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Chris Gwinner

I am passionate about adventure travel and feel very lucky to be able to share that passion with others through Old Town Outfitters.

I'm originally from Savannah, Georgia but have been living in Antigua, Guatemala for 13+ years now. I head up the team at Old Town where we strive to provide unique, high-quality trips which create rewarding experiences for our clients.

My friend and business partner, Matt Hartell, started Old Town Outfitters 25 years ago and we continue to be the leaders in Guatemala adventure travel. Our philosophy is based around supporting the local economy via employment of local guides, promoting responsible travel, and sponsoring meaningful local NGO's.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"We specialize in adventure and experiential tours throughout Guatemala and into neighboring countries. Our main adventure sports are volcano hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and rock climbing. Our local guides will take you into the mountains, jungles, beaches, and old forests of Guatemala for an unforgettable adventure.

We find that many people who visit Guatemala for the first time are surprised by the rich cultural and outdoor experiences we have to offer. That's the part of the job we enjoy the most, making you want to come back for more adventure in the future! "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Working for Delta Airlines during my college years gave me a springboard into the world of travel. I was taking off to new destinations every free moment and this confirmed my dreams of making travel the heart of my world. Both personal and professional travels have connected to me to so many good people in the world and I'm looking forward to many more of those connections.

I was on one of my Delta adventures when I first visited Guatemala and fell in love with the local culture and landscapes. The country is a beautiful playground for any adventure traveler and still continues to surprise me to this day. You'll find that it is not an uncommon story for people to visit Guatemala and be so enchanted that they return many times, sometimes relocating for good.

After a few years of guiding motorcycle tours through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, I joined Matt at Old Town Outfitters and have been helping grow the business ever since. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In my early days of living and working in Guatemala, I was always exploring the country on my motorcycle in search of new experiences to share with clients. One of these trips took me to the far northwest corner of Guatemala, near the Mexico border. Motoring along a very remote road, my front tire blew out and I all of the sudden found myself sliding across the road and into a ditch. The next 24 hours were a great example of the kindness, generosity, and hospitality that I've found among Guatemalans.

Starting with the curious locals that first ran to check on me, the local police who loaded my moto into their truck, the local nurse who patched up my cuts and bruises, and finally to the local elderly couple who took me in for the night so I could rest. That afternoon I fell asleep only to be woken by a tropical story coming through Playa Tilapa in the middle of the night. The lamina roof of their small hotel was flopping around as rain and wind were crushing this small town. As I couldn't sleep, I resigned to lighting a candle and working on my moto in the hotel lobby. Soon Ted and his wife Rosaria joined me with hot coffee and we shared stories until sunrise. It was during those hours that I realized that Ted was actually in a book I read years ago, "In Search of Captain Zero", a surfing adventure from 20 years ago. It was one of those amazing small world connections that could only happen through a combination of mishaps and adventures that traveling the world seems to always create. "

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Chris

Amazing Visit!
Guatemala | Apr 13 - Apr 20, 2024

M
Meg S.
Middletown, NY | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024
We just returned from an awesome trip to Guatemala that Chris and his team arranged for us. Chris took the time to meet us for coffee the morning after we arrived so we could ask any questions and discuss our plans for the week- super friendly and made us feel immediately comfortable! We spent two days exploring with Jerry, who was wonderful as well! We did a walking tour of Antiqua and learned so much with him! The next day, a hike up the Payca volcano, which was definitely a highlight... Read more

We just returned from an awesome trip to Guatemala that Chris and his team arranged for us. Chris took the time to meet us for coffee the morning after we arrived so we could ask any questions and discuss our plans for the week- super friendly and made us feel immediately comfortable! We spent two days exploring with Jerry, who was wonderful as well! We did a walking tour of Antiqua and learned so much with him! The next day, a hike up the Payca volcano, which was definitely a highlight for us. We moved on to Panajachel for a few days and explored the surrounding towns with Pablo- loved it! Ivan, our driver was always on time for our adventures and incredibly kind and accommodating. I think private transportation and guides was key for us being able to relax and absorb our surroundings. This is a trip we will never forget and I would highly recommend Old Town Outfitters to anyone planning to visit beautiful Guatemala!

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Thank you for the thorough review Meg! It was our pleasure and thank you again for choosing to get to know the real Guatemala through Jerry and our other local guides. Our team had a great time with you and we hope to see you again in the future. Spread the word about Guatemala with your friends and family, the more people know the better!

Amazing time in Belize
Belize | Mar 18 - Mar 23, 2024

Kathryn
Kathryn F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024
My 19yo daughter and I had a great time on our trip to Belize. Chris listened to everything I wanted and planned a perfect itinerary. We enjoyed horseback riding to the Maya site Xunantunich. Our guides Jose and Carla were knowledgeable and accommodating. Jose helped me get to the top of the pyramid as I’m afraid of heights. I’m so glad I did it—the view was amazing! We also enjoyed cave tubing en route from San Ignacio to San Pedro. It was beautiful and we saw a family of howler monkeys... Read more

My 19yo daughter and I had a great time on our trip to Belize. Chris listened to everything I wanted and planned a perfect itinerary. We enjoyed horseback riding to the Maya site Xunantunich. Our guides Jose and Carla were knowledgeable and accommodating. Jose helped me get to the top of the pyramid as I’m afraid of heights. I’m so glad I did it—the view was amazing! We also enjoyed cave tubing en route from San Ignacio to San Pedro. It was beautiful and we saw a family of howler monkeys right above us along the riverside. Last, we snorkeled with nurse sharks and rays in Hol Chan. Our guide Carlos showed us a number of cool sea creatures like eels and an arrowhead crab. Our accommodations at Falling Leaves Lodge and Ramon’s Village were comfortable and clean. Thanks to Chris we were able to enjoy an upgrade to an ocean view room at Ramon’s which we appreciated. Last, our driver between sites, Derek, was always prompt and made getting around feel easy and safe.

Hotel Reviews
Falling Leaves Lodge
San Ignacio

Pool and poolside snack bar was under construction but will add a lot to the experience.

Authenticity & Character
The gardens were beautiful . Room was small but comfortable and clean. Shower hot.
Location
Proximity to Cahal Pech Maya site; being at the top of the hill limited dining and activity options
Staff
Paula and Kevin were great. Pointed out plants and a toucan in the garden. Some restaurant staff were not always welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramon's Village Resort
San Pedro
Authenticity & Character
A little touristy in character but still beautiful and comfortable. The clean beach and chaise lounges were appreciated.
Location
Right on the beautiful turquoise water.
Staff
Friendly and lots of good suggestions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding and pillows could use replacing.
Activity Reviews
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
San Ignacio

Guides Jose and Carla were great. Horses were well behaved. Site was amazing. Jose helped me with the climb—so kind.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Belize
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize City with Cave Tubing Tour en Route
Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize City with Cave Tubing Tour en Route
Belize
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Apr 02, 2024

Thank you for the review Kathryn, we really enjoyed reliving your experiences in Belize through all the pictures. I'm so glad to hear you overcame some personal challenges on the trip and enjoyed the views from atop the pyramid!

It was our pleasure to host the two of you and thank you again for choosing to travel with us in Belize. Our team had a great time with you and we hope to see you again in the future. Spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know the better!

Colorful Warm Guatemala!
Guatemala | Jan 7 - Jan 12, 2024

david
david a.
Prescott, AZ | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2024
In reviewing my travels in Guatemala, I want to give the following backdrop.... Solo male traveler, age 71, 1st timer in Guatemala with only a little command of the language. Despite these limitations I left Guatemala having an appreciation of the culture and the peoples in various locations. From Mayan ruins both popular and off the beaten path, the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Guatemala City, a River Dulce experience that was mind blowing to even a hot springs experience in two... Read more

In reviewing my travels in Guatemala, I want to give the following backdrop.... Solo male traveler, age 71, 1st timer in Guatemala with only a little command of the language. Despite these limitations I left Guatemala having an appreciation of the culture and the peoples in various locations. From Mayan ruins both popular and off the beaten path, the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Guatemala City, a River Dulce experience that was mind blowing to even a hot springs experience in two different locations... to a cultural festival that was an explosion of dancing/music and food the care and attention to detail by my in country coordinator Chris was amazing. I always felt he had my back and whenever I reached out (multiple times) he responded and always made me feel safe!
The lodging was a really great mix of up-scale eco camps, to high end hotel rooms to a boutique hotel in Flores right in the heart of the festival. I give each place the highest of ratings!!!
My guides ranged from good to outstanding. Oliver my guide to Tikal changed his whole approach when he heard birding was my passion. I saw 21 taxa in addition to exploring the ruins. Capitan Otilio Morales my guide on the Rio Dulce to Livingston changed his tour and put me on some bird nesting spots that only a seasoned captain could find.
Other guides were ok but my lack of knowing the language was a negative and took away from the experience, but hey that's on me!
The people made the experience and I certainly met many native Guatemalans and have a little understanding of their lives and the struggles they face. One funny experience was getting of the small boat in Livingstone and the ladies were braidng hair extensions and could not believe my braids were real hair and all wanted to rebraid with beads very funny.
Also was able to see 4 churches and attend mass and receive communion in Flores very very special! Also was able to light a candle and place by the statue of Nuestra Senora in Guatemala City in the Cathedral.
Have some real good pictures and could expand but am out of time for now.
Great job to all and a humble thanks to Chris!!!!!

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jan 19, 2024

What a great review Dave, really enjoyed reliving your experiences in Guatemala through this review. It was our pleasure and thank you again for choosing to get to know the real Guatemala through local people and experiences. Our team had a great time with you and we hope to see you again in the future. Spread the word about Guatemala with your friends and family, the more people know the better!

Really good trip. Chris did an excellent job...
Guatemala | Jan 3 - Jan 13, 2024

jimmy
jimmy p.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2024
Really good trip. Chris did an excellent job organizing Read more

Really good trip. Chris did an excellent job organizing

Hotel Reviews
Ramon's Village Resort
San Pedro
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Try greeting guests
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort
Roatan

Very good staff. Poor facilities

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Falling Leaves Lodge
San Ignacio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Encantada
Antiigua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano
Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano
Guatemala
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves day tour
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves day tour
San Ignacio

Wow, amazing, awesome

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Guatemala

It was okay

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jan 17, 2024

Thank you for all the feedback Jimmy, very helpful as we continue to plan more holidays in the future. I'm glad you were able to visit 3 countries in our region in a relatively short time, what an adventure! All the best for 2024 and let us know if you're ever back in our area.

Great time at Guatemala l!
Guatemala | Dec 26 - Jan 2, 2024

Ananya
Ananya B.
Princeton, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2024
My husband & I had a great experience vacationing in Guatemala. First of all Chris was amazing with his prompt responses, excellent logistical planning & flawless execution. He did not miss a single detail & made our lives easier with reminders of important details. Chris was also extremely flexible with the plan & modified some of the original ideas to incorporate new stops in the trip. Our guides were also excellent & extremely knowledgeable. Willy traveled with us for 3 days & was super... Read more

My husband & I had a great experience vacationing in Guatemala. First of all Chris was amazing with his prompt responses, excellent logistical planning & flawless execution. He did not miss a single detail & made our lives easier with reminders of important details. Chris was also extremely flexible with the plan & modified some of the original ideas to incorporate new stops in the trip. Our guides were also excellent & extremely knowledgeable. Willy traveled with us for 3 days & was super helpful. Highly recommend him. Other guides at the different locations were also great! All in all, a very memorable experience.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Antigua
Antigua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla de Flores
Ciudad Flores Petén-Flores
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tour the famous Chichicastenango Market
Tour the famous Chichicastenango Market
Guatemala
Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano
Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano
Guatemala
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Tikal National Park
Explore Tikal National Park
San Ignacio
Quality of Experience
Local Foodie Tour
Local Foodie Tour
Antigua
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking & Hiking Lake Atitlán
Kayaking & Hiking Lake Atitlán
Guatemala
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jan 11, 2024

It was our pleasure Ananya and thank you again for visiting Guatemala! Our team had a great time with you and we hope to see you again in the future. Spread the word about Guatemala with your friends and family, the more people know the better!

December 23 All-day island trip It rained ...
Belize | Dec 22 - Dec 29, 2023

P
Polly B.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2024
December 23 All-day island trip
It rained most of the day and it was windy and basically unpleasant.
The trip should have been canceled but the guide did not explain that
we could have postponed the trip until there was a sunny day
The boat trip was about 90 minutes each way and the sea was quite wavy.
There was little sun so the snorkeling was not good.
We did not dress very well for the weather and so we were cold a good part of the day.
The guide did provide us with some...
Read more

December 23 All-day island trip
It rained most of the day and it was windy and basically unpleasant.
The trip should have been canceled but the guide did not explain that
we could have postponed the trip until there was a sunny day
The boat trip was about 90 minutes each way and the sea was quite wavy.
There was little sun so the snorkeling was not good.
We did not dress very well for the weather and so we were cold a good part of the day.
The guide did provide us with some interesting facts about the Maya civilization and
he and his wife cooked a chicken lunch on an open fire which provided some heat to warm
us a little,
One reason we decided to vacation in Belize was because we had read that the snorkeling was excellent. However, rainy days are not good for snorkeling,

December 26 we were scheduled to visit the Mayan ruins.
Our guide was 90 minutes late to pick us up and then turned us over to a friend of his who guided us for the day. We first visited a family that harvested and made chocolate.
They talked for an hour about chocolate which was some what interesting and then they
prepared a lunch for us .
We then went to the Mayan ruins which were interesting and we enjoyed walking through the area. However, as our original guide was not with us and our substitute guide had no money we had to pay for all of us to tour the Mayan ruins.
We made a quick stop at the spice farm for cold drinks.

We cancelled the trip to the Zip Line a couple days in advance and I would appreciate a full
refund of $3,500 charged for that day. Also we cancelled in advance the driver who was scheduled to drive us back to Belize City. I trust you will reimburse me for the charge for
that trip. The drive to Placencia with 10 people and the driver and luggage was not very interesting so we all decided to fly back to Belize City

The accommodations at Los Porticos were comfortable.

Hotel Review
Los Porticos Villas
Placencia

Our group consisted of ten people - 7 adults and 3 children We rented two condos. Each had two bedrooms plus pull out couches in the living rooms. We were located on the ocean and there was a swimming pool. We rented a golf cart for the week as it was about a 10 minute ride into the town of Placencia. One condo also provided 2 bikes. We were also able to hire 2 chefs who cooked breakfast for us every morning which was very nice.

Authenticity & Character
It was on the beach and near other hotels where kayaks could be rented
Location
Near the town of Placencia which has several restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Local Area Boat Tour with Optional Activities
Local Area Boat Tour with Optional Activities
Placencia

Take this trip on a sunny day and the experience should be worth while It rained and was windy with out sun the day we took the trip

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day in Placencia
Free day in Placencia
Placencia
Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins & Spice Farm Tour
Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins & Spice Farm Tour
Placencia

Our guide provided good information about the Mayan ruins at Nim Li Punit. Walking through the area with the guide made the experience more interesting. We stopped at the Spice Farm only briefly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Angel Falls Zipline Day Trip
Angel Falls Zipline Day Trip
Placencia

Not for people over 50 years old

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner

Great trip to Chichi Market
Guatemala | Dec 31 - Dec 31, 2023

Christopher
Christopher M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2024

Christa was great, along with all the other assisting guides that showed up throughout the day! Exceeded expectations!

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jan 01, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review Chris. I'm glad you and the family were able to get to know a bit of the real Guatemala with our local team. Christa and the rest of the crew had a great time with you and appreciated your positive attitude and energy! Be sure to spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know about Guatemala the better. Thank you again for your business!

Off the beaten path
Guatemala | Aug 5 - Aug 11, 2023

Alex
Alex K.
Cypress, CA | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2023
This was an incredible trip. Definitely something off the beaten path. Our guide, Jossue aka Pepien, was fantastic and spared no effort or expense making the trip run smoothly, even if it meant finding a guy in the middle of the mountains to drive us to another part of the mountains on short notice. The mountain biking was challenging but not impossible for someone with not a lot of experience. Staying with the local Mam hosts was a very unique experience and something that you will likely... Read more

This was an incredible trip. Definitely something off the beaten path. Our guide, Jossue aka Pepien, was fantastic and spared no effort or expense making the trip run smoothly, even if it meant finding a guy in the middle of the mountains to drive us to another part of the mountains on short notice. The mountain biking was challenging but not impossible for someone with not a lot of experience. Staying with the local Mam hosts was a very unique experience and something that you will likely not find on other trips. If you are planning on going on this trip be prepared to deal with cold nights, occasional rain, high altitude, and unfamiliar food.

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Aug 14, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review Alex! You and your dad were great on the trail and I'm glad your were able to see parts of Guatemala that many others don't experience. Be sure to spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know about Guatemala the better. Hope to see you back again soon, cheers!

Wonderful trip. Guide was outstanding. It was...
Guatemala | Aug 5 - Aug 11, 2023

Laurence
Laurence K.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2023
Wonderful trip. Guide was outstanding. It was a real adventure. Extremely physically challenging, culturally fascinating, and gorgeous scenery. A few constructive comments: the list of needed supplies should remind folks that it can get very cold in the mountains. People think central America is hot. Not true at altitude after sunset. List should include a warm jacket. A long sleeve cycling shirt also essential to avoid excessive sun exposure. A real dry bag also necessary. The E bike... Read more

Wonderful trip. Guide was outstanding. It was a real adventure. Extremely physically challenging, culturally fascinating, and gorgeous scenery. A few constructive comments: the list of needed supplies should remind folks that it can get very cold in the mountains. People think central America is hot. Not true at altitude after sunset. List should include a warm jacket. A long sleeve cycling shirt also essential to avoid excessive sun exposure. A real dry bag also necessary.

The E bike experiment was successful. As a fit 70 year old, I could not have done this trip without it. However, the heavier bike is hard on the brakes on the steep downhill, and my rear brake cable broke. Fortunately, this was near the end of the trip. If it had been mid trip, it would’ve been a disaster and dangerous. the repair kit needs to include a replacement brake cable.

Overall a wonderful experience and high praise to KimKim, old town, Chris, and particularly Papiano. He could not have been more attentive.

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Aug 15, 2023

We really appreciate your honest feedback Laurence. We've had a variety of clients on that trip (or trips close to it) and each time we're able to learn more to fine-tune the experience. I'm glad you enjoyed the time with Pepian and learning about a region of Guatemala that most tourists don't get to experience. For me it's important to spread tourism to those areas and avoid overcrowding the popular destinations. Thank you again for your business!

Five Star Trip to Guatemala
Guatemala | Jun 4 - Jun 9, 2023

T
Tina C.
Friendswood, TX | Reviewed on Jun 11, 2023
Chris was incredibly attentive and insightful when it came to planning the perfect trip for us! He listened to what we wanted, made as many modifications as we asked for (there were many), and he didn't stop until everything was exactly how we wanted it. He also made a last-minute change for us on the timing of one of our hikes and it made a huge difference once we had arrived in Guatemala. We had a minor issue at the airport when we arrived, but eventually found our driver and the rest of... Read more

Chris was incredibly attentive and insightful when it came to planning the perfect trip for us! He listened to what we wanted, made as many modifications as we asked for (there were many), and he didn't stop until everything was exactly how we wanted it. He also made a last-minute change for us on the timing of one of our hikes and it made a huge difference once we had arrived in Guatemala. We had a minor issue at the airport when we arrived, but eventually found our driver and the rest of the trip was absolutely seamless. The boat ride to San Juan and hike with Pablo was incredible. The views were breathtaking, and he and his sidekick were so much fun; we really enjoyed getting to know them. Our guide for the rest of the trip Diana, was just amazing. We feel like she's family now. Highlights in Antigua included a walking tour of the city and hiking the active volcano Pacaya where we roasted marshmallows on the steam coming from the vents on the side of the volcano. Overall, it was a five-star trip with five-star guides, and I would highly recommend Chris and his team to anyone looking to travel to Guatemala. Thank you for the most amazing trip to your beautiful country, we will never forget it!!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Casa Palopo
Panajachel

The views from this hotel were absolutely incredible, although a little rough getting there. The roads are very bumpy and you have to take an additional ATV to get from the lobby up to where the suites are, and then additional walking and stairs to get to the room. It is not wheelchair accessible. The service and food were amazing and the room was extremely clean. There is no AC so it did get a little warm at night, but they did provide us with a fan. Note that if you want access to the infinity pool, you have to book a specific suite, which we did and it was SO worth it. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a five-star experience with access to the infinity pool with the most incredible views of the lake and volcanos.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The views from the top
Staff
They were so accommodating and service was impeccable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and bed was comfortable
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
Antigua

This hotel is enormous and just WOW!! It is built into the ruins of a convent that was destroyed in the 1700s. The amount of history and art throughout the hotel is absolutely incredible. There is no AC, but there was a minisplit in our room that provided some circulation of cooler air. The rooms were clean and the bed was very comfortable. There are museums and a church and there is just so much to see in the hotel itself. The food and service was five-star! I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a unique, historical, and five-star hotel experience.

Authenticity & Character
We've never stayed anywhere with this amount of history and art.
Location
Walking distance to many things in town, lots of restaurants and stores
Staff
Service and staff was impeccable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Activity Reviews
Rostro Maya / Indian nose Hike
Rostro Maya / Indian nose Hike
Guatemala

This was so much more than just a hike!! We got to enjoy the incredible views on the boat across the lake, had an enjoyable hike, then a walking tour of San Juan and got to do some shopping before departing on the boat ride back to our hotel. Our guides were wonderful and we really enjoyed our time learning more about them, their culture and Guatemala. They also did a great job helping us take pictures along the way. I'd highly recommend this hike (especially with Pablo)!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pablo, the other guide, the drivers, everyone was wonderful!
Transport
Antigua Historic Walking Tour
Antigua Historic Walking Tour
Antigua

Our guide took us up and down the streets of Antigua for an incredible tour of the highlights of the city. She grew up in Antigua and had lots of interesting facts and history to share. We really enjoyed learning about the city and the sites.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Iximché Ruins & Transfer to Antigua
Iximché Ruins & Transfer to Antigua
Guatemala

Our guide was of Mayan descent and it was very interesting to learn about their culture and what they do to keep the Mayan culture alive. He was very knowledgeable about the site and spoke very good English. We learned so much about the Mayan people, their history and their traditions. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys learning about the history and culture of places that they travel to, not just touristy things.

Quality of Experience
The guide was really great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hobbitenango/Altamira Visits
Hobbitenango/Altamira Visits
Antigua

Altamira was really beautiful and easily accessible with a steep walk. The benches and viewing platform is relatively new so it is really nice. We unfortunately went on a foggy day and couldn't see the volcano much in the background, but would still recommend doing it. Hobbitenango is not what we expected. It was very difficult to get to and even once we parked, it required a lot of incline walking on our already tired knees/legs. There also wasn't much to do there except to take a picture on the floating hand. It's ok for a short trip to walk around and take pictures, but if we had it to do over again, we'd probably have skipped it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pacaya Volcano Hike & Spa Day
Pacaya Volcano Hike & Spa Day
Antigua

The Pacaya volcano hike was such an incredible experience. The hike is moderate and was a bit challenging with a knee issue but we made it! Roasting marshmallows on the side of the volcano where you can feel the heat coming out of the vents is an experience we won't soon forget. Our guide was wonderful and patient with my slow pace. Diana our main guide who stayed with us the whole trip prepared an amazing lunch near the top. Overall, it was a must-do experience for us and it did not disappoint. The spa day was not exactly what we expected and honestly would probably have skipped it had we known. The sauna was very small and extremely hot; after hiking all day, we did not need to be any hotter than we already were. The hot and cold pools was the most enjoyable part and was very relaxing. The massages were not that great and the rooms were very hot, which made it uncomfortable.

Quality of Experience
The hike was 5 stars, the spa is probably 3 stars.
Food
Diana prepared such a delicious lunch on the side of the volcano!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jun 13, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review Tina. I'm glad you and Ted were able to get to know the real Guatemala with our local team. Diana and the rest of the crew had a great time with you and appreciated your positive attitude and energy! Be sure to spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know about Guatemala the better. Thank you again for your business!