A group of eight people posing with hiking sticks on a rocky slope, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.

HIKE THROUGH THE GUATEMALAN HIGHLANDS FROM ANTIGUA TO LAKE ATITLAN

TREK THE REMOTE TRAILS OF THE GUATEMALAN HIGHLANDS ENDING UP AT WILDLY BEAUTIFUL LAKE ATITLAN
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Trip Dates & Booking

  • WOMEN'S GROUP

    $2000

    NOVEMBER 16-23 2025

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  • MIXED GROUP

    $2000

    FEBRUARY 22 - March 01 2026

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  • MIXED GROUP

    $2297

    NOVEMBER 22 - 29 2026

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  • LET EMMA ORGANISE THE LOGISTICS

    $2000

    PRIVATE DEPARTURE

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Women’s vegan hiking trips are designed to allow you to explore off-the-beat-track places you couldn’t yourself in a supportive space where you can connect, challenge yourself, and experience the thrill of solo travel in a group setting with lovely like-minded ladies who share your love for the outdoors, nature, adventure, and vegan-friendly travel, let’s hike!

What’s Included?

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ACCOMMODATION

5 nights small local hotel Antigua + 2 nights camping in the highlands

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ACTIVITIES

Antigua valley day hike & 3-day Antigua to Lake Atitlan hike

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VEGAN MEALS

Full board, breakfast, lunch & dinner, delicious vegan meals all included

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EXPERT GUIDES

Vegan Adventure Holidays trip leader & expert bilingual local guides

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PRIVATE TRANSFERS

Private airport transfers & private transport throughout the trip

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SMALL GROUPS

Small, solo-friendly groups of up to 12 like minded vegan adventurers

DATES + PRICES

GET MY SPOT BOOKED
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Check Out the Trip Photos

A group of nine people pose outdoors on a dirt trail, holding walking sticks, with greenery and blue sky in the background.
Mountain landscape with distant volcanoes under a clear blue sky, forested hills in the foreground, and a valley partially covered by mist.
A wide lake is surrounded by green hills and volcanic mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Seven women with hiking gear pose in front of the Land's End signpost on a sunny day, with the sea and blue sky in the background.
A scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains and hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle is parked on a cobblestone street beside an old, weathered building with a yellow facade and arched doorway.
A coastal town with sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, and many people enjoying the shoreline under a cloudy sky. Buildings and a harbor are visible in the background.
A group of eight people posing with hiking sticks on a rocky slope, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
Colonial street in Antigua, Guatemala, with colorful buildings and the yellow dome of the Church of La Merced in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two tents set up on grassy ground with mountains and a plume of smoke rising from one peak under a clear blue sky.
Green corn plants in the foreground with rolling hills, trees, and distant blue mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A person sits by a campfire on a hillside, facing a volcano in the distance that is erupting and emitting a large plume of smoke.
Black silhouette of a mountain with two main peaks on a plain light gray background.

Trek the remote trails of Guatemala’s highlands, connecting two of the country's most inspiring destinations, Antigua and Lake Atitlan

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Enjoy fresh, vibrant, locally made vegan dishes, so delicious you’ll be hiking mainly to make room for your next plate!

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This trip helps support a local Guatemalan dog rescue, so while you’re out hiking, you’re also quietly changing a few furry lives for the better

A person stands smiling and holding a cup in front of a large, bright red door set in a building with “Differenza” written above the doorway.

Chat with Emma

Have questions about this trip? You’re very welcome to ask me anything at all, big or small. Whether you’re wondering about the hiking difficulty, the food, the accommodation, travelling solo, what to pack, or whether this adventure is right for you, I’m here to help. I have planned all my trips myself, have walked every mile and know the routes and logistics inside out, so you’ll get honest, practical answers. Just send me a message with your questions, and we can chat about whether this trip feels like a good fit for you.

Send A Message Now

Key Trip Information

Guatemala is where Vegan Adventure Holidays was born, and after 15 years of exploring, hiking and building deep local connections here, it remains the heart of everything I do.

You’ll get to join a small group of fun, like-minded vegan adventurers to trek the remote highland trails between Antigua and Lake Atitlán, passing through savagely beautiful landscapes, colourful villages and epic sunset viewpoints, fantastic hiking and new vegan travel friends guaranteed!

Experience Guatemala’s highlands and areas most tourists never see, from misty mountains and Mayan culture to unforgettable vegan food, this is adventure vegan adventure travel at its finest, so lace up your vegan hiking boots, Guatemala is calling.

There is also the option to say a big, bold YES to a once-in-a-lifetime optional volcano summit to Acatenango volcano, one of the most jaw-dropping hikes on Earth.

Day 1: Arrive Guatemala City & Transfer To La Antigua

You’ll be met at the International airport in Guatemala City for your transfer to Antigua. After you’ve settled into the joining hotel in Guatemala’s former capital city La Antigua, you’ll have time to explore. Antigua is a UNESCO world heritage site and as you’re strolling around town, you’ll notice it sits in a valley, the Panchoy valley which is known as being the cultural center of Guatemala. With no end of ancient churches, appealing parks conveniently placed coffee shops and flanked by volcanoes, your adventure starts now! There will be an early evening ‘meet and greet’ with your Vegan Adventure Holidays trip leader and other members of the group before heading out for dinner—think delicious tofu tacos with avocado, greens and a dash of lime!

Colonial street in Antigua, Guatemala, with colorful buildings and the yellow dome of the Church of La Merced in the background under a clear blue sky.

Day 2: Antigua Valley Hike

Hiking: 8 km / 5 m | Ascent: 450m

Highlights: Fantastic valley views

This morning we’ll set off on a moderate hike that takes us out of the Antigua Valley, around the ridgeline, through forest, avocado and coffee plantations.

The day begins with a steep climb that takes us out of the valley to the top of a nearby ridge, where later, hidden away on the mountainside we’ll have a picnic lunch and enjoy the views!

We will return to our hotel in Antigua later in the afternoon where you’ll have time to relax before another group dinner at one of Antigua’s best vegan restaurants.

A group of nine people pose outdoors on a dirt trail, holding walking sticks, with greenery and blue sky in the background.

Day 3: Antigua To Atitlan Trek

Hiking:9.2 m / 14.8  km | Ascent: 1015 m / 3321 ft

Highlights: Hiking through the beautifully rugged Guatemala highlands

Today we begin 3 full days of hiking across the culturally rich regions connecting Antigua and Lake Atitlan, along the way we’ll walk through cloud forest canopy and coffee fincas, be immersed in the sights and sounds of Guatemala’s living Mayan culture and communities, and be amazed at the kindness and warmth of its people.

Our first few hours of trekking takes us up as we climb into a protected area before beginning a long descent through forest and agricultural fields into the La Vega River valley,below.

Following lunch, we cross a hanging foot bridge over the river (allowing you to embrace your inner Indiana Jones!) before a challenging yet spectacular afternoon 600 m climb up through pine forest and local coffee farms to arrive at our Fuego Camp by late-afternoon.

Mountain landscape with distant volcanoes under a clear blue sky, forested hills in the foreground, and a valley partially covered by mist.

Day 4: Hike from Pachut to Chuinimachica

Hiking: 8 m / 12 km | Ascent: 644 m / 2216 ft

Highlights: Panoramic volcano views

Today you will be immersed in the finest natural scenery that Guatemala has to offer. A morning push takes us to the highest point of the trek, just over 2,755m. Then we follow a pristine ridgeline with panoramic views of six volcanoes and cloud forest that reveals unique plants and birds.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see local farmers tending their terraced fields and learn about traditional agricultural practices. A long, gradual descent leads us to our trail lunch location (and a short siesta) before we finish the day by walking into Agua Camp, named in honor of Lake Atitlán, which can be seen in the distance below.

After relaxing a bit, we venture into the local Mayan community of Chuinimachica to setup camp for the night.

Green corn plants in the foreground with rolling hills, trees, and distant blue mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 5: Hike Into Lake Atitlan

Hiking: 10 m / 16 km | Ascent: 692 m Descent: 932 m

Highlights: Reaching Lake Atitlan 

The final day of our trek begins with a descent into the La Madre Vieja River valley that weaves through a patchwork of traditional agricultural fields and small villages. Once in the valley, we visit a picturesque coffee finca to learn about the planting, harvesting and processing of small-batch speciality coffee (and of course, sample some as well).

Following the coffee tour, we cross the river on another hanging footbridge before a short ascent that takes us up to the rim of Lake Atitlán and expansive views of the water below and three massive
volcanoes that surround it.

From there, a final descent through terraced fields of flowers and vegetables takes us to the lakeside village of San Antonio Palopó to conclude the trek. Congratulations…we made it!

Two tents set up on grassy ground with mountains and a plume of smoke rising from one peak under a clear blue sky.

Day 6 – Lake Atitlán, Vegan Community Cooking Class

After completing our fantastic three-day highland hike, today is all about slowing the pace and soaking up the magic of Lake Atitlán. We’ll cross the lake by boat to explore a different side of this breathtaking region, with volcanoes towering above and colourful lakeside villages lining the shore.

Our highlight today is a hands-on vegan cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Guatemalan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. It’s a fun, relaxed way to dive deeper into the local culture, share stories, and enjoy the kind of food that tastes even better when you’ve earned it on the trail.

A wide lake is surrounded by green hills and volcanic mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Day 7: Lake Atitlán: Choose Your Own Adventure

Today is a flexible and relaxed day at beautiful Lake Atitlán, giving you the chance to enjoy the area exactly how you want to. Feeling energetic? You can go kayaking on the lake, take a scenic hike along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills, or explore neighbouring villages by boat. Prefer a slower pace? Spend the day wandering local markets, sipping coffee by the water, or simply watching the volcanoes change colour as the light shifts.

Whether you’re craving more adventure or a well-earned rest after the hike, today is all about doing what feels good for you.

A yellow vintage Volkswagen Beetle is parked on a cobblestone street beside an old, weathered building with a yellow facade and arched doorway.

Day 8 – Departures or Volcano Dreams

Today marks the end of our main Guatemala adventure, but not the end of the fun and community!  After breakfast by the lake, there will be a transfer to the airport for onward travel, heading home full of memories, new friendships and very strong legs… or travel back to Antigua to begin the optional Acatenango Volcano hike add-on.

Whether you’re catching a flight or gearing up to summit one of the most spectacular volcanoes on Earth, today is a heartfelt farewell to Lake Atitlán and a celebration of everything you’ve just experienced from mountain trails and Mayan culture to epic views and unforgettable vegan food.

Getting to Guatemala is easy and stress-free. You’ll fly into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA), where your driver will be waiting to meet you to take you straight to Antigua in a private, included transfer.

The drive takes around an hour and a half and winds through mountain scenery before delivering you into Antigua’s colourful cobblestone streets, the perfect soft landing after your travels.

From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of, so you can relax, settle in, and start soaking up the adventure ahead.

This Guatemala adventure is rated intermediate, making it perfect for hikers who are active, enjoy being on their feet and are ready for a rewarding challenge.

You’ll be hiking on varied terrain, from forest trails and mountain paths to rural tracks between villages, with plenty of ups and downs to keep things interesting. Much of the route is at higher altitudes of above 2000 mas, which adds an extra layer of challenge as the air is thinner and the views are bigger, but the pace is steady and supportive, with plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery.

If you’re comfortable hiking for 5+ hours a day and love the feeling of earning your views, you’ll thrive on this trip.

The weather on this Guatemala trip is wonderfully varied, thanks to the changing altitudes we hike through!

You can expect daytime typically range from a pleasant 18–24°C (64–75°F) in the higher mountains to a warmer 20–28°C (68–82°F) as we descend into lower valleys and towns.

Evenings, especially at camp, can be cool and crisp, so layers are essential, think light hiking clothes for the day and warm fleeces for those cosy nights under the stars. It’s all part of the mountain magic and a very good excuse to enjoy a hot cup by the fire!

The cost of this trip is US$2000 per person on a shared accommodation basis.

There is limited private room availability, you will receive more information after booking.

No! All you have to carry is a day bag, your main luggage will be transported each day.

A reasonable base level of fitness is required, comfortably being able to hike 8-10 miles for example is a good indicator of required base level fitness.

The highlands of Guatemala are known for having beautiful warm days with cooler nights.

Absolutely! Around 60% of Vegan Adventure Holidays guests are single travellers, everybody is welcome.

Yes! It’s recommended to get a policy that covers trip and flight cancellations and should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, and evacuation/repatriation. Safetywing and World Nomad have good policies.

Tips for the local guide are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. I suggest between US$5-10 per person per day.

1: Your deposit is fully refundable up to 30 days after you book.
2: Final payment is due 90 days before your trip start date.
3: If you have to cancel your reservation, you will have the option to save the remainder of your credits to use toward another trip in the future, the cancellation fee will be determined according to the terms outlined in the terms and conditions policy.

Please understand that Vegan Adventure Holidays reserves the right to change these policies without prior notice due to an ever-changing landscape within the tourism industry at present.

Email Emma at hello@veganadventureholidays and I’ll answer your questions and queries personally.

✔️ If you’re an intermediate hiker looking to challenge yourself this trip is for you!

✔️ Hikers looking to experience their first multi-day hike

✔️ Single travellers welcome

✔️ Multi passionate adventurers

ACATENANGO OVERNIGHT VOLCANO HIKE

US$300pp

The Acatenango Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most iconic volcanoes. At 13,000ft, it’s the tallest peak in the region and a popular hiking destination for adventurers from around the world. If you’re looking for an active adventure in Guatemala, the Acatenango Volcano hike should be at the top of your list. It’s one of the best hikes in Central America, standing 3,976 meters tall (2.5 miles). This active volcano towers over Antigua and three other volcanoes.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Return transport from Antigua
  • Lunch, dinner day 1 & breakfast day 2
  • Shared accommodation at base camp in a solid wooden structure
  • Bilingual local guides
  • Park entrance fees

WHAT TO EXPECT

Below is the general volcano summit hike outline, please remember that times can vary due to the pace of the group, weather conditions, and the frequency of stops to stroke cute volcano dogs.

DAY 1: Hike To Base Camp

7:00am: Breakfast & transfer from Antigua to La Soledad village

10:00am: Begin the hike for approximately 5hrs with lunch on the way.

3:00-4:00 pm: Arrival time at the base camp

4.30pm Approx: Optional extra hike to Fuego volcano (more info on this will be given after booking)

5:00-6pm: Sundown, campfires, chats. hot chocolate – all the good stuff!

7:00: Dinner

DAY 2: Summit & Return To Antigua

4:00am: Wake up time for a 4:30am departure time to see the sunrise from the summit, 1 hr hiking approx

7:00am: Return to base camp for breakfast

8:30am: Descend to the village 11:30am arrival time approx

11-12:00pm: Arrive in Antigua for a well-deserved lunch and free afternoon

Hotel accommodation is included for this night.

Day 3: return to Guatemala City Airport

The airport transfer is included in this add-on

 

NEED TO KNOW

  • The price per person is US$300 and includes the overnight volcano hike, accommodation in a twin share tent followed by one night’s accommodation in Antigua after the hike and an airport transfer the next day
A person sits by a campfire on a hillside, facing a volcano in the distance that is erupting and emitting a large plume of smoke.

The Following List Can Be Used As A General Guide

BAGS & LUGGAGE

  • Soft-shelled bag or rucksack (this will be transported, you will not have to carry your main bag)
  • Daypack – 25+ litres should be adequate for daily use during the hike
  • Daypack rain cover

CLOTHING

  • Quick drying t-shirts & long sleeve tops
  • Quick drying shorts & hiking trousers trousers
  • One warmer/thermal base layer for higher altitudes
  • A decent mid-layer, such as a fleece or a synthetic down jacket for early mornings and evenings at higher altitudes
  • A lightweight rain jacket & and waterproof trousers
  • Clothes to sleep in
  • Swimming gear
  • Buff or bandana
  • Sun hat
  • Quick drying socks & underwear

FOOTWEAR

  • Hiking shoes or boots  – these must be worn in and not new!
  • Outdoor/hiking sandals that can be used for water crossings such as Tevas

OTHER

  • Hiking poles
  • Headlamp & and spare batteries
  • Travel pillow
  • Earplugs & eyemask
  • Quick-drying/camp towel
  • Any personal medicine that you might need
  • General toiletries/hygiene products
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Water bladder/bottles
  • Water filter
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Antibacterial hand-gel

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Kula cloth – This is an antimicrobial pee cloth for women that saves carrying toilet paper and reduces waste
  • Dry bag to keep items inside days bags dry whilst hiking
  • Electrolyte sachets to add to water
  • Energy gels
  • A waist pack – not obligatory but great for keeping items such as phones, cameras snacks easily accessible