Guatemala Coffee Expedition 2025

Day 1: Arrival Day

Bienvenido a Guatemala! A private transfer takes us straight to our one-of-a-kind accommodations on the shore of the famous Lake Atitlan. After a welcome dinner overlooking the lake, we will unwind in the hot tub and temazcal (traditional Mayan sauna). Soak under the stars, sweat, and cool off in the lake until you’re ready to turn in. An unforgettable way to start the week!

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Day 2: Lake Tour, Atitlan

Traveling by private lancha (water taxi), we explore a few of our favorite villages along the lake: San Juan, San Pedro and San Marcos. Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayans are still the dominant communities in these villages, and are seen in their day-to-day wearing of elaborately embroidered huipils and pantalones. This EPIC day includes cliff jumping (always optional!) at our favorite nature reserve, lunch at a local spot, a weaving demonstration, and a hike up to a mirador for sunset. An easy dinner is served at the hotel.

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Day 3: Coffee Lab and Tasting

We promised coffee, and not just a strong buzz every morning! Today, Michael leads us to a forward-thinking Guatemalan coffee co-op in Santiago de Atitlan. This co-op leads research and development for hundreds of Guatemalan coffee farmers from the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan. They demonstrate the seed-to-cup process for us, detailing what they look for in a quality bean, and what projects they are currently working on with their members. A coffee tasting in their treehouse-like lab overlooking the lake rounds out the experience. In the afternoon, rent stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) or kayaks and depart straight from the hotel dock, take a swim, take a short hike to the neighboring village of Santa Cruz, or book an in-room spa treatment. We’ll rejoin as a group for dinner.

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Day 4: Lake Atitlan to Antigua

A private morning transfer takes us towards the colonial gem and original Spanish capital of Guatemala, Antigua. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is the hub for adventure travel in the Guatemalan highlands. Surrounded by volcanoes and filled with great restaurants, shops, markets and historical landmarks, Antigua has something for everyone.

We break up the drive with a stop in Tecpan to visit the Mayan ruins of Iximche- by bike! Our friends at MTB Guatemala will take us for a ride around neighboring villages before lunch and a private guided tour of the ruins. (Riding level: All- the guides are equipped and prepared to accommodate all experience levels.)

From there, we continue on to our hotel in Antigua. Dinner as a group to follow at one of Antigua’s best restaurants.

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Day 5: FREE DAY in Antigua

PICK YOUR OWN ADVENTURE - It's a FREE DAY in Antigua!

Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel before any number of optional activities! Sign up to ATV around the hills of Antigua, take a local cooking class and market tour (Marie’s favorite!), rent bikes and visit surrounding Mayan villages or simply take the day to explore the charming Spanish colonial capital! Antigua is full of cafes, shops, parks, colonial ruins and artisan markets. Try to take it easy! At 5PM, we meet our local volcano guides at their office for a briefing and Q&A about our hike. Most people elect for a simple dinner on their own in order to get packed and ready for the early start the following day.

(Note: all excursions should be booked at least 48 hours in advance. Feel free to reach out to Marie for more information and assistance.)

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Day 6: Acatenango- The Grand Finale!

Today’s hike is what you have been preparing for. Having acclimated to the altitude for over a week, we are ready to approach the HIGHlight of the trip. Sitting a little over 13,000ft, the formidable Acatenango is the hike of a lifetime. We take the experience a notch further, choosing to stay the night in a camp* below the summit. From camp, we have the best views of Fuego's red hot volcanic explosions. Fuego is very active, and erupts several times per hour. All meals, snacks and equipment are provided, but we recommend the use of your own 40L backpack. *Each cabin sleeps 6
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Disclaimer: This is a short (4 mile) but difficult hike due to the steep grade. We take many, many breaks in order to ensure that all are able to ascend. Our professional mountaineering guides will always be with us. This route is well established, and we always stay a safe distance from any volcanic eruptions and gas.

Day 7: Early morning summit of Acatenango (optional).

Choose to take in the sunrise over volcano Fuego with views extending as far as the Pacific, or sleep in and enjoy the sunrise from our gorgeous base camp. Breakfast and hot beverages by the fire prepare us for the hike down. We return to Antigua to clean-up, have lunch and rest. A celebratory finale dinner rounds out the trip. We raise a glass to our EPIC adventure, and to the beauty and hospitality of Guatemala. (Note: Reservations for spa treatments should be made in advance. Ask your guide for assistance.)

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Day 8: Departure Day

We will transfer directly to the airport from Antigua. Please book an afternoon flight. We will enjoy a final group breakfast before we depart.

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If arriving a day early, we recommend the following activities in Guatemala City:

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- Arrange a sightseeing tour
- Visit Cayala (the white city inside of the city)
- Visit the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología (Natural History Museum)
- Visit Museo Popol Vuh (host of one of the largest collections of Mayan art in the  world)
- Visit Mercado Central. Try a meal there if you can! Guatemala City’s largest market,  you will be amongst locals here. Consider a tour if it feels overwhelming.
- Visit Danta Chocolate for some of the city’s best chocolate

Disclaimer: Itinerary is subject to change at F4A’s discretion due to changes in weather, operating partners, governmental regulations and other uncontrollable/unforeseeable events. A final itinerary will be emailed to participants prior to trip start.

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