Vibrant Guatemala

Explore the base of volcanoes, learn the art of natural dye-making, and be captivated by luscious landscapes

9 Days | From $3,499

Dramatic Landscapes & Vibrant Textiles

Sustainably sourced textiles, locally foraged cuisine, and a connection to the land and its people. An intimate group of 14 curious travelers will explore Antigua and Lake Atitlán on an itinerary that supports the local creative economy while exploring the varied cultures and dramatic landscapes of Guatemala.

About your trip

Bustling marketplaces adorned with intricate textiles, cobblestone streets filled with color and aged ruins of times past, the slapping sound of tortillas being formed by hand over the comal, majestic volcanos lining your every horizon. Tricked-out buses and tuk-tuks hustle by while women wearing traditional handwoven clothing carry baskets nimbly on their heads. There is a warmth and a history, a culture and a soul that is palpable here. This is Guatemala.

What’s included

  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary

  • Boutique hotel accommodations

  • Transportation to and from the airport

  • 8 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 4 lunches, 5 dinners and more

  • El Camino’s exclusive Eat, Play, Shop Guide

  • Experienced local host with you throughout the trip

  • Lake Atitlán "Lancha" (water taxi) transportation

Not included

Travelers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their journey. If you’d like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process. If you need assistance please contact our Customer Success team.

Itinerary

Flight

☞Please remember to book separately

Day 1

☞ Arrival in Guatemala (GUA) | Welcome dinner

Day 2

☞ Luna Zorro textile studio | Open-fire lunch

Day 3

☞ Hidden courtyard brunch | Coffee farm experience

Day 4

☞ Private Estate with a Botanical Garden at the base of Volcan de Fuego experience

Day 5

☞ Outdoor  feast at a family-owned organic farm |  Guatemalan Art Museum

Day 6

☞ Journey to Lake Atitlán

Day 7

☞ Santa Catarina local candle studio | San Antonio ceramics studios


Day 8

☞ Back to Antigua| Farewell Dinner


Day 9

☞ Depart from Guatemala (GUA)

Your Itinerary

  • After arriving at La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City, you'll be scooped up for the next leg of the journey to Antigua. Note how quickly the terrain becomes drenched in greenery as you enjoy the sights into the breathtaking Antigua valley. We'll arrive at our boutique hotel in the early evening. Check in and get settled before heading back out for the welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant just a few steps from the hotel. You’ll dine on a beautiful outdoor patio, sampling fresh Guatemalan produce and locally-sourced meals as you enjoy this vibrant, art-filled location.

  • After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take the short journey to Luna Zorro, a modern textile studio located inside a 150-year-old coffee farm that preserves Guatemalan culture by working with local weavers and artisans. Using plants and flowers, you’ll partake in a natural dyes workshop, where you’ll have the chance to create your own textile masterpiece. In the afternoon, we will have some free time for you to explore Antigua at your own pace. Later this evening, join the group for dinner at a classic Guatemalan spot that serves popular regional dishes.

  • Enjoy a light breakfast at the hotel, but make sure to leave plenty of room as you’ll be enjoying an incredible brunch at a much-loved local spot in a hidden garden courtyard. After brunch, we’ll make our way to a lush local farm to enjoy one of Guatemala’s most famous exports—coffee! Learn more about what it takes to get us from bean to cup while enjoying some of the best coffee you’ll ever have. You’ll have the afternoon to yourself, so make sure to tap your Eat, Shop for our curated list of recs. Later in the evening, get ready for a beautiful dining experience where you can enjoy the best of Guatemalan food in one of the most traditional restaurants of Antigua.

  • Today you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour journey to a privately-owned estate and botanical garden located at the base of Volcan de Fuego. You’ll have the entire day to enjoy the grounds… trust us, there's a lot to discover here! Guests have access to all the gardens, a water spring, a natural swimming pool, 4 lakes, a rope swing, paddleboards, kayaks, cornhole, acres of grass, and even a giant slip-and-slide. Fuel up with an outdoor group meal together at lunchtime on one of the estate's green lawns. After lunch, return to your activities or join an optional 2-hour waterfall hike. We'll return to Antigua in the late afternoon. After a full day, the evening is yours to explore or relax as you choose.

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the morning exploring the city on your own. This is your chance to stop by one of the many amazing artisan markets or stores around town that you’ll find in your Eat, Play, Shop guide. After your free morning, we’ll visit a sustainable organic farm where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients all in the midst of the lush surroundings. Later in the day, we will visit an incredible private estate-turned-museum that features one the largest collections of Guatemalan art in the world.

  • Today you’ll be traveling to the storied Lake Atitlán!. On the way, we’ll stop by the lakeside town of Panajachel, where you’ll have time to wander and grab some lunch. Once refueled, our “lancha”, or water taxi, awaits to take us to our ever-magical lakeside accommodations. Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering the immaculate gardens of the property, taking a swim in the crystal clear lake, or enjoy a snack from the incredible kitchen team. This evening, a delicious local meal will be prepared and served family-style by candlelight.

  • We will spend the morning visiting the town of Santa Catarina Palopó, where you'll learn about a social impact mural project and visit local candle and ceramic studios (you’ll be able to pick up some gorgeous souvenirs to take back home). Once back at the hotel, you’ll have the afternoon to yourself. Continue to enjoy the amenities at the hotel or use the opportunity to discover other towns via the public boats or short walking trails from the hotel. You’ll reconvene in the evening for a family-style meal at the hotel enjoying the stars and the best of company.

  • There’s no rush to get started today. Take your time and enjoy your last morning on the lake before we head back to Panajachel via lancha. We’ll enjoy lunch together in Pana before loading up to head back to Antigua. After getting settled in at our hotel in Antigua, you’ll be joining the group for our farewell dinner at a dual-purpose, vintage boutique store and high-end restaurant. Celebrate the amazing experiences that you’ve shared over the past week over a family-style dinner and cocktails.

  • Enjoy a delicious and locally-sourced breakfast at the hotel before saying your goodbyes. Return home feeling fulfilled by the warmth of Guatemalan culture and inspired by the dramatic natural landscapes that you got to experience.

Accommodations

Please be aware that while we have reserved these hotels, there may be rare instances where changes are required due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will do our best to secure comparable accommodations, but due to timing, availability, and local infrastructure, options may be limited. Rest assured, we’ll do everything possible to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

  • Good Hotel in Antigua, Guatemala, is a minimalist boutique hotel with a strong social impact mission. Located just a short walk from the city’s historic center, this stylish property blends modern design with local craftsmanship, offering simple yet comfortable rooms that focus on sustainability. What sets Good Hotel apart is its commitment to giving back: all profits support education for underprivileged children in Guatemala. With its clean design, cozy ambiance, and purpose-driven approach, Good Hotel offers a stay that’s both meaningful and relaxing.

  • Casa del Mundo is a stunning eco-hotel perched on the cliffs of Lake Atitlán, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. The cozy and comfortable rooms are nestled within lush gardens, providing a peaceful retreat. Guests can enjoy an intimate escape, relax in the gardens, swim in the lake’s crystal-clear waters, or savor delicious local cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

Important Notes

  • We teamed up with local experts to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life.


    We made a bold decision to indulge in slow travel, sticking to only two main destinations for your 9-day adventure. We'll explore other nearby places for day trips, keeping travel times to a minimum. Guatemala is a force to be reckoned with and we wanted to honor that. Fully immerse yourself in the culture rather than speeding through.

    Be prepared to fall in love with its people and its awe-inspiring landscapes. Sitting at the base of three magical volcanos, explore Antigua’s hidden garden patios, colorful cobblestone streets, and the bursts of tropical flora and fauna at every turn. Then, venture to Lake Atitlán for a magical lakeside adventure. Swim amongst the underwater ruins in the crystal clear waters at one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

  • Fly into La Aurora Airport (GUA)

  • Please note that El Camino does not handle or monitor flights and is unable to make changes with any airlines. If you need help with your flight search once you reserve your spot, we have a travel advisor that we can recommend who specializes in flights. She can be used at a small fee for those having trouble finding the best option during your flight search or who would like further assistance. She knows all the details regarding our trips and may be able to find better fares and routes than what you can find on your own.

    More information will be given post booking on how travelers should work with their travel coordinator if they experience any delays or issues to ensure that we can update our local teams at your destination to arrange an adjusted pickup. If your return/outbound flight is altered at the end of your trip, we will do our best to support your needs.

  • This trip is for the traveler who has an adventurous spirit, is looking to squeeze the most out of their time in Guatemala, and cares about making the world a better place through responsible tourism. The trip is filled with experiences that allow you to be immersed in the varied cultures of Guatemala. This traveler is open-minded, inherently curious, and enjoys indulging in the moment. This trip is for the traveler who finds joy in stepping outside of their comfort zone, loves trying new things, and is excited to explore a culture completely different from their own. This co-ed trip is available to travelers from all walks of life who are over the age of 18.

    While El Camino Travel provides a high level of customer service, our traveler is someone who is easy-going and amenable to change in the diverse and unpredictable landscape of travel in Latin America.

    This trip is also for a solo traveler who does not want to travel solo, but instead with an interesting group of people and for those who do not want to spend countless hours planning a trip of a lifetime.

    Our adventurous style of group travel is not for everyone. Please read carefully through the itinerary and the above description to ensure that you are booking a trip that fits your comfort level.

  • We are not luxury travel, but we're not budget either. So what exactly does that mean? At El Camino Travel, we're all about the high-low. We enjoy fine dining but we also love street food. We fly coach but you can find us in the airport lounge. We'll splurge on something special like handmade pottery or a one-of-a-kind hand-sewn dress, but we also love searching online for a good deal. We love great style and design, but we also get excited about off-the-beaten-path experiences that are a little rough around the edges. We pride ourselves on designing trips that are authentic and real, understanding that any country is comprised of many lenses and lived experiences and that we can't possibly showcase them all.

    This duality can be seen in our trips. Our trips represent boutique travel—not luxury, not budget. We won't be staying at hostels but we won't be at luxury hotels either. We choose boutique hotels where we can prioritize things like location, character, charm, safety, and customer service.

    Sometimes we do experiences that feel more high-end. Sometimes we're going *way* off the beaten path to do something entirely unique, and sometimes that means it's a little unpolished. Our traveler is someone who enjoys both ends of the spectrum and understands that one isn't more authentic than the other.

    Luxury travel usually means a lot more hand-holding. While we provide a high level of customer service, our traveler is a little more adventurous and self-sufficient. We provide blocks of free time so you have the flexibility to explore the destination your way because we understand that everyone is different. Don’t worry though, we will make sure you are equipped with a curated list of all our favorite places to eat, play, and shop for when you are out on your own with your new travel friends.

    For some additional context, a luxury-travel version of our trips would start anywhere from $7,000-12,000. We mix the high-low versions of a destination to keep our trips more accessible.

  • Please note that our standard pricing is based on shared double rooms. This allows us, among many things, to keep the cost of the trip accessible to as many travelers as possible. If you’re booking this trip with a friend, family member, or significant other, let us know and we’ll place you together.

    Traveling solo? No problem—the majority of our travelers choose to fly solo. We’ll be in touch before the trip to learn a bit about you and find the best fit for a roommate. We will make it a priority to best situate you and we’re happy to chat more in-depth if you have any questions or concerns about this.

    Single room upgrades are available! A limited number of single rooms have been reserved. Please select this option at checkout if you’d prefer your own space. If all the single rooms have already been filled, please email us at info@elcamino.travel and we'll let you know if we can secure additional rooms to accommodate a single.

    We'll have more details regarding hotels prior to your trip, but we promise we chose these locations because they pass the El Camino standard of customer service and are clean, safe, and well-maintained.

    It's important to note that our accommodations are not luxury or high-end. We seek more boutique accommodations that are well-situated and allow us to make the most of our itinerary.

  • We have a roster of well-qualified hosts that we work with. Prior to your trip, you will receive a welcome packet that will inform you of who will be guiding your adventure. We proudly work with local hosts because no one is better equipped to provide layer upon layer of context than someone who is actually from there.

  • A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure.

    Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions for more information about our cancellation policy.

  • We encourage travelers to aim for an arrival no later than 3pm. This should allow you time to settle in ahead of any welcome activities.

  • Our trips are very active, and involve a lot of walking, standing, and moving around—sometimes, in very high temperatures, with high humidity, on uneven roads and terrains, in busy cities. While we work to accommodate all travelers, other modes of transportation are not always available, due to infrastructure, making walking the only option. Travelers should be willing and able to walk anywhere up to 4 miles each day, up and down stairs and hills, and be able to stand for extended periods of time. If you have any concerns or questions about the activity level of this trip, have recently had surgery, or have any history of mobility issues, please reach out to us at info@elcamino.travel before booking—we want to ensure that everyone on our trips is safe, and will able to keep up with the active itinerary. By signing up for any of our trips, you agree to and understand that a certain level of physical fitness is required to safely participate in this itinerary.

What Our Travelers Say

Two female travelers enjoy drinks in a Guatemalan cactus garden.

“Travels with El Camino expand your mind and warm your soul. My recent trip to Guatemala for their collaboration with Luna Zorro was life changing. Every detail of the itinerary was beautifully curated and thoughtful. The friends and memories made will remain close to me forever. Can’t wait for my second trip!”

— Hannah S.

More Reviews From Our Travelers