Guatemala day of the dead
Guatemala: Day of the Dead, Giant Kite Festival, Acatenango Volcano & Lake Atitlán with Jetset Trips
October 30 – November 5, 2027
EARLY BIRD: $4600
TOTAL: $4750
Welcome to an unforgettable seven-day journey into the soul of Guatemala—where ancient Maya traditions and volcanic landscapes converge during the most visually extraordinary week of the year.
Your adventure begins in the cobblestone heart of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site framed by the silhouettes of three massive volcanoes. From there, you’ll dive straight into the trip’s undisputed highlight: an overnight journey to Acatenango Volcano. Skipping the grueling foot trek, our group will ascend via specialized 4×4 vehicles through four distinct vegetation zones to reach our exclusive campsite at 3,500 meters. From your tent, you’ll witness neighboring Fuego Volcano erupting with plumes of smoke and glowing lava against the night sky.
After catching a breathtaking sunrise at the summit, we descend and head directly to Sumpango for the Giant Kite Festival. Held strictly on November 1st, this emotional cultural celebration features colossal, 20-meter hand-crafted tissue paper kites that fill the sky as a vibrant bridge between the living and the departed.
We conclude our journey on the sacred shores of Lake Atitlán, staying at a luxury eco-lodge perched right above the water. Whether you’re kayaking across the glassy caldera, exploring vibrant Maya artisan villages, or soaking in the views from a hammock, you’ll experience the perfect blend of high-altitude adventure and soul-stirring restoration.
This curated itinerary is designed for those who want to witness the deep magic of the Day of the Dead while experiencing the absolute best of Guatemala’s natural wonders. Ready to see the giant kites of Sumpango fill the sky? Let’s go!
This trip starts and ends at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. You will enjoy seven unforgettable days exploring the heart of Guatemala—from the colonial streets of Antigua and the active slopes of Acatenango Volcano to the sacred shores of Lake Atitlán.
Transfers & Flight Details
- Arrival: Private airport transfers are included on Day 1. To ensure a smooth 75-minute journey to Antigua, we have scheduled two group transfer times. We will provide these specific windows shortly so you can coordinate your arrival with our pickups.
- Departure: We depart Lake Atitlán together via private bus on Day 7. We recommend booking your departing flight from GUA no earlier than 12:00 PM to allow for the 3-hour journey and airport security.
Please speak to a Legit Trips travel guide before booking your flights for this trip- email us.
Itinerary subject to change based on discretion of trip leader or tour operator, due to weather or other extenuating circumstances.
October 30 – November 5, 2027
*Do Not book your flight without verifying arrival & departure times/airports with a Legit Trips team member.
DEPOSIT $750
EARLY BIRD: $4600
TOTAL: $4750
All trips are priced as double occupancy. A solo supplement may available on this trip (based on availability at time of inquiry) if you’d prefer your own room. If you are traveling solo, it doesn’t mean you need to pay for a solo supplement, we’re happy to pair you with a roommate whenever possible.
*flexible payment options available for balance- to pay monthly or in a few equal installments email us at Fun@LegitTrips.com
- 2 nights at Hotel Camino Real Antigua (Deluxe Room) , 1 night at a private campsite on Acatenango Volcano , and 3 nights at Laguna Lodge, Lake Atitlán.
- Round-trip transfers to and from the airport according to our scheduled times.
- Ground Transportation: All in-country travel, including private transfers and a group bus.
- Daily Breakfast: Breakfast is provided every morning of the trip.
- 4×4 journey up Acatenango Volcano
- Local Coffee Farm tour and tasting
- Barriletes Gigantes festival – Giant Kites Festival: where communities fly enormous, intricately designed kites — some reaching 20 meters in diameter — as an act of communication with their ancestors. The kites are hand-crafted from tissue paper and bamboo in brilliant colors, and the spectacle fills the sky above the local cemetery. It is unlike anything else on earth! We’ll have a full-day tour to visit the festival and a hands-on activity to make our own kites.
- Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags for the Acatenango overnight.
- Kayaking on Lake Atitlan
- Village walk giving you a ground-level look at daily life in a Maya lakeside community
- Professional bilingual adventure guides and local guides.
- Trip leader Abby with you 24/7
Deposits are non-refundable (but are transferable to another person not currently signed up for this trip or another Legit Trip). Any additional payments can be refunded if canceled more than 120 days prior to the trip start date. Deposits may only be transferred one time and incur a $100 rebooking fee.
Please be sure to read the complete booking terms and conditions at checkout. https://legittrips.com/booking-terms/
We recommend a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on our recommended providers click here.
YOUR HOST
HALEY PLOTKIN
Haley is the blogger behind Ready Set Jet Set, a guide to traveling the world and exploring her hometown of Austin, Texas. She started blogging to share her adventures with the world – from trips and tricks she’s learned while traveling to photo diaries detailing her journeys.
Haley started traveling as a sophomore in college when she took her very first trip overseas to London. The next year, she spent a semester studying abroad in London and another in Glasgow. She became a travel addict and never looked back!
If you’ve ever wanted to travel with her, now’s your chance! She is proud to be a professional photographer, so I promise every guest will come away with some epic shots of themselves on the trip!
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN GUATEMALA CITY
We will have 2 private transfers scheduled to the hotel (approx. 1 hr 15 min). We will let you know the times before booking your flights.
Meet and greet with our group and hosts in the lobby.
O/N at Hotel Camino Real Antigua
Day 2
ACATENANGO
Experience an unforgettable volcano ascent. After a 45-minute drive from Antigua, 4×4 vehicles conquer the steep terrain, traversing four distinct ecosystems. Relax at our exclusive 3,500-meter campsite with a hot campfire dinner while watching neighboring Fuego Volcano’s spectacular, glowing eruptions.
O/N at Private campsite on Acatenango Volcano (camping gear provided)
Day 3
GIANT KITES FESTIVAL
Wake up before dawn for a 4×4 drive to the summit at 3,976 meters for panoramic morning views of up to 33 volcanoes. After descending, we transfer directly to Sumpango for the heart of the trip: the annual Barriletes Gigantes festival. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of massive, intricately designed tissue-paper kites filling the sky above as a message to ancestors. This evening, we transfer to Lake Atitlán.
O/N at Laguna Lodge, Lake Atitlán
Day 4
LAKE ATITLAN
Take a morning boat to San Juan, famous for its naïf art, murals, and natural dye textiles. Next, cruise to San Antonio Palopó to tour a premier workshop and see how artisans create world-famous, lead-free ceramics. Conclude the day with a local coffee farmer, learning the entire plant-to-cup process before enjoying a fresh tasting.
O/N at Laguna Lodge, Lake Atitlán
Day 5
LAKE ATITLAN
After breakfast, embark on the San Marcos Kayak & Hike Adventure. We’ll enjoy a scenic kayak excursion across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán, followed by a gentle two-hour hike to an indigenous village. Thrill-seekers can try cliff-jumping into the lake from the nature reserve. The afternoon is yours to unwind at the lodge, relax in a hammock, or enjoy a scenic walk along an ancient Mayan trail.
O/N at Laguna Lodge, Lake Atitlán
Day 6
ANTIGUA
After breakfast, we take a 2.5-hour transfer back to Antigua. Enjoy a private, half-day walking tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the architectural evolution of the Central Plaza, El Portal, Palacio de Capitanes, City Hall, and the Cathedral. Walk down 5th Avenue to view the famous Arc of Santa Catarina, and visit the historic San Francisco and La Merced churches.
O/N at Hotel Camino Real Antigua
Day 7
DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Private transfer for the roughly 75-minute drive back northeast to Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport for your flights home.
(Note: we will have two departure transfers so please confirm your flights with us before booking)
ADD ONS
Option to add extra nights to the beginning or end of the trip. Email Lundy@LegitTrips.com for more details.
Ready to get started?
Your Next Amazing Adventure is Just One Click Away!