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Antigua · Sacatepéquez · Guatemala
Western Highlands Maya Trek
Starting From
From $994.85 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
This is Guatemalan trekking at its best. The Mayan Highlands Trail is a 3-day trek following the ancient Mayan trade routes that once connected the Mayan civilizations of Lake Atitlan to those of Quetzaltenango. Much of this walk traverses above 3000 meters, providing phenomenal views of 15 different Guatemalan volcanoes. We will watch the sunset over Lake Atitlan, look out to the volcanoes on the Mexican Border, and enjoy our culturally rich hike from start to finish.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Walk from Lake Atitlan to Xela, passing through indigenous villages and farmlands
- Take in views of the lake, as well as 15 different volcanoes
- Hike through historic trade routes of the ancient Maya
- Cross the ‘Siete Cruces’ ridge of Zunil on the way to the summit
- Reward yourself with a long soak in thermal hot springs after a 3 day trek
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Antigua
Our group leaves from the Old Town Outfitters Shop at 5:00 a.m., where you can fill up your water bottles and purchase any additional gear you might need. Our early morning departure takes us out to our starting-point, located off the Pan-American Highway above Lake Atitlan
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Our group will enjoy a light breakfast en route.
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Hiking at Lake Atitlán. After arriving at the trail head we’ll pack our gear and head out for a 3- day trek retracing centuries-old Mayan trade routes. We will hike through deep ravines and river canyons, past Mayan ceremonial sites, and up through remote Mayan communities of the Western Highlands. The group will take a brief rest and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch around mid-day. We will finish the day at a quiet campsite nestled out on a narrow ridge in the abandoned village of Xeabaj. Xeabaj, translating to ‘under the rock’, will provide us with stellar views of the surrounding mountains and valleys in every direction
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Guides will prepare a fresh camp dinner under the stars as a perfect finale to a hard days walk.
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Accommodation provided.
Day 2
Antigua
Breakfast and coffee are served to the group at sun up.
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Solola
Hiking at Zunil Volcano. We break down camp and set off for the day’s objective - the “Siete Cruces” (Seven Crosses) trail. These seven crosses traverse the top of the spectacular ridgeline leading out to “Pico Zunil”. Our hike starts with a tough climb up to a fertile shelf at about 2700m, where the landscape is surreal, highlighted by incredible views and lush flora. We’ll take a break at the top of the climb to catch our breath and refuel at our lunch-spot. Afterwards, we start a gentle climb up to our trail on the ridge positioned at 3000m. This ridge offers up some of Guatemala’s most impressive views of the “Ring of Fire” - 15 volcanoes stretching from the Salvadoran border all the way across to Mexico.
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Our group camps tonight on the ridge overlooking the Almolonga Valley on one side, and the other, overlooking the volcanoes surrounding Guatemala’s 2nd largest city – Quetzaltenango (Xela).
Day 3
Antigua
Another sunrise breakfast and coffee.
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Solola
Hiking at Zunil Volcano. Prepares us for our last push across the ridge, summiting Pico Zunil after a 1½-hour hike.
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Hot Springs. Our group will then move down the long and winding 1800-meter descent through thick tropical cloud forest, to the amazing therapeutic thermal waters of Fuentes Georginas. Here we drop our packs, don our swim trunks, and soak our tired legs in the thermal pools.
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Ice cold drink and delicious lunch.
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After our soak, we’ll jump into our private transport and head back to Antigua, arriving just around sunset.
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
- Private round trip transportation from Old Town Outfitters office in Antigua - All park entrance and admission fees - 8 Freshly prepared picnic lunches, dinners, and breakfasts as detailed above - Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for cool-weather camping - Fully guided tour from Lake Atitlan to Xela by a local, bilingual guide with certified 1st aid training
Not Included
Additional Porter Service: US$30 per day
What to Bring
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes (no sandals) - Large-capacity backpack (35L+) with rain cover - One warm layer and/or windbreaker - Rain jacket (May thru October) - Cold-weather clothing for night-time temperatures - Personal toiletries and/or medications - Camera, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen - 2 liters of water (minimum) - Flashlight - TIP for great service from your Old Town guide!
Meeting & Pickup
Hotel pickup available within Antigua area or meet us at Old Town Outfitters Shop (Our storefront is located on the corner of 5a Avenida and 6a Calle, one block south of Central Park).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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