Guatemala Uncovered
Toast marshmallows on a live volcano, take part in a shamanic ritual & dine in a private Maya ruin underneath the stars
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Local transport
- Max 14 travellers per group
About your trip
From pastel-hued Antigua to mirror-still Lake Atitlán and the jungle-shrouded temples of Tikal, this nine-day Guatemalan escapade is full of immersive Flash Pack moments.
Come join us as we hike up Volcán Pacaya, toasting marshmallows over a steaming lava vent, and take part in an ancient ritual with an authentic Iximche shaman. See how fair trade coffee is made on an organic family farm and glamp with an off-grid community hidden deep within the jungle. Feel your jaw hit the floor as you sip sunset drinks atop a private Maya temple – the sun blazing orange over the rainforest – finishing with a candlelit dinner amidst the atmospheric ruins.
With weaving workshops, streetfood tours and colourful indigenous markets, this adventure will uncover Guatemala’s best-kept secrets.
- Touch down in Guatemala City, the country’s sprawling capital, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to the charming colonial town of Antigua
- Head to a rooftop bar overlooking the town and jagged volcanic peaks to share a welcome drink with your group
- Round off your evening with a welcome feast of Guatemalan dishes at a local restaurant and raise a toast to the adventures to come
- Scale the still-active Pacaya Volcano, over 2,500 metres above sea level, with incredible views throughout this one-hour moderate hike
- Feast on a picnic at the summit, overlooking the valley and toasting marshmallows over a steaming lava vent
- Enjoy a free evening in Antigua to explore the region’s moreish cuisine, from Mayan dishes packed with roasted veggies, to hot and spicy chicken stews
- Take a tour of Antigua’s Unesco-listed old town; its cobbled streets lined with collumned courtyards, toppled church arches and pastel-coloured houses
- Sample local street food at a thriving market (think crispy filled tacos and delicious salsa-dipped tortillas) for a satisfying lunch
- Step inside the home of a coffee-growing family for a bean to cup experience; see how the beans are harvested, shelled and roasted using traditional methods
- Travel past absorbing scenes of everyday rural life to the archeological site of Iximche
- Here you’ll receive a blessing from a local shaman as part of a fascinating and mystical Mayan ritual
- Continue to your hotel on the shores of dazzling Lake Atitlán, a deep blue oasis nestled in an expansive volcanic crater
- Travel by boat to the indigenous lakeside village of San Juan la Laguna, decorated with colourful flags and kaleidoscopic murals
- Take a traditional weaving workshop with a local artisan, where you’ll learn how to use a backstrap loom and make your own bracelet to take home.
- Enjoy a free evening to explore the local area, perhaps visiting the bustling hub of Panajachel, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants
- Explore Central America’s most famous indigenous market, Chichicastenango, where vendors come from miles around to sell their colourful handicrafts and textiles
- Visit 16th-century Santo Tomás church to witness the curious mix of Catholic prayers and ancient Maya rituals, and see the vividly painted mausoleums at the local cemetery
- Travel to Guatemala City and hitch a short flight to Flores, where a transfer will whisk you to your hotel on the pretty island town, reminiscent of Venice
- Today you’re going off-grid at the jungle village of Uaxactún – one of the longest-occupied Mayan cities, dating back over 2,000 years – where you’ll be staying in a private camp, just for your group
- Meet the local community and learn how they make a living from harvesting allspice, xate (an ornamental plant) and chicle (natural chewing gum)
- End the day with something truly special: sundowners from atop a private temple, followed by a magical candlelit dinner surrounded by atmospheric ruins; an experience exclusive to Flash Pack
- Head deep into the jungle of Tikal National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for monkeys, parrots, toucans and blue-headed ‘oscillated’ turkeys
- Explore the vast archeological site of Tikal, capital of the Mayan empire, with its towering pyramids, Great Plaza and millennia-old palaces and temples
- Return to Guatemala City for a farewell dinner with your group, reflecting on the incredible adventures you’ve shared
- After breakfast, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight home; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
- Arrive home feeling enriched, inspired and deeply moved by Guatemala’s unique culture, fascinating mysticism and untamed natural beauty
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Meson de Maria, Antigua
In the heart of Antigua’s atmospheric old town, this converted Spanish villa has just 20 characterful rooms. Expect elegant colonial-style decor, lush courtyards filled with fountains and a beautiful rooftop terrace – the perfect spot for sundowners, complete with volcano views.
Hotel Isla de Flores, Petén
A boutique island hotel a short stroll from the town’s main square. Whitewashed walls and blue shutters give the hotel a cheery Mediterranean vibe. At sunset, make a beeline for the chic roof terrace to soak in the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking emerald Lake Petén Itzá.
Uaxactún glamping
Ever wanted to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle? Now’s your chance. This remote community glampsite features canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms, surrounded by Mayan ruins. Sip sundowners atop an ancient temple and dine by candlelight under impossibly starry skies.
Important notes
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Which airport should I fly into and out of (including airport code)?
Fly into and out of La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.
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What time should I arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
The welcome meeting will be from 5 pm, starting at your hotel in Antigua, which is approximately 1.5 hours by road from Guatemala City airport. We recommend booking a flight that arrives by 2 pm, to allow time to settle in before meeting your group.
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What time should my flight depart on the final day?
There are no planned activities for Day 9, so you’re free to leave any time you choose.
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Do you include airport transfers?
Arrival transfers are included, but not departure transfers. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived. Your first hotel, in Antigua, is approximately 1.5 hours away from the airport.
For your departure, we’ll be happy to offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What level of fitness will I need?
Overall this itinerary is fairly relaxed. The most strenuous activity is hiking up Pacaya Volcano on Day 2, which requires a moderate level of fitness. The hike itself takes about 1-1.5 hours and includes some steep uphill sections over uneven surfaces. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop for drinks along the way, as well as a picnic at the top.
We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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What will the jungle glamping be like?
Uaxactun is the only permitted settlement within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve, offering a unique opportunity to stay in a rustic jungle community surrounded by ancient ruins.
You’ll be sleeping in canvas tents, built on raised platforms and located on the edge of the village. Each tent features twin beds and ensuite bathrooms complete with flush toilets and sink with running water. There is a separate shower block with four cold-water showers (refreshing in the heat and humidity). Please be aware that you’ll be completely off-grid, which means no air conditioning, electricity, WiFi or cell phone reception. We recommend bringing a headtorch for after dark, as well as a battery pack to charge your phone.
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Will the candelit dinner go ahead during rainy season?
During the wet season (May to October), it typically rains hard for a couple of hours in the afternoon and the stars come out at night. However, it can rain at any time of year. If it’s not possible to go ahead with the outdoor dinner, you’ll enjoy an atmospheric candlelit meal in your jungle camp.
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Will this itinerary change?
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.
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