A beautiful and demanding hike in Guatemala leads from Quetzaltenango (called Xela for short) to Lake Atitlan in three days. A total of around 46 kilometers with around 1,500 meters in altitude have to be mastered. Landscape and nature are varied and diverse. It goes through rainforests, streams, over fields, through small original villages, at just over 3000 meters down to the lake.
It is advisable to do the tour with the organization Quetzaltrekkers. So you have the unique opportunity to stay in homestays of the local Mayan communities and enjoy carefree, well-organized and safe hiking fun.
Hiking for a good cause, because Quetzaltrekkers is an organization founded in 1995 and run almost exclusively by volunteers. All proceeds go directly to projects that provide education, shelter and social support to disadvantaged indigenous children in the Xela area. The aim is to spread awareness of the Mayan culture and to support local communities through which the hiking trail passes.
We had a perfectly organized hike with 4 super friendly guides. The food was delicious and plentiful. A lot of the necessary equipment can be borrowed from Quetzaltrekkers for free. The Mayan sauna Temazcal on the first evening is great.