sky route trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan with my kids and niece  (ages 18-54) - completely epic adventure. Literally every step of the 32 miles was spectacular. Guide Mario, camp crew cook, Ana and driver Juan Carlos were incredible and amazing people to spend time with. Could not imagine a better adventure / exploration / vacation. Wouldn't change a thing and already scheming on a longer trek with Trek Guatemala. read less				
11/26/2021

					Nine Day Discovery Tour My 4-person family (w two teenagers) completed the Nine Day Discovery Tour in June 2021.  This was an epic... read moreMy 4-person family (w two teenagers) completed the Nine Day Discovery Tour in June 2021.  This was an epic experience we will never forget.  The entire staff (owner, guides, kitchen & support) during our 9 days with Trek Guatemala was so responsive, professional and kind.  The intimate and detailed experiences provided an authenticity that could not have ever been achieved by unbeknownst visitors to Guatemala.  This is an impeccable adventure that I highly recommend and personally would love to repeat. read less				
6/30/2021

					Nine Day Discovery Tour My 4-person family (w two teenagers) completed the Nine Day Discovery Tour in June 2021.  This was an epic... read moreMy 4-person family (w two teenagers) completed the Nine Day Discovery Tour in June 2021.  This was an epic experience we will never forget.  The entire staff (owner, guides, kitchen & support) during our 9 days with Trek Guatemala was so responsive, professional and kind.  The intimate and detailed experiences provided an authenticity that could not have ever been achieved by unbeknownst visitors to Guatemala.  This is an impeccable adventure that I highly recommend and personally would love to repeat. read less				
6/30/2021

					May 2021 Acatenango hike - incredible views, great guide and overall fantastic experience We had such a great experience on our overnight Acatenango hike! It was as difficult as we expected, but our... read moreWe had such a great experience on our overnight Acatenango hike! It was as difficult as we expected, but our guide (Juan Pedro) and our porters (Jaime and others?) made it comfortable, safe, and fun. In particular, we were pleased with the quality of the gear and food. Matt was responsive during the booking process and even called our hotel to let us know our guide was a few minutes behind so we wouldn’t panic. And seeing Fuego erupt after the sun goes down is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen! Just keep climbing 😬 Highly recommend! read less				
6/01/2021

					Beautiful nature and communities This was the highlight of our 2+ week holiday in Guatemala. If you enjoy hiking this is an absolute must.... read moreThis was the highlight of our 2+ week holiday in Guatemala. If you enjoy hiking this is an absolute must. Leveraging the owners’ 20+ years in the sustainable tourism industry, Trek Guatemala enables tourists to visit remote villages in a sensible and sensitive way, contributing the the local economies and working with the local indigenous communities. The 4 day hike includes ~5 hours of hiking every day, including stretches of 40-60 minutes of steep uphills at a time. This shouldn’t scare you off — if you are moderately in shape, the hikes shouldn’t be a problem. The food is incredible, especially for camping standards: big breakfasts, snacks, big lunch, more snacks, and big dinner. You will not go hungry! The glamping is a nice reward at the end of the day; however, absolutely should not be the main reason for doing the hike. Seeing a side to Guatemala that would be nearly impossible to see otherwise was such a treat. My favourite was the second night, camping in the community with dozens of schoolchildren visiting and joking around with our group. Highly recommend this trek! read less				
2/17/2020

					A Highlight of Our Trip! My boyfriend and I loved our experience on this 4-day trek! It’s a nice amount of challenging, with some intense... read moreMy boyfriend and I loved our experience on this 4-day trek! It’s a nice amount of challenging, with some intense steep portions, even with both of us being in good shape. But with frequent stops and never finishing the hiking portion of the day later than 2-2:30, it should be doable for most people in decent shape. But the real highlight of this trek is the cultural experience! You get to travel through farms and small towns, along long-used footpaths, and have the opportunity to interact with these more remote communities. Everyone we met was friendly and warm and welcoming and our small exchanges and time in these towns left a meaningful impression on us. The weaving, coffee tour, and tortilla-making were particularly fun! Matt does a fantastic job making you feel welcome and he’s assembled a thoughtful experience and a stellar team to carry it out. Mario was an enthusiastic and encouraging guide, Doña Ana made delicious meals (especially the pepian stew and the chapín breakfast!), Juan Carlos kept things running smoothly and with a smile, and the local guides were a lot of fun (special shout-out to Francisco!). It’s also a major treat to have hot showers, campfires, and a big tent with a warm bed. Some things to know before you go: the nights are quite chilly so pack nice warm things for the evening and for bed; bring enough local currency to buy snacks and cold drinks from tiendas on route, to buy weaving or coffee, and to tip the staff; brush up (or ask Matt or Mario) about local customs, how to respectfully interact with the Mayan people you meet, and how to say some basic phrases in Spanish and in Kakchiquel; if you’re curious about the flora and fauna you’re seeing, you may be best to bring a book on it - while the guides are excellent and share whatever knowledge they have with you, the focus of this trek is on culture rather than biodiversity and wildlife. Overall, the trek was fun, seamless, and a rare experience. Our trek-mates were also wonderful - we were a bigger group and had a lot of great conversations! If you enjoy the outdoors, being active, eating well, and interacting with other people and cultures with curiosity and respect, I highly recommend this trek!! read less				
2/17/2020

					Beautiful nature and communities This was the highlight of our 2+ week holiday in Guatemala. If you enjoy hiking this is an absolute must.... read moreThis was the highlight of our 2+ week holiday in Guatemala. If you enjoy hiking this is an absolute must. 

Leveraging the owners’ 20+ years in the sustainable tourism industry, Trek Guatemala enables tourists to visit remote villages in a sensible and sensitive way, contributing the the local economies and working with the local indigenous communities. 

The 4 day hike includes ~5 hours of hiking every day, including stretches of 40-60 minutes of steep uphills at a time. This shouldn’t scare you off — if you are moderately in shape, the hikes shouldn’t be a problem. The food is incredible, especially for camping standards: big breakfasts, snacks, big lunch, more snacks, and big dinner. You will not go hungry! The glamping is a nice reward at the end of the day; however, absolutely should not be the main reason for doing the hike. 

Seeing a side to Guatemala that would be nearly impossible to see otherwise was such a treat. My favourite was the second night, camping in the community with dozens of schoolchildren visiting and joking around with our group. 

Highly recommend this trek! read less				
2/17/2020

					A Highlight of Our Trip! My boyfriend and I loved our experience on this 4-day trek! It’s a nice amount of challenging, with some intense... read moreMy boyfriend and I loved our experience on this 4-day trek! It’s a nice amount of challenging, with some intense steep portions, even with both of us being in good shape. But with frequent stops and never finishing the hiking portion of the day later than 2-2:30, it should be doable for most people in decent shape. 

But the real highlight of this trek is the cultural experience! You get to travel through farms and small towns, along long-used footpaths, and have the opportunity to interact with these more remote communities. Everyone we met was friendly and warm and welcoming and our small exchanges and time in these towns left a meaningful impression on us. The weaving, coffee tour, and tortilla-making were particularly fun! 

Matt does a fantastic job making you feel welcome and he’s assembled a thoughtful experience and a stellar team to carry it out. Mario was an enthusiastic and encouraging guide, Doña Ana made delicious meals (especially the pepian stew and the chapín breakfast!), Juan Carlos kept things running smoothly and with a smile, and the local guides were a lot of fun (special shout-out to Francisco!). It’s also a major treat to have hot showers, campfires, and a big tent with a warm bed. 

Some things to know before you go: the nights are quite chilly so pack nice warm things for the evening and for bed; bring enough local currency to buy snacks and cold drinks from tiendas on route, to buy weaving or coffee, and to tip the staff; brush up (or ask Matt or Mario) about local customs, how to respectfully interact with the Mayan people you meet, and how to say some basic phrases in Spanish and in Kakchiquel; if you’re curious about the flora and fauna you’re seeing, you may be best to bring a book on it - while the guides are excellent and share whatever knowledge they have with you, the focus of this trek is on culture rather than biodiversity and wildlife. 

Overall, the trek was fun, seamless, and a rare experience. Our trek-mates were also wonderful - we were a bigger group and had a lot of great conversations! If you enjoy the outdoors, being active, eating well, and interacting with other people and cultures with curiosity and respect, I highly recommend this trek!! read less				
2/17/2020

					Wow - challenging and SO rewarding! First and mainly, this was a fabulous trek - highly recommended!  This is the trek to take if you... read moreFirst and mainly, this was a fabulous trek - highly recommended!  This is the trek to take if you want to get away from the touristy stuff and get a more in-depth look at the traditional way of life in Guatemala . My friend and I really loved the scenery, the ability to walk on indigenous footpaths, and were humbled at how hard the people have to work just to survive.  Mario, our Guatemalan guide, was a patient and encouraging, and our camp helpers made sure we were well-taken care of.  And we appreciated our fellow trekkers as well – really great folks to be hiking with.  Also, this is a very challenging itinerary and will be tough for many hikers, given the intense uphills and downhills - very steep and seemingly relentless - at an altitude that most of us are not accustomed to.  My friend and I are avid hikers, hiking double-digit miles without batting an eyelash - at sea level - and really had to scale back our expectations for ourselves on this trek, mostly because we just simply couldn't pull in as much oxygen as our muscles were used to for that amount of work.  So, to train for this, find the steepest hill you can access (preferably at least 500' or more) and go straight up and straight down multiple times every day.  And, if you're coming in from lower altitudes, at least bring a friend so you have someone to gasp with.Despite the daily physical challenge, this trek is SO WORTH IT - the rewards are many, and you'll have a real sense of accomplishment when you finally get all the way down to Lake Atitlan! read less				
2/15/2020

					Fantastic Journey with an Experienced Local Guide This trek was very well organized. The food was very good, the hiking was challenging and it was a great... read moreThis trek was very well organized. The food was very good, the hiking was challenging and it was a great way to get to know Guatemala. read less				
2/06/2020

					Best way to see and experience Guatemala This trek takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala.  The hiking is pretty intense but... read moreThis trek takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala.  The hiking is pretty intense but you are well taken care of both on and off the trail.  Our guide, Juan Pablo, was fun and informative.  We trekked through coffee farms, avocado fields and cloud forests.  The food was amazing and the accommodations at camp were luxurious by camping standards.  I highly recommend this trekking company for your outdoor adventures! read less				
1/30/2020

					Acatenango overnight hike Was an absolute blast with Mario being an experienced and great tour guide. Fernando did a great job in leading... read moreWas an absolute blast with Mario being an experienced and great tour guide. Fernando did a great job in leading the group up to the summit and carrying up food and sleeping bags. Has top equipment, considers different levels of fitness and provides lip-smacking comfort food. read less				
1/10/2020

					A marvelous way to visit and experience Guatemala Except for a missed connection with the driver at the airport, everything was well planned and executed throughout the trip.... read moreExcept for a missed connection with the driver at the airport, everything was well planned and executed throughout the trip. We spent our first two nights at a charming hotel in Antigua and were met on our first morning by a local guide who enthusiastically showed us his city. The information enlightened our understanding of Guatemala throughout the rest of our trek. The second day, we were picked up and taken to the beginning of the hike. It was fascinating to see the daily lives of the people in the mountains. We are glad we bought new hiking boots for the trip and glad they provided walking sticks. It was a tough climb, and when we arrived at our camp, we were greeted with fresh fruit smoothies as we learned about using the hot shower and flush toilet. (Not like a hotel, but better than the alternative). We could stand up in our large tents and had beds with cushy air mattresses that we heated with hot water bottles after dinner. The dining tent displayed a map with all the elevation and distances which turned out to be much more arduous than anything we had experienced in the US. Our guide, Juan Pablo, was fantastic throughout the trip. The support staff (cook and driver) employed local people to help set up, take down camp each day, and act as local guides. The detailed packing list helped us prepare for the changes in weather.  While I struggled with my knees on the steep slopes, I marveled at the local men, women and children hauling large loads on their backs up and down the fields. It was an up-close-and-personal way to witness how other people live. At Lake Atitlan, we stayed at a very charming and atmospheric hotel on the lake. Though after all that hiking, the 103 steps from the dock to the lobby were a struggle. The next day was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. We were taken by boat across the lake to Santiago Atitilan, where a charming guide named Lola shared her love of her town with us. It included history, tragedy and culture as well as a visit to her sister's home where she tried to teach me how to make tortillas and then served us a traditional meal.On our last day, a driver met us and drove us back to the hotel in Antigua to pack for our flight home. Driving on the mountainous, winding steep roads for hours, we realized our hike had taken us on the shortest distance and most scenic route between Antigua and Lake Atitlan. read less				
12/14/2019

					What an experience! An amazing way to see this beautiful country. Slowly (lol) walking through the fertile mountains, on tracks, many fallen out... read moreAn amazing way to see this beautiful country. Slowly (lol) walking through the fertile mountains, on tracks, many fallen out of use, prior to Matt approaching the local villagers. Only 3k on tarmac! And then Lake Atitlan! Oh wow! read less				
12/14/2019

					Unworldly views of Fuego, Acatenango is a planned two day expedition with Trek Guatamala It can be done in a day, but the whole... read moreAcatenango is a planned two day expedition with Trek Guatamala It can be done in a day, but the whole point is the night view of Fuego erupting just a few miles away and the glowing lava flows on the now very active Pacaya. We initially booked a private tour with the caveat that if others wanted to join us they could. We were delighted when we receive a partial refund from Trek Guatemala to have Bethany and Laurie join us for the climb. Mario our guide was simply Awesome, not only  knowledgeable on the trail and volcanoes but also providing information on flora and fauna as well as local culture along the way. And it must be added that Hyme our porter provided incredible assistance, support and motivation as wellWe climbed through the cloud forests to get to base camp at roughly 3200 meters. Only to find ourselves in dense cloud with barely 50 meters of visibility. We could hear the explosions next door, and then as dusk descended, we caught glimpses or Fuego spewing ash into the darkening sky. By night fall, the skies cleared, and the real show began. With each belch molten rocks and lava were thrown high into the air and a fresh release of lava poured out and down, brilliant red against the dark night sky punctuated by a lightning storm along the Pacific coast.   Gear helps, physical conditioning helps, technique helps, but in the end, summiting takes a shear blind stubbornness not to fail. You ignore the bitter cold, lose footing, exhaustion of the thin air and put one foot in front of the other. Then you do it again. Over and over, never looking up, focusing on each step and breathing. Then you are suddenly there standing atop the world taking in unworldly views that very few mortals will ever enjoy. read less				
6/04/2019

					Amazing. Richness in every step We went on a four day trek and also had Trek Guatemala plan the rest of our time in Guatemala... read moreWe went on a four day trek and also had Trek Guatemala plan the rest of our time in Guatemala and into Belize. We were a family of four (kids 13/15) and my mother (76). We all really enjoyed the entire trip with the trek being a highlight. The staff (guides and camp crew) were all great. The trek was actually more difficult than I had anticipated based on some of the other reviews I had read but did not surpass any of our abilities. I wanted to keep on trekking although the others felt that the length of time was perfect. I liked the diversity and authenticity of the trek as every few minutes brought a new experience whether it was a town, forest, agricultural landscape or views of volcanoes. We were all glad that we brought warm clothes. The company should be commended for its commitment toward working with the communities so that there are some local benefits.  In general it exceeded my expectations and would recommend this trip who likes adventure, a bit of grit, and exercise. read less				
5/31/2019

					Guatemala closeup The trek is very well prepared and allows to see the real country, people, and nature. It leads away from... read moreThe trek is very well prepared and allows to see the real country, people, and nature. It leads away from the tourist routes into the fields and villages and trails that only locals tread. We went in February and most volcanoes we passed by remained hidden in fog. Still the trek left a very deep experience. Some stretches are steep and each day provides a bit of workout, but the time for rest is ample and the camp is waiting for you in the end of the trek. The shower and toilet were actually quite comfortable to use. The company works in collaboration with local communities, and this is one of the best impressions of this trek. Each day we walked with a local guide and could partake of a local experience. This is totally recommended if you want to be off the beaten path, enjoy being jn nature and are curious about people and culture. Very immersive yet with enough comfort and very well organized. Lots of thanks to Matt and team, especially for respect for the native communities and the love for the country. read less				
5/31/2019

					Fabulous Trek - Authentic, Strenuous and Fun! The trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan with Trek Guatemala was wonderful - from the landscape to the tents to... read moreThe trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan with Trek Guatemala was wonderful - from the landscape to the tents to the food to the company, I had a great time. I went alone, and was happy with the friendliness of the crew, the guide (Mario is amazing!) and the other hikers. The views are spectacular and I didn't see another tourist (apart from our group) the entire time. The hike itself is very strenuous at times, and strangely easy at others -it definitely felt like extremes from that point of view. My only question is whether they should stratify hiking groups, since there was a divide in levels and speeds of hiking. That said, it didn't really bother me to wait, I just felt badly and didn't want to put pressure on other members of the group.A few key notes: it's COLD at night in the mountains! I felt silly initially for bringing my Arcteryx winter coat, but it was totally necessary in the end. Also, a headlamp or little flashlight is super helpful, and it would have been nice to have cards or travel games for downtime in the late evening/early afternoon. Great trip, highly recommended! read less				
5/30/2019

					Trek Off The Beaten Path We had an excellent trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Matt amended the itinerary to 3 days as we were... read moreWe had an excellent trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Matt amended the itinerary to 3 days as we were short on time, however by the end we wished the trek could have continued for longer. It was wonderful to trek through villages which rarely see tourists to get an impression of rural Guatemalan life. Hearing the church services with live music and singing in the villages over Easter weekend was magical.Matt's team with Luis the guide and Ana the cook looked after us excellently. The camp was set up luxuriously. It was the highlight of our trip to Guatemala. read less				
5/06/2019

					Great trekking experience Climb of Acatenango volcano with overnight at the base camp right across from Fuego volcano. Trek over to Lac Atitlan... read moreClimb of Acatenango volcano with overnight at the base camp right across from Fuego volcano. Trek over to Lac Atitlan passing through coffee plantation and tropical rain forest. Gorgeous sun sets and relaxing by the camp fire after a full day of hiking. And despite our group size of twelve we had enough water to wash off the dust from the hike. Kudos to Matt for laying out the itinerary which gave us the opportunity to discover Guatemala with all its various aspects, our two guides Mario and Luis for their guidance, Cecilia for his local assistance and Ana the cook who made sure we didn’t leave the table still being hungry. read less				
5/03/2019

					Fabulous Trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan Our 4 day, 3 night adventure with Trek Guatemala was a wonderful experience. We trekked through cloud forests, across hanging... read moreOur 4 day, 3 night adventure with Trek Guatemala was a wonderful experience. We trekked through cloud forests, across hanging footbridges, through coffee and avocado plantations. The trek was really well organised, our tents were comfortable and the hot shower was a really hit! The food served for lunch and dinner was excellent. We would recommend this trek to anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness. read less				
2/23/2019

					Beautiful terrain, delicious food and even better company. My wife and I are avid hikers.  We particularly enjoy hikes that are both physically challenging AND take us... read moreMy wife and I are avid hikers.  We particularly enjoy hikes that are both physically challenging AND take us off of the beaten path, exposing us to undisturbed natural landscapes and authentic communities.  Our hike with Trek Guatemala delivered these things and much more.  The terrain was varied and beautiful with a lovely combination of segments that were seldom used and others that took us through fruit and coffee plantations.  The food was delicious, the accommodations were very comfortable (definitely glamping rather than camping) and the service was excellent.  The best part of the trip, however, was the company.  Matt and the rest of his staff were genuine, kind, friendly and lot's of fun.  By the end we felt like we were saying goodbye to new friends.  In short, we loved it and would give it 6 stars if we could. read less				
1/08/2019

					Wonderful way to experience Guatemala! We joined up with Matt, Mario, and the Trek Guatemala team for a trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan in... read moreWe joined up with Matt, Mario, and the Trek Guatemala team for a trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan in August, 2018. We were a group of 9, with 5 kids ages 8 to 11, so a lot to handle, but Trek Guatemala handled it all effortlessly. From start to finish, Matt and team had every detail covered without a hitch, and we had an incredible experience. The food was great, glamping accommodations top-notch, staff incredible, and experiences along the route unlike any other in Guatemala (having spent a lot of time there). The trek takes you well off any beaten, tourist route, through small villages and quiet jungles, allowing you to see the hidden beauty of this Mayan heartland and ecological paradise in a way few others do. Why simply drive to the Lake as everyone else does? Take a few days to walk with Matt and his team through the landscape - you won't be disappoint read less				
12/17/2018

					Amazing family trek! Matt, Mario, and the incredible Trek Guatemala  team provided an amazing experience for our family of five!  They... read moreMatt, Mario, and the incredible Trek Guatemala  team provided an amazing experience for our family of five!  They were well organized, incredibly  FUN, and ready to help immerse us all in the beauty and culture  of Guatemala.  Matt was able to accommodate  our difficult dietary restrictions/allergies in remote locations.  Our family felt comfortable by the fire and cozy our beds at night.  It was a beautiful trek with the right blend of challenge and relaxation. We are very grateful for this experience!   Thank you Trek Guatemala! read less				
9/27/2018

					Thunder, Lightning, and Lava.  It doesn’t get much better! In case you lose interest before finishing the review, the trip was fantastic and well worth the price.  We... read moreIn case you lose interest before finishing the review, the trip was fantastic and well worth the price.  We had a group of four that backpacked Acatenango on September 10th and 11th.  2018.  The reason our trip was fantastic was the weather was perfect, the group was well prepared, and Trek Guatemala was was also well prepared.  The only things you can’t control on the trip are the weather, your response to high altitude, and the other hikers on the trail.  This is not an easy hike but the reward is well worth it for those who are prepared.  Preparation.  First you should be in good physical hiking shape.  Our group was three guys in their late 50’s and a women in her early 20’s.  All of us live near sea level and hike 3-5 miles a few times a week and at least 5-10 miles once per week.  You’ll need to pack the right clothing.  Sturdy high hiking boots that you’ve already broken in are the best.  Descending from the top through decomposing lava scree tends to get lava rock in low hiking boots.  Hiking pants with zip off pant legs is beneficial.  Pant legs off for ascending and on for early morning ascent and around base camp.  A second layer of light rain pants is also recommended for the early morning ascent or rain.  Top layers like two wick dry t shirts (one to change into at camp), light fleece, thin down jacket, and rain jacket give you flexibility during the hike.  A warm hat and gloves complete your clothing.  All of us took Advil at the trial head, at base camp before bed, and in the morning as a precaution for altitude sickness.  You may want to google more on altitude sickness if you are not familiar.  For sleeping you may want to bring a sleeping bag liner and small blow up pillow. I’m not a big fan of sleeping in someone else’s bag so the liner solves that.  However, the sleeping bags provided were new and clean so no problem.Trek Guatemala was prepared with a great guide who spoke Spanish, English, and French.  The provided equipment, and rental gear if needed, was all new and of very good quality.  The food was very good and our guide prepared lunch, dinner, and breakfast that other hiking groups were jealous of.  Our guide made guacamole with tomatoes and onions at the stop.  There were tortillas, chips, pastries, apples, bread, and refried beans.  Dinner was sliced bread with tomato topping and a bottle of wine to start with.  The entree was bow tie pasta, tomatoes, salad.  Top off with S’mores at the end.  Breakfast the next morning was after the ascent and included strawberries, granola, yogurt, apples, coffee and tea.  The food was excellent and I may have missed a few items, but you won’t go hungry.The trail.  It’s mostly a single track straight up.  Very few switch backs and the ones that are there are steep.  Did I mention it’s steep.  To put it in perspective. The hike up Mt Whitney starts at 8800 feet and finishes at 14,500 feet.  This hike starts at 7800 feet and finishes at 13000 feet.  Basically the same elevation gain but in half the distance.  Mt. Whitney is 11 miles up and this hike is just less than 6 miles one way.  Base camp is at 11,700 feet which took us 4.5 hours.  The next day is another 1300 feet up decomposed lava.  If you’ve even seen movies about hiking Mt Everest, this is close to it.  We had about 100 people on the trial trying to get up to the top before sunrise.  It was a traffic jam but everyone was calm.  Coming down the trail is hard on the quads and it’s best to take it slow although we did it in under 2.5 hours from the top. The weather.  Unpredictable but for our trip is was overcast during the hike up which was welcomed because it would have been really hot even though there is cover most of the way.  At camp the clouds covered Fuego while we settled in and then dispersed to show Fuego right in front of us spewing smoke, rock, and lava.  Once it was dark, the lava and thunder and lightning show was amazing.  Fuego erupted all night long.  Up at 4:00am to make it to the top to see the sunrise at 5:40am.  The weather was cool but not cold.  We didn’t need all our cold weather gear but this was not usual the guide said.  No wind at the top and clear skies to see all the volcanoes, the lake, and city lights.  Miscellaneous.  There are stray dogs on the trails and a few followed us all the way to base camp.  Ours weren’t aggressive and one slept in the vestibule of our tent with his body next to mine separated by the tent wall.  He benefitted more from the body heat than I did.  Porters.  I highly recommend getting a porter or two.  We hired two.  This was the first time for me.  I felt guilty at first but it helps the locals.  These guys are strong and with a mule they carried our water and sleeping gear.  Our tents were set up when we arrived and a nice touch was the thermarest chair made out of the sleeping pad.  The only improvement I would suggest at camp would be to have a few log benches at least to sit on because it’s all lava rock.  You carry your own clothing and water you’ll need that day, about 3 liters depending on your level hydration.I know it’s a long review but hopefully it’s helps.  Be prepared and have fun.  It’s a trip you’ll long remember. read less				
9/15/2018

					Amazing Acatenango We completed the overnight hike to Acatenango at the end of August. The whole process was awesome from the booking... read moreWe completed the overnight hike to Acatenango at the end of August. The whole process was awesome from the booking to completing the hike. Billy was our guide and spoke great english and his knowledge of the area was great. The experience was unreal from the change climate as you get higher on Acatenango from the fresh food we are along the way. I would recommend these guys to anyone that want to experience Acatenango as they had the best spot at base camp for viewing the eruptions.The hike was difficult but you can go at what ever pace suits you and when they say it gets cold at the top they weren't lying so i suggest taking extra clothes. read less				
9/12/2018

					An unforgettable experience! Trek Guatemala made our first (but not last) visit to Guatemala unforgettable and magical. Our four day/three night trek from... read moreTrek Guatemala made our first (but not last) visit to Guatemala unforgettable and magical. Our four day/three night trek from Antigua to Lake Atitlan was made extra special by our superb guide Mario as well as the founder Matt, who both went above and beyond throughout our stay to make it so very enjoyable. The camping set up is incredible - from the super comfortable beds (complete with hot water bottles!) to the bathroom/toilet facilities, the delicious food, and the beautiful campfire set up (where I tried my first s'more!) to welcome us after each day's trekking, we were thoroughly well looked after.As well as all this, we got to see amazing and breathtaking landscape along the way, with a volcano/panoramic view never far from sight. We didn't see a single tourist/other trekker during the whole time, only meeting Guatemalan locals along the way - some of the most friendly and hospitable people I've ever met. At each campsite we stayed at they made a concerted effort to work with the local community, leaving only a sustainable impact on the local way of life as we passed through. This being one of the key reasons why this company is the one to choose!I can't recommend Trek Guatemala enough - it's one of the most authentic travel experiences I've ever had! read less				
9/10/2018
Adventure

Guatemala Adventure

Sample 12-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival/Antigua

Day 2: Pacaya Volcano Hike

Day 3: Trek to Terra Camp

Day 4: Trek to Fuego Camp

Day 5: Trek to Agua Camp

Day 6: Trek to Lake Atitlan

Day 7: Lake Atitlán Relax

Day 8: Lake Atitlán Kayaking

Day 9: Santa Cruz to San Marcos Hike

Day 10: Lake Atitlán to Antigua

Day 11: Antigua Zipline & Spa

Day 12: Departure

Recommended Adventure Activities

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike

Tikal National Park 2-Day Exploration

Antigua Glamping

Pacaya Volcano Day Hike

Pacaya Volcano Day Hike & Thermal Spa

Acatenango Volcano Day Hike

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