The volcanic peaks of Guatemala
More than a summit.
Go beyond the trail and into the heart of Guatemala
You may have heard of the famous Acatenango hike—the legendary trek where you can watch the active Fuego volcano erupt against a midnight sky.
But did you know that Guatemala is home to hundreds of volcanic structures, 37 recognized volcanoes, and three currently active?
The truth is, most trekkers come to Guatemala for the photo-op; we go for the story. These peaks and the people who live among them are more than a bucket-list item. We’ve designed this program for the conscious trekker who wants the grit of 3,000-meter peaks while actively choosing to engage with the communities that call them home.
We don't just pass through these mountains; we live among them. By staying in local homes, employing local guides, and partnering with community-led cooperatives, CNC ensures your journey is an investment in the region, not just a checkbox on a list.
Why Join This Experience?
Three Beautiful Summits: This isn't just a stroll. You’ll tackle Acatenango Volcano San Pedro Volcano, and Rostro Maya, exploring the diverse geography of the highlands.
From Colonial Charm to Lake Magic: Beyond the trails, you'll dive deep into Guatemala’s cultural treasures. Learning the complex history of the country, wandering the cobblestone streets of Antigua, then transitioning to the breathtaking shores of Lake Atitlán to learn about the ancient Mayan traditions that continue to be pillars in the lake artisan communities.
Immersion Over Observation: We don’t just walk past villages; we stay in them. By sleeping in local accommodations, sharing regional meals, and learning the history of the Maya people before and during our climb, you gain a deep understanding of the soil beneath your boots rather than just treating it as a backdrop.
Regenerative, Community-First Travel: We go beyond leaving no trace, and focus on leaving a positive one! By exclusively using local guides and partnering with indigenous-led cooperatives, your journey is a direct investment in sustaining the region's economy and cultural health.
At a glance: One full week of adventure
Locations:Antigua, Lake Atitlán
Hikes: Volcan Acatenango, Volcan San Pedro, and Rostro Maya
Balance: Lots of hiking! With time to acclimatize and days to rest and explore Antigua and the towns of Lake Atitlan
Best for: People with hiking experience, or people in good physical shape wanting to get into hiking
Sample Program Itinerary
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Welcome to Guatemala! Once you land in Guatemala City, you’ll take a 1.5-hour van ride to the colonial city of Antigua.
Together, we will get settled into our local home base and run through the week's game plan before heading out for a sunset walk and our first group dinner in town.
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No actual running necessary!
We’ll start the day early with a brisk walk through town up to Cerro de la Cruz. The sweeping views of Antigua and its surrounding volcanoes are the perfect introduction to our week of immersive learning.
We’ll spend the rest of the day with our local coffee cooperative partners. They won't just teach us the craft of growing, producing, and brewing incredible coffee, they will also share how cooperatives serve as vital pillars of indigenous resilience, resistance, and cultural preservation in Guatemala.
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After a good night’s rest, we depart early for our legendary overnight trek up Volcán Acatenango. We’ll fuel up for the journey with breakfast in the home of our local guide.
Their family-run tour company, V-Hiking, directly supports and sustains the immediate community.
From there, it’s a challenging but rewarding ~6-hour hike up to base camp. We’ll share a simple dinner and get cozy in our overnight accommodations, right in front of the active Volcán Fuego.
You can choose to take an optional extra trek to watch Fuego erupt from a closer vantage point, but don't worry, the views from camp are spectacular either way!
On Day 4, we’ll make the final short push to the summit just before dawn to catch a breathtaking sunrise, followed by breakfast back at camp and the hike down.
Once back at our Antigua home, it’s showers and a well-deserved afternoon of R&R.
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Enjoy a well-earned sleep-in and a hearty group breakfast before we pack our bags and head to Lake Atitlán.
The journey west takes about three hours. Once we arrive and get settled by the water, we’ll head out to explore and swim at the beautiful San Marcos Nature Reserve, wrapping up the day with a lakefront dinner and an early bedtime.
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We’ll start today super early…but we promise, it’s worth it. Watching the sunrise from the peak of Rostro Maya with a fresh cup of local coffee in hand is an unforgettable experience.
Best of all, this rewarding 2-hour round-trip hike is all wrapped up before breakfast!
We’ll spend the rest of the day in the vibrant town of San Juan. Here, we'll learn about the traditional art of back-strap weaving, diving into its deep history and profound importance to artisan communities across the country.
You'll even get a chance to try your hand at the loom yourself!
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You guessed it, one more big summit!
Standing at just over 3,000 meters, Volcán San Pedro is a quieter, less-trafficked trail that rewards hikers with some of the most dramatic, panoramic views of the entire Sierra Madre range.
Clocking in at roughly 6 hours round-trip, this is the grand finale of our high-altitude trekking adventure.
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We’ll enjoy a slow, reflective morning by the lake before making our way back to Guatemala City.
We’ll gather for one final group dinner to celebrate the miles hiked and connections made, get a good night's sleep, and say our goodbyes on Day 9.
Next Steps
To learn more and join the waitlist, fill out the form below!
Get in touch if you have any other questions: info@consciousnomadcollective.com