Mundo Maya Multi-sport: Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal
Trip Overview
(Biking, Hiking & Kayaking) The Guatemalan highlands are the perfect playground for adventure, nature, and culture. On this journey, we combine biking, hiking and kayaking through a vast and varied landscape starting in the colonial city of Antigua with its cobblestone streets and ornate Spanish architecture. The idea is to celebrate Guatemala by deconstructing the natural and cultural beauty that makes it so special.
WOW FACTORS
- Hike Acatenango Volcano and kayak around Lake Atitlan
- Witness the authentic life of Guatemalan villagers
- Explore the Mayan ruins at Tikal, located deep in the heart of Guatemalan jungle
Awarded one of '60 Greatest Adventures' by Outpost Magazine.
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Guatemala City - Antigua
Arrival
Upon arrival into Guatemala City make your own way to Antigua, where the trip begins. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. Antigua, was once the capital of Guatemala, and is known for the Spanish colonial Old Town around its main plaza. Three beautiful volcanoes also border Antigua, and the contrast between these imposing mountains and the city's colorful architecture has earned Antigua UNESCO World Heritage status. The day is free to walk along the cobbled streets and treat yourself to local street food like tostadas and empanadas. Be sure to stop by the historic landmarks including Santa Catalina Arch, the ruins of the 16th-century Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and the 18th-century Convento Santa Clara. This evening will be a welcome dinner with our guide to talk about the upcoming trip, and enjoy our first Guatemalan meal together!
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Antigua Valley
Biking/Coffe Combo Tour and Antigua Walking Tour
This morning we will cycle to the coffee co-operative of De la Gente. The co-op is on the flank of Agua Volcano where local farmers work together to grow, pick and process their own coffee for export. One of the farmers will lead us on a tour and then we'll visit his house to see how the locals toast the coffee in small batches. We'll enjoy lunch with the family before heading back to Antigua for our walking tour. In the afternoon we'll walk in Antigua experiencing the town's top landmarks, City Hall Palace, the Palace of the Captain's General, and the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. We'll learn about the Spanish conquest and the region's rich history, including the indigenous Maya way of life. The evening is at leisure in Antigua.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Acatenango Volcano
Hiking
This morning we have a one-hour drive to the village of La Soledad, on the slope of Acatenango Volcano. This is the trailhead for our hike up Acatenango Volcano. We'll pass through four micro-climates as we ascend, and each section will take about an hour to hike. The first stage is up a steep path through farmland, the same trail used by villagers to reach their crops. The second stage of the hike is through an old-growth, high-alpine cloud forest, home to many exotic birds including the famous resplendent quetzal. Once we ascend above the cloud forest we'll be rewarded to fantastic views of the other highland volcanoes of Atitlán, Tolimán, San Pedro, Santa María. Here we'll break for lunch and have time to admire the scenery. The third stage is characterized by temperate and tropical forests, which lead to the storm-beaten tree line of the volcano. Our campsite is just below this tree line and offers sweeping views of the Antigua Valley and the adjacent Volcán Fuego. After setting up camp, we'll take some time to stretch out and relax while our guide prepares dinner at 12,300 feet (3,750 m). Dinner will be enjoyed at our campsite while marveling at the awe-inspiring display of Volcán Fuego’s eruptions.
Accommodation: Tent Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours
Hiking Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Day 4
Acatenango Volcano - Antigua
Hiking and Gourmet Dinner at Coffee Farm
Depending on the weather conditions, we will rise early, enjoy the sunrise over spectacular volcano peaks, and then hike to the Acatenango summit. It's a 1-hour trek up a steep and rocky, gravel trail through a pine forest. At the summit, rest and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Guatemalan highlands that stretch all the way to Mexico. After breakfast and breaking camp, we'll begin the three-hour descent back to La Soledad, following a different trail so that we're able to experience more beautiful scenery on our way down. This evening we will visit a local coffee farm for a special dining experience. The outdoor kitchen and garden are surrounded by cactus and coffee plants and our meal will be prepared on an open fire with botanical mocktails enhancing the experience.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hiking Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Day 5
Antigua - Lake Atitlán
Biking and Iximché Ruins
We'll travel westbound this morning to explore local life around the Almolonga Valley, cycling through suburban towns and villages. The Almolonga Valley was the site of the country's colonial capital Ciudad Vieja. The old city met a fateful doom in 1541 when the Agua Volcano triggered a terrible mudslide. The city disappeared into the valley between the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. We'll make a few stops along the way to show off the magnificent churches and Spanish colonial ruins. From here we'll head south, riding to the base of Agua Volcano where we'll stop in Valhalla, at an experimental macadamia farm and explore San Antonio Aguas Calientes, famous for its textiles and weaving. We'll return to Antigua midday for lunch and afterwards transfer by vehicle to the famous Lake Atitlán. Along the way we'll stop at the 15th Century Iximché archaeological site. This was the great capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. We then continue to the crater lake of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by three towering volcanoes and beautiful local villages dot it's shores. Our accommodation tonight is in one of those villages and we can spend the remainder of the day relaxing in this pristine location.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Biking Duration: 4 hours
Biking Distance: 17 miles / 28 km
Day 6
Lake Atitlán
Kayaking, Hiking and Boat Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel with pristine views of the 3 towering volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlán, the largest lake in Central America. Lake Atitlán was formed 84,000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption and with depths up to 1000 feet. Once we've nourished on a healthy breakfast we'll head to the shore for a 2-hour kayak trip, paddling past the many villages perched on cliffs. We'll take out near the village of San Marcos La Laguna, and here we'll switch kayaks for hiking boots and spend 1.5 hours on foot hiking along the shoreline and through small villages. The trail leads back to our accommodations and we'll make it back in time for lunch. After lunch we'll take a boat tour of Lake Atitlán Villages to visit more quaint Maya villages. We'll meet local residents and learn about their daily lives. We'll make several stops along the way and have many opportunities to buy souvenirs or snacks. Late afternoon we'll make it back at the hotel with time to enjoy the accommodations and surroundings. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Kayaking Duration: 2.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 3 miles / 5 km
Day 7
Lake Atitlán - Flores
Sightseeing and Flight
We have a relaxed morning in Atitlán and then we'll transfer by vehicle back to Guatemala City to catch a domestic flight to Flores, the gateway city to Tikal National Park. Upon arrival at the Flores Airport we'll be met by a driver who will transfer us to our hotel. Flores is an island on Lake Petén Itzá, linked by a causeway to the town of Santa Elena. The remainder of the day and evening is on your own to explore this small town.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Tikal National Park - Guatemala City
Mayan Ruins
We'll wake up early this morning and transfer to Tikal National Park, the New York of the Maya civilization, and the former capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it features the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas, 270 feet tall. The best part about Tikal is that it's surrounded by jungle and wildlife. It's very common to hear the calls of howler monkeys in the forests in Tikal. An expert guide will lead us on a tour explaining the details of this vast complex of temples and pyramids. We have the full day to explore Tikal and then late afternoon we'll transfer back to Flores Airport to catch our flight back to Guatemala City. You'll need to pay the departure tax of $3.00 per person in the Banrural Bank at the airport before you fly. Upon arrival and collecting our baggage we'll be met and transferred to our group hotel in Guatemala City. The remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore the nation’s capital and biggest metropolis. Guatemala City is a dynamic medley of people-packed streets, looming skyscrapers and frenetic street markets. It also has some of the nation’s best museums, restaurants and nightlife.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9
Guatemala City
Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, at a time convenient to your flight, you will be transferred by hotel shuttle to the international airport to connect with your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated, internal transportation including domestic flights, mountain bikes, kayaking gear, park entrance fees, and English-speaking guides.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International Flights, airport transfer on arrival, airport departure taxes, gratuities, meals not included and items of a personal nature.
MEALS:
8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 7 nights
Tent Camping: 1 night
Trip Facts
Weather in Guatemala
Weather conditions vary from season to season and region to region. The dry season is from October to early May and the rainy season from late May until the end of September. Temperatures vary little during the year. The average high temperature is 25°C (77°F) and the low 12°C (55°F) in the highlands. The dry and rainy seasons vary across coastlands to highlands. During the rainy season, it is typically sunny in the morning followed by heavy rains in the afternoon. The dry season is the most pleasant time, climatically, to be in Guatemala. Along with summer holidays, however, this is also the busiest time. Although the rain may restrict some activities during the wet season, it's still worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, as it will be less busy with tourists.
December to April: Dry. Warm days and cool nights. Highest elevations may have snow at night and lowest elevations can reach 32°C (90°F) in the afternoon.
May to November: Rainy. In the highlands the rain usually falls in the afternoon. Days are warm and spring-like with afternoon average temperatures of 26°C (79°F). Nights are cool.
Travel Documents
Citizens of Canada, the US and the UK require a valid passport to enter Guatemala. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry or entry may be refused. There are no visas required for people travelling with Canadian, American, and European Union passports. Citizens of other countries should check with the local embassy for updated information on entry requirements.
Food and Water
Guatemalan cuisine can't compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican fare such as tortillas and tacos can be found. Mostly you'll encounter tough grilled or fried meat, meat and more meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants. The food is safe in the establishments that we dine; however caution with regard to street food is advised. Recommended dishes include borracho (cake soaked in rum) and sesina (beef marinated in lemon and bitter orange). It is best to drink only treated or bottled water and refrain from using tap water when brushing your teeth. Unpasteurized milk should be avoided. Bottled water, soft drinks, fresh juices and beer are readily available. Coffee is available everywhere and is often spectacular. Unfortunately, the best beans are typically exported.
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “moderate” trip. These trips include 4-6 hours of physical activity throughout the day, with many breaks along the way. The biking portions of BikeHike Adventure’s trips are the most cardiovascular portions of the trips. During the biking section, our travellers don’t have to carry anything on their backs as any packs can be carried in the support vehicle. During the hiking portions of the trip, the most you would have to carry on your back is a daypack.
BikeHike Adventures has been operating since 1994.
The logistics of organizing tours to remote corners of the world can be very complex. Our trip development department spends long hours researching destinations, routes, ground operations and equipment. All itineraries are screened without clients before they are added to our growing repertoire of adventures. Nothing is untested.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. A typical trip is comprised of men and women of varied ages and nationalities. Most of our clients on this trip are regular mortals in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge.
As well, the age range on this trip is typically from 35-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
Guatemala City. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip and depart anytime on day 9.
Guatemala is good to visit year round as weather conditions vary from season to season and region to region. The dry season is from October to early May and the rainy season from late May until the end of September. Temperatures vary little during the year. The average high temperature is 25°C (77°F) and the low 12°C (55°F) in the highlands. The dry and rainy seasons vary across coastlands to highlands. During the rainy season, it is typically sunny in the morning followed by heavy rains in the afternoon. The dry season is the most pleasant time, climatically, to be in Guatemala. Along with summer holidays, however, this is also the busiest time. Although the rain may restrict some activities during the wet season, it's still worthwhile planning your trip for this time of year, as it will be less busy with tourists.
Can I take this trip if...
Many of our travellers (both men and women) join as singles. On average, BikeHike groups are 75% single travellers and 25% couples. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
More about this trip...
Guatemala does not have availability for E-bikes at this time.
We’ll be biking on dirt and paved roads through small towns and villages, and along the shores of Lake Atitlan, with lots of opportunities for cultural interactions with the locals. There is no singletrack riding on this trip, but rather rides that sometimes require you to choose your line due to the uneven ground.
Yes. The support vehicle will carry all the necessary equipment like bikes, drinking water and all our personal equipment. You will have access to the support vehicle throughout the trip.
The main hike on the trip is to the summit of Acatenango Volcano where you will spend the night in tents. All the camping equipment is provided, so you only need to carry your water, clothes, toiletries and any other extras you may want. The trail up Volcan Acatenango has four distinct microclimates, each of which will take about an hour to traverse. The terrain, which includes some steep sections, includes trails through local farm fields, old-growth tropical cloud forest, coniferous forest, and sand and gravel scree. The views from the top are stunning and well worth the effort.
The kayak portion of the trip takes place on the still waters of Lake Atitlan using both tandem and single kayaks. You will receive an instructional and safety briefing before boarding your kayak. Paddling experience is not necessary. The lake is surrounded by three cone shaped volcanoes. The lake and shores are alive with local fishermen pitching nets into the water and indigenous Mayan woman hand washing their clothes.
Most of the hotels should have Wi-Fi access.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. This includes accommodation that provides a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
HOTELS
In an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers small hotels, bungalows, and haciendas that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.
CAMPING
There is one night of camping in tents on Acatenango Volcano. All the camping equipment is provided, so you only need to carry a daypack with water, clothes, and any other extras you want. It can get cold and windy at the campsite so layers are a must. The meals are provided by the camp chef.
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity | Distance | Ascent / Descent | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Guatemala City - Antigua
|
Arrival
|
— | — / — |
Hotel
|
d
|
| 2 |
Antigua Valley
|
Biking and Walking Tour
|
— | — / — |
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 3 |
Acatenango Volcano
|
Hiking
|
5 miles
8 km
|
+ 2094 m (6870 ft)
|
Tent
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 4 |
Acatenango Volcano - Antigua
|
Hiking and Gourmet Dinner at Coffee Farm
|
5 miles
8 km
|
- 2094 m (6870 ft)
|
Hotel
|
d
|
| 5 |
Antigua - Lake Atitlan
|
Biking and Iximché Ruins
|
17 miles
28 km
|
+ 350 mt (820 ft) / -350 (820 ft)
|
Hotel
|
b
|
| 6 |
Lake Atitlán
|
Kayaking, Hiking and Boat Tour
|
3 miles
5 km
|
— / — |
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 7 |
Lake Atitlán - Flores
|
Sightseeing and Flight
|
— | — / — |
Hotel
|
b
|
| 8 |
Tikal National Park - Guatemala City
|
Mayan Ruins and Flight
|
— | — / — |
Hotel
|
b
|
| 9 |
Guatemala City
|
Departure
|
— | — / — | — |
b
|
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