GUATEMALA: Culture, Volcanos + Kayaks (7 Days)
$2,000.00 CAD
Not ready to pay the full amount? Click here to learn about our Slow Payment Program + hold your spot with a $250 deposit.
International flights are not included in the tour price. Travellers are responsible for booking their own flights. This trip requires 4 passengers to run. This trip is operated by Martsam Travel.
...
Want to book a private departure for your group of 3 or more? Click here.
&media=https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0072/4736/4163/products/9CCAFBC2-AE99-42F8-9DBB-B59E16B4D9D2_600x.heic?v=1649859384){kind=link}
Guatemala is home to central America’s most diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural Mayan history.
This adventure will take you from the colourful maze of pastel-coloured colonial relics of Antigua, to the tranquil lake-side towns of Lake Atitlàn.
Take in the local food culture in Antigua. Kayak the crystal waters of lake Atitlán. Hike the volcanic mountainscape. Wander around Chichcastenango “Chichi” market - one of the largest and most diverse in Central America. Salute the sun on a private dock overlooking the lake and surrounding volcanos. Take in the bohemian vibe of San Marcos, and witness the spell-binding local weaving practices.
The Plan
DAY 1 | Arrive in Guatemala + Transfer to Antigua + Orientation in the evening.
Please note if you would like to hike Acatenango volcano, you will have to arrive 2 days early, or leave 2 days later. Please let us know and we can help you arrange your hike.
DAY 2 | Enjoy a Foodie Walking Tour for a closer look at market life, and explore the vibrant town of Antigua with your guide. Transfer to your cozy hil-side lodge on Lake Atitlan.
DAY 3 | Join a local scholar for lunch in his home and learn about his effort to develop a deeper understanding of the Popol Vuh is a text recounting the mythology and history of the Kʼicheʼ people. Hike to San Jose Chacaya for unbeatable views.
DAY 4 | Kayak tour of Lake Atitlán; visit and learn from the indigenous women who keep the ancient mayan art of weaving alive.
DAY 5 | Free day to relax or explore! Your group leader will be available to help you with any organizing you need for today. opt to hang out and relax at the lodge, or visit the nearby lake-side towns (psst - bohemian thrift shopping is must!)
DAY 6 | Visit one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in Central America - Chichicastenango for shopping and learning about this mystical town. Transfer back to Antigua. Sunset drinks at our favourite spot.
DAY 7 | Departure Day. Transfer back to GUA airport.
We highly recommend booking an extra night in Antigua to experience all of this incredible city has to offer (like chocolate making, and the Pacaya volcano hike to see hot lava streams!)
Guatemala "Need to know" guide bookInclusions
5 Breakfasts | 2 Lunches | 2 Dinners
2 nights hostel accommodation in Antigua, 4 nights accommodation in Lake Atitlán mountain-side lodge
⇹ Arrival airport transfer from GUA (La Aurora International)
⇹ Explore Lake Atitlán on a guided hike + kayak day trip
⇹ Lunch + hike with local scholar
⇹ Day trip to one of Central America's largest local markets in Chichcastenango ("ChiChi market")
⇹ Free time to explore
⇹ Transport in private + public vehicles
International Flights are not included in the tour price.
Guatemala "Need to Know" Handbook
About Accommodation
Multi-share dorms and private, multi-share rooms are available to book. Our hostel accommodations in Antigua will be shared-private dorm beds (2 nights), with an awesome in-house cafe and lounge space. (Maya Papaya, Ojala or similar)
Our mountain-side lodge in Atitlàn will have the option of double/triple share, or private rooms (4 nights), and offer may offer massage services and yoga classes depending on availability. To request a single room contact travel@origin-travels.com for availability and pricing.
Please note that photos represent accommodations we have used, and all future departures will use accommodations to similar standard.
The rad places we visit
Antigua
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Antigua is one of the most history-rich quarters in Central America, known for its Spanish colonial history. Pastel coloured buildings and Spanish-Baroque architecture are complimented by vibrant garments worn by locals. A towering volcanic landscape surrounds the small, square-shaped town divided by streets often littered with flower petals and grains to mark local ceremonies.
Today modern artisan and coffee shops line the cobble stone streets. The area pulses with a vibrant Mayan culture, and boasts some of the most intricate handicrafts in the region. On this trip, you'll get about two days to explore this area on foot, with an option to add-on a culinary walking tour to get inside into the local food culture.
Chichicastenango
Lonely Planet dubs this quaint Mayan town of Chichicastenango as a "kaleidoscope of colour". The resident Masheños people are known for their adherence to pre-Christian beliefs, and is a K'iche' Maya cultural centre. This retreat will take you on a day trip into town on the day that it hosts one of the largest markets in Central America, attracting merchants travelling for days to reach it. Looking to bring back a cool trinket for your pal? This is the place.
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlàn is a high-altitude lake formed in a massive volcanic crater, about a 2-hour drive from Antigua. Its sparkling clear waters are surrounded by three towering volcanoes, fertile hillsides dotted with palms, and charming villages. Each village has its own brand of tranquility, offering insights into both indigenous culture and holistic-spiritual practices. For those looking to foster a closer connection to themselves, the ritualistic opportunities are endless.
The best way to get around is by public boat taxis that pick you up from the dock of our lodge. Take your time here to relax in a hammock over looking the lake, break a sweat on a kayak + hike trip around the region, and explore the surrounding vibrant mayan towns.
That's what she said:
