Guatemala | travelworldculture

PRICING AND DATES

January 16-23, 2027
- The cost of this trip package is $2,949 (USD), but the first 8 people who sign up will get an automatic $150 discount, making their package cost $2,799.
- Only a deposit of $399 will be needed to sign up. The rest can be paid in full or via a monthly payment plan with 6 monthly installments from June to November. Repeat travelers, don't forget that you get an additional discount!
- This trip has been planned for travelers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
- 1 of 8 early-bird spots are now available.
- 7 or 8 regular spots are now available.

Welcome to the most underrated destination in the world! Guatemala is home to volcanoes, crater lakes with stunning coastlines, colorful towns that will fill your photo album, and some of the best-tasting coffee in the world. On this trip, you will stay at a beautiful 4-star hotel in Antigua (which donates all operational margin to Niños de Guatemala), camp one night on a volcano (bucket list moment!), take a boat ride to explore the different towns surrounding Lake Atitlan, learn how traditional Mayan textiles are made, paint your own authentic ceramic piece, enjoy food and drinks at a stunning oasis only accessible by boat, and look for volcanic eruptions at every turn!

The trip itinerary begins with an airport pickup in Guatemala City. Following a private transfer to Lake Atitlan, the group will spend 3 nights in a hotel, take a private tour around the lake to explore the different pueblos, and have another day to swim at a nature preserve (or join a yoga class) near the town of San Marcos La Laguna. The group will then take a private transfer to Antigua, a city as historic as it is beautiful and full of amazing nightlife and restaurants, and spend 1 night in a hotel. Next on the itinerary: the world-famous Acatenango trek, during which they will camp for one night (in small cabins, not tents, with full meals served in the common room.) Some may call this glamping, and some may call it camping! After waking up on a volcano, the group will head back to Antigua for two more amazing nights. If you want, you can spend the rest of your trip exploring by ATV, tasting fresh coffee, learning how to make tortillas and traditional dishes, hiking another volcano, or even roasting marshmallows over lava.

Traveling to Guatemala with a group is absolutely worth it not just for the stunning views and fun experiences, but for the uniquely curated experience that’s nearly impossible to replicate on your own. From preparing you for the unforgettable volcano hike to weaving in hidden gems that only locals know about, every detail is handled. You’ll experience authentic moments, like painting ceramics in a traditional workshop in San Antonio Palopó, a lakeside town renowned for its world-class clay. You’ll not only create a beautiful souvenir to bring home, but directly support the local economy. And because many of our travelers join solo, the group bonds quickly.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

7 nights in accommodations
- 6 Nights of accommodations for this trip will be 2 people per room in 3 & 4-star hotels.
- 1 night will be in cabin-style camping on the side of a volcano with 2-6 people in each cabin.
- Limited solo occupancy upgrades are available for $825 (includes your own room for each night except the night on the volcano).
11 meals
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners are included!
Private transportation to many included activities and destinations
Airport transfer service
- You'll have arranged transfers when you arrive and depart at La Aurora (Guatemala City) International Airport (GUA) if your flight is within the arrival/departure period stipulated by TWC.
Several fun excursions
- Most notably, the Acatenango Trek to see the Fuego Volcano erupting (weather-dependent), a customized boat tour around Atitlan with local stops, another day with a private boat and stops at two villages on Atitlan, and happy hour drinks/desserts at a luxury location only accessible by boat.
A group leader for the duration of the trip
- Marie will be with this group!
Travel account and access to a private Facebook group for the trip
- Each TWC Traveler will be given access to their own account where they will find a trip-specific packing list, options to contact their trip consultants with any questions, a link to a private Facebook group for just the TWC travelers and trip consultants, and more information.
TWC trip consultants leading up to and during the trip for travel advice and to answer any questions

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Your international flights to and from Guatemala City are not included. We do, however, happily make suggestions, help group travelers together on flights, and notify them when great flight deals are available. Travelers must arrive between 8AM-4:30 PM on arrival day in order to receive an airport transfer and depart after 10 AM on departure day in order to receive an airport transfer.

2. Each traveler will also have to purchase travel insurance of their choosing that fits specific requirements, as required by TWC. Policies that fit TWC standards begin at approximately $15 for the duration of the trip.

3. Note that there is a 3% processing fee on payments made by credit card. Payments made by bank transfer have no fee.

4. Hiking Disclaimer: Acatenango Volcano’s peak is at 13,045 feet. This trip’s itinerary involves hiking 4 steep and challenging miles up on an established trail for 4-6 hours to about 11,800 feet. Those who do not have experience hiking at high altitudes should prepare accordingly and discuss preparation with their physician. The group will have local professional guides with them, along with the TWC group leader. The group will take many breaks, and the guide assess for anyone feeling unwell. Anyone who anticipates that they will be unable or unwilling to hike 4 steep miles up Acatenango and then back down the next day should contact jessica@travelwc.com before booking this trip. It is possible to pre-arrange a car 80% of the way up for an additional cost, but this must be discussed with TWC before reserving a spot on the trip.

At the end of the hike, the group will camp near the top of Acatenango’s summit in a glamping (camping with a mattress, sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket per person in cabins) setup and have all meals prepared for them. The group will have the option to continue hiking up the following morning to the very top of Acatenango to get the best view of the nearby active volcano, Fuego. Fuego typically has frequent low-level activity, and the views can be amazing in good weather. However, please note that the eruptions and weather are unpredictable parts of nature, and nothing can be guaranteed.

All meals and gear necessary for camping will be provided. However, travelers should have comfortable clothes, hiking shoes (necessary due to the loose gravel on the trail), and a day backpack (around 30-40L). Alternatively, a backpack can be rented for the volcano hike, but shoes cannot. Travelers' bags (containing their clothes for one night, water for both days, and toiletries) will be driven 80% of the way up, and travelers can pay an additional $15 to have their bag carried for the last 20% of the hike. This means travelers on this trip will only have to hike with a (provided) small backpack just meant for the water they need during the hike and their lunch. The other gear needed for sleeping and the rest of their food will be waiting at the campsite. A detailed packing list is provided to those signed up for the trip.

Day 1

Arrival at GUA (Guatemala City) & Transfer to Atitlan

Arrive in Guatemala, the land of the Mayans. Join a private airport transfer to the accommodation on Lake Atitlan, a stunning late surrounded by volcanoes.

Join the group for an optional dinner in Panajachel, a bustling town on the north shore of the lake, and get to know your adventure crew for the week!

Day 2

Boat Tour around Lake Atitlan

Set out on an included boat tour of Lake Atitlan. The group will visit different towns around the lake to learn about Mayan culture and handicrafts, see how each village is known to be unique, and take in amazing scenery all day long.

The group will take an included lunch with volcano views at an education center that provides opportunities for local youth to learn new skills, including culinary classes, to provide opportunities for many generations.

Lastly, the group will have the option to join a ceramics-making class and social project. In the highlands of Guatemala, years of volcanic eruptions and geology created exposed channels of clay in the rivers. The ancient Mayans made use of this clay to produce high-quality ceramics. Today many local families continue to produce beautiful ceramics, and that income in part supports the village. Each traveler who elects to create their own piece will pay directly to the workshop and their creation will be fired and delivered to the hotel to take home in exchange for a donation.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 3

Boat Tour around Lake Atitlan

Another day spent on the lake! The group will have another private and included boat ride to two more parts of the lake.

First the group will visit San Marcos, a town with a nature preserve on the lake for swimming, restaurants, shopping, etc. If you're interested in a spa visit or yoga experience, the town is famous for these things, so they are great optional activities to ask about.

Next up, the group will enjoy an included happy hour with desserts at one of the most unique restaurants in the world that can only be accessed by boat.

Breakfast is included.

Day 4

Transfer to Antigua

The group will head out on a private transfer to Antigua, a colorful town that was once the capital of Guatemala. The town is known for its preserved architecture and ruins, which made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. There is incredible dining, shopping, and museums, as well as some of the best cafes (serving fresh cups of coffee grown nearby) in the world. Every corner is a laptop screensaver, basically. Did I mention the several volcanoes and gorgeous green mountains surrounding Antigua?

Breakfast is included.

Day 5

Begin Hike and Sleep in Cabins on Acatenango Volcano

Today the group will head out on a transfer to the start of the Acatenango Volcano hike. A local hiking guide will accompany the group as well.

The day will involve lunch on the trail and a difficult hike up to "base camp," where the group will be sleeping in glamping cabins with views of Fuego Volcano, which typically erupts several times an hour. Volcanic activity cannot be guaranteed. All gear is provided except hiking shoes.

Dinner will be served in the common area.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Day 6

Hike Down from Acatenango and Transfer to Antigua

In the early morning, the travelers can choose to join the hike the rest of the way up to the very top of Acatenango Volcano, where you can get a unique view of Fuego Volcano.

The entire group will then descend the rest of the way down Acatenango Volcano after a group breakfast in the common area. The group will then be transferred back to Antigua.

After hotel check-in, the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to check out the nightlife and amazing food scene in Antigua. Time to celebrate the amazing nature seen up on the volcano!

Breakfast is included.

Day 7

Free Day to Explore Antigua & Beyond

Today is your day! Explore Antigua and the surrounding lush mountains how you want to. We'll help you set up an optional activity if you please, or you can wander around the many shops and cafes in town. You can ATV through the mountains, bike to a coffee farm for an up-close tour and tasting, visit one of the many stunning restaurants with views in the mountains above town (we'll share our recommendations, of course!), or even hike yet another volcano where you can roast marshmallows over lava.

Breakfast is included.

Day 8

Transfer to Airport & Departure from GUA

It's not a goodbye, it's a see you later! Grab one more cup of coffee, snap a photo with your new travel buddies, and join a transfer back to the Guatemala City airport.

Breakfast is included.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is it normal to come solo? Absolutely! One of the best things about TWC is that we prioritize community, and our groups get close quickly. There's always someone down to go on an adventure with you.

Do you offer payment plans? Yes! During the sign-up process, you can select to opt into a monthly payment plan interest-free. You will find the package cost under the "Pricing and Dates" section on the trip page. When signing up, you can opt into the payment plan. The remaining balance after the $399 deposit will be divided into 6 monthly installments from June to November.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to join this trip? The activity level of this trip is high, but not everyone who joins needs to be an avid or experienced hiker. There are 2 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved every other day. The terrain on the hiking days is strenuous, steep, and at a high altitude. However, as Acatenango is a world-famous hike, it attracts many people who do not have extensive hiking experience, but preparation will help you feel your best during this once-in-a-lifetime experience! We have seen determined beginners with good attitudes prepare in advance of the trip and then crush the hike! Preparation can look like getting medication to help adjust to altitude, getting time on a trail before the trip, going for jogs, stretching, getting used to being on your feet, etc. There is no need to rush during the hike, and the group is there to motivate one another! No matter what, there will be local hiking guides with the group who do these hikes as their job. For those who don't want to hike, there is limited availability to book a spot in a truck that takes you 80% of the way up and 80% of the way down for an additional cost.

Is there camping involved? 6 Nights of accommodations for this trip will be 2 people per room in 3 & 4-star hotels. 1 night will be in cabin-style camping/glamping on the side of a volcano with 2-6 TWC travelers in the cabin. In the cabin, each person has a mattress, sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow.

Do I need camping equipment? Good shoes (hiking boots or trail runners) and clothes for hiking will be needed, but travelers will not be required to bring any other equipment. All sleeping gear will already be up at the camp, and you will be given everything needed for meals. Jackets, a beanie, gloves, a buff, a scarf, and more can be rented for free for the hike. Thermal base layers, hiking poles, wool socks, and hiking backpacks can be rented for the hike for an additional low cost.

What city do we fly into? Guatemala City, Guatemala. (GUA)

Do travelers with American passports need a visa to visit Guatemala? No.

Is this trip only for Americans? The trip is open to everyone, regardless of nationality. We've had travelers from 13 different countries and counting join us, and we wouldn't have it any other way. If you have any questions about whether or not you'll need a visa to visit a specific country, please make a note while signing up.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies? TWC is happy to accommodate dietary requests to the best of our ability. It's essential to us that everyone is comfortable! A question during the signup process for each trip asks the traveler to note any dietary requests, allergies, etc. We often have travelers join who have specific allergies, are gluten-free, etc. 3 out of 5 of our group leaders are vegetarian or vegan, so we always make sure to have good veggie options for all included meals and on our recommendation lists.

Is there an age range for this trip? Our group trips are designed for people 18-49 (sometimes written as travelers in their 20s, 30s, and 40s), and we offer up that age range for the comfort of the travelers, as we wouldn't want someone to be surprised that the ages of those on the trips are primarily in their 20s and 30s. We intend to make sure that each person who travels with TWC has the absolute best time possible and is prepared for their trip. TWC does offer select group trips for all ages over 18 and custom trips to every group trip destination that are very adventurous and special.

How many people will be in the group? Our groups have a maximum of 16 people, and the minimum is typically 10 people. We have found that this group size is the sweet spot to keep the group close enough that everyone can get to know each other but big enough that there's always someone down to adventure with you!

How will you assign roommates to those signing up solo? For assigning roommates, we only assign people a roommate who identifies as the same gender as them. We assign the roommates personally, so we do a bit of friendship match-making and put a lot of thought into it. We also try to match people with others as close in age and interests to them as we can, and I often end up matching people together who become very close friends, which makes me so happy. Ultimately, everyone signing up is interested in travel and adventure, so our groups tend to get quite close and connect over these shared experiences and interests. We can introduce you to your roommate in advance of the trip if requested, and we are also happy to make changes during the trip if possible if a pair of roommates aren't compatible for any reason (for example if one is a night owl and one isn't).