Best of Guatemala (8-Day Adventure)

This is the perfect itinerary for travelers looking for a trip with a balance between culture, beginner-friendly kayaking, basic mountain biking, and gentle hikes. The Acatenango Volcano may be a little more difficult for some. The height that we reach in one day can be a factor that makes it slightly difficult. But, the help of your expert guides and previous days' activities will help you prepare for the challenge. Having an active life walking or running would be a significant help but having a bit more experience hiking would make it even easier.

Yes, as long as you cover the temperature requirement for sleeping bags. At the Acatenango campsite, it can reach from 0 down to -5 Celsius during the night. Some clients prefer to bring their own sleeping bag and/or sleeping pad.

We recommend the minimum age for this trip at 15 years old. If you are a family with adventure experience, feel free to reach out to discuss.

• Boots • Camp shoes or athletic shoes • 3 pairs of hiking socks • Synthetic trekking/hiking trousers • Rain pants • Underwear • Base-layer shirts • Fleece jacket or warm jumper • Rain jacket • Sun hat • Warm hat/beanie Sunglasses • Warm gloves • 30L or bigger hiking pack • Medium dry bag or pack liner • Headlamp and spare batteries • Sunscreen • 2 1L water bottles/camelback • Toiletries • Swimwear • Small towel • Basic First Aid Kit

Most visitors to Guatemala do not need a visa ahead of time. Rather, you receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival at immigration control. Please be sure to check the requirements with your local consulate traveling to be sure.

You can bring your own trekking poles, or we also provide wooden poles upon request.

As an outdoor provider, we take care of getting the equipment ready at the camp, including your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. During your hikes/treks, we offer storage space at our office while on the trail. Porters: Old Town Outfitters supplies porter(s) to carry the group's camping gear, kitchen gear, and food. Participants will be expected to carry their personal effects and water on the treks. If you're interested in porter services, your local Host can book a porter to carry your load. Porters can carry up to 30lbs, or 18kg, and cost US$45 roundtrip. To book this extra service, message your Host from your Skyhook dashboard after booking.

Antigua has many restaurants serving both local and international cuisines. Your Guide will happily show you the best spots to dine at. During camping nights, you will have a cooked meal prepared from fresh local ingredients. Our picnic lunches during tours are freshly prepared by your local guide and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated as long as we know ahead of time. It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the tap. Filtered water is usually available at your accommodation to fill up your individual bottles. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Accommodation for this trip is in the mid-range comfortable tier with a double occupancy configuration. You'll share with solo travelers of the same sex. Every room has a private restroom with hot water showers. Electricity plugs are American standards. Make sure to bring an adapter if needed. **If a different accommodation configuration is needed, please reach your travel specialist/host for further details and extra cost**

This is an open group trip with a maximum of 12 participants.

Being a small country we only have one international airport. So is very straightforward. The pick-up and drop-off transfers are worked based on your arrival and departure flights. We accommodate transfers as suitable.

6 x breakfasts, 4 x picnic lunches, and 2 x dinner are included on your trip. Breakfast: Expect to have continental American options Lunch: Picnic lunch prepared by your guide Dinner: Meals out at restaurants or hotels. For other meals not included, your Host or Guide will be more than happy to provide recommendations around the areas.

Guatemala has two main seasons throughout the year that are fairly predictable. Mid-October to late April is the dry season where you can expect blue skies and clear starry nights. Late April through the beginning of October is the rainy season where you can expect afternoon showers and evening rain. Temperatures will vary greatly depending on the various regions of Guatemala but are comfortable year-round. In Antigua, the temperature typically varies from the low 50’s°F to low 80’s°F. The high season in Guatemala is the North American winter, typically mid-October through the end of April. This coincides with the dry season here in Guatemala where blue skies and clear starry nights are almost guaranteed. The rest of the year sees a bit more rain and brings out the lush forests and flowers along the trails and can also be a great time of the year to be in Guatemala. Summer months are popular as well for this reason.

We have spent years developing adventure tours in all regions of Guatemala. Because of our commitment to supporting the local economies where we develop and operate our tours, we feel confident taking our guests out into the Guatemalan backcountry. Your safety is our priority, and we always keep that in mind when choosing destinations, accommodations, and activities. Antigua is a very safe town and with your typical traveler’s common sense, you will feel extremely comfortable.

Yes, the areas we suggest to extend your visit are: At least 1 more day, - El Paredon: El Paredón is a small coastal city located on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Unlike the most popular beaches in Guatemala, El Paradón is a relatively unknown tourist destination. However, this place is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, combined with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. At least 2 more days, - Tikal National Park: Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the tropical forests of northern Guatemala. It is believed to date from the 1st century AD. C. Tikal flourished between 200 and 850 AD. C. and then it was abandoned. Its iconic temple and palace ruins include the giant Mundo Perdido ceremonial pyramid and the Temple of the Great Jaguar. At least 3 more days, - Lanquín, which in Q'eqchi means "Town surrounded by straw", is a small town located in Alta Verapaz in the center of the country, right next to the caves of the Cahabón River, one of the largest in Guatemala. - Semuc Champey, which in Q'eqchi, a native Mayan language, means "where the river hides under the earth." This special place preserves a natural reserve of turquoise water surrounded by tropical jungle Besides the caves and grottoes of this amazing natural place, you can enjoy a viewpoint located 700m from where you can see at least 350m of natural pools with waterfalls of up to 40m. **Please contact your Host for more details**

The local currency is the Quetzal (named after the national bird). It is not necessary to obtain local currency ahead of your visit, as you can change money when you arrive or withdraw from a local ATM. US dollars are accepted as payment in most restaurants and shops in Antigua but not necessarily outside town. It is possible to use credit and debit cards with most businesses or to withdraw money from ATMs in Antigua and other larger towns. This is usually at the best available exchange rate, but you may be charged by your local bank or card company.

Yes of course, just let us know of any special dietary restrictions ahead of time. You can do this by filling out your Guest Trip Form in your Skyhook dashboard.