Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Guatemala! 

Arrive on the earliest flight into Guatemala City on Saturday, March 24th.  Transportation will be provided to your first hotel, The Radisson in Guatemala City.  Arrive early because different from all the other years, this year we’re packing in more - Hitting more regions, doing more things, and tacking on an EIGHTH night!  Registration will be open from 5pm-midnight.  The earlier you get into the city, the more time you’ll have to prepare for the early morning start on Day 2.  We’re going to hit the ground running…literally!

Day 2 – Race Day 1 (6.5K) – Waterfalls, Sanctuaries, and Caves

Jump on the buses bright and early because we’re making a big trip up to theregion of Coban.  Grab your breakfast provided by the hotel so we can beat the early morning city traffic and make our first stop in the ‘Quetzel Sanctuary’.  This will be the site of our first race.  Some will give it their all and others will walk to the best of their ability to complete the first 6.5K challenge.  After that, we’ll enjoy the sites, have some lunch, and board the buses for our final leg of the day to COBAN and LANQUIN!  Cobán and the surrounding areas have a long imperial history, stretching back from the Mayans to the Spanish, and then on to the German plantation owners.  Once we arrive in our final destination that afternoon, Lanquin, the rest of the day will be spent visiting the Lanquin Caves, filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations.  We’ll then continue onto Semuc Champey, a system of natural waterfalls and pools.  The beautiful clear waters and staggered landings provide perfect places for lazing around on a hot sunny day.  Tucked away in a forested area, and hidden from civilization, this area has been described as a little piece of heaven.

Day 3 – Race Day 2 (8K) – Race 2 The Rafting Adventure on Río Cahabón

The Río Cahabón provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the country with Class II, III and IV rapids. Although the rafting is wonderful and exciting, it almost takes a backseat to the gorgeous surroundings and sparkling clear waters. Wildlife is abundant here, and you will also have the opportunity to check out caves and natural hot springs.   After our rafting adventure, soak up your last evening in the Coban region because it’s time to head southwest tomorrow morning. For those not interested in participating in the rafting section, no problem.  The wonders of this region will keep you busy all day.

Day 4 – A Day Off From Racing And A Long Scenic Drive 2 Lake Atitlan! 

Put on your headphones and grab a comfortable window seat for the drive to Atitlan.  We’ll be sure to stop along the way for scenic views, ruins, picture taking, and bathroom stops.  But don’t take too long because we’re about to go to one of the most gorgeous fresh water bodies this planet has to offer!  Lake Atitlán is a large endorheic lake (one that does not flow to the sea) in the Guatemalan Highlands. Atitlan is recognized as the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is shaped by deep escarpments which surround it and three volcanoes on its southern flank. Lake Atitlan is further characterized by towns and villages of the Maya people. Aldous Huxley famously wrote of it: "Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlán is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.”  We will be staying in great accommodations in the best town on the lake – Panajachel!

Day 5 – Race Day 3 (6K) – Race 2 The Lake

We will be fortunate enough to spend two evenings in the sacred area of Lake Atitlan.  After a good night’s rest and on our first full day in Lake Atitlan, we’ll start off the best way we know how – It’s a race around the lake!  Don’t worry, not all the way, since that would be approximately 50K!  But this will be the toughest and arguably most scenic leg of the week.  Enjoy the scenery of the lake with a backdrop of multiple active volcanoes to keep you entranced.  We’ll be transporting everyone by boat from Panajachel to the race start and picking you up at the finish via boat too!  And then, the fun on the lake gets started.  We’re going to cruise this gorgeous body of water all day long - Stopping in indigenous towns for lunch, jumping off cliffs, playing music, and finding “hot spots” to swim in the lake.  It will be a day to remember.  And if you’re not keen to be on the lake all day, don’t worry!  We’ll have multiple boats and we expect some of them will dock sooner in Panajachel than others.

Day 6 – Race Day 4 (8K) – Race 2 Plantations, Volcanoes, and Sanctuaries

Pack your bags because we’re headed to the beach.  You’ve earned it by now.  But first….one more race (and a few stops in between)!  On our way South of Lake Atitlan we will stop at www.tarrales.com to run/walk through the bird sanctuary and coffee plantation in San Lucas Toliman, home to the Toliman Volcano.  You may never get any closer to a volcano in all of your life!  After the race, a quick stop in Cocales for coconut drinks and then to the ‘El Baul’ ruins.  And finally, after all of that fun, we’re headed for a short drive to the Pacific Coast – Home to the volcanic black beaches of Monterrico!  Incredibly nice accommodations await you.

Day 7 – Final Race Day 5 (10K) – Race 2 The Beach

In true Race2Adventure fashion, your last race will take place on the beach.  Travel past mangroves and through the black sands of Monterrico to reach your final destination and the week’s finish line.  Beach volleyball, kayaking, and surfing today will leave you wanting more from this tucked away beach town.  And what better place to have our final party and awards ceremony that evening?!

Day 8 – A Final Stop In The “Old Guatemala” - Antigua

Sleep in and we’ll have a late breakfast in Monterrico before making the short trip to Antigua.  There is no better place to end this journey.  Time has stood still for this beautiful city.  Colorful streets and a vibrant night life will be the perfect ending to a near perfect journey.  Our hotel will be centrally located and within walking distance of most city attractions.

Day 9 – See You Next Year!

8 nights and 9 days later and it’s time to head for home.  Our buses will transport you only 1 hour from Antigua back to the Guatemala City airport.  We’d recommend early flights out that day to avoid any unexpected delays. 

***Note – Race2Adventure registration fees will cover daily adventure fees, all races, and almost every meal during the week.