Trek Guatemala
Trek through Guatemala in eleven days, from the jungle temples of Tikal to the volcanoes of Antigua and the highlands around Lake Atitlán. You move between three very different worlds: the ancient Maya lowlands of Petén, the colonial charm of Antigua and the spiritual highlands by the lake.
You explore Tikal on foot, among howler monkeys and toucans. You then climb Acatenango Volcano to 3,975m, camp on the mountain and watch neighbouring Fuego erupt after dark. The final trek is a dawn climb to Indian Nose for sunrise over Lake Atitlán.
Between the hikes, there is time to take in the culture. You wander the indigenous market in Chichicastenango and take part in a Mayan fire ceremony. You also join a cooking class with a local family on the shores of Lake Atitlán. A professional English-speaking guide supports you every day.
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- Hike through the rainforest to Tikal, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Maya world
- Climb Acatenango Volcano to 3,975m and watch Fuego erupt against the night sky
- Walk the Indian Nose ridge for sunrise views over Lake Atitlán
- Take part in a Mayan fire ceremony and a cooking class with local communities
- Explore Chichicastenango, home to Central America's most vibrant indigenous market
Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City and make your way to your hotel. Meet your trip leader and the rest of the group.
You share a welcome dinner in the evening, your first taste of the adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Guatemala City
Day 2: Flores and Cerro Cahuí
An early transfer takes you to the airport for a short flight to Flores, the gateway to Guatemala's Petén region. After a group lunch, you head into the Cerro Cahuí Biotope for an afternoon jungle hike.
The reserve has scenic viewpoints over the waters of Lake Petén Itzá. Look out for ocellated turkeys, birds, reptiles and mammals moving through the forest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Stay: Flores
Day 3: Tikal National Park
Spend a full day exploring Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most powerful cities of the Maya world. Stone temples rise above the jungle canopy. You visit the Grand Plaza, Temple IV and the Lost World Complex while your guide shares stories of royal dynasties and Maya astronomy.
You have a BBQ lunch in the park. Keep an eye out for howler and spider monkeys, toucans and parrots in the ceiba trees. In the afternoon, you transfer to Flores Island.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Flores
Day 4: Free day in Flores
Today is free to explore Flores Island at your own pace, relax by the lake or wander its cobbled streets and cafés.
You can add an optional kayaking tour, paddling across Lake Petén Itzá to a private island for a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. It costs around US$44 per person, payable locally.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Flores
Day 5: Flores to Antigua
After breakfast, you fly back to Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua. This UNESCO World Heritage city has cobblestone streets, pastel facades and volcanoes on the horizon.
You have a free afternoon to explore, then a group dinner in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Antigua
Day 6: Acatenango Volcano
You transfer to La Soledad Village, the starting point for the climb. The four-hour ascent passes through farmland, then climbs through changing microclimates into cloud forest as the trail steepens.
At 3,975m, you see Atitlán, Tolimán, San Pedro, Santa María, Santo Tomás and Tajumulco volcanoes across the highlands. You have a picnic lunch among the clouds. After dark, watch for the glowing eruptions of neighbouring Fuego Volcano. You camp on the mountain.
Trek: 4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Acatenango Volcano camp
Day 7: Acatenango to Antigua
After breakfast on the mountain, you descend to La Soledad and transfer to Antigua for a group lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to rest or explore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Stay: Antigua
Day 8: Chichicastenango and Mayan fire ceremony
You travel to Chichicastenango, home of Central America's most vibrant indigenous market. Narrow streets are lined with handwoven textiles, carved masks and medicinal herbs, and bartering is still part of daily life.
You visit Santo Tomás Church, a 16th century landmark where Mayan and Catholic traditions meet. In the evening, you take part in a Mayan fire ceremony at Casa Diego Ignacio, led by an indigenous spiritual guide, followed by a group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Stay: Chichicastenango
Day 9: Lake Atitlán and Mayan cooking class
You travel to Lake Atitlán and take a private boat to San Juan La Laguna, a village known for sustainable tourism. You visit women-led textile cooperatives and natural dyeing projects, then join a cooking class with a local family.
You continue to Santiago Atitlán to visit the church of St James the Apostle and the Calle de los Artistas, where local painters sell work from their studios. You then transfer to Panajachel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Stay: Panajachel
Day 10: Indian Nose hike
Rise early for the Indian Nose hike, one of Guatemala's best viewpoints. A boat ride to San Juan La Laguna is followed by a 4x4 transfer to Santa Clara La Laguna, the trailhead.
You climb in the crisp morning air as volcano silhouettes appear against the dawn sky. You reach the summit for sunrise over Lake Atitlán. The descent winds back through the highlands to San Juan La Laguna, where a group lunch marks your final trek. In the evening, you share a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Stay: Panajachel
Day 11: Depart
After breakfast, your trip ends. You can make your own way to the airport or start your extension.
Meals: Breakfast
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels, including taxes, plus one night camping on Acatenango Volcano
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Return domestic flights between Guatemala City and Flores (1 x 23kg bag)
- Entry fees where applicable
- The Acatenango Volcano hike
- A Mayan fire ceremony
- A private boat on Lake Atitlán
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A Dream Challenges leader and English-speaking local guide
- Medical support throughout your trek
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
I'm worried about signing up on my own…
Please don't be! Many participants sign up for Trek Guatemala solo, and it's a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers. Once you've registered, we'll send you a link to a private Facebook group where you can connect with fellow trekkers, share training tips and swap travel plans.
You may also want to reach out in the group to find training partners in your local area.
Is there a minimum/maximum age limit?
Everyone aged 18 and over by the departure date is welcome to join this trekking adventure. If you would like someone under the age of 18 to participate, please contact us at least 17 weeks before departure to discuss options. You can reach us at 01590 646410 or bookings@dream-challenges.com.
What's included?
Your deposit secures your place on the trip and goes towards your trip cost.
Your trip cost covers:
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Accommodation in hotels, including taxes, plus one night camping on Acatenango Volcano
- Transfers as described in the itinerary
- Return domestic flights between Guatemala City and Flores (1 x 23kg bag)
- Entry fees where applicable
- The Acatenango Volcano hike
- A Mayan fire ceremony
- A private boat on Lake Atitlán
- Luggage transportation on every day of the trek
- A Dream Challenges leader and English-speaking local guide
- Medical support during the trek
- Full support from the Dream Challenges office in the lead-up to and during your trip
Accommodation is based on twin-sharing. If you'd prefer a room to yourself, a single supplement is available for £690. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Do I need special equipment?
Good quality hiking boots with ankle support are essential. We also recommend quick-dry clothing and warm layers for cold mornings and evenings. You'll need to bring your own water bottles or a hydration system.
What other costs will I pay?
In addition to your trip cost, you'll need to budget for:
- Your international flights
- Airport transfers
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Any meals not included in the itinerary
- The optional kayaking tour in Flores on Day 4, available locally for approximately US$44 per person
If you'd like a single supplement, please contact us at bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 at least 17 weeks before departure.
Where will we sleep overnight?
You'll stay in comfortable hotels throughout the trip, with overnights in Guatemala City, Flores, Antigua, Chichicastenango and Panajachel, plus one night camping on Acatenango Volcano. Accommodation is based on twin-sharing, but if you'd like a private room, we can arrange a single supplement for £690. The night camping on Acatenango is shared, so the single supplement covers the hotel nights only.
Can I pay for a single supplement?
Yes! If you prefer your own room, you can book a single supplement for £690. Please email bookings@dream-challenges.com or call 01590 646410 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) at least 17 weeks before departure to arrange this.
Can I extend my stay at the end of the trip?
Yes. You arrange your own international flights so you can arrive in and leave Guatemala when you like. There will be an extension package available to book by 6 months before your trip start date.
What will the group size be?
The trip requires a minimum of 8 participants to run and is limited to 20 participants for an intimate and well-supported experience.
What about insurance and visas?
Travel Insurance
You must arrange personal travel insurance that covers health, accident, loss, cancellation and repatriation. We strongly recommend purchasing insurance as soon as you register to ensure coverage from the moment you book.
Dream Challenges provides details of a recommended insurance policy that covers adventure trekking and cancellation due to medically diagnosed COVID-19. You can find more information here: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
You are also welcome to arrange your own insurance, but it must cover trekking in Guatemala, including up to 3,975m. Please check with your insurer to confirm.
Visa
It is your responsibility to obtain a tourist visa for Guatemala if required. Please apply well in advance to avoid any delays. Currently a visa is not needed for UK citizens visiting for tourism up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival.
How will you support me?
The Dream Challenges team will support you every step of the way, from signing up to completing the trek. Once registered, you'll receive regular email updates starting six months before departure, covering everything from the itinerary and training plans to kit lists and travel advice. For preparation tips, check out: Dream Challenges Preparation Site (https://www.dream-challenges.com/preparation).
Can you offer travel vaccination advice?
As we're not medical professionals, we can't provide direct vaccination advice. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations, including whether a yellow fever certificate is needed based on your travel history. For general travel health guidance, visit the NHS Fit for Travel website: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.
Choose your style
Selected: Pioneer 2027
Available dates: 28th November 2027
Duration: 11 days | 5 trekking
Grade: 3 out of 5
Daily trekking: 6 km per day average
Total distance: 32 km
Elevation gain: + 2,200 m
£3,350 pp
Deposit: £335 pp