Luxury Guatemala Hiking Tours made for you
Atitlan
Trek the lakeshore and its villages
Tikal
Explore ruins deep in the jungle
Antigua
Hike the active Pacaya volcano
Highlands
Immerse yourself in Mayan culture
Set out to climb volcanoes on a Guatemala hiking tour
The charming avenidas and calles of Antigua are a beautiful place to acclimatise before setting out on your Guatemala hiking trip. The nearby Acatenango volcano presents the ultimate challenge – a night-time technical ascent through cloud forest with spectacular views of neighbouring Fuego, where lava bombs arc through the air and glowing rivers of molten rock cascade down the slopes (though you can hike in the daytime if you prefer). To the south of the city, a more accessible Pacaya volcano hike climbs from pine forests to solidified lava fields, where the ground is still warm. From the caldera, you’ll take in a sensational vista of the northern volcanoes, Pacific lowlands and on a clear day, El Salvador.
Heading west, volcanoes rise dramatically from a massive caldera and the waters of Lake Atitlán. Stay in a design-led hotel on the stunning lakeshore and meet your personal guide for a San Pedro hike at sunrise, a gentle lakeside trek, or follow ancient tracks through terraced plantations to villages where women wear elaborate huipiles.
But Guatemala isn’t all volcanoes. Don’t miss the chance to explore the tropical rainforest of Tikal in the northern region, where you’ll walk jungle trails that connect ancient Maya pyramids and plazas built over a thousand years ago. It’s even possible to climb some of the pyramids for spectacular canopy views, spotting wildlife and taking in the vast scale of this lost city once home to over 100,000 people.
For a tailor-made luxury Guatemala hiking tour, contact our expert travel designers.
Highlights
Walk up to the Hill of the Cross for an impressive panorama of the city of Antigua
Witness the power of the active Pacaya volcano, trekking through the tough volcanic ash section to the sulfur smoking cone
Discover the dramatic caldera setting of jewel-blue Lake Atitlan and hike to the summit of one of the three surrounding volcanoes
See the Yaxha Mayan ruins at sunset and trek back through the jungle of Yaxha National Park at twilight
Visit traditional villages and cultural sites in the highlands to learn about Indigenous Mayan culture
Guatemala hiking is renowned for challenging volcano climbs and I'd always recommend having an expert guide by your side – so you can relax and enjoy Central America’s most captivating landscapes.
Jennifer Richt
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation for Guatemala hiking tours
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Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
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Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Guatemala trip inspiration
Where to go hiking in Guatemala
Antigua
In a highland valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, this former colonial capital served as a major administrative centre for Spanish rule, and today it showcases remarkably intact baroque buildings and cobblestone streets.
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Lake Atitlan
Created by a massive volcanic eruption tens of thousands of years ago, Lake Atitlan ranks among the world's most stunning lakes, offering visitors a peaceful retreat and a vibrant Indigenous culture.
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Tikal
One of Central America’s most enchanting surviving Maya sites, where impressive ancient temples and plazas are enveloped by dense, pristine rainforest.
Discover moreWhen to visit Guatemala for hiking
Guatemala’s climate allows year-round exploration, though the dry season from November through April offers the most reliable weather conditions for hiking in Guatemala, when you’ll get plenty of sunny, clear days.
Rainfall during the wet months rarely becomes overwhelming, and you’ll be visiting outside of peak season so hiking trails are quiet. However, for jungle hikes in Tikal, September to October can present challenges with heavy rains that make access more difficult – it’s also pretty humid in the lowland rainforest at this time of year.
Tikal
November–August
Highlands (Antigua and Lake Atitlan)
November–April
Turtle nesting
June–December
Guatemala Travel Guides
Plan your trip to Guatemala
Whatever you want from your adventure in Guatemala, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
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If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
