A Family Exploration of Guatemala

Today learn about the indulgent art of chocolate making. Begin by learning a bit about the history, from the Mayan discovery of the cacao bean to the mass production of chocolate throughout the world. You will also talk about the industry today, the different types of cacao and its health benefits before taking on the challenge of making your own chocolate.

This private tour begins with an hour’s morning transfer taking you to the foothills of the active Pacaya Volcano. Here you will hike through fragrant pine forest to the tough volcanic ash section and then to the sulfur smoking cone. During the hike, which is fairly strenuous, you may even see little eruptions and lava flow and when at the summit take in the amazing views of the northern volcanoes, pacific lowlands and El Salvador. On your return down you will stop for a picnic lunch with grand volcanic views.

El Paredón is located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala and is where your day of adventure starts. On arrival you will enjoy breakfast by the beach, followed by a visit to La Posa del Nance turtle sanctuary. The mangroves surrounding the sanctuary are home to crustaceans, shellfish, jellyfish and other sea life and you’ll learn about marine conservation as well as the local sea turtles, whose breeding season is from June to November. You will then enjoy lunch on a black sand beach and have the opportunity to swim, surf, boogie board and more.

You will be met by your guide for a boat transfer to Santa Cruz to kayak on the beautiful Lake Atitlan. Paddling towards the San Pedro volcano, past local fishermen tossing their nets, you will dock at the tranquil village of San Juan la Laguna to visit artisan workshops. You will then cross the lake by boat to the village of Santiago for lunch before visiting the colourful Maya god, Maximón.

Explore the stalls selling everything from handicrafts, food, flowers and pottery to livestock such as pigs and chickens. Textiles are a favourite at the market and make for great souvenirs. Next to the market, you’ll see the 400 year old Church of Santo Tomas. This ancient church has been built on an even older site and its steps originally lead to a Mayan Temple, with each of the 18 steps standing for one month of the Maya calendar year.

Enjoy a moderate hike in the tropical rainforest. The reserve is home to a diverse range of plants and animals including monkeys, the raccoon-like coati and exotic birds such as Guatemala’s national bird, the quetzal. You’ll also visit the butterfly breeding lab, with approximately 200 species of butterfly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can end your day with a canopy ride, featuring a 200m cable, which offers spectacular views across Lake Atitlan.