Western Highlands Maya Trail 3-Day/ 2-Night from Antigua Guatemala
Ancient Trade Routes of the Maya
This is Guatemalan trekking at its best. The Mayan Highlands Trail is a 3 day trek following the ancient Mayan trade routes that once connected the Mayan civilizations of Lake Atitlan to those of Quetzaltenango. Much of this walk traverses above 3000 meters, providing phenomenal views of 15 different Guatemalan volcanoes. We will watch the sunset over Lake Atitlan, look out to the volcanoes on the Mexican Border, and enjoy our culturally rich hike from start to finish.
Walk from Lake Atitlan to Xela, passing through indigenous villages and farmlands
Take in views of the lake, as well as 15 different volcanoes
Hike through historic trade routes of the ancient Maya
Cross the ‘Siete Cruces’ ridge of Zunil on the way to the summit
Reward yourself with a long soak in thermal hot springs after a 3-day trek
per adult from
$708
AUDDuration
3 days
Pickup
Hotel pickup available
Voucher
Mobile ticket
What's included :
- Private round trip transportation from Old Town Outfitters office in Antigua
- All park entrance and admission fees
- 8 Freshly prepared picnic lunches, dinners, and breakfasts as detailed above
- Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for cool-weather camping
- Fully guided tour from Lake Atitlan to Xela by a local, bilingual guide
What's excluded :
- Hiking boots or trekking shoes (no sandals)
- Large-capacity backpack (50L+) with rain cover
- One warm layer and/or windbreaker
- Rain jacket (May thru October)
- Cold-weather clothing for night-time temperatures
- Personal toiletries and/or medications
- Camera, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- 2-4 liters of water (minimum per day)
- Flashlight
Day 1: Climb to Xeabaj
Stop At: Xeabaj, Guatemala
Our group leaves from the Old Town Outfitters Shop at 5:00am, where you can fill up your water bottles and purchase any additional gear you might need. Our early morning departure takes us out to our starting-point, located off the Pan-American Highway above Lake Atitlan. Our group will enjoy a light breakfast en route, and after arriving at the trail head we‟ll pack our gear and head out for a 3- day trek retracing centuries-old Mayan trade routes. We will hike through deep ravines and river canyons, past Mayan ceremonial sites, and up through remote Mayan communities of the Western Highlands. The group will take a brief rest and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic lunch around mid-day. We will finish the day at a quiet campsite nestled out on a narrow ridge in the abandoned village of Xeabaj. Xeabaj, translating to „under the rock‟, will provide us with stellar views of the surrounding mountains and valleys in every direction. Guides will prepare a fresh camp dinner under the stars as a perfect finale to a hard days walk.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: seven crosses trail
Stop At: Guatemala, Guatemala
Day 2: Seven Crosses Trail
Breakfast and coffee are served to the group at sun up, after which we break down
camp and set off for the day‟s objective - the “Siete Cruces” (Seven Crosses) trail. These seven
crosses traverse the top of the spectacular ridgeline leading out to “Pico Zunil”. Our hike
starts with a tough climb up to a fertile shelf at about 2700m, where the landscape is surreal,
highlighted by incredible views and lush flora. We‟ll take a break at the top of the climb to
catch our breath and refuel at our lunch-spot. Afterwards, we start a gentle climb up to our
trail on the ridge positioned at 3000m. This ridge offers up some of Guatemala‟s most
impressive views of the “Ring of Fire” - 15 volcanoes stretching from the Salvadoran border
all the way across to Mexico. Our group camps tonight on the ridge overlooking the
Almolonga Valley on one side, and the other, overlooking the volcanoes surrounding
Guatemala‟s 2nd largest city – Quetzaltenango (Xela).
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Zunil Summit and Hot Springs
Stop At: Guatemala, Guatemala
Day 3: Zunil Summit and Hot Springs
Another sunrise breakfast and coffee prepares us for our last push across the ridge, summiting Pico Zunil after a 11⁄2-hour hike. Our group will then move down the long and winding 1800-meter descent through thick tropical cloud forest, to the amazing therapeutic thermal waters of Fuentes Georginas. Here we drop our packs, don our swim trunks, and soak our tired legs in the thermal pools while enjoying an ice cold drink and delicious lunch. After our soak, we‟ll jump into our private transport and head back to Antigua, arriving just around sunset.
Duration: 8 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.Departure Point :
Traveler pickup is offeredDeparture Time :
5:00 AMReturn Detail :
-Hotel Pickup :
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Language
English - Guide
Age Req.
-
Fitness Req.
None
Group Size
15
Organised by Purple Mayan Tours
Activity ID: V-108102P101
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