Boutique Stays & Handpicked Accommodations

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated collection of boutique hotels throughout your journey—each offering comfort, charm, and a true sense of place. These properties are primarily 4-star accommodations, known for their personalized service, beautiful design, and unique character.

Villa Toscana – Guatemala City
A peaceful oasis near the airport, Villa Toscana blends classic European-inspired charm with lush gardens and warm hospitality—perfect for a comfortable and welcoming start to your journey.

Jungle Lodge – Tikal National Park
Stay in the heart of the jungle, just steps from the ancient ruins of Tikal. This rustic yet comfortable eco-lodge offers an immersive experience surrounded by nature, wildlife, and the sounds of the rainforest.

Porta Hotel del Lago – Lake Atitlán
Set along the shores of Lake Atitlán, this lakeside retreat offers breathtaking views of volcanic peaks, beautifully landscaped grounds, and a relaxing atmosphere to unwind and take it all in.

Porta Hotel Antigua – Antigua
A refined colonial-style boutique hotel located in the heart of Antigua, featuring elegant courtyards, traditional architecture, and upscale amenities—perfectly capturing the charm and history of the city.

Day 1 – Friday, November 6
Arrival & Welcome Dinner

● Arrival in Guatemala (Recommended arrival anytime before 4 PM)
● Private transfer to Hotel / Check-In
● Welcome Dinner at Flor de Lis (refined Guatemalan cuisine experience)

Day 2 – Saturday, November 7
Journey to the Ancient Maya

● 7:00 AM Breakfast
● Early transfer to the airport
● 9:30 AM Flight Guatemala City → Petén
● Orientation
● Lunch at Jungle Lodge
● Afternoon Tikal exploration &
Sunset Viewing

Day 3 – Sunday, November 8
Sunrise in Tikal & Transfer to Lake Atitlán

● Tikal Sunrise Tour
● Flight Petén → Guatemala City
● Scenic drive through Guatemala’s Highlands
● Lunch in Tecpan: Rincon Suizo
● Arrival to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán

Day 4 – Monday, November 9
Lakeside Culture & Mayan Cooking Experience

● Private boat to San Pedro La Laguna
● Market visit & cooking class at Anita's Mayan Kitchen
● Shared traditional Guatemalan meal
● Return by boat to Panajachel

Day 5 – Tuesday, November 10
Indigenous Traditions & Artisan Communities

● Private boat to Santiago Atitlán
● Cultural village tour
● Private Boat to San Juan La Laguna
● Artisan & cooperative cultural immersion
● Lunch at Deleite Ancestral
● Return to Panajachel

Day 6 – Wednesday, November 11
Sunrise Hike & Antigua Welcome

● Start: ~3:00 AM Lancha to hiking destination (I know it’s a very early morning, but it will be so worth it)
● Hike Difficulty: 4/10 (Steep 30 min hike). Keep in mind that it will be dark early in the morning, so bring a headlight
● Return to Panajachel: ~8:30 AM
● Breakfast at the hotel, then depart to Antigua (you will have a chance to sleep on your ride back to Antigua)
● Arrive in Antigua: ~12:00 PM
Check in at Porta Hotel
● Lunch at the hotel
(Hilachas, 1 drink)
● Join a guided tour: Visit to Parque Central, Cathedral, sunset viewing with Esbenia
● Or you have the option to enjoy the pool/relax

Day 7 – November 12
Coffee, Craft & Farewell Celebration

● Coffee Finca Tour
● Lunch & tortilla workshop at El Comalote
● Jade workshop experience
● Final Group Dinner at Meson Panza Verde

Day 8 – November 13
Departure Day (If Not Doing Extension)

● Breakfast at the hotel
● Private airport transfers

SEE THE DETAILED ITINERARY >

If you are interested in signing up for the trip extension, please see the Optional 4-Day, 3-Night extension section below.

7 Nights Boutique Accommodations
Enjoy a curated collection of boutique, primarily 4-star hotels—each selected for comfort, charm, and location, including a unique stay inside Tikal National Park.

Culinary Experiences
Savor authentic Guatemalan flavors throughout your journey:
• Daily breakfast featuring a traditional Desayuno Típico (eggs, beans, fried plantains, cheese, crema, tortillas or bread, coffee or tea)
• 6 curated lunches
• Welcome Dinner (Day 1)
• Farewell Dinner (Day 7)

Curated Experiences & Activities
Every experience is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the culture, nature, and beauty of Guatemala:
• All tours and excursions included
• Private boat transfers across Lake Atitlán
• Guided visits, cultural experiences, and hands-on activities
• Professional local guides throughout the journey

Seamless Travel & Logistics
We take care of the details so you can fully enjoy the experience:
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Private ground transportation throughout the trip
• Domestic roundtrip flight to Petén (Tikal)

Your Experience, Elevated
From the moment you arrive, every detail is intentionally designed for connection and ease:
• Hosted by Esbenia, Founder of Grateful For Living
• Dedicated local host for on-the-ground support
• Welcome package including a personalized trip T-shirt, curated bag & goodies, and postcards from Guatemala

● International airfare to/from Guatemala

● Meals not listed

● Alcoholic beverages

● Tips for guides, drivers, hosts

● Travel insurance (Recommended)
‍ ‍
Here are three insurance companies that I recommend: (click on name to go to link)

TRAVELEX 

World Nomads

Faye Travel Insurance

Retail Price:

$3,945 per person (Double Occupancy)

Private Room Upgrade: +$800***

If you are traveling with a friend, please indicate this so we can pair you in the same room.

● A valid passport (must have at least six months of validity at time of entry)

● If you are signing up for the Trip Extension (hiking Volcan Acatenango), please read below:

Disclaimer: This hike is rated Moderate in fitness. Participants should have a decent fitness level and be capable of hiking for up to 3.5 hours and covering about 5-8 miles, with as much as 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss.

We curate our experiences with deep intention, care, and attention to detail. Because of the intimate nature of this journey and the advanced commitments required to bring it to life, the following policy ensures clarity and mutual respect for both our team and our guests.

BOOKING & DEPOSIT

To secure your spot, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required.

● This deposit guarantees your space and covers initial trip planning and reservations.

● The remaining balance must be paid according to the agreed payment schedule.

● Because the deposit is non-refundable, travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect against unexpected changes, emergencies, or cancellations.

TRIP CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENT

This trip requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate.

● A final decision to confirm or cancel the trip will be made by September 7.

If the minimum is not met, the trip will be considered canceled by Grateful for Living.

TRIP CANCELED by Client

If the trip is confirmed and you choose not to attend for any reason (including personal circumstances, illness, or travel restrictions), the following policy applies:

● The $500 deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances

● Cancellation 151+ days before trip start (on or before June 8):

The remaining balance is fully refundable (deposit is retained)

● Cancellation 60 – 90 days before trip start (August 8 – September 7):

50% of the total trip cost is refundable (deposit is retained)

● Cancellation 59 days or fewer before trip start (September 8 onward):

No refunds are guaranteed

TRIP CANCELED or POSTPONED by Grateful for Living

While we are deeply committed to holding this experience, there are rare instances where we

may need to cancel or shift the trip. This may include (but is not limited to):

● Not meeting the 4-person minimum

● Travel restrictions or safety concerns

If canceled on or before September 7 (60+ days’ notice):

Participants may choose:

● Transfer to a future trip, or

● Receive a refund minus the $500 deposit

If impacted after September 7 (59 days or fewer before start date):

● The trip will be postponed rather than canceled

● No refunds will be issued

● Participants will receive a 100% credit for the amount paid

○ Credit can be used toward a future trip or the rescheduled dates

IMPORTANT NOTES

● All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.

● Travel insurance is strongly recommended to protect your investment.

● By booking this trip, you agree to the terms of this cancellation policy.

Sign up here

Day 8 – Friday, November 13

Acatenango Volcano Ascent / Difficulty: 6/10

Highlights:

● Private group hike (Grateful4Living only)

● Shared cabin overnight

After an early check-out, luggage is securely stored in Antigua before the group departs

for the base of Acatenango Volcano.

Accompanied by certified mountain guides and private transportation, the group begins

a guided ascent through farmland, cloud forest, and alpine terrain. The hike is steady

and rewarding, with frequent breaks and panoramic viewpoints along the way.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at base camp with direct views of neighboring Volcán

Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. From a safe distance,

glowing lava bursts and ash plumes can often be seen at night, creating a powerful

natural spectacle. The group stays in shared cabins reserved exclusively for the

Grateful For Living private group. A warm dinner is served at camp, and all necessary

gear is provided, including cold-weather layers and camping equipment. Porter service

is included for added comfort.

Stay: Overnight at volcano base camp.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grateful For Living Women’s Group Trip 14

Day 9 – Saturday, November 14

Highlights:

● 1:00PM return from hike

● Lunch: La Casa de las Sopas

● Check-In Shared Airbnb close to Antigua entrance (15 min walk to center, 5 min

tuk tuk)

● Massage services available to book at additional costs

● Evening at leisure

After sunrise at altitude (optional) and breakfast at camp, the group descends the

volcano, returning to Antigua in the early afternoon.

Stay: Casa Blanca Home Rental

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Grateful For Living Women’s Group Trip 15

Day 10 – Sunday, November 15

Free Day- Enjoy Antigua’s Flower Festival

Highlights:

● Walk Through Antigua’s picturesque streets as the Flower Festival Day 2 is alive

and less crowded

● Lunch: Itzam Maya

● Afternoon: Exploration

● Dinner: Nanik: 5-Course Tasting Meal for the group’s last dinner together

Stay: Casa Blanca Home Rental

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Grateful For Living Women’s Group Trip 16

Day 11 – Monday, November 16

Departure

You’ll enjoy breakfast before private transfer to the airport for international departures.

Shuttles are arranged 4-5 Hours before departure, taking into account that the distance

from Antigua to the airport is approx. 1-2.5 hours, depending on traffic, and you should

arrive with 3 hours of your flight time for a smooth and stress-free check-in process.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

● Host Esbenia

Private Acatenango Hike:

● Certified mountain guides

● Camping gear & cold-weather equipment (Rainponcho, winter jacket,

gloves, headlamps, bandana,)

● First Aid Kit, Emergency Thermal Blanket, Sleeping Bag Liner

● Porter service

● Entrance fees to park

● 4 meals during hike

● Roundtrip private transport

*Please Note: Campsite is not private and shared with other hikers

Rest of Trip:

● 2 Breakfasts (Coffee/tea, 1 entree)

● 2 Lunches (1 entree, 1 N/A drink)

● 1 Fine-Dining Farewell Dinner description

READ FULL DETAILS HERE