Guatemala Antigua + Lake Atitlan Impact Adventure

After arriving in Guatemala City, you’ll head about an hour South West to the beautiful town of Antigua. Antigua is known for its Colonial Era Spanish architecture, it is also surrounded by three beautiful volcanoes. Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanos can all be seen on a clear day. You’ll get settled in, meet your guides and the other guests you’ll be traveling with. Once we’re acquainted we’ll go out to dinner as a group to get the good vibes rolling!

We’ll start the day by having breakfast and delicious Guatemalan coffee together. After we’ve finished up, our Adventure Guide will take the group on a walking tour through the vibrant, cobblestone streets of Antigua. This town is rich with history and culture. Diego, our guide, is a Guatemalan local and a very knowledgeable person. He’ll be able to answer any questions you may have along the way. To finish the tour we’ll go to a viewpoint that looks over the city and is a great place to take photos. After that the day is yours! You’ll have the rest of the day to get some lunch at a local spot and choose some activities to fill your time.

A few possibilities for the day:
– Learn how to make chocolate from scratch
– Visit a world famous Jade museum
– Rent ATVs and explore the surrounding hills
– Find a quiet cafe to read a book or chill
– Hunt for souvenirs at the colorful textile markets

In the evening we’ll get back together for one of our favorite activities of the trip, a group cooking class. We’ll hop in a caravan of tuk-tuks and head to a surrounding town. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make a traditional Guatemalan meal with all of your fellow travelers while sipping on beverages and dancing to reggaeton.

After an early breakfast, we will head by private bus to the base of a majestic volcano called Pacaya where you will be able to roast marshmallows on hot lava! Pacaya volcano is one of the many (active) volcanoes near Antigua, rising to an elevation of 2,552 meters. The hike to the summit is gradual and manageable for nearly anyone and the views at the top are breathtaking. (If you don’t feel comfortable hiking you can rent a horse).

After breakfast, we will drive to San Lucas, a small town on the shore of the incredible Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is a natural lake inside of a massive volcanic crater surrounded by lush green mountains and known for its incredible Mayan villages and heritage that surround the lake. This is where we will begin the impact portion of the trip. Where we will meet the community and the organization who will lead us. Friends of San Lucas supports development in San Lucas Tolimán and the surrounding communities in Guatemala. We work through a locally-based organization: the Mission of San Lucas Tolimán. The Mission is run by more than 100 Guatemalans in seven program areas, including: Healthcare, Education, Coffee, Construction, Charity, Women’s Center, and Visitors.

We will continue to work alongside the community members to strengthen their community through the impact project.

We will continue to work alongside the community members to strengthen their community through the impact project! This is the final day of the Impact Project

After breakfast, we will jump on a boat and head across the lake to a quaint little town on the western shore called San Marcos La Laguna. This is your time to relax, adventure or do whatever your heart desires. Some options for the next few days could include: Sunrise stand up paddleboard tour, cliff jumping, rock climbing, learning ariel yoga (or regular yoga), rock climbing, weaving class, hiking,  massage, reiki, facials, foot reflexology, and countless other wellness experiences!

Continue your unforgettable relaxing or thrilling experience and San Marcos doing whatever you please!

After breakfast jump on the boat and head to the north shore of the lake to Panajachel, the largest and most built-up town on Lake Atitlan. We will have the chance to tour some of the bustling markets and see some of the intricate handicrafts for which Guatemala has become renowned. 

After we will jump on the bus and make our way back to Antigua for the final evening before we say our good-byes!

This is the day the trip ends. Guests will be leaving for the airport starting very early in the morning. Breakfast is included with stay at the hotel, but depending on your departure time you might have to get breakfast at the airport. Your guides will help you arrange rides to the airport, and say goodbye.