Guatemala In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Perhaps one of the most culturally striking destinations in Central America with a rich tapestry of indigenous languages and communities, Guatemala is also a land filled with outstanding natural beauty, famous for its abundant volcanic peaks and breathtaking ...
Perhaps one of the most culturally striking destinations in Central America with a rich tapestry of indigenous languages and communities, Guatemala is also a land filled with outstanding natural beauty, famous for its abundant volcanic peaks and breathtaking waters. This unique journey focusses on country’s two most prized possessions, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua and the resplendent Lake Atitlán.
Allowing some time to settle into your new surroundings and prepare for the days of altitude hiking ahead, the trip begins in the quaint, historic town of Antigua. Here, you’ll spend a couple of days getting used to the elevated heights from your beautiful, boutique hotel and get your legs warmed up walking around the city’s cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Then begins the crossing over the Guatemalan Highlands on foot during a four-day trek through its verdant valleys and steamy cloud forest, stopping to meet and learn a new skill from the rural communities you pass each day. Not compromising on comfort, a deluxe tent is set up at a scenic camp spot in advance of your arrival each day, providing an exemplary glamping experience.
The trek ends at the shimmering waterline of Lake Atitlán, where you’ll be rewarded with a couple of days relaxing amongst this incredible setting in the area’s most high-end hotel. Transfer back nearer the airport for a final two nights in Antigua, enjoying its boutique shops and eateries and a special artisanal chocolate making class to end your time in Guatemala.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Guatemala City – Antigua
Day 1 Arrive Guatemala City – Antigua
Waiting to greet you at the airport in Guatemala City are your personal guide and driver, who will provide a warm introduction to your time in the country during your direct transfer to the charming city of Antigua. Set in a beautiful valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, Antigua has been described as one of the finest historic cities in the Americas.
Day 2 Antigua: Walking City Tour
Day 2 Antigua: Walking City Tour
Enjoy breakfast at your beautiful boutique hotel, before being picked up by your guide for a walk up to Cerro de la Cruz, a hill offering the best views over the picturesque town, useful as a warm-up for the altitude hiking to come over the next few days. Head back down to town for a private walking tour of its cobblestone streets. Dating back to the early 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage gem holds a collection of well-preserved colonial buildings that have survived centuries of earthquakes, floods and an increased population.
Day 3 Antigua – Central Highlands: Hike to Terra Camp
Day 3 Antigua – Central Highlands: Hike to Terra Camp
Leaving the town of Antigua, you’ll head to a small, countryside town to begin the four-day trek across the Guatemala Highlands to the majestic mountain lake of Atitlán. Beginning with a softer start, today’s half-day hike climbs from rural fruit and vegetable plantations to lush Guatemalan cloud forest where you’ll be rewarded with views of Acatenango Volcano, the highest peak in the valley. Later descend down through the forest to a peaceful, grassy flat between two mountain peaks where your deluxe glamping tent has been set up with a warm fire, cosy bed and a delicious dinner.
Day 4 Central Highlands: Hike to Fuego Camp
Day 4 Central Highlands: Hike to Fuego Camp
Waking to panoramic views and the rich aromas of Guatemalan coffee, the day begins with an invigorating 300m ascent towards the protected forests that line the route into the fertile La Vega River Valley. Then, descending through rich farmland, you'll cross the river by way of a hanging bridge before facing another challenging climb up through a landscape blanketed in pine forests and coffee farms. Arriving at your next camp late this afternoon there will be time to freshen up, rest and enjoy the front-row views across to the active Fuego Volcano. Once around the campfire, you’ll be joined by a local women's group to show you how to make traditional Guatemalan blue corn tortillas by hand before enjoying them with dinner.
Day 5 Central Highlands: Hike to Agua Camp
Day 5 Central Highlands: Hike to Agua Camp
Set against a backdrop of some of the finest scenery Guatemala has to offer, today's trekking takes you to the highest point of your journey, 2,755 metres above sea level. Following the ridgeline, the panoramic views from up here take in vast, dense cloud forests and no fewer than six volcanic peaks. A long and gradual descent past terraced farmland, hopefully with the chance to stop and chat with some local farmers, then brings you to the next camp where a visit to a local Mayan women's co-operative affords the opportunity to watch traditional weavers at work. Enjoy a final evening sleeping under the stars.
Day 6 Central Highlands – Lake Atitlán: The Finish Line
Day 6 Central Highlands – Lake Atitlán: The Finish Line
Slowing down the pace for the trek’s final day, you’ll descend 760m into La Madre Vieja River Valley and weave through a captivating patchwork of fertile farmland and traditional villages. Down in the valley, take a break at a coffee finca for a tour of the farm and lesson in the production of renowned Guatemalan coffee. Ending with a tasing - and a hit of caffeinated energy - the trek continues across the river and finally up to the majestic finish line at the rim of Lake Atitlán, where your driver will be waiting to take you up to the exclusive Relais & Chateaux property overlooking the lake.
Day 7 Lake Atitlan: Lakeside Relaxation
Day 7 Lake Atitlan: Lakeside Relaxation
After the effort of the last few days, today has been set aside to relax and enjoy the boutique hotel boasting picture-postcard views over emerald Lake Atitlán bordered by striking volcanic peaks. Described by the German explorer Alexander von Humboldt as "the most beautiful lake in the world", Atitlán is Central America's deepest and most spectacular lake with a shoreline encircled by culturally vibrant indigenous communities.
*A boat tour visiting some of the villages around the lake or more hiking in the area can easily be arranged if energy levels permit.
Day 8 Lake Atitlan – Antigua: Downtime in Style
Day 8 Lake Atitlan – Antigua: Downtime in Style
Driving back over the highlands you spent four days trekking and glamping through, you’ll head to your next Relais & Chateaux property back in stylish city of Antigua. Enjoy the wealth of boutique shops and restaurants lining the city’s historic streets at leisure this afternoon.
Day 9 Antigua: Guatemalan Chocolate Tour
Day 9 Antigua: Guatemalan Chocolate Tour
After a leisurely morning, you’ll be taken out to one of the surrounding highland villages this afternoon where a small chocolate factory still produces handcrafted chocolate using humble techniques. Indulge in a chocolate making class, where the aim at this small, family business is to preserve the taste and process of artisanal chocolate-making, as the Mayans did many centuries ago. Head back to the town with the most decadent Guatemalan souvenir in hand.
Day 10 Antigua – Depart Guatemala City
Day 10 Antigua – Depart Guatemala City
A final scene over the historic, pastel-coloured city framed by towering, verdant volcanoes leaves you with rich memories of your time in Guatemala as you’re driven back to the airport, marking the end of your stylish glamping holiday in this Central American gem.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Casa Palopo, Lake Atitlan
Spectacularly perched above Lake Atitlan, this romantic setting offers stunning views of the Guatemalan Highlands and a hotel of distinction. The main building of this Relais & Chateaux property features seven spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring an effortless fusion of contemporary decor and traditional elements. A separate villa complex offers two rooms, private terraces and an infinity pool and Jacuzzi. During their stay guests can look forward to enjoying a solar heated pool and the intimate Kinnik restaurant, which provides the perfect setting for fine dining and uninterrupted sunsets.
El Convento, Antigua
El Convento is an award-winning, luxury hotel within the UNESCO city of Antigua. Across from the Convent of the Capuchinas and four blocks from the central park, this stylish recreation of a 16th-century convent reflects Antigua’s historic charm without sacrificing on any comforts. Through the green oasis of the inner courtyard, draped in hanging vines and a candle lit glow, guests can make their way to the small, refreshing pool which provides an ideal spot to sample the delicious gastronomic dishes and wine pairings for which the hotel is known.
Guatemala Glamping, San Andrés Itzapa
This deluxe glamping adventure includes exclusive views and cultural experiences with local community members only available on this trek. Tents are delicately set up and laid out to offer privacy and a comfortable space to rest after the day’s hike, whether by the campfire, at your private “terrace” - set up with a shaded roof and a sturdy table and chairs – or in your walk-in tent. The quality canvas tents are furnished with two queen size beds, a bedside unit, netted windows for fresh air and goose-down comforters for the cool mountain nights.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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