9:00am – This morning we set for a 1.5hrs drive to San Francisco de Sales for our volcano hike. The Hike up involves around 1.5hrs ascent path coated in volcanic ash.  The trail is surrounded by tropical forest. In clear days we should have views of Guatemala City and the pacific lowlands. Our guide will set a nice picnic lunch with stunning vistas.  The descent takes around 90 minutes and then drive back to Antigua Guatemala. Walk: Distance 6 km Ascent 900m Descent 900m Max Altitude 2400m Time: 4 to 6 hours

For this hike we strongly recommend that you:

• Wear comfortable hiking shoes
• Sun protection
• Recognize that you will be hiking upward for the first part of the tour (with rest stops as needed)
• Additional bottle of water (Ask your guide)

“Don’t wait – plan your dream trip now! You will not regret it!”

We planned a weeklong trip to Guatemala to expose our adopted daughter (age 14) to her birth country and culture. I struggled to figure out how to best use our time, and then found Tours Atitlan and Pedro. He asked a few questions, then designed a dream trip for us. Our first night was at the hotel where we met our daughter, and we did a lot of reminiscing. In the morning, Pablo (guide) and Raul (driver) picked us up at our hotel and we explored Guatemala City before driving to Antigua. The second day Pablo gave us a wonderful walking tour of Antigua. On the third day, Isaias (guide) and Antonio (driver) picked us up at our hotel and we drove to Volcan de Pacaya, where we hiked up and ran down the mountain. The fourth day Isaias and Juan (driver) took us to Lake Atitlan, where we went zip lining in the Nature Preserve and then had a late lunch at Panajachel. The fifth day we had a pickup truck adventure from the dock in Pana to the market of Solola. From there we took a “chicken bus” down the hill and explored the colorful cemetery, followed by lunch and shopping in Panajachel. On day six we hiked on the ancient Mayan trail that is in front of Hotel Arca de Noe to a small village an hour or so away, where we got our kayaks and paddled for approximately an hour on the lake. From there, our boat took us to San Juan la Laguna, where we were treated to weaving, chocolate making, and medicinal herb demonstrations, spoke with an art instructor and learned about painting styles, as well as enjoyed the charming shops. When we weren’t touring, we were out walking in Antigua (day or night, always beautiful), taking the tuc-tucs up the steep hill to the town of Santa Cruz la Laguna to explore or enjoy a meal at the culinary school, hanging out by the dock and watching people come and go, or enjoying yet another meal of wonderful Guatemalan cuisine. On the way back to Guatemala City, we stopped at Mayan ruins and added one more experience to the many amazing things that we did. And most importantly, our daughter LOVED it! She saw so much and learned a little of everything. We can’t say enough how much we recommend Tours Atitlan. If you’re thinking of traveling to Guatemala, you can’t find a better group of people to work with! They love what they do, and they do it very well!

 

“Excellent tours with Pedro!”

I first met Pedro in December 2015 when my family visited me in Guatemala. Pedro took us to Pacaya, Iximche, and Santiago and San Juan on the lake. Pedro was so knowledgeable about every aspect of Guatemala-from history to tradition to flora and fauna, Pedro knew the answers to all of our questions. He was kind and helpful and full of information. Pedro really made Iximche come alive for my family and helped us navigate the best places to visit in San Juan.

I then asked Pedro if he would take my grandfather to Santiago and San Juan this past November. My grandfather returned from his day with Pedro raving about how informative and interesting the tour was, and incredibly impressed by Pedro’s knowledge. I would highly recommend Tours Adventure Atitlan, and especially if you can get Pedro as your guide. The logistics were smooth, he was full of recommendations, and the experience was just overall sop enjoyable.

 

“An Amazing 10 day guided tour through the Guatemalan Highlands”

My wife and I are in our early 60’s. This has been the best guided tour bar none we have ever had! From the outset when we began corresponding with our ideas for travel to Guatemala, through the various changes to itinerary, to the actual travel experience this organization gets the highest marks we can give. They were responsive to all our needs and requests. The itinerary was flexible, we never felt pressured or rushed. The guides at all of our destinations were top notch, very knowledgeable,and personable. We spent time in Antigua, in Acul, in San Pedro de la Laguna, and Santa Cruz. We hiked Pacaya volcano. We saw the Chichel waterfalls. We saw markets in Chichicastenango and Chajul. In Chajul we even discovered a new local museum. We spent time in Lake Atitlán and visited several towns around the lake. We traveled to a private nature preserve. And so much more. Special kudos go to Domingo Solis for all the time he spent with us traveling through the Highlands and teaching us so much about Mayan culture and customs. By the end of the trip these were not just our tour guides, they were our friends. One of the major highlights was the awesome birding experience in Santa Cruz and especially in Los Tarrales Nature preserve. Pedro is an amazing guide and a real bird whisperer. He got my wife to really enjoy birding photography. He did too good a job now her bird photos are better than mine!! I would recommend them to anyone interested in traveling to Guatemala.You won’t regret it.

“Hiking tour of Guatemala Easter 2016 by group of Barbadian hikers”

the tour was well organised overall. we had an excellent tour leader Isias. he spoke English very well, saw to our every need, from hiking arrangements, to hotel accomodation, food & transport etc. the latter was always puntual, people polite and very helpful. assistance by tourist police as well. felt totally safe. greastest high lights were climbs of Santa Maria volcano and Pacaya active volcano. Lots of History about their culture,religion, and industries like cotton, jewelr, etc.. A remarkable experience, best ever for me. worth the monies spent for sure.

How long does this tour takes? It takes 7hrs. the earliest you start is the best

Is this a day trip from Guatemala City? Yes, you can add this tour as a day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala

What is different from this tour than the other tour companies? We take you in a different road, and pass between three volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango and Fuego and our picnic lunches and our  excellent guides

How difficult is this hike? For experienced hikers this is an easy hike with stunning views, and for beginners this is a challenging hike

Is there another way to cling this volcano?  No, but there are horses for additional support