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Cultivating Utopia and Equality
Join explorer and reporter Aurelio Marino to uncover the ancestral spirituality of an authentic Guatemala. A journey that blends breathtaking archaeology and pyramids, volcanic landscapes, and meaningful encounters with the resilient soul of a people. For the boldest spirits - this journey will change yours.
HIGHLIGHTS
- From Antigua to Acatenango Volcano - nearly 4000 meters high!
A path through awe-inspiring archaeological sites, volcanic mountains, and villages overlooking sacred lakes: you’ll enter the symbolic dimension of the Mayan culture, hear stories of resilience and spirituality, and take part in rituals and practices led by women healers, fishermen, ex-combatants, and community leaders. - Survival and Identity with Former Guerrilla Fighters of the Nuevo Horizonte Cooperative
We'll camp under the stars at nearly 4000 meters above sea level, explore the "Jungle of Life" with former guerrilla fighters from the Nuevo Horizonte Cooperative, and delve into the history of Guatemala’s armed conflict to understand the deeper meaning of peace and resistance.
“In this community, no one owns anything - and everyone has everything.” - Between Water, Fire, and Tradition at Lake Atitlán
We’ll experience the authentic: night fishing with local fishermen on Lake Atitlán, visits to weaving workshops and natural medicine centers, storytelling around the fire, jungle hot springs, and walks through the ancient ruins of Tikal. Every stop is an invitation to see, feel, and live with new eyes.
TRIP PURPOSE
Rediscovering the Bond Between Humanity, Land, and Spirituality
This journey offers a deep immersion to reconnect with the Earth and spirit through Indigenous communities, Mayan rituals, and Guatemala’s unique ecosystems. It’s an act of listening and respect - a chance to learn ancestral knowledge and heal the wounds of history.
This isn’t just tourism - it’s a political and spiritual journey to understand and reconnect.
This journey was designed based on the following principles:
Promotion of the local economy
Strengthening of the local social fabric
Accomodations
In Guatemala, every stay is a deep encounter with local culture. The accommodations we’ve selected for you are not just rooms - they are places that tell stories. Whether it’s a small hospedería or a traditional home, each structure has been carefully chosen to offer you the authenticity and comfort you deserve, far from the busiest tourist routes!
At La Casita de Angie, in the heart of Antigua, you’ll find a cozy and colorful house that radiates warm Guatemalan hospitality. With just six rooms, the atmosphere is intimate - perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat just steps away from the historical wonders of this colonial city.
At Hospedaje El Viajero, in Panajachel, you’ll feel the soul of Lake Atitlán. With a breathtaking view, this small hideaway is an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding villages. The simple yet welcoming rooms will make you feel at home, while the panoramic terrace invites you to pause, breathe, and take in the view.
At El Portal de Champey, surrounded by the wild nature of Semuc Champey, every day is an adventure. Just a short walk from the famous natural pools, this eco-hostel offers a true experience in contact with nature - far from the noise!
These are just a few examples of the accommodations that will be part of our upcoming journey through Guatemala - come and discover them with us!
What's not included
- Food: Daily breakfast.
- Accomodation: 11 nights in 2–3 star hotels/hostels in double or shared rooms.
- Transportation: All transportation during the trip: private land transfers, boat rides on Lake Atitlán, and a domestic flight from Flores back to Guatemala City.
- Tour & Activities: Guided tours with professional local guides at every stop, with entrance fees to all cultural, natural, and archaeological sites included.An unforgettable trek up Acatenango volcano and an immersive visit to the Nuevo Horizonte Cooperative to connect directly with the stories and practices of local communities.
- Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.
What's not included
- Food: Meals not listed in the "What’s Included" section.
- Accomodation: Any local tourist taxes.
- Transporation: International flight to and from Guatemala City.
- Other: Trip cancellation insurance.
- Anything not specified under "What's included".
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Guatemala and transfer to Antigua
Arrival in Guatemala City, where we’ll be welcomed by our driver for a quick transfer to Antigua, one of the most charming colonial cities in Latin America. We’ll spend our first night in a cozy guesthouse – the perfect place to begin our journey slowly.
Day 2 - Discovering Antigua: stone and silence
We’ll start with a guided walking tour through Antigua’s architectural wonders. Once the colonial capital and now the cultural heart of Guatemala, the city is home to more than 30 ancient monasteries and convents. The afternoon is free to explore local markets or sip coffee with a volcano view.
Day 3 - Trekking Volcano Acatenango
We’ll set out for a powerful and regenerating experience: the hike up Volcán Acatenango, reaching almost 4,000 meters. After a challenging climb, we’ll camp near the summit with a direct view of the active Volcán de Fuego, which often puts on a spectacular night-time eruption show. Dinner by the campfire under a sky full of stars.
Day 4 - Return to Antigua & New Year's Eve Celebrations
After an open-air breakfast surrounded by nature, we’ll slowly head back to Antigua. It’ll be the perfect time to rest, recharge, and get ready… because something special is waiting for us in the evening: we’ll ring in the New Year together with the group, celebrating midnight with smiles, toasts, and a touch of magic.
Day 5 - Lake Atitlán and Santiago Atitlán
Transfer to Lake Atitlán, often called the most beautiful lake in the world. We’ll visit the village of Santiago to meet textile artisans, learn about the syncretic cult of Maximón, and set sail at sunset with local fishermen for a dinner made with the catch of the evening – surrounded by songs, fire, and living spirituality.
Day 6 - San Marcos and San Juan: inner journey and sacred plants
A day devoted to the lake’s more spiritual side. In San Marcos, we’ll join a guided tour on Mayan cosmovision. In the afternoon, we’ll move to San Juan to visit a natural medicine center run by comadronas and curanderas – women who preserve ancient healing knowledge.
Day 7 - Toward the jungle: arrival in Río Dulce
We’ll travel across the country to reach Río Dulce, the gateway to the Petén region. Here, we’ll spend the night in an eco-lodge on the river, surrounded only by water, forest, and sky.
Day 8 - Río Dulce and journey to Flores
Morning exploration of the Río Dulce canyon and its hidden thermal springs nestled in the lush vegetation. Afterwards, we’ll head to Flores – a delightful colonial town built on an island and our base for exploring Tikal.
Day 9 - Tikal: among pyramids and howler monkeys
A full day at Guatemala’s most iconic archaeological site: Tikal, a former Mayan capital immersed in the jungle. We’ll walk among pyramids, ancient trees, and forest sounds with the guidance of a local expert. Free evening in Flores.
Day 10 - Into the Selva de la Vida: experience with the Nuevo Horizonte Cooperative
We’ll enter the “Selva de la Vida” (Jungle of Life) for a total immersion experience. Sleeping in hammocks at a reconstructed guerrilla encampment, we’ll listen to stories from former fighters and learn survival techniques and medicinal plant identification. A timeless night, rich with meaning
Day 11 - Return to the capital
After a breakfast in the wild, we’ll begin our long return journey to Guatemala City. A time to reflect, share, and prepare for re-entry.
Day 12 - Departure
Day dedicated to returning to Italy.
Aurelio Marino is an indefatigable traveler and a deep explorer, renowned for his passion in seeking out authentic realities far from conventional tourist circuits. His travel philosophy leads him to connect with small communities and experience daily local life, immersing himself completely in the traditions and stories of the places he visits. For Aurelio, each journey becomes an opportunity to uncover the soul of a region, revealing the hidden beauty in cultural practices, cuisine, and customs that are rarely shown to tourists.
Traveling by public transportation—and often by hitchhiking—Aurelio has traversed thousands of kilometers, exploring fascinating countries like Iraq, the Balkans, Peru, Central America, and many more. In each destination, he approaches local communities with deep respect, documenting his experiences and the stories of the people he meets, which he shares through detailed reports on his YouTube channel. His unique approach has made him a distinctive voice in the world of sustainable travel and dark tourism, a form of travel that delves into places charged with complex, often forgotten histories.
Aurelio is also an expert in dark tourism, which drives him to investigate without filters and with a reporter’s eye, exploring the most hidden and sometimes challenging realities to tell the stories of humanity that would otherwise remain in the shadows. Each of his experiences is a journey into stories that are rarely captured in traditional travel accounts, offering his audience an authentic and profound perspective on the world around us.
Booking Info
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