January 16-24, 2027
Join us in 9 Days in Guatemala: Tikal, Lake Atitlán & Antigua on
9 Days in Guatemala: Tikal, Lake Atitlán & Antigua
Discover Guatemala with Pride Adventures and trip host Myles Sexton on a 9 day adventure shaped by ancient Maya history, lush jungle landscapes, colorful highland markets, volcanic lake views, and the joy of traveling together.
This hosted LGBTQ+ and ally friendly group trip is designed with the connection, care, and community Pride Adventures is known for, bringing travelers together through shared experiences, thoughtful hosting, and a welcoming group environment from start to finish.
From the temples of Tikal to the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, the villages of Lake Atitlán, and the colonial beauty of Antigua, this journey is designed to feel adventurous, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Maya History, Jungle Beauty & the Heart of Guatemala
This journey moves through some of Guatemala’s most iconic landscapes, from the northern jungle of the Petén region to the highland villages around Lake Atitlán and the cobblestone streets of Antigua.
We’ll begin in Guatemala City before flying north to Flores, the gateway to Tikal, where ancient Maya temples, plazas, and stone monuments rise from deep rainforest. From there, we’ll travel into the lush Alta Verapaz region for Semuc Champey, a natural wonder known for its tiered turquoise pools, limestone formations, and tropical setting.
The journey continues to Lake Atitlán, where volcanoes frame the water and local villages offer a beautiful window into Guatemalan culture, textiles, art, and community life. We’ll also visit the vibrant Chichicastenango Market before ending in historic Antigua, where Pride Adventures will include a special group cooking class and farewell dinner to close out the experience together.
For travelers who want to extend the adventure, we are also exploring an optional post trip volcano experience outside Antigua. Details are still being reviewed and will be shared once confirmed.
TRIP HOST
Myles Sexton - Toronto, Canada
Myles Sexton (they/them) is a multi-talented Creative Director, Stylist, Makeup Artist, activist, and queer fashion nomad whose creativity, global perspective, and sense of adventure align beautifully with Pride Adventures’ mission to create more inclusive and safer travel experiences. https://www.mylessexton.com/ info@mylessexton.com
Myles Sexton - Toronto, Canada Bio
Pride Adventures is excited to welcome Myles Sexton as one of our featured trip hosts.
Myles Sexton is a multi-talented Creative Director, Stylist, and Makeup Artist, known for their impactful work as an HIV/AIDS and sobriety activist. As a non-binary and queer fashion nomad, Myles brings a unique perspective, vibrant energy, and deep commitment to visibility, creativity, and community.
Myles is also a prominent TV personality and the engaging host of the acclaimed podcast Our Private Bits. Their sense of adventure is one of the things that inspires them most in life. Having visited 21 countries so far, Myles is passionate about helping create more inclusive and safer travel experiences, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to see the world.
Itinerary Overview
Experience the heart of Guatemala as we travel from Guatemala City to Antigua, weaving together ancient Maya ruins, jungle landscapes, turquoise pools, highland markets, Lake Atitlán villages, and shared group moments along the way. This thoughtfully designed route balances guided experiences with time to explore, creating a journey that feels immersive, social, and full of discovery.
From the temples of Tikal to the natural beauty of Semuc Champey, the cultural richness of Chichicastenango, and the colonial charm of Antigua, each day builds on the last. Pride Adventures will also add special hosted touches, including a Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, and an included Antigua cooking class for our group.
Day 1: Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City and settle in before meeting your CEO, Myles, and fellow travelers during the evening welcome gathering. Pride Adventures will also host a special Welcome Dinner with Myles to help everyone connect before the adventure begins.
Transportation: On your own
Stay: Hotel Biltmore or similar
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Highlights: Arrival day, welcome meeting, hosted welcome dinner, group introductions
Day 2: Flores & Tikal
Rise early for the included flight to Flores, the gateway to Guatemala’s Petén region. After arrival, explore the legendary ruins of Tikal with a local guide, walking through jungle paths, plazas, temples, and ancient stone monuments at one of Central America’s most iconic Maya sites.
Transportation: Plane, private vehicle, walking
Stay: Hotel Petén or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Flight to Flores, guided Tikal ruins tour, jungle scenery, free evening in Flores
Days 3–4: Lanquín & Semuc Champey
Travel by private vehicle to Lanquín, a small town in Guatemala’s Alta Verapaz region and the gateway to Semuc Champey. After a longer travel day, settle into the jungle setting before visiting Semuc Champey, known for its tiered turquoise pools, limestone bridge, hidden river, and lush tropical surroundings.
Transportation: Private vehicle, walking
Stay: Hotel Viñas or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast daily
Highlights: Alta Verapaz region, Lanquín, Semuc Champey, turquoise pools, jungle setting
Days 5–6: Lake Atitlán & Chichicastenango Market
Head toward Lake Atitlán, a deep volcanic lake surrounded by dramatic peaks and lakeside villages. Settle into Panajachel, then visit Chichicastenango Market, one of the most vibrant Indigenous markets in the Americas, known for textiles, handicrafts, color, photography, and Maya cultural traditions.
Transportation: Private vehicle, walking
Stay: Kamol Bey or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast daily
Highlights: Lake Atitlán, Panajachel, Chichicastenango Market, textiles, handicrafts, Maya culture
Day 7: Lake Atitlán, San Juan la Laguna & Antigua
Spend the day on Lake Atitlán, with beautiful views of surrounding volcanoes and lakeside villages. Visit San Juan la Laguna, where the group will learn about local culture, textiles, medicinal plants, art, and community life. This day also includes a local Mayan lunch through a G Adventures supported community experience before continuing to historic Antigua.
The next day, enjoy a CEO led orientation walk through Antigua, followed by time to explore the city’s colorful streets, plazas, cafes, and historic charm. Pride Adventures will include the Antigua cooking class as a special group activity, turning what is normally optional into an included experience for our travelers. We’ll also gather for a hosted Farewell Dinner with Myles to celebrate the trip together.
Transportation: Boat, private vehicle, walking
Stay: Posada San Vicente or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast daily, Lunch on Day 7, Cooking Class, Farewell Dinner
Highlights: Lake Atitlán boat ride, San Juan la Laguna, G Adventures supported community visit, local Mayan lunch, Antigua orientation walk, included cooking class, hosted farewell dinner
Day 9: Departure Day or Post Trip Adventure
Depart Antigua at any time, stay longer to enjoy Antigua on your own, or continue onward with additional Guatemala travel plans. Pride Adventures is also exploring optional post trip opportunities for travelers who want to extend the experience.
[Teaser Info: Optional 3 day, 2 night Acatenango Volcano hike and overnight stay with Myles, details coming soon.]
Acatenango is the well known overnight volcano hike near Antigua, often paired with dramatic views of nearby Volcán de Fuego. Local operators describe Acatenango overnight hikes as a two day experience with highland views, base camp or cabin style overnights, and views toward active Fuego when conditions allow.
Transportation: Departure transfer on your own
Stay: Optional post trip accommodations not included
Included Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Departure day, optional Antigua stay, optional post trip volcano experience under review
Booking Options
Choose the option that fits your travel style. Whether you’re traveling solo and would like us to match you with a roommate, or you prefer your own private space, both options include the full itinerary, hosted Pride Adventures experience, and special group inclusions.
Your trip price includes more than the base itinerary. Pride Adventures adds dedicated hosting with Myles Sexton, a special Welcome Dinner, special Farewell Dinner, included Antigua cooking class, pre trip communication, access to our private Departure Lounge, and the added value of traveling through Guatemala with a welcoming LGBTQ+ and ally friendly group.
Shared Room | We Can Match You
$2,399
Traveling solo? No problem. We’ll match you with another traveler in our group.
Shared rooms are double occupancy, offering a great way to connect with fellow travelers while keeping costs lower. This option includes the full hosted Pride Adventures experience, all included activities, and our special group additions.
Private Room | Your Own Space
$2,849
Enjoy your own private room throughout most or all of the trip.
This option is perfect if you prefer more space and privacy while still being fully part of the group experience.
Note: Private rooms are limited on this itinerary due to smaller rural accommodations in parts of Guatemala. We currently have limited private room availability, with additional private rooms requested. This option is best for travelers who prefer their own space while still being fully part of the hosted group experience.
Adventure Activities
Experience the moments that make this Guatemala journey unforgettable. From ancient Maya ruins and turquoise jungle pools to volcanic lake views, colorful markets, local food, and cultural discovery, these curated experiences bring each destination to life.
Tikal Ruins Guided Tour
Walk through one of the most impressive Maya archaeological sites in Central America, set deep in the jungle of Tikal National Park. Explore temples, plazas, carved stone monuments, and towering structures with a local guide, including the chance to climb Temple IV for sweeping rainforest views.
Semuc Champey Visit
Discover one of Guatemala’s most beautiful natural wonders, known for its tiered turquoise pools, limestone bridge, hidden river, and lush jungle setting. Enjoy time to explore, take photos, and cool off in the pools if conditions allow.
Chichicastenango Market
Step into one of the most vibrant Indigenous markets in the Americas. Browse colorful textiles, masks, baskets, bags, handicrafts, and local goods while experiencing the energy, culture, and traditions of this important Maya trading center.
Lake Atitlán Boat Ride & Community Visit
Travel by boat across beautiful Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and lakeside villages. Visit San Juan la Laguna for a G Adventures supported community experience, including local culture, artisan traditions, and an included Mayan lunch.
San Juan la Laguna Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in Tz’utujil culture through local associations focused on textiles, medicinal plants, and traditional painting. Learn about natural dyeing techniques, waist loom weaving, community art, and the traditions that shape daily life in San Juan la Laguna.
Antigua Cooking Class
Join a hands on cooking class in Antigua and learn the flavors, ingredients, and techniques behind Guatemalan cuisine. This activity is normally optional, but Pride Adventures is including it as a special group experience for our travelers.
Why Travel With Pride Adventures?
Travel is about where you go, but it is just as much about who you go with. With Pride Adventures, you are not just booking a trip. You are joining a curated group experience designed to feel welcoming, connected, and easy from the moment you arrive.
For this Guatemala journey, Myles Sexton brings their own warmth, creativity, and love of culture to the hosted experience. Whether you are an LGBTQ+ traveler, ally, friend, solo traveler, or someone joining with a partner, this trip is designed to create space for genuine connection, shared discovery, and community along the way.
We bring everything together through small group travel, a dedicated host, thoughtful extras like our Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner, and included Antigua cooking class, plus pre trip communication and access to our private Departure Lounge. The result is a seamless, social, and meaningful adventure where you can relax, be yourself, and fully enjoy the journey.
Optional Acatenango Volcano Extension
Our main Guatemala journey ends in Antigua, one of the best places in the country to continue exploring before heading home.
We are currently developing an optional 3 day, 2 night post trip extension for travelers who want to continue the adventure with Myles. The centerpiece of this extension would be a 2 day, 1 night overnight hike on Acatenango Volcano, with views of nearby Fuego Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most dramatic volcanic landscapes.
This extension is not yet confirmed, and details are still being reviewed. Once finalized, we will share more information about pricing, difficulty level, accommodations, meals, timing, and how to reserve your spot.
[Teaser Info: Optional 3 day, 2 night post trip extension featuring a 2 day, 1 night Acatenango Volcano hike and overnight stay with Myles. Details coming soon.]
Inclusions:
What's Included:
✓ 8 nights of accommodations in Guatemala City, Flores, Lanquín, Panajachel, and Antigua, or similar hotels
✓ 8 breakfasts and 1 lunch during the main itinerary
✓ Pride Adventures special Welcome Dinner
✓ Pride Adventures special Farewell Dinner
✓ Included Antigua cooking class, added as a special Pride Adventures group experience
✓ Internal flight from Guatemala City to Flores
✓ Transportation between destinations and included activities, including private vehicle, plane, and boat transportation
✓ Tikal guided tour, featuring ancient Maya temples, plazas, stone monuments, and jungle scenery
✓ Semuc Champey visit, including time to enjoy the turquoise pools, limestone formations, and lush jungle setting
✓ Chichicastenango Market visit, with time to browse textiles, handicrafts, masks, baskets, bags, and local goods
✓ Full day Lake Atitlán boat experience, with volcano views and visits to lakeside communities
✓ San Juan la Laguna cultural experience, including local textiles, medicinal plants, traditional art, and artisan experiences
✓ Local Mayan lunch during the Lake Atitlán community visit
✓ Antigua orientation walk with time to explore the city’s streets, plazas, cafes, and historic charm
✓ Free time in Flores, Lanquín, Panajachel, and Antigua
✓ Pride Adventures trip host traveling with the group
✓ Professional tour guide from our tour company throughout the journey, along with local guides where included
✓ Pre trip communication, including trip updates, planning support, and access to the Pride Adventures Departure Lounge
✓ Small group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, including the host
✓ Basic gratuities included for included guides, drivers, and services, along with a base tour guide tip of $5 per day
What's Not Included:
× International flights, including your arrival flight to Guatemala City and your departure flight after the trip
× Airport transfers, unless arranged separately
× Travel insurance, which is required for participation
× Meals not listed in the itinerary
× Optional activities and free time experiences not listed as included
× Optional post trip Acatenango Volcano extension, including hotel nights, meals, transportation, guides, gear, and related expenses once details are confirmed
× Pre trip and post trip hotel nights, outside of the main itinerary or any optional extension package selected
× Personal expenses, including souvenirs, beverages, snacks, laundry, and similar items
× Passport, visa, vaccination, or entry requirement expenses, if applicable
× Baggage fees or airline related expenses
× Additional tips for hotel staff, personal services, or optional gratuities beyond what Pride Adventures has already included
× Private room upgrade, unless selected and paid for at registration
Physical Rating, Service Level & Travel Style:
Physical Rating: 2 Light
This trip is best for travelers who are comfortable with regular walking, sightseeing, stairs, uneven paths, and warm weather. Expect active exploration at places like Tikal, Semuc Champey, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlán, and Antigua, but no highly technical hiking is required as part of the main itinerary. There are some longer travel days, including the drive to Lanquín and the journey onward to Panajachel, so travelers should be comfortable with time on the road as part of the adventure.
Service Level: Standard Comfort
Enjoy comfortable tourist class hotels with character throughout the journey. This trip is not a luxury hotel itinerary, but it is designed to provide a comfortable place to rest while exploring some of Guatemala’s most meaningful cultural and natural highlights. Accommodations are planned in Guatemala City, Flores, Lanquín, Panajachel, and Antigua, with hotels or similar properties used throughout the trip.
Travel Style: Classic Cultural Adventure
This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience Guatemala through a mix of history, culture, landscapes, and local connection. You’ll explore ancient Maya ruins at Tikal, swim or relax near the turquoise pools of Semuc Champey, visit the colorful Chichicastenango Market, boat across Lake Atitlán, and end in the colonial city of Antigua. This travel style brings together iconic highlights, cultural access, and memorable local experiences at a steady, approachable pace. It is a great fit for travelers who want an immersive, social, and thoughtfully planned Guatemala adventure.
Important Documents & Links:
JoinCGA.com – California Gay Adventures
Documents containing personal information will be delivered privately to attendees via email and/or text as the trip dates approach. For any questions, please contact chris@prideat.com.
Important Documents & Links:
We’ve included a few important links below to help you review trip details:
Guatemala Trip Brochure (coming soon)
Pride Adventures Guatemala Trip Guide (coming soon)
G Adventures Guatemala Full Trip Dossier
Adventure Updates
🟡 Trip Status: Not Yet Confirmed
This trip will be confirmed once we reach our minimum of 8 travelers.
Please do not book flights yet. We’ll notify all registered travelers as soon as the trip is officially confirmed so you can book with confidence.
🌈 Private Departure Lounge
Once the trip is confirmed, travelers will receive access to our private Travel with Pride Departure Lounge for Guatemala.
This will be the main place for future trip updates, flight guidance, packing reminders, pre trip details, group introductions, and important departure information as we get closer to Guatemala.
❓ Questions?
If you have any questions, please email tripsupport@prideadventures.com.
