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Heart of Guatemala

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Tour Overview

Explore the Guatemalan Highlands on this seven-day adventure starting and ending in Antigua. See the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, visit Chichicastenango market and ride in a brightly coloured chicken bus. Relax on the shores of Lake Atitlan, take in the views of volcanos and Spanish buildings and maybe learn about the rich Mayan culture through an optional cooking class. Take a scenic boat road to the shamans that guard the shrine of Maximon, hear about the daily life of the many locals you’ll meet along the way and discover why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.

Map Image

Trip Code: QBSG

Start

Antigua

End

Antigua

Destination

Guatemala

Meals

6 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Shared boat, Chicken bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Days

7

Max Group Size

Min 1 - Max 16

Min Age

15

Style

Originali

Physical

2i

Trip Highlights

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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.

  • Ride in a decorated chicken bus to a local market and see 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 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 per cent of the population of Maya descent, you’ll learn about the region’s rich culture and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.

  • Join your local leader on an orientation walk through Antigua. By starting and ending your trip here, you’ll be sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.

Day by Day Itinerary

Itinerary

Trip route map

What's Included

Inclusions and activities

Meals

6 breakfasts, 0 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Shared boat, Chicken bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities

  • San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
  • Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
  • Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
  • Chichicastenango market visit
  • Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan

Optional activities

    Is This Trip Right for You?

    Is this trip right for you?

    • There are some long travelling days on this trip, but it’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

    • This trip requires a moderate level of fitness as it involves some walking and swimming, allowing you to really get among nature. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit and comfortable clothing.

    • Multiple activities on this trip are subject to weather and water conditions and on occasion, may be cancelled for safety or operational reasons. In the case of cancellation, we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement activity.

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    QBSG · 7 days

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