8 Days • 7 Nights
Guatemala Active Adventure: Semuc Champey & Volcanoes
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Hiking active Pacaya across black lava fields is a spectacular start to this adventure. Pacaya, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, rises within easy reach of Antigua, and a hike here is a superb introduction to the country's volcanic landscape. You hike up through pine forest onto vast fields of black, hardened lava, crunching across the surreal moonscape with spectacular views over the surrounding volcanoes, including Agua, Fuego and Acatenango; on active days you feel the warmth of the ground and see steam and glow from vents, and guides roast marshmallows over the natural volcanic heat. The drama and scenery are captivating.
- Swimming in the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey is a magical highlight of this journey. Semuc Champey, hidden deep in the lush mountains of Alta Verapaz, is one of Guatemala's most beautiful natural wonders, a staircase of turquoise limestone pools spanning a natural stone bridge above a thundering river gorge, wrapped in dense jungle. You hike up to the spectacular El Mirador viewpoint, high above the pools, for a breathtaking view of the turquoise staircase, then descend to swim in the cool, clear water, tumbling gently from pool to pool amid the jungle. The beauty of this hidden paradise is magical.
- Exploring river caves by candlelight and tubing the Cahabon river are thrilling highlights. At Semuc Champey the adventure runs deeper than the pools. You venture into the remarkable K'anba caves, wading and swimming through underground river passages by the light of a single candle, climbing ladders and past waterfalls in the darkness, a genuinely exhilarating experience. And you float and bounce down the rushing Cahabon river on an inner tube, drifting between jungle banks in the warm water. The thrill and adventure are captivating. Exploring the K'anba river caves by candlelight, wading through underground passages by flickering flame.
- Climbing a volcano for a spectacular sunrise over Lake Atitlan is an exhilarating highlight. Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic crater lake ringed by three soaring volcanoes, offers superb volcano climbing. Rising in the pre-dawn dark, you climb Volcan San Pedro or the lower Indian Nose ridge with a local guide, reaching a high viewpoint just as the sun rises over the lake and volcanoes, mist lying on the water far below and the peaks glowing gold, one of the great dawn spectacles of Central America. The effort and reward are exhilarating.
- Kayaking and hiking amid the volcanoes and villages of Lake Atitlan round out this adventure. Beyond the sunrise climb, Lake Atitlan offers wonderful active pleasures. You kayak across the deep blue water in the calm morning, paddling beneath the volcanoes, and hike the trails that link the Maya villages around the shore, through coffee groves, cornfields and cliffs, with spectacular lake and volcano views and the chance to meet weavers and villagers along the way. The activity and scenery are captivating. Kayaking the deep blue water beneath the volcanoes and hiking the trails between the Maya villages of Lake Atitlan.
- Above all, this journey offers a thrilling active adventure through the volcanoes, jungles and pools of Guatemala. Guatemala is a paradise for active travellers, and this journey strings together the best of it. Over eight days you hike active Pacaya, swim the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and explore its river caves and rapids, and climb a volcano for sunrise over Lake Atitlan before kayaking and hiking amid its Maya villages, all guided by expert adventure guides and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of volcanoes, limestone pools, jungle caves, rivers and a stunning crater lake makes this adventure thrilling.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your active adventure begins as your flight arrives at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, where you are met and transferred to Antigua, the exquisite colonial city ringed by volcanoes, less than an hour away. Guatemala is a paradise for active travellers, and from Antigua you already see the perfect cone of Agua and, on clear evenings, the glow of erupting Fuego on the horizon. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatising after your journey, perhaps strolling the cobbled streets beneath the volcanoes. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to Guatemalan cuisine and to the thrilling adventure ahead through Pacaya, Semuc Champey and Lake Atitlan, and your guide briefs you on the days to come. Rest well, ready to hike your first volcano tomorrow.
Today you hike active Pacaya, a spectacular start to your adventure. You drive from Antigua to Pacaya, one of the country's most active volcanoes, and hike up through pine forest onto vast fields of black, hardened lava, crunching across the surreal moonscape with spectacular views over the surrounding volcanoes, including Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. On active days you feel the warmth of the ground and see steam and glow from vents, and your guide may roast marshmallows over the natural volcanic heat. Returning towards Antigua, you might explore more of the colonial city and its craft and coffee culture. The drama and scenery are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Antigua. This evening, enjoy a hearty dinner and an early night. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey into the remote mountains towards Semuc Champey.
Today you journey deep into the lush, remote mountains of Alta Verapaz towards Semuc Champey, one of Guatemala's most beautiful hidden corners. It is a long but scenic drive through the changing landscapes of the highlands, past cloud forest, coffee and cardamom plantations and Qeqchi Maya villages, descending into a world of dense green jungle and rushing rivers. You arrive at your jungle lodge near Lanquin, set amid the forest above the Cahabon river, as the day cools into evening. The sense of reaching a remote wilderness is thrilling. As the day ends, you settle into your jungle lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and river. This evening, dine at the lodge amid the jungle. Rest well, for tomorrow you swim the turquoise pools and explore the caves and river of Semuc Champey.
Today you throw yourself into the adventures of Semuc Champey, deep in the jungle. With your guide you first hike up to the spectacular El Mirador viewpoint, high above the pools, for a breathtaking view of the turquoise limestone staircase spanning its natural stone bridge, then descend to swim in the cool, clear, turquoise pools, tumbling gently from one to the next amid the jungle. You venture into the remarkable K'anba river caves, wading and swimming through underground passages by candlelight, and float and bounce down the rushing Cahabon river on an inner tube between jungle banks. The beauty and thrill are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your jungle lodge, exhilarated. This evening, dine amid the jungle and share the day's adventures. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the stunning crater lake of Atitlan.
Today you journey from the jungle mountains of Alta Verapaz to the stunning crater lake of Atitlan. It is a long but scenic drive, climbing back up into the highlands through beautiful mountain scenery, Maya villages and milpa cornfields, with the landscape opening into volcano country once more. You descend at last to the shore of Lake Atitlan, a stunning volcanic crater lake ringed by three soaring volcanoes and traditional Maya villages, and settle into your lakeside hotel as the day cools into evening. After the remote jungle, the beauty of the lake is a wonderful reward. The scenery is captivating. As the day ends, you watch the sunset paint the volcanoes and lake. This evening, savour the beauty and calm of the lake over dinner, and prepare for an early start. Rest well, for tomorrow you climb for a spectacular sunrise over the lake.
Today you enjoy an active day on the stunning crater lake, beginning with a spectacular sunrise climb. Rising in the pre-dawn dark, you climb Volcan San Pedro or the lower Indian Nose ridge with a local guide, reaching a high viewpoint just as the sun rises over the lake and volcanoes, mist lying on the water below and the peaks glowing gold, one of the great dawn spectacles of Central America. After descending and a hearty breakfast, you kayak across the deep blue water in the calm of the day, paddling beneath the volcanoes, and relax by the lake. The effort and beauty are exhilarating. As the day ends, you rest after your early start. This evening, enjoy a lakeside dinner, reflecting on the sunrise. Rest well, for tomorrow you hike between the Maya villages of the lake.
Today you spend an active, flexible day hiking and exploring the stunning crater lake of Atitlan and its Maya villages. With your guide you hike a scenic section of the trails that link the lakeside villages, through coffee groves, cornfields and cliffs with spectacular lake and volcano views, perhaps between San Juan and San Pedro or towards Santa Cruz and the quieter western shore, stopping to meet weavers, visit a village or swim in a calm bay. You take in the living Maya culture and the beauty of the lake at a walking pace. The activity and scenery are captivating. As the day ends, you return by boat to your lakeside hotel, having explored the lake actively. This evening, enjoy a final lakeside dinner, reflecting on your adventure through the volcanoes, jungles and pools of Guatemala. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.
After a final morning by the stunning crater lake, you journey back through beautiful highland scenery to Guatemala City and La Aurora International Airport for your onward international departure (we time the drive comfortably around your flight). You leave having thrown yourself into the active adventures of Guatemala, hiking active Pacaya across its black lava fields, swimming the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey and exploring its caves and rapids, and climbing a volcano for sunrise over Lake Atitlan before kayaking and hiking amid its Maya villages. The images stay vivid long after you land, the moonscape of Pacaya, the turquoise staircase of Semuc Champey, the candlelit caves, and the dawn over the volcanoes of Atitlan. Guatemala offers active adventure, dramatic landscapes and beauty in abundance, and you depart tired, exhilarated and already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and welcoming land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation, plus a welcome dinner and jungle lodge dinners
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in comfortable private vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to ruins, sites and reserves as per itinerary
- private touring with expert local and adventure guides, a Pacaya volcano hike, transfers to remote Semuc Champey, a Semuc Champey pools, caves and river-tubing excursion, a sunrise volcano or Indian Nose climb, kayaking and village hiking at Lake Atitlan, and all entrance and park fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional additional activities and equipment rental, and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities (including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand) do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Guatemala, which shares a CA-4 border agreement with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; a passport valid for at least six months is required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ), named after the country's beautiful national bird; US dollars are sometimes accepted in hotels and tourist areas, but you will need Quetzales for markets, small shops, tips, boats and rural areas. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger establishments in Antigua and Guatemala City, and ATMs are available in towns and cities
- Best time to visit: November to April is the dry season and ideal, with warm, sunny days perfect for Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the highlands and the Peten jungle; the famous Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in Antigua fall in March or April and are spectacular. May to October is the green, rainy season, lush and beautiful, with warm mornings and afternoon showers
- Language & etiquette: Spanish is the official language, but Guatemala is the heart of the Maya world, and more than twenty Maya languages (such as Kiche, Kaqchikel and Qeqchi) are spoken in the highlands. Some English is spoken in tourism. Guatemalans are warm and courteous; in Maya villages and markets, always ask before photographing people, and dress modestly at churches and ceremonies
- Getting around: Touring is by comfortable private vehicle with your guide and driver, with some long but scenic mountain drives; Lake Atitlan is explored by boat between its villages, and for Tikal we usually fly from Guatemala City to Flores to save a long overland journey. Roads wind through beautiful highland scenery, so we build in comfortable timings
- Health & altitude: The highlands sit at altitude (Guatemala City and Lake Atitlan around 1,500m), so take it easy on arrival and stay hydrated; the Peten lowlands and Caribbean coast are hot and humid. Drink bottled or purified water, bring sun protection and insect repellent, and consider travel insurance. We use trusted guides, drivers and vehicles throughout
- Culture & markets: Guatemala has one of the richest living indigenous cultures in the Americas, famous for its dazzling handwoven textiles (each village has its own patterns), colourful markets such as Chichicastenango, and Maya traditions blended with colonial Catholicism. Bargaining is normal and good-natured in markets; buying directly from weavers supports local families and communities
- Safety & guides: We plan itineraries around the safe, well-travelled regions of Antigua, Atitlan, the highlands and Peten, using private transport and trusted local guides, and we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Sensible precautions apply as anywhere, and the genuine warmth of the Guatemalan and Maya people greatly enriches every journey through this beautiful country
- Power & practicalities: Power is 120V with US-style type A and B plugs, so many travellers need only a voltage-compatible adapter. Mornings in the highlands can be cool, so bring layers, along with sturdy shoes for ruins and volcanoes, sun protection and a light rain jacket. Spanish and the Maya languages give Guatemala its wonderfully rich cultural character
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for this active adventure?
This journey suits reasonably fit, active travellers who enjoy hiking, swimming and adventure, but requires no technical skills. You should be comfortable with a couple of hours of uphill walking (the Pacaya and sunrise volcano climbs), swimming and scrambling in the caves and pools of Semuc Champey, and some long scenic drives to reach remote areas. Activities such as the caves and tubing are optional and can be skipped, and we tailor the intensity to your group. Good footwear, a swimsuit and a sense of adventure are the main requirements.
Why are there long drives, and can they be shortened?
Semuc Champey lies deep in the remote mountains of Alta Verapaz, far from the volcanoes and Lake Atitlan, so reaching it involves some long but very scenic drives through beautiful highland and jungle landscapes, part of the adventure of getting off the beaten track. We use comfortable private transport and build in stops to break the journeys. If you prefer to reduce the driving, we can rearrange the route, add an overnight stop, or focus on either the volcanoes or Semuc Champey, and tailor the adventure to suit.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and some dinners at lakeside or jungle lodges). Guatemalan cuisine is delicious and varied, from pepian (a rich spiced stew) and hearty tamales to fresh tropical fruit, handmade tortillas and superb highland coffee, and we usually leave other meals free for you to explore, recommending the best local restaurants and comedores at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable private vehicle, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Guatemala's knowledgeable guides bring the Maya ruins, colonial cities, markets, villages and volcanoes vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and private transport makes the winding highland journeys comfortable and relaxed.
Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
Most nationalities, including citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia and New Zealand, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, entering under the regional CA-4 agreement. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and advise on the best option, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates is required.
Is Guatemala safe to visit?
Guatemala is a warm and welcoming country, and we plan every itinerary around its safe, well-travelled regions, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the highlands, Chichicastenango and Peten, using private transport and trusted local guides. We continuously monitor conditions and follow official guidance at all times. Sensible precautions apply as anywhere, and the genuine warmth of the Guatemalan and Maya people is among the great joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
November to April is the dry season and ideal across most of Guatemala, with warm, sunny days perfect for Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the highlands and the Peten jungle. The famous Semana Santa processions in Antigua fall in March or April. May to October is the green, rainy season, lush and beautiful, with warm mornings and refreshing afternoon showers. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of colonial Antigua, Lake Atitlan, the highland markets, the Maya ruins of Tikal, volcano hikes and Semuc Champey, add nights at a luxurious lakeside or jungle lodge, include the Caribbean coast at Livingston, extend market or textile experiences, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through beautiful Guatemala.
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