Hidden Gems of Central America: Guatemala and El Salvador Edition

Fly into Guatemala City and pre-arrange a private transfer with Guate Driver for a scenic ride to Panajachel, the gateway town to Lake Atitlán. The drive takes about two hours but is very traffic dependent. On the way, consider making a stop at Chichoy, a roadside restaurant known for its traditional Mayan cuisine—a flavorful introduction to the region. From Panajachel, catch a 30 min water taxi ride across the lake to San Pedro La Laguna, where you’ll check in at Hotel Mikaso, a peaceful lakeside hotel with beautiful views and cozy charm. For dinner, head to Big Burger, known for casual bites and one of the freshest margaritas you’ll ever taste.

Start the morning with breakfast at Café Atitlán in San Pedro, just steps from the dock, then catch the nearby water taxi to San Juan La Laguna—a short ride costing 30 quetzales round trip (with service running until 7:30 pm). Visiting on a Sunday means catching the town at its liveliest, with vibrant markets full of local textiles, crafts, and art from the surrounding villages. After browsing the colorful stalls, stop for lunch at Café Atitlán San Juan, a cozy spot tucked among artisan shops. In the evening, return to San Pedro for dinner at El Gato Perdido, a relaxed rooftop restaurant right above Hotel Mikaso—perfect for catching the lake breeze as the sun sets.

Begin the day early with the Indian Nose sunrise hike, a breathtaking experience booked the day before through Helen Travel Agency in San Pedro. You’ll be picked up from the hotel around 4 am for a short drive to the trailhead, followed by a 40-minute hike to one of the lake’s most stunning viewpoints. From the top, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Atitlán and all three surrounding volcanoes—San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán—as the sun rises behind them. Sip hot chocolate and snack on sweet bread while taking in the scenery before heading back down.

After returning to San Pedro, grab a well-earned breakfast at Idea Connection, then rent kayaks from Hotel Mikaso to enjoy a peaceful paddle across the lake with more volcano views from the water. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, stopping for lunch and drinks at the lively Sublime Bar, followed by a casual cocktail at No Hay Beer. End the day with dinner at Sababa, where the Mediterranean dishes and relaxed ambiance make for a perfect lakeside evening.

Start the morning with breakfast at Jakuu in San Pedro, a local favorite for traditional Guatemalan dishes served all day in a casual, welcoming setting. After breakfast, take a water taxi back to Panajachel, then meet your pre-arranged transfer with Guate Driver for the journey to Antigua (about 1.5 hours without traffic). Upon arrival, check in at Maya Papaya Hostel, a beautifully designed and centrally located stay with access to the pool at its sister property, Casi Casa.

Spend the afternoon exploring Antigua’s charming cobblestone streets, including the iconic Santa Catalina Arch and the nearby Iglesia de La Merced. For dinner, head to Frida’s Restaurant, known for flavorful tacos, fajitas, and colorful decor—a perfect pre-hike meal before tomorrow’s adventure. Before turning in, stop by a local convenience store to stock up on snacks for the volcano trek ahead.

Begin the day by meeting up with Lava Tours at a designated breakfast spot in Antigua before transferring by bus (about one hour) to their base camp supply center. Here, the group gathers gear and provisions—most essentials are included in the tour, but you can rent extras like backpacks, hiking poles, or hire a porter to carry your pack, which is helpful as each hiker is given several liters of water to haul up the trail. The hike begins around 10 am and climbs steadily through cloud forest and open volcanic terrain, with a stop for a provided packed lunch along the way. By around 3 pm, you’ll arrive at base camp, where you'll stay in shared cabins, offering more shelter and comfort.

The highlight of the cabins is the clear, see-through front wall facing Volcán Fuego, allowing you to watch lava eruptions from the warmth of your sleeping bag throughout the night. In the afternoon, hikers can choose to add on the Fuego trek—a more intense 4-hour round-trip hike—or stay back and rest at camp. As the sun sets, enjoy a hearty dinner by the campfire, followed by hot chocolate and marshmallows while Fuego lights up the sky with its glowing eruptions—an unforgettable and surreal volcano-side experience.

Wake up early at 3:30 am to begin the final push to the summit of Acatenango in time for sunrise. The steep, high-altitude hike is challenging but unforgettable, with multiple eruptions from Volcán Fuego lighting up the path on the way up. At the top, watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds and volcano peaks before descending back to base camp. After a quick breakfast and time to pack up, begin the trek back down the mountain. Though the descent is faster, the steep and loose terrain makes it physically demanding.

Return to the Lava Tours supply center around 11 am, where the group is shuttled back to Antigua. Given the intensity of the hike, it's best to keep the rest of the day light. For lunch, stop at Rincón Tipico, a local favorite serving hearty Guatemalan plates for just a few dollars (open for lunch only). In the evening, enjoy a casual dinner at Los Tres Amigos, known for its fun atmosphere and wall of beer selections—perfect for a low-key celebration after conquering the volcano.

Start the morning with the included breakfast at Maya Papaya Hostel, a well-loved perk to fuel up before travel. After storing luggage there during the Acatenango hike, returning for one final night made for a smooth transition. A shared shuttle to Guatemala City Airport, arranged the day before at one of the nearby travel agencies, took about one to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. From there, catch your flight to San Salvador, where a pre-arranged pickup from Hotel Zelen took you on a scenic 1-hour drive to El Tunco.

Upon arrival, spend the afternoon cooling off with a dip—a refreshing break from the heavy humidity. For dinner, head to Wok n Roll, a beachside spot serving satisfying Asian dishes in a laid-back setting. End the day with drinks at La Guitarra, a beachfront bar perfect for winding down with ocean views and good music.

Start the day with breakfast at Day Café, a cozy spot known for its smoothie bowls and relaxed beach vibe. In the morning, rent surfboards and take a lesson—El Tunco is a great place for beginners, with the best waves rolling in around 9 am and smaller crowds earlier in the day. After surfing, unwind with some downtime by the hotel pool, a great way to cool off and escape the midday sun.

For lunch, head to Mr. Coffee, a local favorite praised for having some of the best pupusas and fresh ceviche in town. In the evening, enjoy a casual dinner at Esquina La Comadre, where you can try traditional Salvadoran dishes. After dinner, spend some time wandering the streets and browsing local shops, soaking in the laid-back charm of El Tunco.

Wrap up the trip with a relaxed breakfast back at Day Café, enjoying one last smoothie bowl. After breakfast, take the pre-arranged hotel transport from Hotel Zelen for the 1-hour drive back to San Salvador Airport for your flight home. A smooth and simple end to a trip filled with volcano hikes, lakeside villages, surf sessions, and unforgettable culture across Guatemala and El Salvador.