Hidden Wonders of Guatemala Family Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Antigua and Explore the Old Capital

Welcome to Guatemala! Upon arriving at Guatemala City International Airport, you’ll transfer to the colonial city of Antigua. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Once the capital of Guatemala, Antigua is filled with a colorful Old Town surrounding its central plaza, Central Park. The city is also surrounded by several volcanoes. The contrast between these imposing mountains and the colorful architecture of the city makes it one of the prettiest settlements in the country.

Enjoy the rest of your day walking around the cobbled streets, treating yourself to local snacks at cafes and food vendors. Tomorrow you’ll explore the city with a guided tour, so for now, simply stroll by a few of the main attractions, like the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and the remains of the 18th century Convento Santa Clara.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Antigua
Distance: Flexible
Meals: None

Day 2 Guided City Tour and Cooking Class in Antigua

This morning the adventure begins as you rise ready to explore the beautiful city of Antigua with the help of a local guide and historian! This former capital includes an impressive catalog of colonial relics, with streetscapes of pastel facades unfolding beneath three volcanoes. On this tour, you’ll visit the City Hall Palace, the Palace of the Captain’s General, the Paseo de los Museos, and the Cathedral with its majestic ruins. You’ll also learn about Mayan archaeology and the spiritual jade stone.

After the tour, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch, relax, and wander around Antigua on your own. In the afternoon, a traditional cooking class awaits you. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich culture of Guatemala and learn how to prepare a local meal. Native Guatemalan chefs from the local region of Sacatepequez will lead the class, teaching you to create a main dish, prepare Guatemalan tortillas, and craft a traditional dessert. At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy the meal with the chefs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Antigua
Distance: Around 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Conquer the summit of Pacaya Volcano

Views of Guatemala City often include the city’s dramatic backdrop of the 2,552m (8,370 ft) mountain, Volcán Pacaya. It may not be Guatemala’s highest peak, but its slopes are home to some of the most impressive volcanic landscapes in Central America! Set in its own national park, Pacaya is a fascinating volcano with its continuous plume of smoke drifting from the summit, plus a massive, dried lava field at the base of its caldera and today, its yours to conquer!

As your group moves up the mountain trails, you’ll enjoy the vistas that seem to appear with each step. Upon reaching the base of the caldera, your guide will direct the group through the rugged dried lava fields that were recently reformed by a massive eruption in 2010. No matter the conditions you encounter on the route, you’ll traverse unique volcanic-rock landscapes as you ascend towards the peak. At the summit, you’ll stop for a freshly prepared picnic to enjoy along with views of nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.

The hike down brings you across the remaining dried lava fields before beginning the descent through Pacaya’s dense, lesser-known forests and farmland. Upon returning to the trailhead, you’ll head back to Antigua for another overnight in the old capital.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Antigua
Distance: 3-4 hours, 6 km, 400 m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 4 Transfer to Lake Atitlan and Explore a Local Village

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before setting out on a transfer to Lake Atitlan (approx. 2.5-hours) along the Pan-American Highway. You’ll then arrive at Panajachel, the largest town on Lake Atitlan where today’s adventure begins. From here, you’ll begin to explore the lake’s surrounding villages.

The lake consists of many smaller Mayan villages and your boat tour will visit a few to give you a closer look into the local markets, arts, traditions, and history. Santiago hosts an array of local artisan crafts as well as the infamous Mayan saint of “Maximon”. San Juan is famous for its textiles, and you will have an opportunity to visit a women’s weaving co-op and learn about the natural dying process, weaving techniques, and more. You’ll have a chance to grab lunch during the tour (your guide can help with recommendations!) and then in the early afternoon you’ll head back to across the lake to your lakeside hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax, take a swim, and enjoy the incredible views!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lake Atitlan
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Kayaking and Hiking at Lake Atitlan

After waking up to gorgeous views of the lake and its towering volcanoes, enjoy breakfast and then meet your guide for today’s adventure. In the first part of the tour, you’ll paddle westward along the north shore of Atitlan for 1.5-2 hours, passing by tiny villages perched on the sides of the sheer ridges that rise up from the azure waters of the lake. Depending on weather – and speed of the kayak group – there are opportunities to stop for a dip and/or cliff-jump.

Later, you’ll arrive at the next destination between the villages of Tzununá and San Marcos La Laguna where you will trade your kayaks for daypacks and hiking shoes. Climbing out of town on the lake trail which connects village to village, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of volcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán. You’ll pass through small villages as you follow the shoreline for approx 1.5 hours, eventually returning back to Jaibalito and Casa del Mundo.

After a hearty and well-earned lunch at the hotel, you´ll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lake Atitlan
Distance: 1.5-2 hours (kayak), 1.5-2 hours (hike)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 6 Leisure Day at Lake Atitlan and Transfer to Antigua

Today is yours to enjoy the beauty of Lake Atitlán at your leisure! Start with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, enjoying the scenery around you. Then head out to explore the area, including some of the picturesque villages specializing in traditional Mayan crafts and regional cuisine. You can join private tours (not included), take a taxi, or hike to the different towns.

If you wish to enjoy the water, you can rent kayaks, go swimming, or zip line (not included). There are plenty of public boats that take you around the lake, and several companies offer specialized themed tours. In the afternoon, you will return to Antigua for your final overnight of the tour.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Antigua
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Departure

After 1 adventure-filled week, it’s time to say goodbye to Antigua this morning! Depending on your departure schedule, you’ll enjoy breakfast and then transfer back to Guatemala City for your flight home.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast