Serendipitous Moments

Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Guatemala. This itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, taking you from the colonial charm of Antigua to the mystical heights of Acatenango, and finally to the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlan. From exploring ancient cobblestone streets and sipping local coffee, to conquering volcanic peaks and engaging in Mayan traditions, every day offers a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this enchanting Central American gem. Get ready to discover the heart of Guatemala, where every turn reveals a new wonder.

Day 1: Arrival in Guatemala and Sunset Drive to Antigua

We touched down in Guatemala and embarked on the picturesque drive to Antigua as the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We thought we saw lava pouring down the side of a volcano, but later learned it was a forest fire which had been started due to lava. The drive took about 1.5 hours with traffic.

Day 2: Exploring Antigua’s Charm

We wandered through the charming cobblestone streets of Antigua, discovering hidden gems around every corner. We drank local beer at “Tartines”, a beautiful restaurant sitting above the 16th-century Catedral San Jose and ate lunch at the largest Chabad in South America. As evening fell, we ascend to our hostel’s best feature, the rooftop, with a vantage point to witness the breathtaking eruption of Volcan Fuego against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Day 3: Adventure to Hobbitenango

For all Hobbit lovers, this one is for you. On our second full day in Antigua we set out on a journey to Hobbitenango, a whimsical haven nestled amidst the clouds. We explored its charming hobbit houses, lush gardens, and panoramic viewpoints, offering a glimpse into a world straight out of a fantasy novel. The drinks were delicious and the rope swing was such a thrill. The drive from Antigua is an adventure in itself, winding through rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas. For the more adventurous, opt for an exhilarating ride on a four-wheeler to reach this enchanting retreat.

Day 4: Conquering Acatenango

We embarked on the ultimate challenge: the ascent of Acatenango, a daunting yet rewarding hike boasting staggering views of Guatemala’s volcanic landscape. We didn’t realize how intense the 4 hour hike would be, emphasized by the high altitude and loose volcanic sand footing, it was a major feat to accomplish but the views were well worth it. Unlike anything I have ever seen. We camped atop the mountain, where the spectacle of Volcan Fuego’s eruptions unfolded before our eyes throughout the night. We watched the sunset into the clouds, and the moon rise above them. Most of the eruptions we saw were smoke, but as we began to fall asleep, cheers were heard all around the mountain top and as we opened our tents to look out we saw Fuego in all her majesty, something I will never forget.

Day 5: Sunrise Spectacle and Journey to Lake Atitlan

We awoke to the awe-inspiring sight of sunrise illuminating Volcan Fuego’s fiery beauty once more. We shared breakfast with the uber friendly mountain dogs, a testament to the generosity of Acetanago’s visitors. Then began the descent from Acatenango, the journey back offered a welcome respite after the previous day’s exertions. After making it back to Antiuga we hopped in a shuttle and began the 4 hour scenic drive to the tranquil shores of Lake Atitlan, where a cozy lakeside retreat awaited us (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/31358526?source_impression_id=p3_1717064226_DXbzUKJyi5aB9Q8N) . We were greeted with homemade wood-fired pizza, homemade wine from fruits grown on the property, and a hot tub to soak in post hike, while gazing out on the lake under the glow of the full moon.

Day 6: Coffee, Yoga, and Israeli Cuisine

We started the day with a visit to San Pedro’s “Idea Connection” cafe for a delightful cup of coffee paired with their renowned almond croissants. Then we immersed ourselves in the tranquility of Namaste Yoga Center, where Maya led an exceptional private yoga class amidst the serene backdrop of Lake Atitlan. Seriously one of my top yoga classes ever, her assists and explanations to get into positions was superb. After class we soaked in the hot tub and enjoyed the sunset. We then concluded the day with a delectable dinner at Sababa, a picturesque resort offering mouthwatering Israeli cuisine with panoramic views of the lake shimmering under the starlit sky.

Day 7: Culinary Adventures and Spiritual Healing

This was a special day where we got to learn a great deal about Mayan culture as we embarked on a culinary journey with Anita’s Mayan cooking class. We had a group of 11 and a long list of foods to choose from, we decided to make 7 traditional dishes: Pepian – a chicken dish with a mole sauce, Guatemalan rice with veggies, Rellenitos – a delicious dessert pastry, Guatemalan Guacamole, Picado de Rabano – a radish salad, Fried beans, and Horchata – my new favorite drink. After deciding what we would make, Anita took us to the local market where we purchased all the needed ingredients and learned about local cusine. From there we headed to her kitchen over looking the lake and began cooking while Anita shared with us her inspiring story of growing up on Lake Atitlan.
After we ate we decided we wanted a rest day so we headed to Tammy, a superb masseuse and gifted healer who introduced me to Reiki for the first time. I highly recommend meeting both of these ladies to learn about both Mayan culture, and gain insights into yourself.

Day 8: Town Hopping and Cultural Exploration

On our last non travel day in Guatamala we decided to explore the lake and all it had to offer. We hopped aboard the local boats to discover the charming towns around Lake Atitlan. First stop with Santa Cruz, where we went to the iconic “La Iguana” and ate acai. We thought about doing water sports like scuba or paddle boarding but instead decided to keep venturing. Our next stop was San Marcos, a town that fully embraces its hippie-inspired culture. Immediately stepping into town you find hundreds of flyers for cacao ceremonies, yoga classes, reiki, full moon parties, ayahuasca retreats, etc. After enjoying the town we climbed to the summit of the mountain to visit “Eagle’s Nest”, a mecca for yoga enthusiasts offering breathtaking views. We attempted to trek back down to Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve for a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters, however by the time we arrived it was closed. So instead we hopped back on the boat and concluded the journey in San Juan, where we marveled at the intricate artistry of local weavers and wandered through charming streets adorned with colorful canopies.

Day 9: Exploring San Pedro and Homeward Bound

On our final morning we soaked in the last of our beautiful lake view from the Airbnb and then headed into town for a lime coconut drink at Sababa. We bid farewell to Lake Atitlan with a final boat ride which took 1 hour from San Pedro to Panajachel. From there we hopped on the bus and headed back to the airport on a 3 hour shuttle ride.

This trip was the ideal mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Guatemala’s natural beauty and rich traditions. I highly recommend taking the time to explore more of the towns around Lake Atitlan and maybe even timing your visit to coincide with local festivals for an even richer experience.