Journey deep into the heart of Guatemala, from the cobblestone charm of Antigua Guatemala to the Indigenous villages of Lake Atitlán and the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal.

Hike an active volcano, learn traditional weaving and cacao with local cooperatives, share home-cooked meals, and explore jungle temples at sunrise.

A regenerative small-group adventure blending culture, nature, history, and meaningful connection.

Trip Highlights

  • Rooftop cooking in Antigua: Roll fresh tortillas, grind spices, and plate family-style dishes in a hands-on class, then share a welcome meal together beneath volcano views and fading golden light.
  • Jade & cocktails: Learn the basics of carving alongside women artisans, shaping a small keepsake, then shake cocktails infused with local botanicals and seasonal fruit for a toast with new friends.
  • Lava hike & spa: Trek across otherworldly lava fields with sweeping valley vistas, then exhale in a peaceful spa sanctuary—think warm soaking pools and quiet relaxation time.
  • Casa Flor Ixcaco weaving: Sit with the weavers of San Juan La Laguna to see backstrap looms in motion, natural dyes at work, and how ancestral techniques sustain community today.
  • Tikal at sunset: Wander temple plazas as the light turns honey-gold, listening for toucans and howler monkeys while ancient silhouettes sharpen against the evening sky.
  • Lake Petén Itzá sail: Glide by catamaran at sunset with music and wine, watching shoreline forests glow and stars appear one by one over the water.

Our Itinerary At a Glance

Day 1: Welcome to Antigua

  • Be warmly greeted at the airport by your private driver, then settle in for a scenic drive through Guatemala’s highlands, where rolling green hills, market towns, and distant volcanoes hint at the adventure ahead. As you wind toward Antigua, watch the landscape shift from open countryside to cobbled streets lined with colorful façades and bougainvillea-draped balconies.
  • Arrive at Good Hotel Antigua, a stylish boutique property housed in a restored colonial building. Behind its minimalist elegance lies a social impact mission—supporting local education initiatives with every stay. Unwind in the serene courtyard, take in the view of surrounding volcanoes, and feel yourself ease into Antigua’s laid-back rhythm.
  • As golden hour paints the sky, make your way to a rooftop kitchen where the scent of roasting chiles and fresh herbs fills the air. Guided by a local chef, chop, stir, and season traditional Guatemalan dishes, sipping wine as laughter flows. Gather around the table for a warm welcome meal, with volcano silhouettes and twinkling city lights as your backdrop—a perfect first taste of Guatemala’s hospitality and heart.

Day 2: Culture, Coffee & Creativity

  • Spend the day wandering Antigua’s cobblestone streets, where pastel façades, ornate church ruins, and bustling plazas bring centuries of history to life. On a guided walking tour turned playful scavenger hunt, uncover hidden courtyards, colorful murals, and little-known stories tucked between the stones. The lighthearted challenges make the city’s history engaging for all ages while giving you a local’s-eye view of this colonial treasure.
  • Late morning, head into the hills to meet Don José, a small-scale coffee farmer whose warm smile and deep knowledge reveal the journey from bean to cup. Walk through his coffee plants, breathe in the aroma of freshly roasted beans, and enjoy a simple, home-cooked lunch with his family—a true exchange of stories and flavors.
  • In the afternoon, return to Antigua for a creative workshop that blends tradition with modern fun. Carve your own jade piece guided by skilled artisans, then shift gears to mix cocktails inspired by local ingredients like hibiscus, cacao, and chile cobán. By sunset, you’ll have both a handcrafted keepsake and new skills to share back home.

Day 3: Lava Trails & Spa Evenings

  • Set out for the slopes of Pacaya Volcano, where black lava fields crunch underfoot and steam rises from fissures in the earth. The guided hike winds through pine forests and open landscapes, revealing panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and distant volcano peaks. Along the way, your guide will share stories of past eruptions and the communities shaped by the volcano’s presence.
  • Visit our friends, David and Fernando, at the Lava Shop. Perched on the volcano, this unique store sells beautiful jewelry with purpose, supporting local artisans.
  • At the summit area, pause to roast marshmallows over the natural heat of the lava rocks—an irresistible Pacaya tradition—before making your descent.
  • In the afternoon, trade hiking boots for a robe and step into the tranquil spa at Casa Santo Domingo, set within the stone walls of a centuries-old convent. Here, you can soak in warm thermal pools, wander through lush gardens, or simply rest in the hushed, candlelit atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to soothe muscles, reflect on your adventures, and let the rhythm of Antigua carry you into a relaxed evening.

Charlie, Guatemala's Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to local artisans and women-led cooperatives, every detail is designed to connect you with Guatemala’s soul and reflect our commitment to community and regenerative travel.

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Meet Charlie

Guatemala's Regional Director & Senior Tour Leader

Charlie co-designed the Guatemala Bucket List itinerary to offer travelers a deeper look at his home country—one that celebrates creativity, community, and curiosity.

Some of his favorite highlights include:

  • Sharing stories and Guatemalan recipes during a rooftop cooking class
  • Visiting San Juan La Laguna and learning from master weavers and natural dyers
  • Crafting cocktails with a twist—infused with native herbs and tropical fruits
  • Trekking the volcanic paths of Pacaya and soaking in post-hike serenity
  • Experiencing the magic of Tikal as the temples glow in the golden hour

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Delfina

Delfina

Casa Flor Ixcaco

Delfina of Casa Flor Ixcaco is a master weaver and community leader preserving the art of Mayan textiles in San Juan la Laguna. On her cooperative’s organic cotton fields and backstrap looms, she passionately teaches visitors the full process—from planting native-colored cotton to hand-spinning, dyeing with natural plants, and weaving every thread with meaning. We’ve partnered with Casa Flor Ixcaco since the early days of Heart of Travel, and visiting Delfina is a highlight of our Guatemala itineraries. Her work is rooted in tradition, education, and extraordinary craftsmanship that speaks to the soul of her community.

Oliverio Mateo

Oliverio Mateo

Senior Guide & Regional Expert, Maya Lowlands

Oliverio Mateo is a seasoned guide, natural storyteller, and proud member of the Itza’ Maya community in Petén. With over 20 years of experience, he’s led travelers through the region’s jungles, ruins, and rivers—from the depths of El Mirador to the turquoise waters of Crater Azul. He’s been with us since the early days of Heart of Travel, and has become both a trusted partner and a close friend. With his humor, heart, and encyclopedic knowledge of Maya history, Oliverio turns every journey into something unforgettable.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

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Pay in Full & Save

Enjoy 5% off when you pay in full up to 180+ before departure.

Starting at

Standard Plan

Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.

Starting at

Interest-Free Plan

Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.

Starting at

Add Peace of Mind with Heart of Travel Trip Protection

Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible. 

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What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure! 

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants. 

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

Trip Protection Available

Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

  • Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
  • Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only. 


Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

What’s the level of physical activity?

There’s a moderate hike up Pacaya Volcano, a short walk to cultural sites, and the option to explore more actively in places like San Juan La Laguna or Crater Azul. Most activities are flexible, with space to rest or opt out.

Is Guatemala safe to travel to?

Like many destinations, Guatemala requires travelers to be mindful and informed, but it’s also a country filled with warmth, beauty, and deep-rooted hospitality. We’ve been traveling here for years—many of us call it home—and we’ve built strong local partnerships to ensure our itineraries are not only immersive, but also thoughtful and well-coordinated.

While certain areas of the country do face challenges, we avoid high-risk zones and always prioritize the safety and comfort of our travelers. Our on-the-ground team stays up-to-date with current conditions, and we take extra care when it comes to transportation, accommodations, and local experiences.

As with any trip, we encourage common-sense precautions—being aware of your surroundings, not flashing valuables, and following local guidance. But rest assured: for those who travel with openness and respect, Guatemala offers an incredibly rich and rewarding experience.

What’s the lodging like?

You’ll stay at carefully selected premium boutique hotels in Antigua, a lakeside hotel at Lake Atitlán, and a well-located hotel in Flores. All hotels are comfortable, locally run or locally inspired, and offer amenities like gardens, views, and spas.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes. We work closely with restaurants and hosts to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs. Please share your preferences ahead of time.

What’s the best way to get Quetzales?

Most places will accept debit and credit cards, especially hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. If you’d like to have some cash, the easiest way to get Quetzales is by using ATMs, which usually offer the best exchange rates. Our guides will be happy to point out the most convenient ATMs with good rates along the way. Just remember to let your bank know you’ll be traveling so your card works smoothly.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

No question is too small!

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