Guatemala

Yes, and I expect you won't be the only one! We welcome solo travelers, friends, and couples. Small groups make it easy, and the trip is designed to make friends and build meaningful connections.

Curious, easygoing travelers who'd rather be welcomed into someone's home than shuttled between sights. Most travelers are roughly 25-40 years old. You don't need any Spanish, weaving, or cooking experience, just positive energy!

Equal parts warm, curious, and adventurous. We spend time with local hosts in their homes, farms, and studios, and hop between lakeside towns by boat. For those who want more, we hike one volcano to watch its neighbor erupt through the night. Expect plenty of laughter and a group of strangers who feel like old friends by the second day.

Full, but well balanced. Expect a mix of hands-on cultural experiences, discovering new towns, and built-in downtime to recharge. It's perfect for travelers who like to keep exploring without feeling rushed.

The core trip is easygoing. Expect plenty of walking, some of it on cobblestones, hills, or uneven paths. If you can comfortably walk for a couple of hours at a relaxed pace, you'll be fine. Xela sits at about 7,600 feet, so we've designed those days to let your body adjust while you dive right in. The optional volcano extension is the one part that needs a good level of fitness (see below).

If you have any health concerns, please check with your doctor before booking.

We will be staying in comfortable hotels all nights except the one night on the volcano during the trip extension. There, camp will already be set up so you don't have to carry any sleeping gear with you. Solo travelers will share a room with a new friend (unless you add on the single room supplement). All accommodation is shared on the volcano. We will have a private van to travel between locations, mixed with some local transportation on the lake (like boats, tuk-tuks).

It's the most physically demanding part of the trip, and it's optional. Expect a steep climb at high altitude, roughly 4-6 hours. The most challenging part is typically the altitude (we will sleep at ~11,200 feet). You do not need to be an athlete and you do not need any technical experience, but you should be comfortable hiking uphill for several hours. Still not sure? Ask me.

February is the middle of Guatemala's dry season, which is why I picked it! Expect warm, sunny days, cool evenings, and the best chances for clear skies over the volcanoes. I'll share a full packing list after you book.

Fly into Guatemala City (GUA). Antigua is about 1 hour away. Our trip starts the morning of Feb 14 in Antigua, so most people will arrive Feb 13. That night and airport transfers aren't included but I'm happy to help you arrange both. The trip will be confirmed once enough travelers have booked, and no later than Dec 1. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights. If the trip doesn't run, you'll receive a full refund.

Yes, we will do our best to accommodate your dietary needs but it’s important to let us know and check ingredients. Many Guatemalan staples like rice, beans, corn tortillas, and fresh produce are naturally plant-based and gluten-free.

If you have dietary restrictions, let us know in advance so we can can help communicate your needs to hosts and restaurants prior to meals.

Join the early access list (free and no commitment) by October 23 and you lock in $2,295 instead of the regular $2,595, as long as you pay your deposit by November 6. This also locks in the early access price for the 2-day extension of $445 instead of the regular $495.

After you complete the interest form, Matt will schedule a quick chat to make sure this is the right trip for you. If it is and space is still available, you'll get a personal booking link to pay a $500 deposit to reserve your spot ($600 with the 2-day extension). The remaining balance is due by December 15. Booking after December 15? Full payment is due at booking. You can also add the 2-day extension later, subject to availability (early access pricing for the extension applies only if added by November 6).

I know life happens, so if you need to cancel before December 15, you get a one-time trip credit for the amount paid, usable within 12 months on any future trip date. Cancel after Dec 15 and your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage is required, and it's the best way to protect your trip if life happens.