Quetzaltrekkers
Quetzaltrekkers
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Quetzaltrekkers is the only all non-profit, all volunteer-run trekking organization in Guatemala. Whether you're scaling a towering volcano or going from highland village to highland village, participating in our treks is a truly unique experience. 100% of our profits support a local school and dormitory for children living in Quetzaltenango.
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
678 reviews
Excellent
628
Very good
36
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Maria M
Lisbon, Portugal11 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I went on the tour from Xela to atitlan in my first weeks in Guatemala and could not recommend a better way to start seeing and learning about the country. The trek goes away from the tourist routes ans through local villages passing through stunning view points and landscspe. The whole trek is super well organized: food is provided in abundance, sleeping is indoors (including at a local's lovely house with the best spot to see the sunset), there is an escort for the bits done at night time through different properties, and there are guides both in front and at the back so everyone can go at their pace. What is more, gear can be rented and your bag transported to the end location, so one carries only what is needed for the hike. There is even the opportunity to try a local sauna! It is impressive toenail details seem to have been thought through.
One of the volunteers, Carlos gave us priceless introductions to the country and the region's history and culture. This definitely helped to understand better the importance of local projects like the ones we learned about and supported by taking the tour. What can be better than having a great time while supporting worthwhile causes?
One of the volunteers, Carlos gave us priceless introductions to the country and the region's history and culture. This definitely helped to understand better the importance of local projects like the ones we learned about and supported by taking the tour. What can be better than having a great time while supporting worthwhile causes?
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaurenBagwell
Amsterdam, The Netherlands73 contributions
Feb 2020
This past weekend a group of friends and I signed up for the 2-day Tajumulco hike with Quetzaltrekkers. I highly recommend this organization. Friday evening we met before our trip to go over the weekend itinerary, sort out camping/tent supplies, food, water, and to meet everyone in our group. If you are hesitant about having the right supplies, Quetzaltrekkers will provide all the hiking and camping gear for you (all gear is by donation), at no additional charge.
During our hike, I was impressed with all the different things Quetzeltrekkers did to bring us together as a group. We stopped for a group breakfast before the trek, played a name game, had breaks every hour for trail mix and water (though you could also stop as needed), and gathered around for our meals at base camp.
In terms of meals, they have it down to a T. Even wrong brings up an extra liter of water for communal cooking. During the trek, we ate tostadas & pasta meals, oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, and cookies. You don't need to worry won't go hungry on this trip.
As for the trip, I highly recommend the Tajumulco trek! It's definitely meant for moderate climbers or those who are already acclimated to the altitude. However, few views compare to what you get to see once you're watching the sunrise on the tallest point in Central America. Another favorite part of the trip was when our guide Jamie shared with us the history of Guatemala, the vision of Quetzaltrekkers as an organization, and the purpose behind their non-profit. Overall, it was a top experience for me during my time living in Guatemala. I highly recommend it!
During our hike, I was impressed with all the different things Quetzeltrekkers did to bring us together as a group. We stopped for a group breakfast before the trek, played a name game, had breaks every hour for trail mix and water (though you could also stop as needed), and gathered around for our meals at base camp.
In terms of meals, they have it down to a T. Even wrong brings up an extra liter of water for communal cooking. During the trek, we ate tostadas & pasta meals, oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, and cookies. You don't need to worry won't go hungry on this trip.
As for the trip, I highly recommend the Tajumulco trek! It's definitely meant for moderate climbers or those who are already acclimated to the altitude. However, few views compare to what you get to see once you're watching the sunrise on the tallest point in Central America. Another favorite part of the trip was when our guide Jamie shared with us the history of Guatemala, the vision of Quetzaltrekkers as an organization, and the purpose behind their non-profit. Overall, it was a top experience for me during my time living in Guatemala. I highly recommend it!
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kale
Honolulu, HI19 contributions
Feb 2020
QT puts on a great tour while supporting local communities through their social enterprise model. Our guides Benji, Jamie and Andy were great and really spent time getting to know our group, even though they meet new people all the time.
This particular walk was stunning because we went through so many diverse environments and topped it off with a jaw-dropping sunrise over the Lake Atitlan with breakfast and hot drinks.
This particular walk was stunning because we went through so many diverse environments and topped it off with a jaw-dropping sunrise over the Lake Atitlan with breakfast and hot drinks.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca M
Guatemala City, Guatemala19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My friend and I had the best experience with Quetzaltrekkers on the 3 day trek from Xela to Lago Atitlán. Our guides Je’Amy & Matt were very professional but also a lot of fun. It just felt like we were a bunch of friends hiking together! Such a well organised trek with plenty of food and we really enjoyed every minute. (Vegans are very well catered for) Je’Amy was great at telling us about the history of Guatemala and each of the little towns/villages we went through. You could tell she was v knowledgeable and passionate about the Quetzaltrekkers association.
Cannot recommend signing up for this enough- contributing to a very important cause as well as having fun & seeing Guatemala’s beauty in a unique way!
Cannot recommend signing up for this enough- contributing to a very important cause as well as having fun & seeing Guatemala’s beauty in a unique way!
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bicycle tourer
2 contributions
Jan 2020
highly recommended if you're looking for a physically challenging activity after too many days of pupusas and tacos. the hike is essentially a straight climb up the side of a volcano, with an elevation gain of 1500(?) metres, at the end of which you're rewarded with a soaring view of the surrounding peaks and valleys, and a well earned, fortifying lunch supplied by quetzal-trekkers. the trail ascends immediately from the base of the volcano, winding through cloud forest on a well marked and maintained dirt and rock path. be prepared for a bit of scrambling and a steep descent on the return.
my friend is in great shape, but did not consider herself a hiker. the guides (thank you corey, jamie, candi!) were supportive, encouraging and confidence inspiring, we felt completely safe - we knew where we were going, we hiked at a good pace without rushing, the guides were well equipped and knowledgeable.
my friend is in great shape, but did not consider herself a hiker. the guides (thank you corey, jamie, candi!) were supportive, encouraging and confidence inspiring, we felt completely safe - we knew where we were going, we hiked at a good pace without rushing, the guides were well equipped and knowledgeable.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maddipetro
42 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Had a great time on the 3 day Lago Atitlan trek! I think the views themselves weren't super special. You can get great views so many places in Guatemala it seems! But the experience was definitely worth it for me. It was my first multi-day trek. The first day was the toughest because it was so much uphill hiking, which is tough for me for some reason (but downhill I can keep up and breathe much easier).
Since I'm slow going uphill, I really appreciated that there was always a guide in the front and the back. We started with 3 guides for 15 of us, but 1 got sick and had to take a truck back to Xela day 2. So it was nice we still had 2 so I wasn't left behind in the back.
Thanks especially to Yara for sticking with me in the back of the pack. Thanks Matt for bringing everyone's energy up without trying. Thanks Stav for keeping it fun while you could, hope you feel better!
Carrying the sleeping bags and mats wasn't so bad, and at the homestays they provided us with another thick straw mat. It was a lot more comfortable than I expected! I've slept in hostel beds that were much harder than those mats. The sleeping bags you can borrow are tall size, which is great for anyone over 5'8" like me. I had lots of extra space even sleeping on my tummy, which takes up more length than if I slept on my side or back without my toes pointed.
Like another reviewer said, we got lots of good food (actually a big reason why I booked this company vs others), including a xmas dinner on xmas eve and a restaurant meal of our choice (I got amazing mushroom pizza) when we arrived at the lake on xmas. We also got to jump into the lake from the restaurant while waiting for our food, which was super fun - I jumped twice!
For Q300 or about $35 USD extra than other companies, it was worth it having the good portions of food and great guides. And the extra money goes toward a good cause helping children in Guatemala go to school, which isn't common especially for indigenous communities who start working at a young age instead.
Since I'm slow going uphill, I really appreciated that there was always a guide in the front and the back. We started with 3 guides for 15 of us, but 1 got sick and had to take a truck back to Xela day 2. So it was nice we still had 2 so I wasn't left behind in the back.
Thanks especially to Yara for sticking with me in the back of the pack. Thanks Matt for bringing everyone's energy up without trying. Thanks Stav for keeping it fun while you could, hope you feel better!
Carrying the sleeping bags and mats wasn't so bad, and at the homestays they provided us with another thick straw mat. It was a lot more comfortable than I expected! I've slept in hostel beds that were much harder than those mats. The sleeping bags you can borrow are tall size, which is great for anyone over 5'8" like me. I had lots of extra space even sleeping on my tummy, which takes up more length than if I slept on my side or back without my toes pointed.
Like another reviewer said, we got lots of good food (actually a big reason why I booked this company vs others), including a xmas dinner on xmas eve and a restaurant meal of our choice (I got amazing mushroom pizza) when we arrived at the lake on xmas. We also got to jump into the lake from the restaurant while waiting for our food, which was super fun - I jumped twice!
For Q300 or about $35 USD extra than other companies, it was worth it having the good portions of food and great guides. And the extra money goes toward a good cause helping children in Guatemala go to school, which isn't common especially for indigenous communities who start working at a young age instead.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linzpatt
6 contributions
Feb 2020
the folks at quetzal trekkers are truly making a difference for the Guatemalans they're working with, and I was happy to support them and their efforts. It's refreshing to see an organization that cares so much about the work they're doing and is making such a positive difference in the local communities. I learned so much during the trek and saw a beautiful side of Guatemala. highly recommend this experience!
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane O
London, UK47 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
This organisation are brilliant !
All heart! Their volunteers run tours and guide people up and down volcanoes and mountains and any profits support kids at school.
We spent the morning of Christmas Eve walking up to a mirador to see a smokin’ volcano.
Highlight of my trip to Guatemala !
My husband walked to the top of another volcano. Highly recommend this organisation, thank you
All heart! Their volunteers run tours and guide people up and down volcanoes and mountains and any profits support kids at school.
We spent the morning of Christmas Eve walking up to a mirador to see a smokin’ volcano.
Highlight of my trip to Guatemala !
My husband walked to the top of another volcano. Highly recommend this organisation, thank you
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat
San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Quetzaltrekkers are the real deal! All (!) of their profits go to their own charity supporting kids. We did the three day hike from Xela to Lago de Atitlán which was one of the top experiences of our six months sabbatical. Our guides Sophia and José were very organized while giving off a fun and relaxed vibe at all times. The trek itself was amazing, with beautiful views, authentic experiences such as temezcal and staying at a local family, while also being just challenging enough even for fit hikers. They also made sure less experienced hikers were not left out and could always catch up on the group. The price-value ratio is incredible, with plenty of delicious food and the best care. The sunrise on the last day over Lago Atitlán was the cherry on the cake. Quetzaltrekkers are the perfect way to experience Guatemala!
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma s
Shrewsbury, UK15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Absolutely loved my time with Quetzaltrekkers 3 day 2 night hike Xela to San Pedro.i was nervous before going as I normally hike alone but even though it was a big group it was super fun and there was plenty of times to walk more alone or with just one or two people. It was challenging but the volunteer guides were always smiling and helpful after a days walking up and down big hills they were amazing! Montana, Jackie and Seb were awesome guides, they work so hard. Plenty of stops for snacks and rest. The guides gave us information about the area and history of guatemala which was interesting. The food was great and we had plenty to eat. So much fun and lots of new friends, highly recommend! Extra bonus for all the good they do with the proceeds from the hikes.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, can i hire a sleeping bag and liner? I'm interested in doing the 3 day trek to lake atitlan on tues 16 april pls but dont have my bag with me (i sent it home!😲). Many thanks.
Written April 1, 2019
Hi i was wondering if i could hire a sleeping bag? I was also wondering how to get in touch without a phone? Do you have email or whatsapp? I can't see facebook messenger option? Interested in doing 3 day trek to lake Atitlan please.
Thank you!
Written April 1, 2019
Many people have mentioned borrowing their packs, sleeping mat and bag, etc. Does Queztaltrekkers store the rest of your personal luggage at their headquarters while you are on the multi-day hikes?
Written March 12, 2019
Hi Jaime,
You're welcome to store your personal items in our locked store room for the duration of the trek at no extra cost. If you are interested in our Xela - Lake Atitlan trek, we also offer a luggage transport service where we send the items you do not need for trekking to meet us in San Pedro on Day 3 so you can continue on with your travels instead of returning to Xela to collect them.
Cheers,
Kendall
Quetzaltrekkers
Written March 13, 2019
Hey, looking to do this hike in February (Xela to Lake Atitalan) and wanted advice about how cold it gets. Some photos show people in light winter jackets it looks like and want to figure out if some thermals / sweater are enough or if a jacket is needed?
Thanks!
Written January 15, 2019
I recently did the Xela to make Atitlan hike (highly recommend btw) and along the way we stayed a night in Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan at the town center. Early in the morning there is a song that the church plays through out the town to wake everyone up. Does anyone know what that song is called or how I can find out? If you've stayed a night there you'll know which song I'm talking about.
Written November 7, 2018
Hi there,
I'm looking at doing this trip and am a bit concerned about the altitude. Did you find yourself or any of your peers impacted by elevation sickness? How did it feel at night while sleeping at altitude? Were the guides equipped to manage these symptoms? What if someone has to go back down? Finally, do they have oxygen with them?
Written September 18, 2018
We were a group of 12 no one had any issues with altitude. 1 person had dehydration issue and they handled it well.
I don’t believe they carried oxygen. We were never too far from a town. Best thing you could do is arrive early in Xela and spend some time getting acclimated.
It’s a good question. I would send them an email re: your concern.
Written September 19, 2018
Hello,
I'm planning to visit Guatemala for a total of 9 days after a 6 day visit to Mexico city. While I'm Guatemala I want to do the 3 day Queztzaltrekkers lago atitlan hike. However, I normally use a 45L Tortuga Outbreaker backpack. Does anyone have any suggestions on a backpack for this hike? I love my tortuga backpack and have used it all through Europe but it's not meant for hiking. Any ideas?
Also, do I need to bring a sleeping bag and and tent?
Written August 9, 2018
We borrowed their bags and roll mats, nit small so take up space in the pack . Also everyone carries a share of food/equipment. Plus own toiletries, clitges and drinks. Our rucksacks are 65L but you could strap bags on outside. Personally I like to carry a pack I am familiar with but they do loan rucksacks too.
It’s an awesome trek enjoy!!
Written August 9, 2018
Hello,
I am part of an expedition club at my university and we are planning on connecting with your organization to do the nejab to todos santos trek. We love your plan and would like to ask if you are willing to customize it slightly providing that we of course pay extra money. Please let me know if you are willing to consider some of our extra plans which we wish to include with the trip!
Thank you.
Written March 29, 2016
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