Guatemala: Antigua to Lake Atitlán
A four-day trek linking two of Central America's most iconic destinations — through cloud forest, coffee farms, Mayan villages, and the shadow of active volcanoes.
Trek Guatemala
If we’re being honest…it all started with a bottle of bourbon. Talking one night over a few glasses of brown water, we asked ourselves, “I wonder if you could hike from Antigua to Lake Atitlán?”. We were certain that no one else was offering a trek between two of Guatemala’s most scenic destinations…but it seemed improbable that if it was possible, somebody would certainly have pieced it together. Our first step was to start researching via satellite imagery, looking for potential routes. Two massive river valleys dissected the way, but we could see ancient traditional footpaths used by farmers that indicated there might be hanging bridges.
With a basic understanding of the landscapes, we set out on weekends with our dogs and camping gear in tow to see the trails for ourselves. There were plenty of dead ends. Trails that disappeared into overgrown forest or simply didn’t exist at all anymore. We talked to local farmers who knew better ways, some of which have become local Mayan guides for Trek Guatemala tours. The villages we passed through were quiet, peaceful places…Mayan farming communities. Most had only seen a handful of outsiders before, so you can only imagine how two gringos looking for a way to walk to the lake must have appeared. At first they were apprehensive, but we took the time to meet with community elders to share our vision. We wanted to integrate local people, not ignore them. They heard our ideas and we heard theirs, and via countless visits and long discussions, they welcomed us – as they will welcome you. We look forward to you joining us to explore the beautiful country that is Guatemala.
Glamping & Trekking
Just minutes outside of Antigua, there exists a large forest reserve that embraces the Antigua Valley in a big, green hug. With its exclusive access, visitors who venture into this reserve are treated to the finest natural experience the region has to offer. It is within this majestic setting we offer Antigua Glamping. It’s the opportunity to experience our unique camps while taking in stunning views of three towering volcanoes, quality birding and solitude…without having to cross mountains to get there.
Trek Guatemala’s Quintessential trek from Antigua to Atitlan is a four-day, three-night journey between two of Guatemala’s most beautiful and inspiring destinations: Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Our treks are supported by comfortable safari-style tent camps, our overland “trek truck” with a hot shower and toilet, delicious food and drink, and knowledgeable guides. Along the way you’ll walk through cloud forest canopy and coffee fincas, be immersed in the sights and sounds of Guatemala’s living Mayan culture and communities, and be amazed at the kindness and warmth of its people. And leave the heavy lifting to us! Each day you’ll travel light with day packs while we move camp and your gear from one breathtaking destination to the next. Handcrafted adventure…in the heart of the Mundo Maya.
How We Do Guatemala
Private access to monasteries, artisans & ceremonies
Local insider guides and curated encounters
Heritage hotels and authentic immersive stays
Arrival / Antigua
Less than a two-hour flight from Miami, Houston and other major US airports, it's easy to leave home in the morning and be strolling along cobblestone streets sipping a latte by late afternoon. Based on your arrival time, your first day is spent in Antigua where you can explore the city's colonial architecture, artisan markets and countless restaurants. Overnight: Hotel Mil Flores (Dinner)
Explore Antigua
Following breakfast, you'll join famed local historian and author Elizabeth Bell on a cultural walking tour of Antigua. During the two-hour walk you'll visit Parque Central, the main cathedral and its 500-year old ruins, as well as the Palace of the Captain's General. You'll also learn about Maya archaeology through the spiritual stone of jade. In the evening, your trip leader will provide a final briefing to go over trek logistics, packing and any last-minute questions. Overnight Hotel Mil Flores (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trek to Terra Camp
The first day of the trek begins with a visit to a shrine dedicated to the Mayan deity 'San Simón'. From there, a short drive takes us to our trailhead where we begin ascending out of vegetable and fruit plantations into lush Guatemalan cloud forest, topping out at nearly 8,700 ft / 2,650 mt. We descend through thick cloud forest to a beautiful, grassy saddle between two mountain peaks before arriving at Terra Camp. After a hot shower and appetizers, guests warm up around a campfire before sitting down for dinner. Overnight Terra Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trek to Fuego Camp
Chapter two begins with a long descent through forest and agricultural fields into the La Vega River valley, more than 1,900 ft / 580 m below, where we cross a hanging foot bridge over the river (allowing you to embrace your inner Indiana Jones!) before a challenging yet spectacular 2,400 ft / 730 m afternoon climb through coffee plantations. Upon arrival at Fuego Camp, our staff meets you with a welcome drink. Take in the panoramic view with a first-row seat to Fuego Volcano — one of the world's most active volcanoes. A local women's group will show you how to make traditional Guatemala corn tortillas by hand. Overnight Fuego Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trek to Agua Camp
Chapter three immerses guests in the finest natural scenery Guatemala has to offer. A morning push takes guests to the highest point of the trek, just over 9,040 ft / 2,755 m. We follow a pristine ridgeline with panoramic views of six volcanoes and cloud forest before arriving at Agua Camp. After relaxing, we venture into the local Mayan community of Chuinimachicaj to visit a women's cooperative specializing in traditional backstrap weaving — an ancient art practiced for centuries in Guatemala. Overnight Agua Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trek to Lake Atitlán
The final day begins with a descent into the Madre Vieja River valley, where we visit a picturesque coffee farm to learn about the planting and harvesting of small-batch coffee. After, we begin a short ascent up to the rim of Lake Atitlán, offering expansive views of the water below and three massive volcanoes that surround it. A final descent takes us to the lakeside village of San Antonio Palopó to conclude the trek. Congratulations, you made it! Overnight Casa Palopó (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Explore Lake Atitlán
Following breakfast, the group boards a private boat for a 1-hour ride to the quaint Mayan village of San Juan la Laguna. A local guide meets you for a two-hour tour that includes visits to cooperatives for weaving, coffee, chocolate and honey, as well as several art galleries. Following lunch in San Juan la Laguna, the group returns by boat to the hotel to spend the afternoon swimming or swinging in a hammock with a good book. Overnight Casa Palopó (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel to Tikal
Chapter 8 begins with a relaxing morning at the hotel during which a local Mayan Shaman will conduct individual astrological readings and explain the mysteries of Mayan rituals. Following lunch, a mid-day departure back to Guatemala City's international airport, where a one-hour afternoon flight takes you to the city of Flores — the gateway to Tikal National Park. Upon arrival, a 15-minute shuttle ride takes you to Las Lagunas, a boutique hotel and spa on the shores of its own private lake. Overnight Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park, the crown jewel of Mayan archaeological sites, has been fascinating visitors with its stunning beauty and sheer grandeur as it rises out of the lush jungle of northern Guatemala. Tikal is the largest excavated archaeological site in the American continent, comprising 222 square miles of jungle. After an early morning transfer, a private guide meets you to tour Tikal's ruins, plazas and towering temples that rise above the rainforest canopy. Following lunch inside the park, you will return to Las Lagunas to explore the lake by kayak or walk its network of nature trails. Overnight Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Departure Day
Following breakfast at the hotel, a private shuttle transfers you back to Flores for a morning flight that returns you to Guatemala International Airport by 9am for international departures and the end of your tour.
Guatemala in Motion
Trek Guatemala: Welcome Video
Welcome to Trek Guatemala — your introduction to the highlands and ancient Maya world.
Volcanic Highlands & Maya Heritage
Trek through Guatemala's volcanic highlands, discovering ancient Maya heritage and colonial charm.
Acatenango Volcano 4x4 Overnight Adventure
4x4 overnight adventure on Acatenango Volcano with views of active Fuego.
Acatenango Volcano 4x4 Adventure
A 4x4 adventure up Acatenango Volcano for sunrise above the clouds.
Acatenango Volcano Glamping
Luxury glamping on Acatenango Volcano — watch Fuego erupt from your tent.
Acatenango Overnight Hike Base Camp
Overnight hike to Acatenango Base Camp with volcanic views.
San Juan del Obispo
Explore San Juan del Obispo near Antigua — colonial charm and local culture.
Swipe to explore →
Journey Line
Follow the path from start to finish — each stop along your adventure.
Designed Around You
This featured journey is an example rather than a fixed package. Adventure International can adjust every element to match how you want to experience Guatemala.
Your Guatemala Story Starts Here
From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the crater waters of Lake Atitlán, we will design a private journey shaped around how you want to experience the heart of the Mundo Maya.