Volcanoes, Maya markets, and the black sands of the Pacific All the colours of Guatemala

Guatemala is a sacred land, strikingly expressive, lively, and colourful. The tail of the resplendent quetzal, the national bird and reincarnation of the revered Kulkukan, appears everywhere - on the national flag, on banknotes. It carries the weight of local beliefs. The country’s topography cannot be a matter of chance; it is inevitably the work of the gods. In the south of the region, wherever you look, your gaze is met by the eloquent silhouettes of the volcanoes. At night, some rumble, smoke, and flare. As if to remind us that, in any struggle, they always come out on top. Take Antigua,for example. Your first stop is nothing less than the former capital of the kingdom. After yet another tremor, it lost its status, forever retaining its colonial profile. As if frozen in time - a Pompeii in broad daylight. To the west, Lake Atitlán is a giant of another kind - entirely made of water. Renowned travellers have hailed it as the most beautiful lake in the world. But we all know what rankings are worth. Atitlán does not need them to stir the emotions. Sheltered along its banks, the Maya villages hone their personalities, which they proudly display at the markets. In this game, Chichicastenango reigns supreme. It has one of the most active markets on the Altiplano - and one of the most breathtaking. It's quite simple: you can find everything on its stalls. First, come the scents. Then the colours. This is certainly true in the Land of Eternal Spring: the chicken buses are brightly painted, and the local outfits are dazzling. Like an ode to life. On the way to Quetzaltenango,the markets stretch like pearls on a string. This is a fitting metaphor, as spirituality plays a key role in local life. The shadows cast by the churches bear witness, forming a backdrop to the markets. In Zunil, at the foot of the volcanoes, the hot springs are the ideal place to make the most of the local landscape, while relaxing tired muscles. Now it’s time to get ready for the adventurous part of the trip: the ascent ofAcatenango. Two days and one night to challenge the Fuego. The volcano brings the night to life with its plumes of smoke, deep rumblings and rivers of molten lava. The encounter always leaves a strong impression, after which you set off to unwind by the Pacific at El Paredon. The black sand acts as a reminder of that memorable ascent. Emerging from the sand, newly hatched turtles head straight for the ocean. Surfers try to tame the waves. As if they hadn't learned the lesson taught here for centuries by the elements.

Your trip

As colourful as they may be, *chicken buses* come with their share of inconveniences: the crowds and, punctuality (or lack of). There’s nothing better for maximising comfort and keeping to your schedule, than travelling in a vehicle with a driver-guide. Freed from the worry of driving, you can fully enjoy your hours on the road and every stop along the way. For each stop, we have opted for simple and comfortable accommodation. As for location, you are exactly where you need to be: slightly set back from the towns of Atitlán and Quetzaltenango to ensure peace and quiet; within the city walls in Chichi and Antigua, putting you right at the heart of the action; and just a few metres from the beach in El Paredon, of course. During the day, you are free to explore at your own pace, with your driver remaining at your disposal. To make sure you don’t miss anything essential, we've included a few items on your schedule: a meeting with a local in Antigua, tickets for a site of major significance in Maya history, boat tickets to explore the shores of Lake Atitlán, and your access to the hot springs. Not to mention a trek up Acatenango to bring you face-to-face with the Fuego volcano. And because encounters are the spice of travel, you might even be welcomed into a local’s home in Chichicastenango. Your journey can be fully customisable from start to finish, thanks to the expertise of our specialists and our local network on site, with a concierge at the top of the list.

For families too: take your teenagers with you!

Climb volcanoes, relax in hot springs, surf on the Pacific coast… and don't forget a bit of market shopping along the way. Here is an itinerary that is sure to appeal to your older children. The private vehicle with driver is spacious enough to accommodate everyone, so the group sets off across the country, sharing bursts of laughter and moments of emotion. It's the perfect chance to come together and fill up on family memories.