The trek begins as we climb up through a forest near the town of Xecam, Cantel. Along the way, we pause to admire breathtaking views of Cantel, Volcán Santa María, and the city of Xela. Arriving at the ridgeline, we pass through open meadows and several small villages before beginning our descent. We spend the night with a local indigenous family in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán. Before treating us to a traditional Guatemalan dinner, the family provides everyone with the opportunity to use their temazcal (Mayan sauna). Following dinner, we gather together for a campfire and s'mores.

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The following day, we hike up and over mountains, across a river, and through small villages. Upon reaching the main road, we take a pickup truck to Santa Clara La Laguna, where we spend the night with a local family. We wake up early the next day to watch the sun rise over Lago Atitlán, the volcano-ringed lake that will be our final destination. After eating breakfast and sipping on organic, locally grown coffee at the mirador, we hike down the Nariz del Indio Mountain until reaching the town of San Juan La Laguna. Before heading back to Xela, we dip in the lake and eat a well-deserved lunch in San Pedro La Laguna.