{"id":21744,"date":"2018-10-18T15:12:06","date_gmt":"2018-10-18T14:12:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/adventure-trips\/guatemala-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers\/"},"modified":"2021-10-11T16:15:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T15:15:57","slug":"guatemala-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/guatemala-small-group-adventure-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayan ruins & volcano trekking in Guatemala"},"content":{"rendered":"

Go flying across the jungle canopy on a thrilling zip-line route, hike to the summit of a live volcano and watch the sunset over an ancient Mayan temple<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":88696,"menu_order":301,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"na","duration":8,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/zipline-Guatemala-copy-1120x620.jpg","continent":"The Americas","country":"Guatemala","countries":["Guatemala"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a31949","max":"\u00a32049"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2299","max":"\u20ac2419"},"usd":{"min":"$2629","max":"$2769"},"cad":{"min":"$3599","max":"$3789"},"aud":{"min":"$3579","max":"$3769"},"nzd":{"min":"$3989","max":"$4199"},"hkd":{"min":"$19579","max":"$21529"},"aed":{"min":"DH9199","max":"DH9669"}},"about":"

Leap into our Guatemala adventure to discover its best-kept secrets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This Central American gem is full of ancient sights, spectacular landscapes and mouth-watering flavors (not to mention the incredible coffee), so if you\u2019re happy to forgo a little luxury in the name of discovery, jump aboard. We\u2019ll kick things off in Antigua, learning the secrets of Guatemalan cuisine, and kayaking across the vast blue crater of Lake Atitl\u00e1n.
\nWe\u2019ll head into the Sierra Madre mountains to find the vivid town murals of living Mayan cultures, before ziplining our way through the forests of the San Buenaventura Valley, over canyons, waterfalls and dense coffee groves. We\u2019ll watch a breathtaking sunset from a Pet\u00e9n temple and explore the mystery of the Mayan empire at Tikal\u2019s iconic landmarks, then bed down in a wild jungle lodge.<\/p>\n

Flashpackers, rally yourselves: this is one helluva ride.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[],"hidden":true,"seasons":["spring","autumn","winter"],"scenery":["city","jungle","mountain"],"activities":["cooking_class","hiking","local_culture","water_sports","wildlife"],"activity_level":["moderate"],"key_locations":"Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitl\u00e1n, Yaxha Archaeological Site, Flores, Tikal National Park","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":" Arrival in Guatemala City (GUA)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Welcome to Guatemala","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Welcome to Guatemala. After touching down at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, a private transfer will be ready and waiting to whisk you off to the colonial heart of Antigua, where our eight-day adventure begins. Check in at your boutique hotel, take a moment to drink in the impressive baroque decor, then prepare to meet your new comrades as we head to a local restaurant to break bread (more likely, crispy filled tacos and delicious salsa-dipped tortillas) and share a first beer together. This is your chance to break the ice and get to know your fellow Flashpackers and guide, who\u2019ll fill you in on all the excitement to come. We\u2019ll round things off with a sundowner at a rooftop bar, where you\u2019ll get to soak up the incredible bird\u2019s eye view of a land that\u2019s itching to be explored.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Welcome to Guatemala","text":"

Welcome to Guatemala. After touching down at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, a private transfer will be ready and waiting to whisk you off to the colonial heart of Antigua, where our eight-day adventure begins. Check in at your boutique hotel, take a moment to drink in the impressive baroque decor, then prepare to meet your new comrades as we head to a local restaurant to break bread (more likely, crispy filled tacos and delicious salsa-dipped tortillas) and share a first beer together. This is your chance to break the ice and get to know your fellow Flashpackers and guide, who\u2019ll fill you in on all the excitement to come. We\u2019ll round things off with a sundowner at a rooftop bar, where you\u2019ll get to soak up the incredible bird\u2019s eye view of a land that\u2019s itching to be explored.<\/p>\n","snapshot":" Arrival in Guatemala City (GUA)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary1-925x600.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Pacaya volcano hike","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Pacaya volcanic Hike","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Grab your hiking boots Flashpackers, today we\u2019ll be scaling the side of an active volcano. One of Antigua\u2019s must-visit landmarks, Pacaya volcano looms a formidable 8,373 feet above sea level and has been active since 1965. Though most of its activity is known to be Strombolian (no dramatic lava flows here), you may spot the occasional puff of smoke from the crater. We\u2019ll climb the 1 hour to the top, where spectacular views across the country\u2019s volcanic landscape await \u2013 if you\u2019re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the southern coastline in the distance. After a viewpoint picnic and a gentle descent (take it easy on those burning glutes), we\u2019ll return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to either kick back on the rooftop terrace, or head out to explore the local nightlife. Foodies can look to the region\u2019s moreish cuisine, from Mayan dishes packed with roasted veggies, to hot and spicy chicken stews.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Pacaya volcanic Hike","text":"

Grab your hiking boots Flashpackers, today we\u2019ll be scaling the side of an active volcano. One of Antigua\u2019s must-visit landmarks, Pacaya volcano looms a formidable 8,373 feet above sea level and has been active since 1965. Though most of its activity is known to be Strombolian (no dramatic lava flows here), you may spot the occasional puff of smoke from the crater. We\u2019ll climb the 1 hour to the top, where spectacular views across the country\u2019s volcanic landscape await \u2013 if you\u2019re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the southern coastline in the distance. After a viewpoint picnic and a gentle descent (take it easy on those burning glutes), we\u2019ll return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to either kick back on the rooftop terrace, or head out to explore the local nightlife. Foodies can look to the region\u2019s moreish cuisine, from Mayan dishes packed with roasted veggies, to hot and spicy chicken stews.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Pacaya volcano hike","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary2-925x600.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Cooking class and Lake Atitl\u00e1n","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Guatemala cooking and lake Atitl\u00e1n","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

If your legs are feeling the burn of yesterday\u2019s volcano hike, today\u2019s leisurely pace will be music to your ears. We\u2019ll be travelling southeast, from the bustling heart of Antigua to Lake Atitl\u00e1n \u2013 a deep blue oasis nestled in an expansive volcanic crater, surrounded by Guatemala\u2019s craggy Sierra Madre mountain range. Before we hit the lake\u2019s serene shoreline however, we\u2019ll be stopping by the small town of San Miguel Escobar, where you\u2019ll feel the real heat of a Guatemalan kitchen with a hands-on culinary masterclass. Forget recipe books, this local family will be putting your skills to the test with traditional dishes cooked straight from the heart. Expect a spicy feast of Guatemalan delicacies for lunch, whipped up by your own fair hand. Afterwards, we\u2019ll continue our three-hour journey south to the shores of Lake Atitl\u00e1n. Beautiful views across the water await, plus a restaurant with delicious local dishes and breathtaking backdrops.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Guatemala cooking and lake Atitl\u00e1n","text":"

If your legs are feeling the burn of yesterday\u2019s volcano hike, today\u2019s leisurely pace will be music to your ears. We\u2019ll be travelling southeast, from the bustling heart of Antigua to Lake Atitl\u00e1n \u2013 a deep blue oasis nestled in an expansive volcanic crater, surrounded by Guatemala\u2019s craggy Sierra Madre mountain range. Before we hit the lake\u2019s serene shoreline however, we\u2019ll be stopping by the small town of San Miguel Escobar, where you\u2019ll feel the real heat of a Guatemalan kitchen with a hands-on culinary masterclass. Forget recipe books, this local family will be putting your skills to the test with traditional dishes cooked straight from the heart. Expect a spicy feast of Guatemalan delicacies for lunch, whipped up by your own fair hand. Afterwards, we\u2019ll continue our three-hour journey south to the shores of Lake Atitl\u00e1n. Beautiful views across the water await, plus a restaurant with delicious local dishes and breathtaking backdrops.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Cooking class and Lake Atitl\u00e1n","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary3-925x600.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Lake Atitl\u00e1n kayaking","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"KAYAKING LAKE ATITL\u00c1N","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Start the day in style by tucking into breakfast with spectacular views stretching right across the water, as volcanoes jut from the craggy landscape in the distance. Our first expedition on today\u2019s adventure menu takes us to the shoreline where we\u2019ll take to the vast waters of Lake Atitl\u00e1n in kayaks. Work up a sweat gliding across the tranquil crater, then cool down with a refreshing plunge into the deep blue. We\u2019ll then head up into the Guatemalan highlands to the town of San Juan la Laguna \u2013 a local area rich in Mayan culture. Drink in the kaleidoscopic murals that decorate walls along bustling streets, browse the market teeming with local handicrafts (if you\u2019re keen for souvenirs here\u2019s your chance), and flex your painterly tendencies at a traditional Tz\u2019utujiles masterclass. Later, the evening is yours for sunset beers with your fellow Flashpackers.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"KAYAKING LAKE ATITL\u00c1N","text":"

Start the day in style by tucking into breakfast with spectacular views stretching right across the water, as volcanoes jut from the craggy landscape in the distance. Our first expedition on today\u2019s adventure menu takes us to the shoreline where we\u2019ll take to the vast waters of Lake Atitl\u00e1n in kayaks. Work up a sweat gliding across the tranquil crater, then cool down with a refreshing plunge into the deep blue. We\u2019ll then head up into the Guatemalan highlands to the town of San Juan la Laguna \u2013 a local area rich in Mayan culture. Drink in the kaleidoscopic murals that decorate walls along bustling streets, browse the market teeming with local handicrafts (if you\u2019re keen for souvenirs here\u2019s your chance), and flex your painterly tendencies at a traditional Tz\u2019utujiles masterclass. Later, the evening is yours for sunset beers with your fellow Flashpackers.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Lake Atitl\u00e1n kayaking","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary4-925x600.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Forest zip-lining","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"FOREST ZIP-LINING","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today we\u2019re heading north to the jungle-dense department of Pet\u00e9n. But first, it\u2019s time to indulge your inner adrenaline junkie. We\u2019ll travel to nearby Reserva Natural Atitl\u00e1n, once a coffee plantation now overtaken by verdant forest, natural waterfalls and intriguing wildlife \u2014 keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys, coatis and hummingbirds. Strap in and take to the skies as you fly along a network of cable ziplines stretching up to a kilometer over towering treetops, plunging canyons and ancient trails. Glide your way across the San Buenaventura Valley towards Lake Atitl\u00e1n \u2014 if there were ever a perfect GoPro moment, this would be it. With your feet back on the ground, explore the rest of the reserve and try an aromatic shot of the area\u2019s award-winning coffee. Later, we\u2019ll return to Guatemala City and hitch a flight to Flores Pet\u00e9n. Touch down at Mundo Maya Airport, where a transfer will whisk you to your Flores Island hotel.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"FOREST ZIP-LINING","text":"

Today we\u2019re heading north to the jungle-dense department of Pet\u00e9n. But first, it\u2019s time to indulge your inner adrenaline junkie. We\u2019ll travel to nearby Reserva Natural Atitl\u00e1n, once a coffee plantation now overtaken by verdant forest, natural waterfalls and intriguing wildlife \u2014 keep your eyes peeled for spider monkeys, coatis and hummingbirds. Strap in and take to the skies as you fly along a network of cable ziplines stretching up to a kilometer over towering treetops, plunging canyons and ancient trails. Glide your way across the San Buenaventura Valley towards Lake Atitl\u00e1n \u2014 if there were ever a perfect GoPro moment, this would be it. With your feet back on the ground, explore the rest of the reserve and try an aromatic shot of the area\u2019s award-winning coffee. Later, we\u2019ll return to Guatemala City and hitch a flight to Flores Pet\u00e9n. Touch down at Mundo Maya Airport, where a transfer will whisk you to your Flores Island hotel.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Forest zip-lining","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary5-925x600.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Mayan ruins","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"TEMPLES AT SUNSET","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After yesterday\u2019s pulse-raising agenda, savor a late start this morning. Spend the morning kicking back on a lounger with a good book or take a dip in the pool. Explore the town of Flores \u2014 fill up on pupusas (chunky tortillas stuffed with deliciously gooey fillings), cold beers, or more decadent Guatemalan coffee. Later, we\u2019ll head to Yaxha Archaeological Site, the third largest of Guatemala\u2019s Mayan ceremonial cities (the park covers close to 37,000 hectares), sandwiched between the waters of Lago Yaxha\u0301 and Lago Sacnab. Walk through the jungle canopy as we discover restored Mayan ruins and climb an ancient temple to watch the surrounding rainforest glow burnished gold in a breathtaking sunset. Once we\u2019re back on level ground, bed down at a jungle lodge bordering on Tikal National Park, where you\u2019ll doze off to the music of the canopy at night.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"TEMPLES AT SUNSET","text":"

After yesterday\u2019s pulse-raising agenda, savor a late start this morning. Spend the morning kicking back on a lounger with a good book or take a dip in the pool. Explore the town of Flores \u2014 fill up on pupusas (chunky tortillas stuffed with deliciously gooey fillings), cold beers, or more decadent Guatemalan coffee. Later, we\u2019ll head to Yaxha Archaeological Site, the third largest of Guatemala\u2019s Mayan ceremonial cities (the park covers close to 37,000 hectares), sandwiched between the waters of Lago Yaxha\u0301 and Lago Sacnab. Walk through the jungle canopy as we discover restored Mayan ruins and climb an ancient temple to watch the surrounding rainforest glow burnished gold in a breathtaking sunset. Once we\u2019re back on level ground, bed down at a jungle lodge bordering on Tikal National Park, where you\u2019ll doze off to the music of the canopy at night.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Mayan ruins","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary6-925x600.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Tikal National Park","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"MAYAN RUINS IN TIKAL","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Get an early morning call like no other, amid the chirps of jungle wildlife. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading deep into Tikal National Park. Guatemala\u2019s most iconic cultural landmark, the reserve is home to the largest preservation of ancient Mayan architecture, boasting over 575 square kilometers of lush rainforest, towering temples and mind-blowing pyramids. Once a central hub of Mayan civilisation playing host to extravagant feasts, bloodthirsty sports and ceremonial sacrifices, the millenia-old ruins now hold endless clues to both the great reign and mysterious fate of the extraordinary Mayan empire. Walk ancient trails, spot wildlife from monkeys and parrots to toucans and macaws, and climb gargantuan temples for epic jungle views. Later, we\u2019ll catch a local flight back to Guatemala City.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"MAYAN RUINS IN TIKAL","text":"

Get an early morning call like no other, amid the chirps of jungle wildlife. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading deep into Tikal National Park. Guatemala\u2019s most iconic cultural landmark, the reserve is home to the largest preservation of ancient Mayan architecture, boasting over 575 square kilometers of lush rainforest, towering temples and mind-blowing pyramids. Once a central hub of Mayan civilisation playing host to extravagant feasts, bloodthirsty sports and ceremonial sacrifices, the millenia-old ruins now hold endless clues to both the great reign and mysterious fate of the extraordinary Mayan empire. Walk ancient trails, spot wildlife from monkeys and parrots to toucans and macaws, and climb gargantuan temples for epic jungle views. Later, we\u2019ll catch a local flight back to Guatemala City.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Tikal National Park","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAIntinerary7-925x600.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Guatemala City (GUA)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"DESPEDIDA GUATEMALA","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Flashpackers, it\u2019s time say despedida to Guatemala. It\u2019s over to you to organize your taxi to the airport and depart as you wish. Wherever your next stop, you\u2019re sure to be pumped from this whirlwind eight-day adventure around Central America\u2019s crown jewel. You\u2019ve kayaked across the deep blue crater of Lake Atitl\u00e1n, and learnt how to whip up a Guatemalan feast with a local culinary expert. You\u2019ve journeyed into the highlands and witnessed the vibrant murals of living Mayan cultures, and ziplined your way through tree tops, over canyons and past gushing natural waterfalls. You\u2019ve watched the sun set over the jungle from the lofty heights of an ancient temple, spent the night under the wilds of the rainforest canopy, and explored the mystery of the Mayan empire at Tikal\u2019s iconic landmarks. All while toasting your adventure with a brand new group of friends for life. Win.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"DESPEDIDA GUATEMALA","text":"

Flashpackers, it\u2019s time say despedida to Guatemala. It\u2019s over to you to organize your taxi to the airport and depart as you wish. Wherever your next stop, you\u2019re sure to be pumped from this whirlwind eight-day adventure around Central America\u2019s crown jewel. You\u2019ve kayaked across the deep blue crater of Lake Atitl\u00e1n, and learnt how to whip up a Guatemalan feast with a local culinary expert. You\u2019ve journeyed into the highlands and witnessed the vibrant murals of living Mayan cultures, and ziplined your way through tree tops, over canyons and past gushing natural waterfalls. You\u2019ve watched the sun set over the jungle from the lofty heights of an ancient temple, spent the night under the wilds of the rainforest canopy, and explored the mystery of the Mayan empire at Tikal\u2019s iconic landmarks. All while toasting your adventure with a brand new group of friends for life. Win.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Guatemala City (GUA)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/GMAItinerary8-925x600.jpg"],"day":8}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":[],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","e","g","t","m","b","t","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"","answer":"Fly into and out of La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"You\u2019ll be picked up by private transfer anytime on Day 1, but try to arrive before 4pm in order to make sunset drinks in Antigua. You\u2019re free to leave anytime on Day 8.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Posada Don Rodrigo, Antigua","short_description":"Colonial Garden hotel near Antigua Guatemala Cathedral","description":"This hacienda-style hotel is fringed by pretty tropical foliage and dates back over 300 years, with charming rustic d\u00e9cor.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAPosadaDonRodrigo1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Hotel Isla de Flores, Pet\u00e9n","short_description":"Boutique island hotel overlooking lake Pet\u00e9n Itz\u00e1","description":"Bold pops of color lend a cheery vibe to this small and friendly hotel on the Guatemalan island of Flores.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAHotelIsladeFlores1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Hotel Jungle Lodge Tikal, Pet\u00e9n","short_description":"Jungle lodge in Tikal National Park","description":"Minutes away from the pyramids and temples of Tikal, this hideaway is beautifully located in the heart of the Mayan jungle wilderness.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/GMAHotelJungleLodgeTikal1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/21744"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88696"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}