Heart of Guatemala
Heart of Guatemala
Heart of Guatemala
6 Days Starting and ending in Antigua
Visiting: Antigua, Quetzaltenango, Panajachel
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QBSG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture. With a mix of Spanish influences, Catholicism and traditional Mayan practices, this place is a feast for the senses. Hit markets like Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables – and Chichicastenango – full of homemade wares and medicinal plants. See the shamanic ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Take a scenic boat ride to the shrine of Maximon, and find out why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
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: Quetzaltenango
Location: Quetzaltenango
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 3: Quetzaltenango
Location: Quetzaltenango
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Optional Activities:
-
-
-
Day 4: Panajachel
Location: Panajachel
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
Day 5: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
-
-
Day 6: Antigua
Location: Antigua
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights) -
Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings
-
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
-
Meals
5 breakfasts, 1 lunches
What's Not Included
-
Insurance
-
International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle , Shared boat
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.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Antigua. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. Please be careful when booking flights to and from Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Shared boat
Check out our Q&As
-
Is this trip right for you
The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be really hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
While your leaders on this trip will bridge any language gaps you have along the way, you'll find meeting locals easier the more Spanish words you know. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026
Monday - Saturday
Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Monday - Saturday
Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Monday - Saturday
Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Monday - Saturday
Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Monday - Saturday
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 05, 2025 - May 10, 2025Monday - Saturday
May 19, 2025 - May 24, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 24, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 08, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jan 19, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026Monday - Saturday
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 20, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 18, 2026 - May 23, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026Monday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 23, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Dec 07, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026Monday - Saturday
Dec 21, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions