Intrepid Travel - Heart of Guatemala
Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
Veranstalter: Intrepid Travel Angebotsnummer: 271868 Reisedauer: 6 Tage Reiseland:
Guatemala Termine:
23 Termine im Zeitraum vom
07.07.2025 - 21.12.2026 Teilnehmerzahl: min. 1 max. 16
07.07.2025 - 21.12.2026 Teilnehmerzahl: min. 1 max. 16
ab € 935
zur Buchungsanfrage
Why we love it
From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture. With a mix of Spanish influences, Catholicism and traditional Mayan practices, this place is a feast for the senses. Hit markets like Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables – and Chichicastenango – full of homemade wares and medicinal plants. See the shamanic ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Take a scenic boat ride to the shrine of Maximon, and find out why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.
Highlights
- Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
- Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
- Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
- Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
- Start and end your trip in Antigua, making sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.
From gorgeous Antigua, this six-day adventure to the Guatemalan Highlands, away from the tourist crowds of Central America and experience authentic modern Mayan culture. With a mix of Spanish influences, Catholicism and traditional Mayan practices, this place is a feast for the senses. Hit markets like Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables – and Chichicastenango – full of homemade wares and medicinal plants. See the shamanic ceremonies at the Temple of San Simon, then depart the highlands and head for Lake Atitlan, surrounded by mountainous volcanoes. Take a scenic boat ride to the shrine of Maximon, and find out why this culture holds the chain-smoking deity in such high regard.
Highlights
- Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
- Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
- Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
- Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
- Start and end your trip in Antigua, making sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 2: Quetzaltenango
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 3: Quetzaltenango
Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Included Activities:
Optional Activities:
Day 4: Panajachel
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 5: Antigua
This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Included Activities:
Day 6: Antigua
Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent. Meals: Breakfast
Day 1: Antigua
Welcome to Guatemala! Your trip starts in the city of Antigua with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive earlier, make sure to explore your surroundings. Antigua is known for its Spanish buildings, many restored after the 1773 earthquake that ended the city’s status as Guatemala’s capital. Surrounded by volcanos, the views from Antigua are sure to start your trip on a high! After your meeting, you can join your leader and fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 2: Quetzaltenango
This morning after breakfast, travel to San Andres Itzapa in Chimaltenango. The Guatemalan Highlands are the best place to see the result of Maya culture and Catholic religion coming together. Witness the unique culture firsthand with a shamanic ceremony at the Temple of San Simon. San Simon, the chain-smoking saint also known as Maximon, is a somewhat morally ambiguous deity. After leaving your rum or tobacco offering (which can be purchased at the on-site liquor store), you’ll stop for a group lunch, then continue on to Quetzaltenango. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the city locally known as Xela, then enjoy a free evening. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 3: Quetzaltenango
Early this morning before breakfast, hop on a chicken bus. This popular transport option unique to Guatemala has little to do with actual chickens – each bus is unique to the independent driver, who deck them out in bright colours and decorations. The chicken bus will take you to a local market – Almolonga – famed for its giant vegetables, which some believe were blessed by God. The traditional dress and the lively negotiations you’ll see will be equally impressive, and will have you truly feeling like a local. In the afternoon take an optional trip to the Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings. You’ll walk down a cloud forest trail to a series of pools of varying temperatures with views into the surrounding trees. Soak it all then, then return to your accommodation for the evening. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Included Activities:
- Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
- Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
Optional Activities:
- Quetzaltenango - Chocolate Museum - Free -
- Quetzaltenango - Mayan Cooking Class - 55USD
- Xela - Las Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings - 25USD
Day 4: Panajachel
As Guatemala is home to many markets, today’s adventure is a great contrast to yesterday’s Almolonga. After breakfast, you’ll head to Chichicastenango market (nicknamed Chichi), home to textiles, wooden handicrafts and jade jewellery. This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and Guatemala’s most historic. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll explore the market with an expert local leader who knows all the best spots and walk among thousands of locals and tourists who hit these stalls weekly. Maybe grab some souvenirs or a huipils for yourself – a traditional garment worn by the Indigenous girls and women of the area. You can also pick up some handmade jewellery, pottery, incense, tablecloths, a ceremonial mask used in traditional Maya dances or some leather goods. Tonight, spend the night in Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll have a free evening for dinner. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 5: Antigua
This morning, hop on a boat (called a lancha) on Lake Atitlan – surrounded by volcanoes, rolling hills and Maya villages, this is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in the world (as said by Aldous Huxley). Take the scenic ride to Santiago Atitlan, taking in the sweeping views from the water. Although this is the largest town on the lake, it sees far fewer tourists, making it the perfect spot to find authentic Guatemalan people, culture and activities. Here, you’ll be specially invited into a local home where the shrine of Maximon (San Simon) resides. Your leader will explain the shrine’s significance and give you insight into local life on the lake. Tonight, take a minibus back to Antigua. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Included Activities:
- Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
- Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
Day 6: Antigua
Your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay in Antigua for longer, there are many volcano hikes on offer, just speak to your trip leader before you leave. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent. Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities
None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. Cobblestones and uneven roads are common and you may be required to walk in hot and humid conditions. If you are in any doubt, please share these concerns or issues with your sales consultant so that your leader is aware prior and can pre-empt your needs.
Important information
- San Andres Itzapa - San Simon shamanic ceremonies
- Western Highlands - Almolonga vegetable market
- Quetzaltenango - Chicken Bus Experience
- Chichicastenango market visit
- Santiago Atitlan - Shamanic Keepers of the Shrine of Maximon
- Lake Atitlan - Boat to Santiago Atitlan
None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. Cobblestones and uneven roads are common and you may be required to walk in hot and humid conditions. If you are in any doubt, please share these concerns or issues with your sales consultant so that your leader is aware prior and can pre-empt your needs.
Important information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Antigua. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. Please be careful when booking flights to and from Antigua; make sure you fly into Guatemala City Airport [GUA]. Guatemala City Airport is the closest airport to Antigua. Please do not book flights to Antigua & Barbuda Airport [ANU] as this is an island in the Caribbean.
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