Quetzal (7 days – Intermediate)

You will arrive in Guatemala city and be driven to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua Guatemala. There you will be able to absorb the colorful scenery and enjoy its breathtaking landmarks. The next day you will be ready to go on an expedition of a lifetime when you hike the mesmerizing volcano Acatenango.
You will wake up and sip on our finest Guatemalan coffee just to continue your journey to one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Lake Atitlan is surrounded by magical towns, some named after the 12 apostles.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Guatemala City and transfer to Antigua

Upon arrival at the Guatemalan city airport, a member of the Silverbacks staff will pick you up to take you to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua. We will have a representative from our travel agency greet you at the airport and transfer you to your comfortable accommodation. Afterwards, take some time to explore the charming cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant local markets in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a delicious traditional Guatemalan dinner at one of the city’s cozy restaurants to taste national gastronomy.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Antigua

Today, immerse yourself in Antigua’s rich cultural heritage. Join a walking tour through the city’s colonial architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant street markets.

Morning:

• Start your day early with breakfast at one of the local cafes “Doña Luisa”  in Antigua’s central square, Parque Central.
• After breakfast, head to the Santa Catalina Arch, an iconic landmark in Antigua. Take a stroll through the arch and enjoy the fantastic views of the city and the nearby Agua Volcano.
• Next, visit Convento las Capuchinas. Explore the interior of this beautiful colonial church, which was originally built in the 16th century.
• From Capuchinas, walk a few blocks to the La Merced Church. Admire the stunning baroque architecture and intricate details of this historic church. If possible, go inside to see the ornate altar and beautiful artwork.
• Take a short walk to the Jade Museum and Factory. Learn about the significance of jade in Mayan culture and see how it’s transformed into exquisite jewelry and artifacts. You can also shop for unique souvenirs here.

Afternoon:

•  For lunch, try some traditional Guatemalan cuisine at one of the local restaurants in Antigua. Sample some of our mouthwatering dishes like pepián (a hearty meat stew), chiles rellenos (stuffed peppers), or tamales just to name a few.
• After lunch, visit the Convent of Santo Domingo. This former monastery now houses the Santo Domingo Museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region. Don’t miss the beautiful colonial courtyards and the stunning views from the rooftop terrace.
• Just a short walk from the Santo Domingo complex, you’ll find the Tanque de la Unión. This charming plaza features a fountain and benches, providing an excellent spot to rest and soak in the ambiance of Antigua.
• Head to the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history and production of chocolate in Guatemala. Take a guided tour, participate in a chocolate-making workshop, and indulge in some delicious chocolate treats.

Evening:

• As the day winds down, make your way to Cerro de la Cruz, a hill located just outside Antigua’s center. Climb up to the viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at sunset.
• End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants in Antigua. There are numerous options to suit different tastes, ranging from traditional Guatemalan cuisine to International dishes.

Day 3: Hiking the Volcán Acatenango

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating day hiking the majestic Volcán Acatenango, one of Guatemala’s most iconic volcanoes. After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the trailhead, where your experienced guide will lead the way. In spite of the challenging ascent, the stunning scenery and panoramic views of nearby Volcán Fuego make the endeavor worthwhile. Your tent will be ready when you arrive at the base camp, and from there you will be able to witness an unforgettable sunset with the glowing lava eruptions of Volcán Fuego in the distance.

Day 4: Sunrise on Volcán Acatenango and Descend to Antigua

Before dawn, embark on a short hike to the summit of Volcán Acatenango. As the sun rises over the horizon, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and valleys covered in mist. Enjoy the serenity of the highlands and capture this magical moment with your camera. The descent to Antigua begins after breakfast. Once in Antigua, rest and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Day 5: Journey to Lake Atitlán

After breakfast, bid farewell to Antigua as you embark on a scenic drive to Lake Atitlán, the most captivating lake in the world.

Upon arrival, settle into your lakeside accommodation in Panajachel and see the breathtaking views of the towering volcanoes surrounding the azure waters. Explore the lakeside villages Tour and spots of Panajachel, San Antonio Palopo, and Santa Catarina Palopo while driving an ATV from town to town, each offering unique insights into indigenous Mayan culture.

We depart from Panajachel and head over to Barrio Jucanya and visit Playa los Salpores, the local beach on the lake’s edge, to take our first clear view of the lake and its surroundings. After spending some time there, we will go to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopo. In this village, we can see and learn about local weavings, blankets, nahual, and other goods made and sold by the local artisans. At the plaza of this village, we visit a coffee house where you can grind your coffee and taste the locally grown beans. Once finished in Santa Catarina, we hop back on our ATVs and head over to the village of San Antonio Palopo. We will visit a local ceramic factory where we will learn about the process of pottery making that it takes to make all these incredible goods. Our adventure doesn’t stop here. We’ll be paying a visit to a nearby chocolate factory in San Antonio Palopo where we can discover the secrets of chocolate-making. A delightful dinner  will be served at “Circus Bar” where you will enjoy  the company of live soft music.

Day 6: Hiking around Lake Atitlán

Gear up for a day of adventure on Lake Atitlán. After breakfast, navigate with our private boat to take a picture in the famous hat street in “San Juan La Laguna” and prepare to watch the best lake view from the colorful “Mirador.”

Head out on a guided light hiking excursion to San Marcos Laguna, and have lunch at the tasty restaurant of Samsara. Next, stroll through this enchanting town, followed by a tranquil tour along the serene waters. You’ll be awestruck by the stunning scenery. Explore some of the lesser-known coves and remote lake areas, then enjoy a revitalizing swim and leap from the renowned 10-meter platform into the water.

In the afternoon, along the slopes of one of the nearby towns, “Santa Cruz,” for more stunning lake views and enjoy the cozy jacuzzi at “Sunset Atitlan.”  This venue is your accommodation, where they will serve a farewell dinner overlooking the shimmering waters.

Day 7: Day of Departure

On the final day of your trip, savor a leisurely breakfast and kayak in the lake, taking in the last moments of this unforgettable adventure. Our travel agency will transfer you back to Guatemala City for your onward journey or flight back home, carrying with you the memories of an incredible 7-day adventure through the mesmerizing landscapes of Antigua, Volcán Acatenango, and Lake Atitlán.

(Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors. The travel agency will arrange the order of activities and the specific details for the best experience.)