GUATEMALA'S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Trek to the summits of 7 volcanoes - Tajumulco, Central America's highest peak - A 'real' adventure holiday - Antigua and Lake Atitlan
10 nights hotels & lodges, 4 nights camping, 10 days MODERATE trekking, max. altitude - 4220m. Some meals not included.
moderate
Newly accessible, Guatemala offers great trekking and a freshness that will appeal to any adventure traveler. West of Guatemala City, the highland area of the altiplano is bounded to the south by a string of impressive volcanic peaks. Rich in Maya culture and blessed with a wonderful climate, this picturesque region is the focus of our great volcano trekking extravaganza. Setting out from the charming Spanish colonial city of Antigua, we begin our trip with ascents of 4 volcanoes, including the spectacularly active Fuego (3760m/12,330ft) and dormant Acatenango (3976m/13,040ft). Camping on top of the latter, we have tremendous dawn views of the surrounding volcanoes and of the distant Pacific Ocean. Transferring to the peaceful Quiche Indian town of Quetzaltenango, we climb Santa Maria (3772m/12,370ft) as final preparation for Tajumulco (4220m/13,840ft). Having earned a little rest and relaxation, we spend 2 nights on the shores of the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Atitlan, before climbing our final volcano, San Pedro. TIKAL Extension: Dating from as early as 700 years BC, the great ruined city of Tikal is one of the world's premier archaeological sites. Once the centre of the Mayan civilisation, this lost city, hidden away in the steamy jungle of Guatemala's eastern lowlands, is one of this fascinating country's most interesting tourist attractions. See 'Trip dossier' for details.
This is quite a difficult trip to grade as the length and difficulty of each of the objectives in the trip varies quite considerably. We have given the trip an overall grade of MODERATE and this takes into account a number of factors including the overall length of the trip, the facilities available, and the ease with which it is possible to opt out of various sections of the itinerary. Please note however that the trip is at the top end of this grade and that some of the ground covered is more typical of terrain encountered on our DEMANDING trips. The approaches to the volcanoes on the 'Magnificent Seven' trip are generally easy, following established trails through the forest or jungle. However, the ascents of the volcanoes themselves present quite challenging hikes even to regular hillwalkers. All of the volcanoes except Pacaya and Fuego present a considerable amount of ascent and descent (between 1200 and 1700 metres of ascent), sometimes on steep and/or loose ground. We do have porter or pack-horse support during those days when we are camping.
The trip pages are only a brief summary of the details available within our trip dossiers. It is important that you read the full day to day description and further information for this trip before making your booking.
Download a dossier for GUATEMALA'S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
