Meals

5 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Hotel (5 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle , Shared boat

Others

San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience Chichicastenango market visit Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan

Not included:

Optional

Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free Quetzaltenango - Chicabal Volcano & Lake Hike - Free Quetzaltenango - Santa Maria Volcano - Free Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - USD50

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Antigua

Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Quetzaltenango
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Quetzaltenango

This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.
Day 3 Day 3: Quetzaltenango
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Quetzaltenango

Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 4 Day 4: Panajachel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Panajachel

As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.
Day 5 Day 5: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Antigua

This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.
Day 6 Day 6: Antigua
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Antigua

Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

6 days tour

Heart Of Guatemala

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Heart Of Guatemala

Day 1: Antigua

Day 2: Quetzaltenango

Day 3: Quetzaltenango

Day 4: Panajachel

Day 5: Antigua

Day 6: Antigua

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania