A journey though Guatemala and El Salvador with a touch of Honduras

Travellers arranging their own flights are kindly requested to arrive in Guatemala and meet the rest of the group in Antigua on 9 March 2027. Flights are not included in the package. However, once a minimum of 10 travellers is reached, we will coordinate flight options for the group. Guests departing from Malta will have the option to travel together on the same flights accompanied by the team leader.

Please note that if you arrive on a different date or at a different time from the majority of the group, airport transfers to the hotel will not be included. In such cases, you may arrange your own transport or we can organise a private transfer at an additional charge.

After breakfast, transfer to the Pacific Coast to climb Pacaya Volcano (2,500 masl), one of Guatemala’s most impressive active Strombolian volcanoes. The hike begins from the village of San Francisco de Sales and takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the summit. Horses are available for those who prefer not to trek. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of Volcán de Fuego, Volcán Acatenango and Volcán de Agua.

After the hike, return to Antigua Guatemala for a walking tour of the historic city centre, including the Cathedral Ruins, the Arch of Santa Catalina, and La Merced Church, before returning to the hotel.

Note: Horse arrangements can be confirmed closer to the departure date. Supplement for horses: USD $47 per person round trip.

Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial

Breakfast at the hotel. After, depart from Antigua to Chichicastenango, home to Guatemala’s most colourful and picturesque outdoor market. Held every Thursday and Sunday, the market brings together locals from surrounding regions to buy and sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, animals, textiles, and traditional handicrafts.

During the visit, explore Santo Tomás Church, the local cemetery, and the ceremonial site of Pascual Abaj, where the Maya-Quiché people continue to practice ancient Mayan traditions and prayers.

Afterwards, continue to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Accommodation: Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

Lake Atitlán was formed by a volcanic caldera and is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán, as well as 12 picturesque Maya-Cakchiquel and Maya-Tzutuhil villages.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will board a private boat to visit the village of San Juan La Laguna. Here, you will learn about the work of local cooperatives specialising in natural dyes, coffee production, and medicinal plants.

Afterwards, continue to Santiago Atitlán, renowned for its traditional handicrafts and the veneration of Holy Maximón. Tuk-tuks are included during the visit. Return to the hotel afterwards.

Accommodation: Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel

Very early wake up call (approx 3am) – departure to Santa Cruz La Laguna, where you will board 4×4 vehicles to begin the ascent to Indian Nose Mountain. The final section includes an easy to moderate walk of approximately 30–40 minutes. Arrive in time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise views overlooking Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, depart for Iximché, an important archaeological site located in the town of Tecpán. Iximché was the former capital of the Maya-Cakchiquel kingdom and is also recognised as the site where the Spanish conqueror Pedro de Alvarado founded the first capital of Guatemala in 1524.

Continue to Guatemala City for a panoramic city tour, including visits to the Historic Centre, the Main Plaza, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, before transferring to the hotel.

Accommodation: Best Western Plus Stofella

NOTE: Whoever wants can opt to sleep in and not go to the trek. 

Breakfast at the hotel. After, depart from Guatemala City towards the region of Las Verapaces, travelling through Guatemala’s diverse landscapes and changing climates — from the cooler highlands of Antigua to the hot and dry tropical scenery of the Motagua River Valley. Continue into the lush cloud forest ecosystem of the Biotope “El Quetzal”, natural habitat of Guatemala’s national bird, the Quetzal.

Enjoy a walk along the trails of the national park before continuing to Cobán, known as the Imperial City of Charles V.

Accommodation: Park Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, transfer to Semuc Champey, a spectacular natural monument located near Lanquín and famously known as “the place where the river hides beneath the mountain.” Surrounded by dense tropical forest, this unique limestone formation creates a natural bridge beneath which the Cahabón River flows. Above it, a series of stunning turquoise pools ranging from 1 to 3 metres deep change colour throughout the year depending on sunlight, weather, and natural conditions.

Declared a Natural Monument in 1999, Semuc Champey is considered one of Guatemala’s most breathtaking natural attractions. Later, visit the Lanquín caves before returning to Cobán.

Accommodation: Park Hotel

This morning, depart from Cobán to visit the spectacular Candelaria Caves, the largest cave system in Central America, located at the foot of the Chamá Mountain Range. Often described as “one of the most extraordinary underground systems on Earth,” the caves feature impressive rock formations, underground rivers, and vast chambers shaped over thousands of years.

For those seeking additional adventure, an optional river tubing experience inside the caves is available at an extra supplement.

After the visit, change vehicle and guide before continuing north towards the Petén region and the island town of Flores.

Accommodation: Hotel Isla de Flores

Supplement for river tubing tour in Candelaria Caves  $25 p/pax.

After breakfast, transfer to Tikal National Park, one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilisation and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the largest and most monumental city discovered in the Mayan world, Tikal is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest rich in wildlife and exotic bird species.

Enjoy a guided walking tour through the site’s most impressive plazas, temples, and ceremonial complexes while learning about the fascinating history and achievements of the Maya civilisation. Lunch is included during the excursion.

Afterwards, continue to Flores Island for a walking tour of this charming lakeside town, offering beautiful views over Lake Petén Itzá, before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Isla de Flores

After breakfast, depart from Flores towards Río Dulce, where you will board a boat to the Garífuna town of Livingston, located at the point where Río Dulce meets the Caribbean Sea. Livingston is the only town in Guatemala where Afro-Caribbean Garífuna culture has preserved its traditions and heritage since the first settlers arrived at the end of the 15th century. Today, the town is known for its colourful atmosphere, relaxed lifestyle, and unique cultural identity.

After exploring Livingston, continue by boat to Puerto Barrios before transferring to the hotel.

Accommodation: Amatique Bay

After breakfast, depart for Quiriguá, a remarkable archaeological site surrounded by the largest banana plantation in Central America. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quiriguá is renowned for having the tallest stone-carved stelae in the Maya world, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance.

Following the visit, continue towards the El Florido border crossing before proceeding into Honduras and onward to the town of Copán.

Accommodation: Plaza Copán

After breakfast, transfer to Copán, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Maya world and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its sophisticated architectural style and exceptional stone carvings, Copán is considered one of the greatest achievements of the ancient Maya civilisation.

Enjoy a guided visit through the site’s main plazas, ceremonial complexes, and monuments before returning to town. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax or further explore Copán at your own pace.

Distance: 2 kms / approximately 15 minutes each way

Accommodation: Plaza Copán

Optional – visit to Macaw Mountain Birds park – USD $19 p/person  (min 8 pax)

Depart from Concepción de Ataco towards Cerro Verde National Park, a beautiful nature reserve located between the provinces of Sonsonate and Santa Ana. The Cerro Verde region offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in El Salvador and is home to one of the country’s few remaining cloud forests. Cerro Verde itself is an extinct volcano that last erupted approximately 2,500 years ago.

Afterwards, begin the hike to Santa Ana Volcano. The trail passes through lush forests and open ridges, gradually revealing spectacular panoramic views of Lake Coatepeque and the surrounding volcanoes. The hike is considered moderately challenging and usually takes around 3–4 hours. After the excursion, continue to Suchitoto.

For guests who prefer not to hike, an alternative excursion to Lake Coatepeque is available, including a boat ride and free time to enjoy the lake views or optional activities such as kayaking (payable locally). Supplement for the alternative excursion: USD $16 per person including boat and guide (minimum 6 participants).

Accommodation: Hotel El Tejado

Breakfast at the hotel.

Suchitoto is a charming colonial town known for its cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and vibrant cultural atmosphere. During the visit, explore the historic centre including Santa Lucía Church and local artisan shops showcasing traditional crafts and handmade products.

Later, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Suchitlán. Surrounded by lush landscapes and home to a variety of bird species, the peaceful waters offer panoramic views of the colonial town of Suchitoto and the surrounding mountains.

Accommodation: Hotel El Tejado

Optional – “pupusas” workshop (typical food) – USD $35 p/person (min 5 pax).

Transfer to El Salvador Airport.

Availability is on a first come, first serve basis.

The majority of guests joining our trips are solo travellers. Through meet-ups, events and our facebook community you will get to know the group before departing. You could get a single room at an additional charge, however, meeting up with the group beforehand could give you the opportunity to meet someone and decide together to share a room. 

For safety, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling with us. You need to make sure that the country of visit and activities you will be doing are covered by your insurance and is important to keep a copy of your insurance policy handy.

This trip includes moderate walking and some hikes.  You should be comfortable walking for a few hours at a time. However, we always allow time to rest, and most activities are adaptable to different fitness levels.

Maltese passport holders do not need a visa, provided they have a passport of usually six months’ validity and an onward or return ticket.