Heart of Guatemala

Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.

This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.

Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.

This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.

Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.