Day 1 Arrive Antigua
Arrive Antigua at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy this charming city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.
Guatemala is a small country, yet offers a wide variety of geography, climates and people. Its mountains and volcanoes are a magnet for climbers and hikers; the northern Petén region’s dense jungle and glorious Mayan past draw archaeology and wildlife enthusiasts alike; and the colourful highland towns and villages with their smiling residents are sure to leave their mark on the memories of your travels.
Antigua Guatemala is a short 45 km from Guatemala City on a lovely winding road. The trip takes you through many small towns and villages, past red, tile-roofed huts inhabited by modern Maya in colourful traditional clothing. The natural scenery is some of the most beautiful anywhere, with high mountain peaks surrounding deep valleys and every inch of land covered with lush growth.
Day 2-3 Quetzaltenango
Journey to the highland city of Quetzaltenango, called Xela (pronounced SHAY-lah). This city has a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants, of which two-thirds are Maya. At an elevation of 2,333 metres, temperatures can be quite cool. Despite its size, Xela still manages to maintain colonial charm. While here, opt to check out some nearby hot springs, visit a sauna in nearby Sunil, hike one of the many volcanoes nearby or explore the city. This is also an excellent place to test your coordination with some salsa lessons.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 230 km
Day 4 Lake Atitlán homestay (D)
Travel through the hills and fertile fields to the shores of Lake Atitlán. Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue-grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.
We will overnight in the small town of San Juan la Laguna, home to 3000 inhabitants, mostly Mayas. Tonight, the group will be spread out among a number of homes, and you will sleep in a local home, where dinner will also be provided. This once in a lifetime experience will really help you to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day life of the locals in this region. G Adventures\' partner organization in this town is working hard with the Tz\'Utujil Maya to provide positive interaction with travellers through local tourism. The organization also works with the local schools to ensure needed materials are available to teachers and students.
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 100 km
Day 5 Panajachel
Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets in its centre and a great deal of old world flavour and charm. The best way to see Panajachel is on foot, but pay attention to where you’re going as there aren’t any street signs. Visit the old churches and explore the back streets to see the more traditional side of Panajachel.
En route to Panajachel, stop at several villages on the lake by boat. Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area have received tourists for some time and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as readily as they will at a life long friend.
Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, wind surfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 10 km
Day 6 Antigua / Sololá market
En route back to Antigua, stop off at the busy Friday Sololá market. This market is one of the most authentic in the region and serves as a crossroads for traders from the warmer lowland areas and the cooler highlands. Weave your way through the blocks of Mayans selling everything from meat and product to bright yarn and threads used to sew the traditional clothing of the locals. Be prepared for a colourful barrage of sights and sounds.
After returning to Antigua, you\'re free to explore the city, shop and check out optional activities in the area.
Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom. Jade, in the form of carved statues and jewelry, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewelry is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.
Optional activities include mountain biking, visiting macadamia nut and coffee plantations, and salsa lessons.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km
Day 7 Antigua
Depart at any time.