Guatemala Coffee Expedition 2024
Guatemala Coffee Expedition 2024
- All lodging (7 nights, double occupancy)
- All group transportation
- All national park entry fees
- All guided excursions (minus optional add-ons)
- Private cooking class & market tour
- 1 night hot tub/sauna - lakeside on Atitlan
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
- All local guiding fees and tips
- 1 Fit4Adventure Guide
- 1 Elevate Coffee Trading Guide
- Donation of 1 EcoFiltro* on behalf of each guest
* An EcoFiltro is a Guatemalan-made water filtration device that can filter out 99% of pathogens, supplying clean water to rural households and schools.
TRIP DATES: January 21-28, 2024
TRIP PRICE: $3,492 (per person, double occupancy)
(For Single Occupancy add $1,034)
Not included in price: Flights, F4A Guide tips, single occupancy, additional excursions not listed on itinerary, meals not listed above, personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, etc.).
TRIP DETAILS
The Land of Eternal Spring. The birthplace of chocolate. Queen of coffee. Need we say more? Escape winter and come explore this underrated tropical paradise with us. Our action packed itinerary mixes F4A-style adventure with Guatemala’s rich history and vibrant modern culture. Imagine: paddle boarding on Lake Atitlan while locals fish nearby, seeing the red glow of lava drip down the side of Volcan Fuego while sipping cocao from base camp on neighboring Volcan Acatenango, being led through Antigua’s local market and learning to prepare tamales with the help of our local chefs. Michael Iwasko, of Dallas’ Elevate Coffee Trading, will join us and provide the scoop on all things Guatemalan coffee, from seed to cherry to bean to cup. With the caffeine and logistics taken care of – all you need to do is show up ready for a real adventure.
FLIGHTS
Book your flight into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA) for January 21, 2024, arriving before 10AM. We highly recommend flying in 1 night early and spending the evening in Guatemala City. Book your departing flight for January 28, 2024, after 12PM. Guatemala City is on CST.
DEPOSIT
A $500 deposit (per person) is due at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
PAYMENTS
Final Payment will be due in full on 12/1/23. You will receive a reminder email when this payment is due. Once made, all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.
CANCELLATIONS
By Client: If you need to cancel before the trip, the cancellation fee is your initial deposit plus any additional payments made. Any payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your reservation will automatically cancel if final payment is not received by the due date. Travel Insurance is highly recommended (see below).
By Fit 4 Adventure: In the event that we must cancel a trip for commercial reasons beyond our control, including if the minimum number of trip participants is not met, you will be able to transfer any amount paid toward any F4A trip in the next 24 months. You may also opt for a full refund.
By Force Majeure: In the event that a trip is cancelled due (but not limited) to natural disasters, pandemics, border restrictions, terrorism, or political instability, F4A will offer you a future trip credit valid for 24 months from the original trip date.
F4A is not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur as result of your booking, including (but not limited to) visas, vaccinations, clothing, equipment, testing, travel insurance or non-refundable flights.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The cancellation policy will be strictly adhered to. To avoid loss of payments due to unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance is highly recommended. We recommend booking through our partner Allianz Travel. Alternatively, travel insurance can often be purchased along with your flight.
*We at Fit 4 Adventure take the health and safety of our guests and guides seriously. We will follow all local protocols and CDC-recommended guidelines while on this trip.
If you have any questions about this trip, please feel free to reach out to Marie@Fit4Adventure.com
January 21: Arrival Day
Bienvenido a Guatemala! A private transfer takes us straight to our one-of-a-kind accommodations on the shore of the famous Lake Atitlan. After a welcome dinner overlooking the lake, we will unwind in the hot tub and temazcal (traditional Mayan sauna). Soak under the stars, sweat, and cool off in the lake until you’re ready to turn in. An unforgettable way to start the week!
January 22: Lake Tour, Atitlan
Traveling by private lancha (water taxi), we explore a few of our favorite villages along the lake: San Juan, San Pedro and San Marcos. Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Mayans are still the dominant communities in these villages, and are seen in their day-to-day wearing of elaborately embroidered huipils and pantalones. This EPIC day includes cliff jumping (always optional!) at our favorite nature reserve, lunch at a local spot, a weaving demonstration, and a hike up to a mirador for sunset. An easy dinner is served at the hotel.
January 23: Coffee Lab and Tasting
We promised coffee, and not just a strong buzz every morning! Today, Michael leads us to a forward-thinking Guatemalan coffee co-op in Santiago de Atitlan. This co-op leads research and development for hundreds of Guatemalan coffee farmers from the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan. They demonstrate the seed-to-cup process for us, detailing what they look for in a quality bean, and what projects they are currently working on with their members. A coffee tasting in their treehouse-like lab overlooking the lake rounds out the experience. In the afternoon, rent stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) or kayaks and depart straight from the hotel dock, take a swim, take a short hike to the neighboring village of Santa Cruz, or book an in-room spa treatment. We’ll rejoin as a group for dinner.
January 24: Lake Atitlan to Antigua
A private morning transfer takes us towards the colonial gem and original Spanish capital of Guatemala, Antigua. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is the hub for adventure travel in the Guatemalan highlands. Surrounded by volcanoes and filled with great restaurants, shops, markets and historical landmarks, Antigua has something for everyone. An afternoon mountain bike ride with volcano views gets our blood pumping again. Dinner as a group to follow at one of Antigua's best restaurants. (Riding level: All. The group will split to accommodate beginner riders and riders with experience).
January 25: Market Tour and Cooking Class
Today, we’re led through Antigua’s maze-like market and taught to cook traditional Guatemalan dishes (think pepián, rellenitos and tostadas). Get ready for the BEST lunch of your life. And, right when you need it, more coffee: Michael, of Elevate Coffee Trading, will walk the group through a full coffee cupping (tasting), explaining the different processing methods used in today’s artisanal coffees, along with different roasts and the many ways to enjoy a cup o’ joe. You’ll never see coffee the same way. We meet our volcano guides for a Q&A before turning in early, in preparation for the big day ahead.
January 26: Acatenanago- The Grand Finale!
Today’s hike is what you have been preparing for. Having acclimated to the altitude for over a week, we are ready to approach the HIGHlight of the trip. Sitting a little over 13,000ft, the formidable Acatenango is the hike of a lifetime. We take the experience a notch further, choosing to stay the night in a camp* below the summit. From camp, we have the best views of Fuego's red hot volcanic explosions. Fuego is very active, and erupts several times per hour. All meals, snacks and equipment are provided, but we recommend the use of your own 40L backpack. *Each cabin sleeps 6
Disclaimer: This is a short (4 mile) but difficult hike due to the steep grade. We take many, many breaks in order to ensure that all are able to ascend. Our professional mountaineering guides will always be with us. This route is well established, and we always stay a safe distance from any volcanic eruptions and gas.
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Views of Volcan Fuego from Base Camp
January 27: Early morning summit of Acatenango (optional).
Choose to take in the sunrise over volcano Fuego with views extending as far as the Pacific, or sleep in and enjoy the sunrise from our gorgeous base camp. Breakfast and hot beverages by the fire prepare us for the hike down. We return to Antigua to clean-up, have lunch and rest. A celebratory finale dinner rounds out the trip. We raise a glass to our EPIC adventure, and to the beauty and hospitality of Guatemala. (Note: Reservations for spa treatments should be made in advance. Ask your guide for assistance.)
January 28: Departure Day
We will transfer directly to the airport from Antigua. Please book an afternoon flight. We will enjoy a final group breakfast before we depart.
If arriving a day early, we recommend the following activities in Guatemala City:
- Arrange a sightseeing tour
- Visit Cayala (the white city inside of the city)
- Visit the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología (Natural History Museum)
- Visit Museo Popol Vuh (host of one of the largest collections of Mayan art in the world)
- Visit Mercado Central. Try a meal there if you can! Guatemala City’s largest market, you will be amongst locals here. Consider a tour if it feels overwhelming.
- Visit Danta Chocolate for some of the city’s best chocolate
Disclaimer: Itinerary is subject to change at F4A’s discretion due to changes in weather, operating partners, governmental regulations and other uncontrollable/unforeseeable events. A final itinerary will be emailed to participants prior to trip start.
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Guatemala wasn’t on the top of my list of places I thought I wanted to visit, but the adventures and coffee experience sounded interesting so we decided to go. It was well worth it. The coffee farms, bike ride, kayaking, lake district, shopping, food and volcano hike were all fantastic and it turns out Guatemala is a very interesting and diverse place. Highly recommend this trip!
The trip of a lifetime. Guatemala was never a country that was on my 'Must Visit' list, but after one trip, I find myself recommending it to friends and will be back myself. Marie and Michael were simply spectacular guides and their love for what they do and the country really shows. Even if you're not an avid hiker or coffee aficionado, the range of activities and experiences included makes this trip a Must Do! I will say- the finale hike was difficult, but doable, and 1000% worth the effort. I would go on this trip again or others run by Fit4Adventure after this experience.
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