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central america: guatemala

Guatemala Highlands Explorer

Explore central Guatemala's culturally diverse and naturally abundant highlands on our in depth, active exploration. Actively explore ancient ruins and modern sacred sites with an expert local guide. At colonial Antigua step back into the past, experience Guatemala's natural beauty at Lake Atitlan and relax in Georginas Hot Springs. Climb a cloud forest volcano to the sacred Chicabal Crater Lake then conclude your trip with Pacific Coast beaches and mangroves at Monterrico. Each day enjoy hikes with your guide who weaves a tapestry of history covering over 1000 years and illustrate the regions natural diversity. Explore beyond the main streets and trails to witness modern ritual and cultural tradition. Many guests complement the Guatemala Highlands Explorer with a visit to the ancient Kingdom of Tikal National Park or Copan.

Day 1 - Arrive Guatemala City
Upon arrival at the international airport in Guatemala City you are met by our local representative and transferred to the historic town of Antigua. Overnight at a registered historic monument in the heart of colonial Antigua.

Accommodations: Posada Don Rodrigo, Antigua
Included Meals: none

Day 2 - Pacaya Volcano Hiking
Drive in our private van to the village of San Vicente Pacaya for a hike up to the Pacaya Volcano Summit at 9,000 feet above sea level. Enjoy the 3 hour hike to reach the level where you can feel the earth move under your feet and, eventually see the lava flowing. After the volcano hike, venture back to Antigua and walk the cobblestone lanes of historic Antigua, the colonial capitol of Central America. Explore the historic churches, convents and buildings of Colonial Antigua, designated a UNESCO world heritage site.

Accommodations: Posada Don Rodrigo, Antigua
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 3 - Maya Explorations
Visit the shrine at San Andres Itzapa of pagan saint Maximon, a diety worshipped by the Maya and the Post-Classic Maya (c.1470) city of Iximche where the Kakchiquel Maya formed a brief alliance with Spanish conquistadors in 1524. This afternoon arrive at Panajachel, on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan. Panajachel's colorful and lively main street, along with its mountainous lakeside location remind us of a warm, latin, Lake Tahoe.

Accommodations: Posada Don Rodrigo, Panajachel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 4 - Lake Atitlan
Embark a boat for expansive views of three volcanoes cradling this scenic lake on the scenic trip to the village of Santiago Atitlan. Visit a Catholic Church where saints are dressed in locally woven, colorful fabrics. The Tzutujil village is also noted for its paintings, sculpture and embroidery. Return to Panajachel for a refreshing lunch before an afternoon hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos. You'll appreciate spectacular vistas on a guided hike along a well worn path linking the two villages. It is likely we will share the trails with local Maya farmers. The hike concludes lakeside where another boat transports hikers back to Panajachel.

Accommodations: Posada Don Rodrigo, Panajachel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 5 - Georginas Hot Springs
From Panajachel in the highlands travel over a 10,000 foot summit before descending to the edge of the Pacific Coastal Plain. En route visit a colorful church at San Andres Xecul before relaxing in thermal pools at Georginas Hot Springs. Continue to the city of Quetzaltenango.

Accommodations: Hotel Modelo
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 6 - Chicabal Crater Lake
Outside the city of Quetzaltenango is the village of San Martin Sacatepequez on the slopes of the Chicabal Volcano. From here a strenuous three hour hike to the cloud forest summit at 9,500 feet, rewards visitors with one of the most spectacular and spiritual sights in Guatemala. The lake within the crater is a regional center for traditional Maya religious activities. Local Maya Kiche people in the area believe that the crater lake is a link between the under and the upper worlds. Explore the lake and enjoy a picnic lunch remembering that throughout the visit extreme respect towards local traditions is required. Return mid afternoon to Questaltenango.

Accommodations: Hotel Modelo
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 7 - Pacific Coastal Plains
From Quetzaltenango a scenic drive descends 7,500 feet in thirty miles to the Pacific Coastal Plains Visit the Pre-Classic Maya (c.200 AD) city of Abaj Takalik. Drive through sugar cane plantations and mills, to reach La Avellana where a boat ride through a mangrove forest leads to the Monterrico. The islands sits among rich wetlands filled with bird and aquatic life, with stunning black sand beaches bordering the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodations: Dos Mundos
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 8 - Monterrico
Spend the day relaxing on the beach before a short transfer by boat through mangrove canals followed by a scenic drive back to Guatemala City.

Accommodations: Biltmore Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast

Day 9 - Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure or begin trip extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of travel unique.

Single Travelers: Rates are available for single travelers. Single Supplement $300

Land Cost Includes: Each itinerary includes all lodging as listed on the itinerary or similar; meals as indicated; all airport/hotel transfers when arriving and departing the stated arrival and departure dates of the trip; all land, air and water transportation within destination; entrance fees to national parks and reserves as specified; and guide services as specified.

Not Included: International airfare to/from the destination; excess baggage fees; the cost of obtaining passports; visas or tourist cards; airport arrival and departure taxes; meals not specified in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; personal expenses such as room service; beverages and laundry; personal communication charges; and gratuities to tour escort, guides or drivers.

Arrival/Departure: The Guatemala Highlands Explorer begins and ends in Guatemala City. Please plan flights to arrive anytime on day 1 and to depart anytime on day 9 of the outlined itinerary from Guatemala International Airport.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

To Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about options for extending your trip. We also specialize in custom vacations.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com