Excursions & hikes

Discover Guatemala Off the Beaten Path

For over 30 years, we have been passionate about hiking and adventure travel. Whether you prefer cultural walks or more challenging treks, we’ll help you choose the right trails and take care of all the logistical details.

Let us guide you through the heart of indigenous lands to better understand the richness and complexity of today’s Maya world — as well as through ancient archaeological sites to uncover their fascinating history.

By booking one or several excursions in advance — from half-day trips to multi-day hikes — you’ll benefit from a private vehicle, driver, and/or English-speaking guide*, allowing you to explore the Guatemalan Highlands in greater depth and access remote areas rarely visited by travelers.

These excursions and hikes can start from various points such as Quetzaltenango, Panajachel, or Antigua.

Our agency is based in Quetzaltenango, right in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands, just a short distance from Lake Atitlán, the famous Maya markets of Chichicastenango and San Francisco El Alto, the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, the archaeological site of Takalik Abaj, and the picturesque Maya villages of Zunil and Almolonga. We live in the Highlands — the region that offers the country’s most beautiful hiking routes, from authentic Maya villages to majestic volcanoes such as Santa María, Santiaguito, and Chicabal.

 

Here’s a selection of the best excursions available in our region.

Mix and match the ingredients of Adventure, Hiking, Culture, and Discovery as you wish, according to your interests and travel time.    

For more information or additional excursion options, feel free to contact us

(English-speaking guides are subject to availability at the time of booking)

Trek

Ascent of Santa María Volcano – Quetzaltenango Region
For experienced hikers: 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of elevation gain and descent.
This is probably the volcano with the most stunning view of Guatemala’s volcanic range. From its 3,770 m (12,370 ft) summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the active Santiaguito volcano (2,500 m) and its spectacular eruptions below. 
Duration: approximately 7 hours (round trip). Departure just before dawn.

Ascent of the Acatenango–Fuego Volcanic Complex – Antigua Region
For experienced hikers: 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of elevation gain and descent, 3–4 hours of walking. 
A two-day trek with guide and porters.

Includes round-trip transport from Antigua to the base of Acatenango. Overnight camping near the summit, facing the active Fuego volcano, to watch its glowing nighttime eruptions. At dawn on day two, you can reach the 3,976 m (13,045 ft) summit of Acatenango (about 1 hour of hiking). From there, you’ll have extraordinary views of Fuego’s eruptions, the surrounding Highlands, and the volcanic chain stretching to the Mexican border — including Agua, Pacaya, and the three volcanoes of Lake Atitlán.

Adventure

Canopy Tour / Zipline – Quetzaltenango Region
Eleven suspended cables across a stunning coffee plantation on the southern slopes of the mountain range — surrounded by lush tropical vegetation!
Duration (round trip): half a day.

Mountain Biking (MTB)
The region’s volcanoes are an ideal playground for mountain biking: the viewpoint over the active Santiaguito volcano, the sacred Chicabal volcano and lake, or routes linking Quetzaltenango and Lake Atitlán. So many possibilities! Let our mountain biking specialists help you find the best trails.

Hiking

Santiaguito Viewpoint – Quetzaltenango Region
A pleasant hike along the western slope of the Santa María volcano, offering an impressive view of the eruptive activity of the Santiaguito volcano and the Pacific coastal plain. 
Hiking time (round trip): about 3.5 hours. Departure at dawn.
Total excursion duration: about 4.5 hours.

Chicabal Volcano – Quetzaltenango Region
A small extinct volcano (2,700 meters) with a stunning crater lake at its summit, surrounded by beautiful cloud forest. The site remains sacred for the Maya, who see it as a place of connection between the sky, water, and earth. From the waters of this mystical lake, clouds seem to be born…
Excursion duration (round trip): about 5 hours.

Culture & Discovery

Markets around Quetzaltenango

San Francisco el Alto Market
One of the largest indigenous markets in Central America — and one of our favorites for its vibrant colors and authenticity! This excursion also includes a visit to the first church ever built by the Spaniards in Central America (in the village of Salcajá), the observation of Maya ceremonies, and a stop in the village of San Andrés Xecul to admire its famous multicolored church.
Duration: round trip 4 hours (Friday mornings)

Almolonga Market
A lovely, very authentic market filled with flowers and vegetables spread across the main square and surrounding streets near the old church — a real festival of colors.
Duration: round trip 2 hours (Wednesday and Saturday mornings)

San Juan Ostuncalco Market
An incredible mix of colors thanks to the two Maya ethnic groups who share this village.
Duration: round trip 3 hours (Sunday mornings) – can be combined with the Chicabal volcano hike.

Momostenango Market
Wool, blankets, and textiles — another wonderful market in the region.
Duration: round trip half a day (Sunday mornings)

The Pacific Coastal Plain south of Quetzaltenango

Archaeological site of Takalik Abaj
Located within a coffee plantation in a lush tropical setting, this site is historically major, with continuous occupation from the formative to the classical Maya periods. On the way, you can make a stop (if you wish) for a swim in a natural pool surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Duration: round trip half a day

Coffee Plantation
Less than an hour from Quetzaltenango, we reach the perfect altitude for growing high-quality coffee beans. Discover the entire process — from planting to harvesting and drying the beans — and, of course, enjoy a coffee tasting! The plantation is set in a tropical environment with beautiful gardens, and you’ll enjoy a delicious local meal in the heart of the coffee fields.
Duration: round trip one full day (about 6 hours)

Villages around Quetzaltenango

Salcajá
A typical weaving village where you can visit local workshops and admire the small Concepción Conquistadora Church — the first Spanish church built in Central America (1524). You can also taste some traditional local drinks.
Duration: round trip 2 hours (can be combined with market day: Tuesday)

Zunil : Maya village and the Fuentes Georginas hot springs
The small village of Zunil has several points of interest. You can witness the Maya worship of San Simón — also known as Maximón — in the local chapel, visit the colorful cemetery overlooking the nearby volcanoes, and explore the village’s small church. Then follow a scenic mountain road through hand-tended fields to reach a viewpoint over the Santa Maria volcano before continuing to the Georginas hot springs. Enjoy a soak in these volcanic pools nestled in a lush mountain jungle — said to be the most beautiful hot springs in Central America!
Duration: round trip 4 hours (can be combined with market day: Monday) – also combinable with Almolonga Market (Wednesday or Saturday)

San Cristobal Totonicapan
A charming town in the western highlands, known for its impressive church decorated with 17th-century frescoes and altars.     
Duration: round trip 2 hours (can be combined with market day: Sunday)

San Andres Xecul
Another small, picturesque village of the region, famous for its brightly colored church façade — one of the most photographed images of the Guatemalan highlands.
Duration: round trip 2 hours (patron saint festival: November 30)

Totonicapan
A charming, authentic Maya town less than an hour from Quetzaltenango. You’ll meet local artisans who have preserved their ancestral skills for generations — pottery, ceramics, and traditional weaving. Then, share a meal with a Maya family — a truly enriching cultural exchange.
Duration: round trip 4.5 hours (market days: Thursday and Saturday) – can be combined with visits to San Andrés Xecul and San Cristóbal Totonicapán.