Antigua to Atitlán
This 8-day private Guatemala tour connects Antigua and Lake Atitlán, pairing volcanic terrain and craft traditions with in-depth exploration of the lake’s surrounding villages. Based in Antigua for food, cacao, coffee, and a Pacaya Volcano hike, the journey then continues to Lake Atitlán for lancha routes, ceramics workshops, weaving cooperatives, and everyday community life. The route is structured and efficient, combining guided experiences where local knowledge matters most with space to explore independently.
What's Included
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Private airport transfers
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7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
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7 activities or tours
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels
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Shared ground transportation between locations
Day 1
Arrival in Antigua
- You’ll be met on arrival and transferred by private taxi from Guatemala City airport to Antigua, allowing for a smooth and straightforward start to the trip.
- After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to settle in before heading out.
- A guided walking tour of Antigua introduces the city’s layout, architecture, and daily rhythms, providing context for the days ahead.
Day 2
Coffee, cacao & local production
- Visit De La Gente for a community-led coffee experience, learning how smallholder farmers cultivate, process, and export coffee through cooperative models.
- In the afternoon, take part in a chocolate workshop near Central Park, tracing cacao from raw bean to finished bar through hands-on demonstration and tasting.
Day 3
Hiking Pacaya Volcano
- Travel outside the city for a guided hike on Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most beautiful active volcanoes.
- Walk across lava fields and volcanic trails while learning about the region’s geology and ongoing volcanic activity.
- Return to Antigua in the afternoon with time free to rest, explore, or enjoy the city at your own pace
Day 4
From the Highlands to the Lake
- Depart Antigua at 12:30 pm for a scenic overland transfer toward Lake Atitlán.
- Continue down into the lake basin and check into your accommodation in Panajachel.
- The late afternoon is free for walking the lakeshore, browsing local shops, or relaxing at a café.
Day 5
Lake Atitlán Village Route
- Travel by shared lancha across Lake Atitlán, using the water routes that connect villages around the lake.
- Visit San Antonio Palopó, known for its ceramics traditions and artisan workshops.
- Continue to Santiago Atitlán, where you’ll learn about local religious practices, visit the Maximon shrine, and see traditional mask-making.
- End the day in San Juan La Laguna, focusing on weaving cooperatives, natural dyeing techniques, and small-scale honey production.
Day 6
Santa Cruz: Traditions & Time at the Lake
- Make your way independently to Santa Cruz La Laguna, allowing flexibility in timing and pace.
- Take part in a tortilla- and tamales-making experience, learning everyday food techniques rooted in local households.
- The remainder of the day is open for an optional temazcal, lakeside walking, swimming, or simply resting along the shore.
Day 7
Back to Antigua & Final Evening
- Transfer back to Antigua in the morning, retracing the route from the lake to the city.
- In the afternoon, join a hands-on cooking class, focused on regional Guatemalan dishes and techniques.
Day 8
Departure
- Enjoy a final morning in Antigua for shopping, cafés, or last walks through the city.
- Transfer to Guatemala City airport for your onward flight.
At a glance
- 8 days
- Private · Fully managed
- Start: Antigua · End: Lake Atitlan
- $1,950
Local team · Fixed pricing · Travel on your dates
Good to know
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Arrival & transfers: Fly into GUA. Private transfers included in itinerary.
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Pace: Moderate — walking tours and light hikes, balanced with downtime.
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What you organize: International flights and travel insurance. Everything else is handled.
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On-the-ground support: Local teams run the route and are available throughout your trip.
Love a route, but want to mix and match?
Our trips are designed in advance to ensure flow and fixed pricing.
If you’d like to combine elements from different journeys, book a call and come ready with your favorites — we’ll puzzle-piece it together before you commit.
About Due South
You’ll fly into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA). All routes include a private transfer from the airport to Antigua on arrival, and onward transfers as outlined in your itinerary. If your route ends in Antigua or Lake Atitlán, we’ll coordinate your return transfer to Guatemala City for departure.
We recommend arriving in Guatemala City by early afternoon to allow time for airport formalities and the transfer to Antigua. Your welcome activity is scheduled for the evening. If you arrive later, our team will adjust logistics to ensure a smooth arrival.
Departures should be scheduled for late morning or later on your final day. If your route ends at Lake Atitlán, we’ll provide guidance on transfer timing back to Guatemala City to ensure a comfortable departure window.
Yes. All airport transfers included in the itinerary are handled by our local team. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred privately between destinations throughout your trip.
Tips are not included unless otherwise stated. We provide clear guidance before your trip so you can tip appropriately, without guesswork or awkwardness.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for short stays. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking with your local authority prior to travel.
No special vaccinations are required for Guatemala beyond standard travel recommendations. We advise consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice, particularly if you plan to spend time at Lake Atitlán or in rural areas.
These routes are designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Activities include walking tours, light hikes, and day-to-day movement through towns and markets. There is no technical trekking, and downtime is built into the itinerary.
The structure and highlights of the route remain consistent. Occasionally, timings or activities may shift due to weather or local conditions. Any adjustments are handled by our team to maintain the overall flow and experience.
Why travelers choose Due South
Book with confidence
Travel on your dates
No fixed departures or group schedules. Travel privately, entirely on your timeline.
One provider, start to finish
Design, bookings, and operations handled by one team. No third-party hand-offs.
On-the-ground support
Local teams run each route and remain available throughout your trip.