Multi-activity adventure in Mayan Land
From Pacaya Volcano to the Lost Temples of Tikal, a Sports Adventure at the Heart of Mayan Heritage.
Duration
15 days
From
€2,310/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This 15-day Adventure circuit offers a combination of sightseeing and sports. Discover the must-see attractions of the country through an original approach: explore the surroundings of the colonial city of Antigua by mountain bike, visit the villages of Lake Atitlan by kayak, explore the Lanquin Caves, the Mayan sites of Tikal and Quirigua and climb the Pacaya Volcano.
This circuit adapts to all levels and offers several route options for each activity.
Between spectacular nature, cultural discoveries and moments of self-challenge, this journey invites you to experience Guatemala differently. You will traverse varied landscapes, from volcanic reliefs to tropical forests, passing through the peaceful waters of mountain lakes. The proposed activities allow immersion closer to local populations and the country's natural riches. Each stage combines adventure, exploration and authentic encounters. An ideal itinerary for curious travelers seeking active and unforgettable experiences.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Guatemala – Antigua
Guatemala City → Antigua
Airport pick-up in Guatemala City
Drive to the charming colonial town of Antigua.
Antigua region by mountain bike
Easy Mountain Bike Trail to discover the villages around Antigua. The program includes a visit to San Antonio Aguas Calientes, San Miguel Dueñas and its Macadamia farm, Ciudad Vieja, San Pedro Las Huertas and San Juan del Obispo.
Active Volcano Pacaya
Antigua → San Vicente Pacaya
Early morning departure to reach the slopes of Pacaya, one of the country's three active volcanoes. Approximately 1.5-hour hike to reach the ancient lava fields.
Picnic at Pacaya
San Vicente Pacaya → Panajachel
In early afternoon, drive to the village of Panajachel on the shores of the Lake Atitlán.
From there, boat to reach the hotel on the lakeside.
Kayak on Lake Atitlán
Discovery of Lake Atitlán by kayak. 4-hour trip with stops in villages to discover the wonders of a Maya culture still very much present on the shores of the lake.
Hiking at Elevation
Hiking starting from the village of Santa Cruz La Laguna. Depending on the group's preferences, an ascent hike to gain elevation or a undulating hike along the cliff face.
For both options, stunning views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes.
3 to 4 hours of walking.
Solola Market and Iximche Mayan Site
Boat then road to Sololá, village overlooking the lake.
Sololá → Guatemala City
The Solola market is a feast for the eyes. Men and women wear traditional Maya clothing and producers from throughout the region gather there twice a week. Far from being a folkloric market for tourists, it is an authentic experience at the heart of Maya life!
Journey to the Maya archaeological site of Iximche and then to the capital.
Towards the Verapaces
From Guatemala City
Very early departure as the road is long to reach the Verapaces region. Change of scenery, leaving the volcanoes of the Altiplano for lush vegetation and a tropical climate.
On the way, stop at the Quetzal refuge, to try to spot this magnificent bird, emblem of Guatemala.
To Lanquín
The road is not paved during the last two hours before arriving at Lanquin, but this small village, situated on the banks of the Lanquin River, is worth the effort.
Natural site Semuc Champey and Lanquin caves
4x4 departure to reach Semuc Champey. In the heart of lush vegetation, natural pools of clear water cascade into one another. A magical setting for swimming and rejuvenation.
Then 4x4 to reach the Lanquin caves. Visit one of the numerous caves in the region whose limestone floor is said to be like Swiss cheese… For the Mayas, caves are sacred places that lead to the underground world of Xibalba, the origin of the world of men.
1 hour of 4x4 driving during the day
Rafting in the Verapaces
Lanquín → Rio Cahabon
An adventure day to descend the rapids of the Cahabon River. Approximately 4 hours of descent, with safety equipment, experienced and certified guides (over 15 years of experience)
Class 2-3 and class 4 rapids (class 4 rapids can be done on foot if desired).
This activity will be carried out depending on conditions. If navigation conditions are not favorable (strong currents, rain, etc.), it will be replaced by a tour and discovery of regional activities (cocoa production, etc.).
Transfers: 2 hours of driving during the day, picnic included.
Peten Region: El Remate
Long drive to the El Remate village, on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. A change of scenery and atmosphere!
Here we are in the heart of the Peten region, cradle of Maya civilization...
Night in an Ecolodge on the lake, to the sound of howler monkeys.
Mayan archaeological site of Tikal
El Remate → Rio Dulce
Departure to the Tikal pre-Hispanic archaeological site. You will explore this exceptional site, accompanied by an English-speaking guide, and admire its temples and pyramids, in the heart of lush vegetation. Tikal holds the secrets of a civilization that disappeared in two centuries…
Journey to the Rio Dulce village, then by boat to reach the lodge located in the jungle on the water's edge. Rio Dulce is a river that connects the country's largest lake (lago Izabal) to the Caribbean Sea. The Rio Dulce long served as the exit route for goods from the "new world" to Europe and the entry point for pirates seeking these riches. The river, which becomes a "canyon," is home to lush vegetation, mangroves, numerous birds and small mammals… A rich ecosystem. The Q'eqchi Maya community lives along the waterways, in small villages between the mangroves. There are no roads along the river… travel is by boat or along small jungle trails.
Rio Dulce River, at the Gates of the Caribbean
Jungle hiking, visit to a Q'eqchi Maya village or kayaking to reach the village of Livingston. Livingston, located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, at the gates of the Caribbean, surprises with its Afro-Caribbean Garifuna culture.
Giant Stelae of Quirigua
Rio Dulce → Guatemala City
Boat then road to Ciudad de Guatemala.
On the way, visit the Quirigua Mayan archaeological site to admire the tallest stelae in the Mayan world !
Departure
Transfer to the airport depending on your international flight.
10 to 30 min depending on traffic
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Beverages and personal purchases
- Tips
- Personal travel insurance
Included
- 14 nights in the aforementioned hotels, with breakfasts
- The mentioned meals
- Land transfers in private vehicle with driver
- 4x4 transfers in Lanquin
- Private boat transfers on Lake Atitlán and Río Dulce
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide/translator
- Local guide at Pacaya, for hiking to the lake and Tikal
- Entrances to archaeological and natural sites
- Activities and excursions mentioned with equipment
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Guatemala for tourism purposes. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Guatemala, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry into the territory. Guatemala is part of the CA-4 agreement with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua: the 90-day duration applies to the entire zone as a whole, not to each country separately. An extension may be requested from the Guatemalan General Immigration Office (Dirección General de Migración).
The authorities may also request:
a return ticket or onward travel itinerary (return flight or continuation),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Entry form
Before your arrival, it may be necessary to complete an entry form established by the Guatemalan authorities. This document allows the transmission of certain information to immigration services necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Guatemala
We recommend verifying with the competent authorities or your carrier whether a digital or paper form is required before your departure or upon arrival.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Guatemala from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, several vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
typhoid fever and hepatitis A and B,
yellow fever: recommended for travelers heading to tropical low-altitude regions (particularly the forested areas of Petén and the Pacific coast).
Guatemala is a country where malaria is present in certain rural low-altitude areas. It is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure to assess the need for prophylactic treatment. Dengue is also present in the territory.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence. Furthermore, Guatemalan authorities may request additional documentation when a child travels with only one parent or a third party.
Other nationalities
Entry requirements may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Guatemala in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Guatemala, you must hold a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Under a regional agreement, certain nationalities may stay without a visa. Residency conditions vary depending on your nationality. Before booking your trip, verify the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Guatemalan consular authorities or the Guatemala consulate in your country of residence.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 140 and 230 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (900-1,300 euros round trip) are additional. Guatemala is an affordable destination, often combined with Belize or Honduras.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You'll exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You'll refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Antigua Region
Trail Blazer of Maya Paths, based in Guatemala City
I love seeking out paths that aren't yet in standard itineraries. That's often where Guatemala reveals its most beautiful surprises.
— Jean-François
