Central America by Foot, Bike & Kayak

Welcome to Guatemala! Your adventure begins in the charming colonial city of Antigua, nestled among towering volcanoes and colourful mountain landscapes. If you arrive early, spend some time exploring the cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings and lively local markets. At 6 pm, meet your group and local leader at the hotel for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, perhaps head out for dinner at one of Antigua’s popular local restaurants and get to know your fellow travellers before the adventure begins.

• It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Kick off your Central American adventure with a scenic cycling tour through Antigua and its surrounding highlands. Ride past colourful colonial buildings and local villages on your way to Finca Azotea – a small coffee plantation known for its shade-grown coffee. Learn about traditional coffee cultivation methods and enjoy tasting freshly brewed local blends surrounded by lush greenery. Afterwards, cycle back through the countryside to Antigua, where you may like to spend the evening enjoying dinner and sunset views from one of the city’s rooftop terraces.

Your cycling time today will be approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) or 4 hours.

Today’s bike ride is suitable for beginner to intermediate riders and designed to help you acclimate to this region's higher altitude in preparation for tomorrow’s volcano hike.

After breakfast, leave Antigua behind and travel to the base of Acatenango Volcano – one of Guatemala’s highest peaks at 3,976 m. Your trek begins in La Soledad, where you’ll hike through changing landscapes that range from farmland and cloud forest to alpine terrain and volcanic slopes. Stop for lunch along the trail before continuing to your mountain base camp. Arrive in the afternoon and take in incredible views of the nearby Fuego Volcano, famous for its frequent eruptions. As night falls, gather around the campfire for dinner and watch glowing lava light up the dark sky in an unforgettable natural display.

Today’s travel time is approximately 1 hour, followed by a 5–6 hour hike covering around 7 km. The trek begins at an elevation of 1300 m and gradually climbs towards Acatenango’s high-altitude base camp. While the trail is not technically difficult, the steady incline and altitude can make the hike challenging. Your guides will set a comfortable pace, schedule regular breaks and monitor everyone throughout the journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

For the overnight stay, you’ll only need a small backpack with your personal essentials. Sleeping bags and pillows are provided, but warm clothing is essential as temperatures can become very cold overnight. Your main luggage will remain securely stored at the hotel in Antigua and will be collected the following day.

If you are unable to complete the hike, a 4WD descent can be arranged at your own expense. The price will depend on the point at which you decide to return.

Wake up before dawn for the chance to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the erupting Fuego Volcano. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join an optional early morning hike to the summit of Acatenango for even more spectacular panoramic views. After returning to camp, begin your descent back down the volcano to La Soledad. From there, travel back to Antigua, where you’ll have time to enjoy lunch, check back into the hotel and relax after your mountain adventure. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace or simply unwind.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking distance will be approximately 5-6 hours or 7km (4.3 mi), plus an additional 1.5 hours or 3km (1.8 mi) if hiking to the summit.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing Antigua and travelling across the border into El Salvador’s beautiful Ruta de las Flores region. After arriving in Ahuachapán in the early afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. You might wander through the colourful Pasaje La Concordia, known for its vibrant murals and local atmosphere, or soothe tired muscles with a visit to the nearby Santa Teresa Hot Springs. This evening, join your group for a hands-on cooking class and learn how to make traditional Salvadoran pupusas – delicious stuffed corn flatbreads that you’ll enjoy for dinner.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Rise early this morning for another unforgettable volcano adventure as you hike Santa Ana Volcano – the highest volcano in El Salvador. Located within the Apaneca mountain range, the volcano stands at 2,381 m and offers spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding landscapes. At the summit, peer into the crater to see its striking turquoise lake and take in views over the Los Volcanes region and El Salvador’s famous coffee-growing hills.
After descending the volcano, continue to the beautiful Lake Coatepeque for an afternoon kayaking adventure. Paddle across the calm waters of this ancient volcanic crater lake, formed over 50,000 years ago, while keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as green iguanas, painted wood turtles and graceful green herons along the shoreline.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking distance will be approximately 4 hours or 7km (4.3 mi) with an elevation gain of 471m (1545 feet).

Today, leave the cool Central American highlands behind and travel towards the Pacific coast and the laid-back surf town of El Tunco. Famous for its black sand beach and relaxed atmosphere, El Tunco takes its name from a large rock formation offshore said to resemble a pig. After arriving, enjoy a free afternoon to unwind by the ocean, explore the beachfront cafés and restaurants or simply soak up the coastal vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also join an optional surf lesson and experience El Tunco’s renowned waves for yourself.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, head out for a day of adventure in the lush landscapes of Tamanique. With a local guide leading the way, hike through jungle trails, stone steps and uneven terrain as you make your way to a series of beautiful waterfalls hidden within the tropical forest. The area’s highlight is the tallest waterfall, cascading more than 40 metres into refreshing natural pools below. Spend time swimming, relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings before returning to El Tunco in the afternoon. This evening, perhaps join your group for an optional farewell dinner by the coast to celebrate the end of your Central American adventure.

• Your hiking distance will be approximately 3km (1.8 mi) with an elevation gain of 213m (700 feet).

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

• The San Salvador international airport is just a one-hour drive from the El Tunco region.