Guatemala Lakes & Volcanoes: Atitlán & Acatenango - 6 Days

Day 2: Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano

Today, you'll strap on your hiking boots for a guided hike up the 8,370-foot (2,55 m) Volcán Pacaya, whose slopes are home to some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in Central America. Set in its own national park, Pacaya cuts an imposing figure with a continuous plume of smoke drifting from its summit and the massive lava field at the base of its caldera.

The trip up and back takes about six hours, but horses are an option for those who'd prefer a more relaxed ascent. Upon arrival at the summit, you'll enjoy a picnic lunch amid panoramic views (you can even roast marshmallows over volcanic vents). The hike down traverses more dried lava fields before descending through tropical forests and farmland on your way back to Antigua. 

Day 3: Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlán

At 8 am, you'll hop in a vehicle with your cycling group and make the three-hour drive to Guatemala's most famous lake: Lago Atitlán. Upon arrival at a trailhead in the lake highlands area, you'll unload the bikes and receive safety instructions regarding the day's route as well as the surrounding terrain. Then hit the trail on a steep country road that winds through the highlands above the lake on a mostly downhill ride passing several small villages and towns.

Upon reaching the first vista overlooking Lake Atitlán, your guide will stop and prepare a picnic lunch, which you'll enjoy as you orient yourself with the villages and geography of the lake. After lunch, breeze down the quick and windy road to the lakeside town of Panajachel. From here, you'll continue to your hotel in a village and will have the rest of the afternoon free to relax by the lakeshore. 

Day 4: Kayaking & Hiking at Lake Atitlán

Wake up to views of the lake and its towering volcanoes before meeting your guide for today's five-hour expedition. You'll start out in a kayak, paddling westward along the north shore of Lake Atitlán for roughly two hours. Pass by villages perched on lakeside cliffs, hop in the water for a swim, or even go cliff jumping. Your destination is a spot between the villages of Tzununá and San Marcos La Laguna, where you'll leave your kayak behind and lace up your hiking boots.

Follow the lake trail between the villages, taking in views of the San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán volcanoes. Hike along the shoreline and through small villages for about 1.5 hours, and eventually, the route will return you to your lodge. After a well-deserved lunch, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free.

Day 5: Hike Acatenango Volcano & Camp Overnight

At 8 am, meet your hiking group at Old Town Outfitters in Antigua. Here, you'll fill up water bottles and stock up on gear. Then take a one-hour drive to the slope of Volcán Acatenango and the village of La Soledad, where the trailhead is located. The route up the volcano has four microclimates, each of which will take you about an hour to hike. You'll start by walking up a steep path through farmland, which is the same trail used by villagers to reach their crops. The first hour of hiking is a nice warm-up for your leg muscles in preparation for the rest of the journey.

The second phase of the hike passes through an old-growth, high-alpine cloud forest. This type of cloud forest is found on the higher slopes of many of Guatemala's tallest volcanoes and is home to many exotic birds, including the famous resplendent quetzal. After emerging from the cloud forest around mid-day, you'll be treated to fantastic views of the other highland volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, San Pedro, Santa María, Santo Tomás, and Tajamulco. You'll have plenty of time to admire the scenery as you take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Temperate and tropical forests characterize the third part of your ascent, which leads to the storm-beaten tree line of the volcano. Your campsite is just below this tree line and offers sweeping views of the Antigua Valley and the adjacent Volcán Fuego. After setting up camp, take some time to stretch out and relax while your guide prepares dinner at 12,300 feet (3,750 m). Enjoy your meal while marveling at the awe-inspiring display of Fuego's eruptions.

Day 6: Descend Acatenango, Transfer to Guatemala City & Depart

Depending on weather conditions, your group will rise early, enjoy the sunrise over volcano peaks, and embark on a 45-minute/one-hour trek up a gravel trail through a pine forest. This is the steepest trail yet, and it leads to the rocky, windy summit of Acatenango's peak.

At the summit, rest and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Guatemalan highlands stretching all the way to Mexico. After breakfast and breaking camp, you'll begin the three-hour descent back to La Soledad. This route follows a different trail, so you can enjoy even more beautiful scenery as you descend through different microclimates. From La Soledad, you'll transfer to the airport in Guatemala City, where you'll catch your flight home. Adiós!