Adventure Guatemala: Highlands to Coast

Journey from highland villages to Pacific shores as you engage in meaningful projects rooted in culture and conservation.

This Guatemala Adventure & Culture program blends outdoor exploration, cultural immersion, and authentic connections with local communities. Students will journey from the colonial streets of Antigua to the majestic volcanoes and crystal-clear waters of Lake Atitlán, before ending the adventure at the black-sand beaches of the Pacific Coast.

This journey offers a balance of adventure, cultural learning, and fun,  designed to inspire students to grow as global citizens while creating unforgettable memories together.

  • Length: 9 days / 8 nights
  • Destinations: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, El Paredón
  • Activities: Kayaking, hiking, surfing, fishing, biking, cultural exchange
  • Accommodations: Eco-lodges, beach bungalows, boutique hotels
  • Group Size: Flexible, typically 10–20 students + leaders
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate –  mix of active adventures with flexibility for rest days

Throughout the journey, students will engage in meaningful service opportunities and cultural exchange. These activities encourage students to go beyond being tourists, stepping into deeper learning and awareness about the challenges and resilience of Guatemalan communities.

You will be flying with the group to and from Guatemala City

8 NightsClean, safe, and comfortable rooms. In some cases you’ll share rooms with other 1-2 Impact Adventurers and in others you will be bunked in larger rooms with 3+ travelers.

19 of 24 meals are included. Dietary restrictions? No worries, we can accommodate most preferences!

All group transportation is included. Private passenger vans and buses (with A/C) for long journeys but you will also be in trucks, boats and maybe even a tuk-tuk!

The team at somos.travel is world-class. Your group will have a lead bilingual Adventure Guide and additional local guides for specific adventures.

Travel insurance is required for all trips. Policies start around $75.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

To save your spot on the trip a $500 Deposit is required.  Payment plans are available.

If payment is a challenge, some guests choose to fundraise for their trip which is super easy with our guest software WeTravel. We can help advise students on how to fundraise.

To pay for the materials for the project you will work on, we ask that each guest donates or fundraises $250.

Guatemala is a very safe country, full of amazing, kind, and hospitable people (just ask any of our guests or others who have traveled there). Safety is our #1 priority and we would never take anyone to places where they may be in danger. If you have any concerns, just ask and we are happy to answer questions!

This trip is designed for high school and college students and can be adapted for travelers of any age.

Absolutely. Guatemala is a wonderful destination for groups who want to combine service, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure.

somos.travel will get you everything you need to get prepared for the trip and help you prepare if you are accepted. See the “Trip Prep” tab at the top of the page for some more info about this.

I think I really tried my best to make a positive impact by being respectful to everyone and helping out with the school projects.

Lucy Miller Boise High School, 2025

I feel like I was able to connect with the people there and form a relationship despite language barriers and I had a lot of fun with them.

Gabbie Dingman Boise High School, 2025

Planted trees and improved the school environment through painting. We also spent quality time with the kids.

Ethan Sims Boise High School, 2025

I think that we really helped out in painting the school and cleaning up the area so that it would be more enjoyable for the kids.

Elena Bowen Boise High School, 2025

I think I made a positive impact by creating relationships and being a source of kindness and help during our work at the school.

Eli Richins Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

I feel I made a positive impact because I took the time to talk to the children and helped improve their learning spaces.

Alazne Campbell Bishop Kelly High School, 2025

Helped brighten up their school by painting & playing with the kids during break. It felt like we were bringing energy and care.

Nicole Klein Boise High School, 2025

We helped the kids by making their learning surroundings more engaging and colorful, and spent time learning from them too.

Tate Moran Boise High School, 2025

I felt accomplished painting the school and helping set up better conditions. I hope the improvements last for the students and teachers.

Cora Smith Boise High School, 2025

I think if I made any impact it was definitely through the time I spent talking with the kids and learning about their lives.

Bella Hayden Boise High School, 2025

I loved chatting with the locals and learning how to help them with painting and cleaning the school. It felt collaborative and meaningful.

Tawny Lyons Boise High School, 2025
Day 1 – Arrival in Antigua
● Private airport pick-up in Guatemala City
● Transfer to Antigua (about 1 hour) and check-in to a charming colonial-style hotel
● Optional evening stroll through cobblestone streets and group dinner at a local restaurant
Day 2 – Optional Activity Day in Antigua
Students choose their adventure:
● Mountain biking in the surrounding hills
● Guided volcano hike (Pacaya or Agua)
● Walking tour of town + chocolate workshop/tasting Afternoon free for shopping, rest, or spa time.
Day 3 – Journey to Lake Atitlán via Mayan Ruins
● Morning visit to Iximché, an ancient Mayan archaeological site
● Optional participation in a traditional Mayan shaman ceremony
● Possible mountain bike ride from the ruins toward the lake (active option)
● Continue by bus + boat transfer across Lake Atitlán
● Sunset arrival and group dinner at eco-lodge on the lakeshore
Day 4 – Kayak, Cliff Jump & Lakeside Hike
● Morning kayak paddle across the lake
● Optional cliff jumping near San Marcos
● Afternoon soccer game with local youth
● Evening reflection circle at the lodge
Day 5 – Free Day: Choose Your Adventure
Options include:
● Hike to a nearby waterfall or enjoy a full climbing day
● Paragliding over Lake Atitlán (weather permitting)
● Explore artisan towns known for weaving and painting
● Or simply relax and enjoy time by the water
Day 6 – Transfer to El Paredón Beach
● Scenic drive down from the highlands to the Pacific Coast
● Arrival and check-in to a beachfront eco-lodge
● Sunset surf session or relax in hammocks
Day 7 – Surf & Kayak
● Morning group surf lessons with professional instructors
● Afternoon mangrove kayaking or a friendly beach soccer game
Day 8 – Fishing Expedition
● Full-day fishing adventure with local guides (coastal, not deep-sea)
● Optional beach picnic or cooking class to learn ceviche-making
● Evening celebration dinner
Day 9 – Departure
● Morning swim, beach walk, or relaxed coffee by the ocean
● Private transfer to Guatemala City airport for return flights

Throughout the journey, students will engage in meaningful service opportunities and cultural exchange. These may include:

  • Supporting community projects in the Lake Atitlán region (such as reforestation, trail clean-ups, or school visits).
  • Participating in a friendly soccer match with local youth, fostering teamwork and cross-cultural connection.
  • Learning about Mayan spirituality through an optional traditional fire ceremony at Iximché.
  • Supporting sustainable tourism initiatives at both the lake and the coast.

These activities encourage students to go beyond being tourists, stepping into deeper learning and awareness about the challenges and resilience of Guatemalan communities.

No! All adventure activities are beginner-friendly and guided by professional instructors. Students of all levels can participate.

Service may include trail maintenance, reforestation, school visits, or sports exchanges with local youth. Projects depend on community needs at the time of the trip.

Most activities are moderate in difficulty. Alternative options are always provided for students who prefer less physically intense experiences.

Yes, three meals a day are included, with a mix of local cuisine and student-friendly favorites. Vegetarian and other dietary needs can be accommodated.

Yes. Students will be accompanied by trusted guides at all times. Transportation, accommodations, and activities are vetted for safety and reliability.

Moderate. Activities include hiking on uneven terrain, swimming, and light outdoor work. All efforts are made to accommodate a variety of physical abilities.

 Yes. somos.travel offers fundraising toolkits and coaching to help make your trip more accessible and impactful.

Our affiliate link: World Nomads

This page will help you with the essentials:

  • Passport
  • Flights
  • Traveler Insurance
  • Vaccinations
  • Fundraising
  • Payment Timeline
  • Traveler Forms and Onboarding
  • Volunteer Training
  • Packing & Final Preparation

 

Passports: Must be valid through your return date. Renew early if needed.

Flights: If you would like Somos to book your group’s flights, just let us know.

Travel Insurance: Required. This should cover lost baggage, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and injury. We recommend World Nomads and you can get a quote here.

Vaccinations: Guatemala does not require specific vaccines for entry, but Hepatitis A & Typhoid are recommended. Check with a doctor or travel clinic in advance.

Fundraising: Somos can provide fundraising resources and coaching to make the trip more accessible and also to support and raise awareness for local impact partners we work with.

Payment Timeline:

  • Deposit: Due upon registration
    travel honors all deposits for life. If you can’t make your scheduled trip, your deposit is fully transferable to any future experience.

  • 50% Payment: Due 120 days before your trip starts

  • Final Payment (100%): Due 60 days before your trip starts

Traveler Forms & Onboarding

To ensure a safe and smooth journey, all travelers complete a short onboarding process that includes:

  • A Traveler Information Form to help us accommodate dietary needs, medical info, and emergency contacts
  • A brief Online Training Module to prepare for service, safety, and cultural awareness

If you’re organizing a group trip—such as a school, Rotary club, or corporate team—please reach out for custom onboarding and registration options tailored to your group.

Packing List: Will be shared closer to departure (includes recommended clothing, surf/beach gear, and service work supplies).

Pre-Trip Meet-up: Zoom or In-person orientation to meet the group and guides before departure.