All Treks
FAQs
See below for answers to many of our commonly asked questions.
Trek reservation & Waitlist
We are unfortunately not able to make exceptions on group size, as we have limited gear, guide availability, and space at our homestays (when applicable). However, you can join our waitlist – just click on the hike you want to join as though you were going to sign up, and follow the steps. We will reach out to you if someone cancels, whether it is a month, a week, or a day before the hike. You will not be charged any fee unless we reach out to you to let you know a spot is available and you confirm you are still interested.
You can check the availability of any trek on its respective page on our website, or on our All Treks page.
It depends on how close to the hike you cancel.
- If you cancel more than 36 hours before the trek departure, you can receive a full refund equal to the amount paid (minus fees).
- If you cancel less than 36 hours before the trek departure but more than 12 hours before the trek departure, no refund will be issued and 50% of the price of the trek (plus fees) will be charged.
- If you cancel less than 12 hours before the trek departure (or miss the trek departure without cancelling), no refund will be issued and 100% of the price of the trek (plus fees) will be charged.
To view our full policy, see our Terms & Conditions page.
This can have multiple reasons, but usually it is because we are waiting for the minimum number of participants to make the hike happen. We will get back to you when the minimum number is reached, or offer you a rebooking/refund in case we do not reach the minimum a few days before the hike.
We plan our hikes and add them to our calendar around 4 months in advance. But we do run hikes all year round, so check our website again a few months before you would want to do a hike.
We only accept Quetzales in cash. Credit card payment is possible with a 3% surcharge. You can get cash at any of the ATMs in Xela (there are 2 around Parque Central) or at Banco Industrial in Parque Central.
It depends on what you want! Both are fantastic, challenging hikes (with heavy packs). Zunil is a longer hike but at a lower elevation, and trekkers tend to say the hike itself is a little more scenic – and as a bonus, it ends with a visit to some local hot springs. Tajumulco is a shorter hike but at a higher elevation, and you get to go to the highest point in Central America!
Gear
Yes, we can lend out almost everything you need for our treks. Some items require a deposit that you will get back at the end of the hike when you return the items. We can lend the following:
- Backpacks
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Tents
- Hiking poles (Q20 per pole/Q40 per set). Reservable before the hike or during the pre-trek meeting (depending on availability).
- Headlamps (100Q returnable deposit)
- Ponchos (100Q returnable deposit)
- Some clothes (jackets, midlayers, hats, gloves, hiking boots – though we cannot guarantee they are your size)
However, please remember that it is always best to use your own gear that fits you well (especially for hiking shoes and backpacks), so you are very welcome to bring your own.
We are not able to lend gear to people who are not booked on our treks, since we have limited supplies and need to make sure we have enough for our trekkers.
Yes, we do offer a luggage transfer (“bag drop”) service for a fee of 110Q per bag. You can reserve it on the website while you are booking your hike.
Xela & Transportation
Typically that shuttle arrives just before 6pm, so that is fine. Traffic in Guatemala is unpredictable, however, so it is not guaranteed you will make it. If your shuttle is running late, please message us on WhatsApp to let us know.
We do not run shuttles nor partner with shuttle organizations, but usually there are shuttles or Chicken Buses between most destinations. We do not know about their schedules so check online or ask local people.
You can also find more information on our How To Get To Xela page
It depends on what you’re looking for; Xela has accommodation options to suit every budget and vibe. Take a look at our Where To Stay In Xela page for more information and options.
There are lots of options depending on the activities you like! We’ve outlined some options on our What To Do In Xela page, from hot springs to day hikes to textile shops and markets.
Our hikes
For more specific information about any of our hikes, check out their descriptions below:
