Trek Guatemala’s Sky Route Trek is a four-day, three-night journey connecting two of the country’s most inspiring destinations: Antigua and Lake Atitlán. This fully supported adventure features comfortable safari-style tent camps, our overland “trek truck” with hot shower and toilet, excellent food, and expert guides—so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Along the way, you’ll hike through lush cloud forests and coffee fincas, immerse yourself in Guatemala’s living Mayan culture, and experience the warmth of local communities. Highlights include learning to make handmade tortillas over a campfire, visiting a women’s weaving cooperative, exploring small-batch organic coffee farms, and meeting friendly locals throughout the journey.
Best of all, you travel light each day with just a daypack while we handle your gear and move camp ahead—creating a seamless, comfortable trek from one breathtaking setting to the next.
Trek at a Glance
Day 1 - 7.0 mi / 11.3km
- Mayan shrine “San Simon”
- Cloud Forest trekking
- Acatenango Volcano views
- Overnight: Terra Camp
Day 2 - 8.1 mi / 13.0km
- Protected forest and valley trekking
- 1900 ft / 580 m descent to La Vega River
- 2400 ft / 730 m ascent with views of active Fuego Volcano
- Overnight: Fuego Camp
Day 3 - 9.3 mi / 15.0km
Day 4 - 8.5 mi / 13.7km
Overall Tour Flow
Day One: Shuttle to San Andrés Itzapa → visit the San Simón Mayan shrine → ascent through plantations and cloud forest → lunch in a sunny clearing → orchid-draped forest trek to Terra Camp → hot shower, appetizers, and campfire dinner.
Day Two: Descend into the La Vega River valley → cross a hanging footbridge → climb through coffee plantations → lunch → arrive at Fuego Camp → campfire tortilla-making with a local women’s group → dinner and nighttime volcano viewing.
Day Three: Ridgeline hike with views of six volcanoes and cloud forest → pass farmers tending terraced fields → descend to lunch → arrive at Agua Camp with distant Lake Atitlán views → visit Chuinimachicaj’s women’s cooperative for traditional backstrap weaving.
Day Four: Descend into the La Madre Vieja River valley → coffee finca visit and specialty coffee tasting → cross a hanging footbridge → climb to Lake Atitlán’s rim for lake and volcano views → final descent to San Antonio Palopó.
Itinerary
Day 1: Mayan Shrines & Cloud Forest
Our journey begins with candles & ancient traditions before trekking into the lush Guatemalan countryside.
Antigua
to Terra Camp
Day one begins with a shuttle to San Andrés Itzapa to visit a shrine to the Mayan deity San Simón before the trek ascends through plantations into cloud forest, topping out at nearly 8,700 ft. A descent through thick forest leads to a grassy saddle and a sunny clearing for lunch, followed by an afternoon through orchid-draped forest to Terra Camp — where a hot shower, appetizers, and campfire dinner await.
Elevation & Distance Profile: Day 1
- Ummmm... what about a toilet?
Not to worry! Each trip is supported by our overland «Trek Truck», a modified vehicle that not only carries our gear from camp to camp, but also features a nifty hot water shower, portable flush toilet and sink. It’s private, and you can look up at the stars as you rinse a little trail dust off each night.
Day 2: Mountain Peaks & Fertile Valleys
Descending into the La Vega River valley and then climbing to Fuego Camp, Day 2 is both challenging and stunning
Terra Camp
to Fuego Camp
Day two drops 1,900 ft into the La Vega River valley, crosses a hanging footbridge, then climbs 2,400 ft through coffee plantations to lunch before reaching Fuego Camp by late afternoon — with front-row views of one of the world’s most active volcanoes potentially lighting up the night sky. Campfire tortilla-making with a local women’s group rounds out the evening before dinner and a well-earned rest.
Elevation & Distance Profile: Day 2
- And the Food...?
Our food is a highlight for guests on our trek. We serve a fusion of traditional Guatemalan and international cuisine. The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious! Vegetarian and vegan options are available. We also offer cold beers and Chilean wines at each camp.
Day 3: Mayan Pueblos & Volcano Views
Tranquil rural communities and patchwork fields dot the landscape as we follow a high ridge line that offers views of six volcanoes
Fuego Camp
to Agua Camp
Day three peaks at just over 9,000 ft along a ridgeline with views of six volcanoes and cloud forest, passing local farmers on terraced fields before descending to lunch and finishing at Agua Camp with distant views of Lake Atitlán. That evening, a visit to the Mayan community of Chuinimachicaj introduces guests to a women’s cooperative keeping the ancient art of backstrap weaving alive.
Elevation & Distance Profile: Day 3
Day 4: Coffee Fincas & Crystal Waters
Day 4: Coffee Fincas & Crystal Waters The last day of the trek includes a coffee farm tour and a push to our final destination…Lake Atitlán
Agua Camp
to Lake Atitlán
The final day descends 2,700 ft into the La Madre Vieja River valley, stopping at a coffee finca to learn about — and sample — small-batch specialty coffee. A hanging footbridge crossing and short climb bring you to the rim of Lake Atitlán, with sweeping views of the lake and three surrounding volcanoes, before a final descent to the lakeside village of San Antonio Palopó. Congratulations — you made it!
Elevation & Distance Profile: Day 4
Pricing
Single Supplement Fee:
If you are single and would like your own tent or if you are single and there is another single same-sex guest and you choose not to share a tent with that guest (each with your own queen-size bed), then a single supplement fee of $399 applies.
Private Tour Surcharge:
If you would like your tour to be private (no one else can join), an additional surcharge fee applies.
Group Sizes
- 2 guest minimum
- Groups up to 12 guests
What's Included
Guides
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) trekking guide with certified first-aid training. French, German & Italian guides available upon request.
- Local Mayan guides.
Meals
- First day: lunch, appetizers, dinner, dessert
- Last day: breakfast, lunch
- Other days: breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, dessert
Beverages
- Purified drinking water at trek camps
- Beer & wine while at trek camps
- Fruit smoothies upon arrival each day at trek camps
Accommodations
- Spacious 10 ft x 14 ft waterproof canvas tents with queen mattresses & goose-down comforters
- “Trek truck” that features a hot water shower, toilet, and sink
Transportation
- From Antigua to trailhead
Information
- Pre-departure packing list
- In-person trip briefing
- Our “Guatemala Travel Guide”
What’s Not Included
- Return transportation from Lake Atitlan (can be arranged as an «add on» item at check out)
FAQs
Is the trek safe?
Our trek passes through quiet, rural Maya farming communities that pride themselves on being welcoming to visitors. As you hike through agricultural areas, local farmers often stop to say hello while villagers are quick to share an “Hola!” as we pass through. Our treks have never had a single issue with safety or security.
Is Guatemala safe?
What’s the weather like?
Do I need any special immunizations?
Is the trek hard?
How about bathrooms and showers?
What are the tents like?
What is the food like?
Is a packing list provided?
What happens with our luggage?
How large is each trekking group?
What’s the best way to get and from to Guatemala?
Will there be a need for extra money along the trip?
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