Guatem-all-a the best things with Booth!
Your TourHero
Welcome to Random Walks 2024!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Aug 30 – Sep 4, 2024
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
15 – 20
Transportation
Van, boat
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
21+
Travel interest
Culture, history, sightseeing, nature
Experience the magic of Guatemala with this 6-day adventure that will take you through the heart of Antigua and beyond! Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, taste the flavors of traditional cuisine, and explore breathtaking natural wonders that will leave you in awe. With airport transfers, daily breakfasts, a delicious welcome dinner, various exciting cultural activities and thrilling excursions, and a fun-filled farewell dinner included, this trip is jam-packed with everything you need to create unforgettable memories. Embark on a walking tour of Antigua's historic center, enjoy a local Guatemalan cooking class at a cooking school, discover the ruins of an ancient Mayan site, explore the surroundings of Lake Atitlán, and even climb the Pacaya Volcano!
Take this epic journey to Guatemala — you won't want to miss it! Book now to secure your spot.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by June 19, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given. To change or cancel your trip, please email travelers@tourhero.com.
You may transfer your spot
At any point until July 29, 2024, you may choose to transfer your spot to another traveler. The price will reflect the current selling price of the trip at the time of transfer. Once the new traveler has been introduced and books their spot, we will refund you for your payments. If you would like to transfer your spot, please email travelers@tourhero.com.
Note: If there is a waitlist, you may not be able to choose who you transfer your spot to. We will contact the next person on the waitlist for this trip and transfer your spot to them.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Welcome to Random Walks 2024!
Duration
6 days · 5 nights
Travel Date
Aug 30 – Sep 4, 2024
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
15 – 20
Transportation
Van, boat
Experience the magic of Guatemala with this 6-day adventure that will take you through the heart of Antigua and beyond! Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, taste the flavors of traditional cuisine, and explore breathtaking natural wonders that will leave you in awe. With airport transfers, daily breakfasts, a delicious welcome dinner, various exciting cultural activities and thrilling excursions, and a fun-filled farewell dinner included, this trip is jam-packed with everything you need to create unforgettable memories. Embark on a walking tour of Antigua's historic center, enjoy a local Guatemalan cooking class at a cooking school, discover the ruins of an ancient Mayan site, explore the surroundings of Lake Atitlán, and even climb the Pacaya Volcano!
Take this epic journey to Guatemala — you won't want to miss it! Book now to secure your spot.
Timeline
- Day 1 · August 30, 2024 · Antigua
- Arrive at the airport
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Hotel El Carmen (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Welcome dinner and short orientation
- Day 2 · August 31, 2024 · Antigua & Lake Atitlán
- Early group breakfast
- Transfer to Mayan ruin site
- ~ 1 hr 20 mins van
- Start Iximche tour
- Depart Iximche and transfer to Lake Atitlán
- Arrive at Panajachel for a free afternoon
- Lunch
- Free time
- Transfer back to Antigua
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · September 1, 2024 · Antigua
- Group breakfast
- Depart for walking tour
- 3-hour walking tour of Antigua's historic center
- Lunch (not included in price) and free time
- Transfer to cooking school
- Cooking class (three courses, lots of wine, and lots of laughs!)
- Transfer back to hotel
- Day 4 · September 2, 2024 · Antigua & Chichicastenango
- Breakfast
- Pick-up by private van
- Arrive at Chichicastenango and commence 1-hour tour of the town's market, mask factory, and learn about the Mayan spiritual practices that happen here
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Transfer back to Antigua
- Free evening
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · September 3, 2024 · Antigua & Pacaya Volcano
- Breakfast
- Transfer to starting point of Pacaya Volcano hike
- Hike up the Pacaya Volcano (1.5 – 2 hours of moderate climbing)
- Boxed lunch
- Return to the hotel by 4 pm
- Farewell dinner
- Day 6 · September 4, 2024 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · August 30, 2024
Antigua welcomes you with open arms! Get settled at your hotel, enjoy some free time, and come together for a special welcome dinner
Welcome to Guatemala, the land of eternal spring and ancient history! As soon as you've arrived at the airport in Antigua, you'll have a private transfer waiting to take you to your hotel. Once you've checked into your room, drop your bags, freshen up, and enjoy a bit of the free time you have getting your bearings and exploring the city before dinnertime. Antigua's cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning architecture will transport you back in time to the 16th century, when it was a bustling hub of colonial trade and culture. Today, it is a charming and vibrant city, famous for its lively markets, artisanal crafts, and mouthwatering cuisine!
In the evening, come together for a welcome dinner and a short orientation. You will have the opportunity to meet your tour guide, learn more about the activities that will take place in the coming days, and spend a fantastic night with your group over a delicious meal. Cheers to the start of an unforgettable adventure in Guatemala!
Day 2 · August 31, 2024
Discover the secrets of an ancient Mayan ruins site on an out-of-town excursion, then head to scenic Panajachel for a free afternoon
We'll begin the day with an early breakfast at 7:30 am to get a head start. We'll then drive about 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of town to visit a Mayan ruins site that dates back to the mid-1400s. Learn the history behind the ruins and the Mayan people who once occupied this site. You may even have the opportunity to witness a Mayan spiritual ceremony happening on the day. This tour includes entry to the site, a local guide, entry to the museum, and roundtrip transportation. Remember to bring sun and rain protection, a light jacket, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks.
After the tour, we'll depart for Lake Atitlán. Spend some free time at Panajachel. Make it a day trip to remember!
At 5:30 pm, it's time to head back to Antigua. Anticipated arrival: 8:00 pm. This will give you enough time to find dinner, but you MUST be back in Panajachel in time, as public boats cease operating at 5:00 pm from the other side of the lake.
Day 3 · September 1, 2024
Head out on a walking tour of Antigua's historic center, then whip up a local dish at a local cooking school!
Start your morning with a delicious group breakfast before we set off on our 3-hour walking tour of Antigua. On this tour, you will be taken through the historic center of Antigua, where you will see famous landmarks, learn about the culture and geography of the region, and delve into the fascinating history of this beautiful city.
After this tour, you will have a break for lunch and a bit of free time to explore as you wish. Then, we will reconvene and be picked up at the hotel to be transported to a lovely local cooking school where you’ll make a traditional Guatemalan dish together! This is your chance to learn to make authentic Guatemalan food and level up your skills! There will be three courses, lots of wine, and lots of laughs. This experience ends at around 8 pm, after which you’ll be transported back to your hotel. This activity includes roundtrip transportation from the hotel.
Day 4 · September 2, 2024
Embark on a tour to the highland market town of Chichicastenango
After breakfast, you’ll take a private van to the highland market town of Chichicastenango. Here, a guided 3-hour tour commences! Discover the town’s market, mask factory, cemetery, and also learn all about the Mayan spiritual practices that happen here. This will be a thorough day that will culminate with some free time for shopping. There will also be a stop for lunch (but the cost of the meal is not included).
Back in Antigua, enjoy a free evening, look for some delicious dinner, and have a great night with your fellow travelers.
Day 5 · September 3, 2024
Go on a Pacaya Volcano adventure — conquer the active giant and take in grand views!
Begin the day with a filling breakfast to fuel up for an adventure of a lifetime. Today, your group will be picked up and transported to the Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano located an hour and ten minutes outside of Antigua. After arriving at the starting point of our hike, you'll begin the moderate ascent to the old lava flows, which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. If needed, you can rent a horse (at your own expense) to make the climb easier. Once you reach the old lava flows, you'll be able to see spectacular panoramic views of the area! Take your time to absorb the beauty around you. Then, we'll take a break — a light boxed lunch will be provided — before descending back down the volcano.
Participants should bring sun and rain protection, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking, and a light jacket on this tour. It's also essential to bring water to stay hydrated during the climb.
You will return to the hotel by 4 pm. Spend some time freshening up and relaxing before tonight's farewell dinner!
Day 6 · September 4, 2024
It’s time to say goodbye to Guatemala and head home
We've come to the final day of your adventure in Guatemala — we hope you have had a wonderful time exploring the treasures and gastronomy of Antigua and beyond! After one last breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave the hotel behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!
Accommodation
Hotel El Carmen (or similar according to availability)
Hotel El Carmen, nestled in the charming and historic city of Antigua, Guatemala, offers guests a beautiful blend of colonial elegance and modern convenience. Ideally situated just steps away from notable attractions like the Church of La Merced and Central Park, it presents an excellent base for exploring Antigua's cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture. Each room in this boutique hotel features chic décor inspired by traditional Guatemalan textiles, and comes equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, air-conditioning, and flatscreen TVs, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant serving a fusion of local and international cuisines, relax in the serene interior courtyard with its original 17th-century fountain, or take advantage of the hotel's tour booking services to plan their local excursions. With its perfect balance of old-world charm and modern amenities, Hotel El Carmen provides an ideal retreat in the heart of Antigua. Room type: Double. Room configuration: 2 Twin Beds or 1 Double.
Included
- Flights
- 5 nights at Hotel El Carmen (or similar)
- Shared double occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts
- Lunch on day 2 and 1 boxed lunch (on day 5 during Pacaya Volcano excursion)
- Welcome & farewell dinner (day 1 & 5)
- Cooking class (day 2)
- All tours/experiences described in the itinerary
- All private transportation
- One group airport arrival transfer
- One group airport departure transfer
Not included
- All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
FAQ
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
Please check the on this itinerary page for specific details.
Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?
Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.
If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.
Do I need a passport for this trip?
A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.
What's included in the price?
Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by June 19, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given. To change or cancel your trip, please email travelers@tourhero.com.
You may transfer your spot
At any point until July 29, 2024, you may choose to transfer your spot to another traveler. The price will reflect the current selling price of the trip at the time of transfer. Once the new traveler has been introduced and books their spot, we will refund you for your payments. If you would like to transfer your spot, please email travelers@tourhero.com.
Note: If there is a waitlist, you may not be able to choose who you transfer your spot to. We will contact the next person on the waitlist for this trip and transfer your spot to them.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Welcome to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home away from home in Guatemala. - Unsplash: Rodrigo Escalante
- Get settled at the hotel, then wander the beautiful streets and soak in the magic of this ancient town. - Unsplash: Clovis Castaneda
- Hike to the Pacaya Volcano. - Dimitry B
- Today you'll have the opportunity to explore the colorful highland town of Chichicastenango, known for its markets and Mayan culture. - Pixabay: DEZALB
- Add-on: Salsa lesson - Unsplash: Kazuo ota
- In the evening, you'll come together for a group dinner to celebrate the start of this incredible multi-day adventure! - Juliette F
- Set off on a walking tour of Antigua to explore the historic center of Antigua, where you will see famous landmarks, learn about the culture and geography of the region, and delve into the fascinating history of this beautiful city. - Robin Canfield
- Have a traditional Guatemalan cooking experience at a local cooking school! - Cparks
- You'll be able to see spectacular panoramic views of the area! - レオネル ラム
- Venture to Lake Atitlán — a tranquil respite in the heart of Guatemala. - Pixabay: JancickaL
- Hotel El Carmen - Hotel El Carmen
- Hotel El Carmen - Hotel El Carmen
- Hotel El Carmen - Hotel El Carmen
- Hotel El Carmen - Hotel El Carmen
- Hotel El Carmen - Facebook: Hotel El Carmen