Guatemala 🇬🇹

Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Volcano Acatenango

Antigua

Nestled in a valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The city’s cobbled streets, colorful facades, and vibrant plazas make it feel like stepping back in time. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala, and much of its charm lies in the remnants of its Spanish colonial past. The city is also a hub for culture and creativity, with art galleries, artisan markets, and lively cafes scattered throughout. One of the must-do activities in Antigua is a hike up Cerro de la Cruz, where you'll get a panoramic view of the city framed by the towering Volcán de Agua.

• Cerro de la Cruz- panoramic views of the city 

• La Merced Church, San Francisco Church, Cathedral of Santiago

• Mercado de artesanías- large open air artisan market 

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlán, located in the highlands of Guatemala, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake is surrounded by towering volcanoes—Atitlán, San Pedro, and Tolimán—and a ring of lush mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape. It sits at about 5,125 feet (1,561 meters) above sea level and has a depth of around 1,000 feet (305 meters).

What makes Lake Atitlán especially unique is its vibrant cultural mix. Several indigenous Maya communities live around the lake, each with its own traditions, language, and customs. The towns along the shore—like Panajachel, San Marcos La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, and San Juan La Laguna—are charming and picturesque, with cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and striking views of the water and mountains.

The lake itself is often described as mystical, with the surrounding volcanoes adding an air of mystery. It’s a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a chance to immerse themselves in local culture. Activities around the lake include hiking, kayaking, visiting local villages, exploring ancient ruins, and enjoying the serene atmosphere.

The area's rich biodiversity, particularly in the flora and fauna, also makes it a hotspot for nature lovers. The lake is surrounded by coffee plantations, forests, and tropical gardens, making it a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Selina Beach Bar- panoramic views with hand sculptures overlooking volcano range 

• Panajachel - excellent shopping, gorgeous textiles and coffee/cacao purveyors

• San Pedro - hippie town 

• San Marcos - artisan town 

Acatenango Volcano

Hiking Volcán Acatenango with OX Expeditions is one of the most unbelieveable adventure experiences in Guatemala. Acatenango is known for offering breathtaking views of Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano right next door that frequently erupts, making this hike both challenging and awe-inspiring.

OX Expeditions offers guided treks to the summit of Acatenango, providing all the necessary equipment, meals, and support for an unforgettable journey. The hike is a challenging but rewarding 2-day trek, designed for people with moderate fitness levels. The summit of Acatenango sits at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) above sea level, and the trek offers a perfect balance of intense hiking, scenic landscapes, and a front-row seat to one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.

Volcano Itinerary:

Day 1 – The Ascent:

• Departure: You'll usually start early from Antigua (OX Expeditions offers transportation from the city), where your guide will give a detailed briefing on the hike, safety precautions, and what to expect.

• Trek to Base Camp: The hike begins with a steady climb through diverse ecosystems, from coffee plantations and tropical forests to high-altitude pine forests. The trail is well-marked but can be steep and strenuous.

• Base Camp Setup: After several hours of hiking, you’ll reach Base Camp (around 3,300 meters).

• Campfire and Volcano Viewing: As night falls, you can gather around a campfire, enjoy a meal, and take in incredible views of Volcán de Fuego erupting in the distance. The volcano often spews ash and lava, creating a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere.

Day 2 – The Summit:

• Early Morning Ascent: The summit hike starts early (around 3/4AM) to catch the sunrise. The final push to the summit is challenging with steeper sections and the altitude making it more demanding.

• Summit Views: Once you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of both Volcán Fuego and the surrounding valleys. On a clear day, you can even see the Pacific Ocean in the distance!

• Descent: After spending time at the summit, it’s time to descend. The hike back down can be faster and less strenuous, though it still requires careful footing due to the loose volcanic ash and rocks (I fell on the way down several times!).

• Return to Antigua: You’ll return to Antigua, feeling both physically exhausted and exhilarated by the experience.

Volcano Recommendations

• Biodegradable baby wipes / toilet paper (toilets are few and far in between, nice for the women especially to have this) 

• Double socks for morning ascent (ground is SO COLD at the top with ice crystals until the sun melts them off)

• Hire a porter for the way up & then carry your own pack on the way down 

• Depending on the tour company, brining a speaker was a hit with my group. Have a great hike playlist downloaded since there is no cell signal 

• 3 liters of water, snacks: dried mangos, pretzels, tortillas, cheese sticks, cacao 

• Layers: waves of heat and cold throughout the hike 

• Good shoes- I wish I had shoes with ankle support. I wore some super old Nikes & had to throw them away post hike because of the amount of volcanic ash that got into the shoes