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Peregrine Travel Centre

Heart of Guatemala

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Heart of Guatemala

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Description

From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture. With a mix of Spanish influences, Catholicism and traditional Mayan practices, this place is a feast for the senses. Hit markets like Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables – and Chichicastenango – full of homemade wares and medicinal plants. See the shamanic ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Take a scenic boat ride to the shrine of Maximon, and find out why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.

Trip Name
Heart of Guatemala
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
6
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
  • Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
  • Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Start and end your trip in Antigua, making sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.
Day 2 - Quetzaltenango
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening.
Day 3 - Quetzaltenango
Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening.
Day 4 - Panajachel
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner.
Day 5 - Antigua
This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua.
Day 6 - Antigua
Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-12-202414-12-2024AUD $ 1,463-
23-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 1,770-
30-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 1,770-
20-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 1,686-
03-02-202508-02-2025AUD $ 1,700-
10-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 1,477-
24-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 1,477-
17-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 1,582-
31-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 1,420-
07-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 1,420-
21-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 1,463-
05-05-202510-05-2025AUD $ 1,420-
19-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 1,420-
07-07-202512-07-2025AUD $ 1,420-
14-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 1,420-
18-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 1,477-
06-10-202511-10-2025AUD $ 1,477-
10-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 1,534-
24-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 1,534-
08-12-202513-12-2025AUD $ 1,534-
22-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 1,615-
19-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 1,695-
02-02-202607-02-2026AUD $ 1,630-
23-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 1,630-
16-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 1,570-
20-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 1,570-
18-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 1,570-
13-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 1,570-
17-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 1,630-
05-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 1,630-
09-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 1,695-
23-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 1,695-
07-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 1,695-
21-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 1,695-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Shared boat

Map

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