Guatemala Trek Highlands 8 days tour
Original price was: $1,399.00.$1,299.00Current price is: $1,299.00.
- Day 1 – Arrival – and Explore the Antigua City
- Day 2 – Chichi market tour + Lake Atitlan
- Day 3 – Cerro de Oro tour + Santiago Atitlan
- Day 4 – Volcan Chicabal + Xela
- Day 5 – Cerro quemado & Fuentes Georginas
- Day 6 – San Andres Xecul – Iximche – Laguna Chichoy
- Day 7 – San Andres Itzapa – Antigua
- Day 8– Departure day
Available all year round
Group size 1-25
Guatemala
- Description
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival – and Explore the Antigua City
Antigua is a vibrant colonial city with a rich history, including impressive ruins and a wide variety of cultural attractions. To explore Antigua, you can start in the Central Plaza, surrounded by churches and historic buildings, visit the San Francisco Church and the La Merced Church, or walk along the picturesque Arch Street. You can also climb Cerro de la Cruz to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.Day 2
Chichi market tour + Lake Atitlan
Today we will pick you up at your family house with our van. The guide will take you to the Chichicastenango market to stroll through its popular and very colorful market. The trip will long around 2.5 hours, Here You are able every Thursday and Sunday to see local vendors gather in the central part of the town to offer a wide variety of goods, such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts, pottery, and even livestock.Day 3
Cerro de Oro tour + Santiago Atitlan
You may have heard this place mentioned in your Spanish class. “Cerro de Oro” (lit. “Golden Hill”) is a volcanic plug located in the lower skirts of Tolimán volcano right behind it. A hike from the lakeshore to the top will take anywhere between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on whether you decide to hire a pick-up transfer or not. Located inside a coffee plantation, the plug is accessible from the road leading to it from the nearby community of the same name. Its peculiar shape has inspired many stories in local lore, which you will hear firsthand from your guide. We will move in boat from Pana to San Martin dock and then to Santiago Atitlan to walk and discover the town. We will have time to eat lunch at Santiago (on your own).Day 4
Volcan Chicabal + Xela
Today we willget an early breakfast and head up to Chicabal. The Lake onto the summit of the volcano is a Guatemalan lake sacred to the Mam Mayan people. The lake is located in the municipal boundary of the town of San Martín in the department of Quetzaltenango. It is an easy hike for 1 hour or 1.5 hours. You will be able to see the rituals of the mayan people and its offering on the altars in the lake. After this we will head to Quetzaltenango (Xela) where we will know our family for today to sleep in one of the coldest place of Guatemala.Day 5
Cerro quemado & Fuentes Georginas
Today we will leave our family in Xela and we´ll head to Cerro Quemado village, where we will hike the volcano wiht the same name: Volcan Cerro Quemado. This Cerro Quemado Volcano Hike takes you on a journey where you can see breathtaking views, explore the Juan Noj Caves, and learn about Mayan ceremonies and traditions along the way. We will need a box lunch for this tour upon we finished we will address to Fuentes Georginas to stay in their cabains for the night and strecht legs and enjoy the thermal hot springs of the location. This place does not have restaurante in the nights wo that we will need to prepare our dinner for tonight.Day 6
San Andres Xecul – Iximche – Laguna Chichoy
Today we will wake up early to get the breakfast from the restaurant of the Fuentes Georginas. After this we wil pack our stuff and we´ll head to our first city for today. San Andres Xecul there is not doubt that this is one of the most colorful churches in Guatemala, visited for thousand of people, this church will be in your memories. After the explanation about the village´s economy and cultures we will take againt he bus that will take us to Chichoy Lagoon. This is no doubt one of the places that are nor very common for tourism but a paceful and beautiful place in Guatemala. You wil lhave the chance to camp tonight infron of the lagoon, it´s a great place to see a sunset if the weather let us stare the landscape.Day 7
San Andres Itzapa – Antigua
Today will be the last day of the meeting. The group will wake up either early or later for sunrise and breakfast. After that, we’ll pack the tents and sleeping bags into the van. We’ll drive just 10 kilometers to the Chichoy restaurant for breakfast. After the meal, we’ll head to Antigua. However, we’ll make a stop along the way to visit the town of San Andrés Itzapa, where you can visit the church of Maximón (San Simón). This place is visited by people who believe in this contradictory saint, who isn’t accepted by the Catholic Church but has a lot of devotees from all over the country. After this, we’ll walk through the central market to observe the local economy. To conclude this incredible adventure, we’ll have FAREWELL DINNER in a local restaurant.Day 8
Departure day
Depending on your departure flight time, you will leave the hotel on time for check-in the international airport. - INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
What's Included
Activities
Day 2: Chichi Market (private group)
Day 3: Hike to Cerro de Oro (private group)
Day 4: Hike to Volcan Chicabal (private group)
Day 5: Hike to Cerro Quemado(private group)
Day 6: Visit San Andres Xecul Church (private group)
Day 7 -Visit San Andres Itzapa CityTransportation
Day 1: Transport from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua
Day 2: Private Transfer From Lake Atitlán to Antigua
Day 4: Transfer from Atitlan to Quetzaltenango
Day 7: Transfer from Quetzaltenango to Antigua
Day 8: Trasnfer Guatemala City for Your Departing Flight
Accommodations : Write directo for options on 3,4 or 5 star hotelExcludes
International flights
The meals not mentioned in the trip plan
Personal expenses
Travel insurance, and repatriation insurance
Optional excursions, activities, and optional tours - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (English Version)
What contingency plans exist for the volcano treks?
If any of the volcano summits are closed for safety reasons by local authorities, the host team will decide on an alternative trek. They will choose a route that matches the original difficulty level and follows best practices for safe altitude acclimatization.
o I need to carry camping equipment for the overnight volcano camps?
No. Your local host maintains a private basecamp on Acatenango, so you won’t have to carry tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat or cooking gear. For the ascent of Tajumulco, community porters will help ferry the camping gear to the campsite. On those two days, you only need your water, clothing and personal items. Filtered drinking water is available at camp to refill your bottles at the end of each hike and before descending the next day. A 30–35 L daypack is sufficient.
If you’d like an even lighter load, porters can be hired locally for **USD 35 per way**. Your host has partnered with local communities to ensure fair wages for porters and guides and high safety standards. Request this service through your host or guide before departure or during the first briefing.
How should I handle drinking water?
Tap water in Guatemala isn’t safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water. Every hotel provides filtered water stations where you can refill your bottles before each hike. Be sure to carry enough water for each day. In line with our commitment to reducing single-use plastics, no disposable water bottles will be provided.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Yes—you can leave extra luggage in Antigua if needed. Bear in mind you won’t return to Antigua until the end of the trip, so pack everything required for the volcano climbs. A support vehicle will transfer your main bags whenever you change hotels or destinations.
High altitude (above 2 500 m): what factors should I consider?
This itinerary reaches elevations above 2 500 m, where some may experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Past altitude experience doesn’t guarantee the same reaction in the future, but it does help you recognize symptoms and manage pace and energy levels.
Your Guatemalan guide is trained to mitigate altitude risk by controlling ascent rate, monitoring group well-being, and responding if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, assess your personal health—especially if you have preexisting conditions—and consult a doctor if in doubt. Arriving a few days early for acclimatization can make a big difference.
**Note:** Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached and include emergency evacuation.
ot climate: what factors should I consider?
Daytime temperatures can be extreme, with high humidity and little shade. These conditions may impair performance and increase dehydration or heat-related illness risk. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group, but you must stay well-hydrated, wear suitable clothing, and use sun protection.
If you have cardiovascular issues or heat sensitivity, consult a doctor before traveling. Arriving one or two days early can help you adapt gradually.
Can I book on my own?
Absolutely—over 70 % of our travelers go solo, making it a fantastic way to meet like-minded adventurers.
Will I be sleeping alone on the trip?
If you travel solo, you’ll be paired with another same-gender traveler in a twin room. All rooms have two beds. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know and we’ll ensure you share a room. If you prefer a private room throughout, inform us for a single-supplement option.
Who runs the trip?
Our EPIC GUATEMALA team designs exclusive adventures alongside certified guides and specialized local hosts. This trip is managed by a trusted on-site partner who collaborates with community experts to deliver the best experience and safety standards.
What vaccinations do I need?
If you’re traveling from abroad, check your country’s specific requirements and consult a travel health nurse.
hy are your adventures only for adults?
All our group trips are crafted for adults to share experiences with truly like-minded people. You must be over 18 to join. Minors can participate only when accompanied by a parent or guardian, as we also offer family-style departures.
Who will my travel companions be?
You’ll always be in good company. We form groups to keep itineraries and prices accessible—typically a mix of solo travelers and small friend groups (2–3 people), mostly aged 30–50.
If you book as a group of 4 or more, we can run your program privately, so you and your party travel exclusively with our guides.
**Group dynamics by the numbers:**
- 95 % rate their group experience 5/5
- 90 % recommend joining to make new friends
- 75 % have met travel companions they now call friends