Treat yourself to an escape from the cold and enjoy an 8 day action-packed vacation to Guatemala full of fun and adventure with me!
Hi I'm Kasey, a digital nomad/backpacker that has been living in Panajachel, Guatemala for 3 years. Over the last 3 years I've found the best spots to eat, drink, and enjoy around Antigua and Lake Atitlan and now I want to share them with you!
Your getaway will start in Antigua, a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s famous for its Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Here we'll discover the rich history of Antigua, hike an active volcano, live your hobbit dreams at Hobbitenango, and dine at some of the best local places!
After Antigua, you'll escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Lake Atitlán, the largest lake in Central America. Here you will stay at a one of a kind eco-glamping hostel, swim in the crystal blue-green waters of the lake, and enjoy some action packed days, zip lining and driving ATVs as you take a tour through local villages of the indigenous communities.
I can't wait to show you all the reasons I fell in love with Guatemala!
This morning hike will get your blood pumping as you scale an active volcano! Once at the top, you'll get to try the viral volcano pizza, cooked right in front of you!
Live out your Hobbit dreams in this fantasy village built in the mountains of Guatemala.
You will take a 2.5 hour walking tour through the historic Antigua. This is the best way to get to know the lay of a new place!
Enjoy free SUPs and kayaks, take in the sun on a private dock, or explore on your own!
This action packed ATV Tour around Lake Atitlan will take you from San Juan to San Marcos, exploring different indigenous villages along the way.
Conquer 8 extreme zip lines, high in the air, as you take in the breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan.
All boats, or "lanchas" as they call them here, are included in your trip!
SUPs and Kayak rentals on Lake Atitlan are free to use throughout your time at the Lake
Adventure awaits! Arrive to Guatemala, make your own way to Antigua, and check into the hostel.
Day 1 is about getting settled into your new home for the next few days.
Once everyone arrives, it's time to get to know the group over welcome drinks at 5:30 p.m. before heading to dinner and an optional night out.
Enjoy included breakfast at the hostel.
Your morning will then start with a 2.5 walking tour of Antigua to get familiar with this charming city. A guide will take us through the heart of the city and discuss the incredible history of Antigua and Guatemala as a whole. Bring comfy shoes!
We'll grab lunch at one of the many delicious restaurants in Antigua (not included) before heading to our afternoon activity, Hobbitenango.
Hop in the back of a pickup truck and venture just outside Antigua, to Hobbitenango, a fantasy village built to live out your hobbit dreams! We will spend a few hours here throwing axes, shooting bow and arrows, taking pictures with the famous hand, and more! Wear something cute, because you'll want to take lots of pictures!
Enjoy included breakfast at the hostel.
Lace up your hiking shoes because today we're climbing volcanoes! Volcano Pacaya to be exact.
We'll spend the morning hiking this active volcano and once you reach the top, you'll feel like you've been transported to another world! Plus, we get to eat the viral volcano pizza (not included). This 2-3 hour hike is intermediate in skill level. There are also horses to rent for an extra fee upon arriving that will help take you up to the top!
In the afternoon, you'll return to Antigua where the rest of the afternoon you're free to spend your time exploring town! It's our last night here, so take advantage!
Enjoy included breakfast at the hostel before checking out.
From Antigua we will venture 2-3 hours to Lake Atitlan before hopping on a small private boat to take us 15 minutes to our final destination!
Check in and get familiar with your new home for the next few days. Enjoy 1 hour of free beer from 5-6 p.m. before an included family style dinner.
There is an add-on option for a night out in Panajachel where we will board a boat at 10 p.m. to the famous Tipzy Goat bar for Beer Pong!
Wake up to an included breakfast at the hostel, then put on your bathing suit because we're going swimming!
Enjoy free SUPs or kayaks, swim in the lake, sunbathe on the hostel's private dock, lounge in a hammock and read a book, or venture out on your own!
If there are any activities you'd like to do on your own, now is the time! I can help book a massage in Panajachel, a cooking class in San Juan, a coffee tour in San Marcos, and more!
Enjoy 1 hour of free beer from 5-6 p.m. before an included family style dinner.
Start the morning with included breakfast at the hostel before heading on a boat to Panajachel for the day to go zip lining at The Atitlan Nature Reserve.
Here we'll take on 8 zip lines with views of Lake Atitlan!
Afterwards we'll explore the beautiful reserve's attractions such as the butterfly garden, nature trails, hanging bridges, private lake shore, and even see a few local animals.
Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll head to The Little Spoon on the busiest street in Panajachel where we'll grab lunch and go souvenir shopping. Make sure to bring cash for the vendors here since many of them do not accept credit card.
Enjoy 1 hour of free beer from 5-6 p.m. before an included family style dinner.
Start the morning with included breakfast at the hostel.
You'll board a 30 minute private boat to San Juan where the ATV tour starts. This tour will take you to mountain tops and lookouts of San Pedro la Laguna. Here you will visit a few look out spots before driving all the way to San Marcos la Laguna, passing the towns of San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna. In San Marcos, we visit the Natural Reserve of “Cerro Tzankujil”, where we can take a swim in the lake or enjoy the views from the rocks. After enjoying some time at the natural reserve you will hop back on the ATVs and head back to San Juan La Laguna, where we visit the famous lookout named “Kaqasiiwaan” viewpoint. To get to the actual lookout we have to hike about 15 minutes up the steps. Once we reach the top, we are able to enjoy the views of the lake and villages and take some pictures around the lookout.
Recommended things to bring
Enjoy 1 hour of free beer from 5-6 p.m. before an included family style dinner.
It's not a goodbye, it's a see you next time!
We'll have one last included breakfast at the hostel before saying goodbye to those gorgeous morning views of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding volcanoes.
Check out of the hostel and either take a boat back to Panajachel to get a shuttle to Guatemala City Airport or continue your adventures on your own!
