Trek Guatemala's Highlands From Antigua to Lake Atitlan

Meet your host on arrival at the airport in Guatemala City and relax for the transfer to Antigua, Guatemala's ancient capital. This lovely colonial town is flanked by the looming Volcan de Agua to the south and the twin peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango to the west. Settle into your beautiful hotel near downtown. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day wandering the famous cobblestone streets, taking in the colorful architecture and street stalls, or simply relaxing at the hotel. Meet up with your host and fellow adventurers later this evening for a sumptuous feast of local Guatemalan and pan-American dishes and enjoy a chat about the adventure to come.

Meet your guides for breakfast before setting off straight from your hotel, walking through the cobblestones of Antigua. Your guide will lead you through the meandering maze of streets, past ancient ruins, grand churches, inviting street stalls, and coffee shops en route to Finca El Pilar. From here, the real hiking begins – through one of the largest remaining protected areas in the Antigua Valley, along a beautiful trail through lush old-growth forest. Continue for 3-4 hours below the forest canopy, with myriad tropical bird species here to look out for. Eventually, you'll reach your exclusive camp for the night – 'Atalaya' – set 6,500ft above sea level, with expansive views over the Antigua Valley and the volcanoes that surround it. Settle into your glamping tents, then kick back with a sundowner around the campfire. With some luck, Fuego volcano will put on a natural firework display at sunset. Tuck into a locally prepared dinner, with cheeses and wines to add to the glamping vibe here, on your first night out in the Guatemalan highlands.

Tuck into a Guatemalan breakfast at the camp before a short transfer to the small highland town of San Andrés Itzapa, where your trekking route to Lake Atitlan officially begins. Meander through a mix of farmland, pine forest, and up into the clouds – quite literally, as today’s route sees you reaching 8,700ft. You’ll pass through coffee and avocado plantations and hike deep into the Chicasanga Reserve, stopping for lunch in a forest clearing as howler monkeys call in the distance. Late afternoon, emerge at Camp Cerro Alto, nestled amid the trees with volcanoes peeking above the canopy. Your overnight spot will be ready and waiting – glamping tents with real beds, hot showers, and a warm welcome from your hosts. Tuck into another delicious meal around the bonfire before settling in for the night.

The sense of journeying through parts of Guatemala that few others see is palpable today, as your trek through the Rio Xaya area is surrounded by jungle. You'll kick off by descending through small villages and coffee plantations to the floor of the Rio Xaya canyon, then ascend the opposite side. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks soaring above, then there's a memorable suspension bridge over the canyon, straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. The climb from the canyon bottom back to the end point for the day is challenging, but split into two manageable sections. After the biggest day of elevation gain and loss on the whole trek, you'll arrive to find the glamping site set up in a small, remote community – expect to be welcomed by curious children from the village as you trek into camp. The site offers stunning views of the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes dominating the horizon. Settle in for a well-earned meal and evening around the campfire in this remote and memorable part of Guatemala.

Set off after breakfast for one of the most scenic days of the trek. The trail away from camp climbs steadily through farmland and forest to meet the Highline Ridge – a natural spine of land that slices through the highlands, offering cinematic views in every direction. To your left, the terrain drops away dramatically toward the Pacific lowlands; to your right, the mighty volcanoes of the Antigua Valley rise into the clouds. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimmer of the Pacific far in the distance. The path hugs the ridgeline, undulating gently as it weaves through pine forest, open farmland, and wild scrub, eventually descending toward a highland village where a final stretch along a rural road leads you to tonight's glamping spot. Perched above the rolling hills, you'll have distant views of Lake Atitlan shimmering on the horizon while sipping a sundowner. Before dinner, roll up your sleeves to try your hand at pressing tortillas over an open fire, before sitting down to another delicious meal prepared by your camp hosts.

It's your final day on the trail as the trek builds up to its grand finale and the ultimate finish line. Departing camp, you'll descend gradually towards the canyon of the Madre Vieja River, passing through patchworks of avocado trees and corn. You'll stop at a small coffee finca for a tour of their hand-picked, sun-dried operation – a reminder of the livelihoods tied to this fertile land. After crossing a suspension bridge spanning the canyon, there's one last climb to a ridgeline that delivers your first full, panoramic view of Lake Atitlan – a shimmering expanse of water flanked by volcanoes. From here, descend a spectacular hillside trail carved high above the lakeshore, winding through terraced fields until you reach San Antonio Palopo. The trek ends at the water's edge, where you'll hop in a boat for the short journey to your next base: the lakeside sanctuary of Hotel Atitlan. Kick off the hiking boots, slip on some sandals, order a Gallo beer or fresh juice, and soak up the views from your private balcony or the botanical gardens in the hotel's grounds.

After your efforts to reach Lake Atitlan, it's time to kick back and soak the place up in a more relaxing style. Board a lancha (a small local boat) and head across the lake to one of its most culturally rich communities: San Juan La Laguna. This Tz'utujil Maya town is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, women’s cooperatives, and vibrant local arts. Wander around this bustling and beautiful place, visit local coffee producers, artists and herbalists who share how ancestral knowledge is kept alive through daily life. It’s an intimate, off-the-beaten-path encounter with real Maya culture, set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Americas. Cross back over the lake to your hotel in the afternoon for some downtime – grab a dip in the lake or the pool, relax in the gardens or sip a lakeside cocktail at sunset.

Take the morning to enjoy Lake Atitlán at your own pace. You might explore Panajachel’s colorful market or take a final stroll along the lakeshore. After lunch, you’ll regroup for the scenic drive back to Antigua – a perfect opportunity to reflect on the past week’s journey. Check back into the Porta Hotel for your final night in Guatemala. You’re free to head into town to explore the cobbled street and grab a rooftop drink overlooking the town’s tiled roofs and towering volcanic peaks. You'll gather again with your guides for one last Guatemalan feast tonight to toast the culmination of the trip in style.

Time to say goodbye after an epic adventure - your host will take you back to the airport in Guatemala City in time for your departure flight.