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Pacaya volcano a tourist attraction

Maya Multisport

Example 11 Day Tour
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Explore the fertile landscape and rich Maya heritage by land and water on this 11-day Guatemala tour. Towering volcanoes, lush cloud forests, and ancient ruins set the stage for an unforgettable journey. Bike through Antigua’s rugged trails, navigating forested paths and thrilling descents. Hike Pacaya Volcano’s lava fields and feel the heat from geothermal vents. Trek into the jungle to the remote ruins of El Zotz before arriving at the iconic temples of Tikal. Zipline high above waterfalls at Lake Atitlán, then kayak its clear waters and take the plunge with an exhilarating cliff jump. Walk scenic trails through highland forests, watching for local wildlife along the way. From ancient Maya cities to volcanic landscapes and breathtaking lake views, this multisport adventure blends action, history, and stunning scenery for an immersive exploration of Guatemala’s natural and cultural wonders.
Zipline through the rainforest canopyExplore GuatemalaMountain biking in GuatemalaThe incredible complex at TikalBiking Guatemala backroadsTikal National Park, GuatemalaExplore GuatemalaPacaya volcano a tourist attraction
Highlights
  • Hike Pacaya Volcano and view glowing lava in the crater
  • Explore El Zotz, a Maya ruin site, and its 148 ft temple, "El Diablo"
  • Kayak past villages to a swimming and cliff-jumping spot on Lake Atitlan
  • Explore Panajachel at your leisure
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Antigua, Guatemala

Arrive at the airport in Guatemala City. Here you will connect with your guide and transfer to your hotel in Antigua.

Day 2: Antigua Mountain Biking Tour

Begin today's mountain biking adventure with a 15-minute drive from Antigua to Santo Tomás Milpas Altas, where your guide will prepare your bike and equipment for today's ride.

Start the ride with a loop around Magdalena Milpas Altas, known for its stunning views of  the surrounding cloud forests. Next, continue into the lush forested trails of Cerro Cucurucho, also called Corazón de Agua (Heart of the Water), reaching an elevation of 2,600 meters (8,500 feet). Finally, as you descend, navigate a mix of singletrack, double-track, and dirt roads as you make your way back to Antigua, encountering rolling hills, challenging climbs and exhilarating descents.

This tour includes a full-suspension bike, helmet, gloves, kneepads, mechanical assistance, emergency vehicle support, first-aid kit, two-way radio, and a satellite locator. You will also be provided with fruit and snacks along the trail and will be accompanied by a bilingual, internationally certified mountain bike guide.

Elevation Gain: 3,285 feet / 986 meters
Maximum Altitude: 7,234 feet / 2,205 meters
Distance: 13.04 miles / 21 kilometers

Day 3: Pacaya National Park Hike | Flores

Start the day with an early morning pickup by the guide and driver for a transfer around an hour long to the Pacaya National Park Office. Begin the hike along well-established trails, gradually ascending as panoramic views of Guatemala’s volcanic landscape unfold. Upon reaching the base of the caldera, follow the guide through rugged dried lava fields, experiencing the unique terrain shaped by past eruptions. Trail conditions and exact routes in this part of the hike may vary, but the hike consistently offers the opportunity to traverse volcanic rock landscapes en route to the summit.

At a scenic viewpoint, stop to relax after your ascent and enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in views of nearby volcanoes—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Take some time to explore geothermal hot spots along the cooled lava formations, where the natural heat being emitted provides a chance to even roast marshmallows. The descent crosses more dried lava fields before transitioning into Pacaya’s lesser-known forests and farmland. Return to the trailhead and head back to Antigua.

Once all possessions and luggage have been gathered, transfer to Guatemala City Airport for a local flight to Flores. Upon arrival, hotel staff will be waiting to assist with check-in and any restaurant recommendations needed to help unwind and end the day. Rest up tonight to be ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Elevation Gain: 1,313 feet / 400 meters
High Point: 8,373 feet / 2,552 meters
Distance: 5 miles / 8 kilometers

Day 4: Hike to El Zotz | Tikal National Park

Early this morning, plan to depart from Flores and travel to the community of Cruce Dos Aguadas. Departure is typically around 5:45 AM. Enjoy breakfast once you arrive in Cruce Dos Aguadas. After breakfast, begin the hiking adventure of the day, a  20-kilometer trek toward the ancient site of El Zotz - the Mayan word for "bat". The trail winds through dense rainforests, following historic routes once used by Mayan "Chicleros," who harvested tree sap in these forests. Stop for lunch along the way before continuing deeper into the jungle.  Arrive at El Zotz in the afternoon after an exciting day on the trail and help with camp set up for the evening. As the sun sets, observe a phenomenon unique to this area known as "el Corriente," in which thousands of bats take flight in search of food all at once, before returning to camp to enjoy dinner. 

Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: 12.5 miles / 20 kilometers

Day 5: El Zotz Ruins | Tikal National Park

Start the day with breakfast at camp before setting out on a 4-hour hike to explore El Zotz, a lesser-visited Mayan archaeological site named for its large bat population (that you witnessed last night!). Observe many of the mounds and ruins that still have not yet been fully excavated, including the 148-foot-tall "El Diablo" temple with famously steep angled sides. 

After lunch, continue along the second half of the hike today towards El Yesal, where you will make camp for the evening. Settle in upon arrival and enjoy dinner while unwinding from the day.

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: 9.32 miles / 15 kilometers

Day 6: Trek to Tikal

Start the day with an early breakfast before departing El Yesal. The destination today is a hike to the temples of Tikal, stopping for a box lunch along the way. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, take a guided tour of the famous archaeological site. At the end of today's hike, settle into your jungle lodge accommodations for the evening and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: 12.43 miles / 20 kilometers

Day 7: Tikal National Park | Independent Exploration

Today is yours to explore Tikal National Park how you prefer. Spend the day at the lodge near the ruins or choose to venture out and explore the ruins independently. Relax by the jungle-surrounded pool, enjoy games like billiards and foosball in the Acropolis room, or unwind with a cocktail at the poolside bar. In the evening, gather around a bonfire with snacks or enjoy dinner outdoors under the stars. Guided excursions to nearby sites like Uaxactún, one of the earliest Maya Archaeological sites in the Maya lowlands, and a relatively infrequently visited hidden gem, are available. Yaxhá, a ceremonial center and the third-largest pre-Colombian Maya city in the region, is another option for those looking to dive deeper into Mayan history. If you would like to plan one of these excursions, please discuss with your Trip Planner. 

Day 8: Guatemala City | Atitlan Nature Reserve & Zipline | Panajachel

In the morning, transfer to the airport in Flores for a flight to Guatemala City. Upon arrival, begin the journey to Lake Atitlán. Along the way, stop at the Atitlán Nature Reserve, the entrance to the lake region for an exciting break. Hike about 20 minutes to a launch platform before ziplining over the tops of waterfalls, canyons, and forests, with the glittering lake as your backdrop. 

Afterward, continue to Panajachel and to your hotel to enjoy some free time and dinner at your leisure.

Number of zip-lines: 8
Total zip-line distance: 1,300 meters (4,223 feet)
Cable length range: 90 meters (295 feet) to 320 meters (1,050 feet)
Height from ground: 25 meters (82 feet)
Total tour time: 1.5 hours
Walking distance: 450 meters (1,476 feet) with a vertical ascent of 80 meters (262 feet)

Day 9: Panajachel | Santa Cruz La Laguna

Take a 15-minute boat transfer to Santa Cruz La Laguna and prepare for the day's adventure. Choose from stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), single kayaks, or double kayaks before heading out on the lake with an experienced guide.

Paddle to a designated cliff-jumping and swimming zone with jump heights ranging from 2 to 30 feet, depending on your desired thrill level. All jump locations provide deep-water landings, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience. Jump as many times as you like or simply enjoy the scenic surroundings. After the morning's activities, head to Los Elementos Adventure Center for lunch and unwind with an optional massage.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel and explore Panajachel independently this evening.

Duration: 3 hours (plus 1 additional hour for the massage)
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 10: Guatemala City

Spend the morning at the hotel and enjoy breakfast and your last bit of time in Panajachel, before transferring to Guatemala City in the afternoon.

Day 11: Depart Guatemala

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast in Guatemala City before transferring to the airport for your journey home.

Accommodations

Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo

Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo
Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo

Jungle Lodge

Jungle Lodge Tikal
Jungle Lodge Tikal
Jungle Lodge Tikal

Casona del Lago

Casona del Lago
Casona del Lago
Casona del Lago

Meson de Maria

El Hotel Mesón de María
La Fonda de la Calle Real
The roof-top terrace offers the best views of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes which surround the valley.

Hotel Casa Veranda

Maya Biosphere Reserve Campsite

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,790 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners, 2 Box Lunches
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Tikal National Park Entrance Fee
  • Bottled water
  • Transfers mentioned in the program
  • Gear Rental: Mountain Bike & Helmet, Paddle or Kayak
  • Camping Gear
  • El Zotz Reserve Entrance Fee
  • Kayak or SUP Rental Plus Equipment
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flight: Guatemala City - Flores - Guatemala City

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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