Top Western Highlands Hiking Tours

An early morning hike is rewarded with stunning views of the sunrise over Lake Atitlan on this hike to Indian Nose from San Pedro La Laguna. See for yourself why this short but challenging hike is one of the most popular in the area as you scramble up to the lookout point. Going with a guide not only ensures that you don’t get lost, but is also recommended for safety reasons.

Explore the small town village life and gorgeous scenery of Lake Atitlan during this 5-hour hiking excursion from Santa Cruz la Laguna to San Marcos. During the course of your trip you’ll observe local villagers tending to coffee and corn crops in area farm fields and pass through small Mayan hamlets like San Marcos, Tzununná and Jaibalito. Best of all your hike offers a chance to enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Lake Atitlan and its nearby volcanoes. This Lake Atitlan hiking adventure also covers one-way transfer to the start point, hotel pickup, guide and entrance fees.

Tread where few tourists ever set foot on this 4-hour hiking tour amidst the stunning scenery and idyllic Mayan villages of the Lower Mayan Trail. Trace the same paths followed by the ancient Kaqchikel Mayans for centuries, passing by coffee and corn fields and the rugged, volcano-laden shoreline of Lake Atitlan. As you go, you’ll also immerse yourself in Mayan village life during stops in the hamlets of Tzununa, Jaibalito and Santa Cruz. This hiking trip also includes round-trip hotel transport from Panjachel.

Watch the sunrise light up Lake Atitlan and the Volcanic Ring of Fire from one of the highest points at Lake Atitlan: Indian Nose. After pickup from your Panajachel lodging and a 90-minute drive through the highlands, take an easy 30-minute hike to the summit of Indian Nose, followed by a trip to Sacred Hunters Cave. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel as well as all entrance fees and a professional guide.

Enjoy a true Guatemalan adventure during this full-day or half-day trip hiking and kayaking along the shores of Lake Atitlan. Explore the rich indigenous traditions of local villages on hikes to observe farmers tending to their coffee crops. You’ll also paddle the waters of the lake, watching fishermen ply the waters on hand-hewn boats, and spot the exotic array of plant and animal life that calls Lake Atitlan home. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even go for a cliff jump. Your Guatemala adventure covers all activities, a guide and round-trip hotel transport from Panjachel and Santa Cruz.

Explore in a short hike the most famous mountain located near Lake Atitlan that has the best panoramic view of the entire lake in a sunrise or during the day you can appreciate the 3 guardian volcanoes of the lake that are: San Pedro Volcano, Atitlan Volcano, Tolimán Volcano and more 3 volcanoes located in ancient times that are; Fuego Volcano, Acatenango Volcano, Agua Volcano. Touristically known as the nose of the Indian or Mayan face the mountain has as its original name the crystalline hill. Learn about the history and secrets of this place while walking in the middle of nature.

Indian Nose is located in the northwestern corner of Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala's top destinations The mountain divides the towns of San Juan La Laguna and Santa Clara La Laguna. it is one of the most epic sunrise viewpoints in Guatemala. The beauty of India's nose walk for those who aren't into it for a long haul is that the walk takes less than 30 minutes It's a short, inexpensive adventure with epic views and a great way to start your day of adventuring in the area.

The giant of the lake, with its stunning view of the lake and surrounding areas, offers a great experience for those who want to feel challenged and rewarded at the same time. Summit the peak and see nothing else but volcanic rock and amazing 360 vistas of the region. The perfect place to learn about the birth of Lake Atitlán, a violent history of volcanic eruptions dating back to 11 million years ago. Gaze at the starry night as it blends with the towns’ lights and sparks peace and joy.

This tour will make you enjoy one of the most beautiful views around Lake Atitlan and our tour guide will give it a plus explaining you what you see around.

Whether you’re an admirer of avian or if you just love a walk through lush forests, this walking tour around the trails of Lake Atitlan is a great option for low-impact travel. You’ll either meet your guide in Santiago or receive pickup from Panajachel via boat and begin a hike up the Rey Tepepul Trail. This forested trail features river and wildlife views, as well as opportunities to see locals tending to their farms.

Embark on an adventurous day hike up the Toliman Volcano, known for its majestic peaks, lush forests, and an imploded crater. Commencing from the Santiago Atitlán market, the trail leads through maize plantations and into the tropical rainforest, providing a comprehensive and challenging experience. Discover the region's ecosystems and their vital contributions to local subsistence. Note: this tour is recommended for those with a strong fitness level.

Equal parts natural wonder and cultural landmark, Lake Chicabal is a top attraction for Quetzaltenango (Xela) area visitors. Hiking with a guide is not only the safest way to visit the crater lake—also a Mam Mayan ceremonial site—but also makes for the easiest transportation logistics straight from your Xela hotel.

Our guides, with their friendliness and professionalism, will lead the tour on the San Pedro volcano at the pace of the participants, with the best transport and security organization. On this tour, you will not only be walking, you will also get historical information about flora and fauna and the community. This experience is a great opportunity to enjoy a moment in connection with the nature of the San Pedro volcano.

The tallest and least-summited volcano at Lake Atitlan, Volcan Atitlan offers better views and a more natural experience than its neighbors. Book your hike in advance to guarantee a high-quality guide who takes you through corn fields, coffee plantations, and stretches of wilderness on the way to the summit, sharing facts and insight about the area as you trek.

Traveling is more than visiting places: it’s about connecting and being transformed. More than a tour, it’s a day of shared creativity, nature, friendship and the living traditions of Mayan communities, experienced from a place of respect and presence. Ideal for slow travelers, groups of friends or solo travelers.

Experience a different side of Lake Atitlan on this guided hike through the lush rainforests of the lower ridges of the Atitlan Volcano. Starting from Santiago Atitlan, this half-day private hike takes you from the shores of the volcanic caldera lake, deep into the tropical forest to a cascading waterfall. As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds and monkeys.

This trekking adventure with a duration of 3 days of walking and a distance of 60 kilometers and a high elevation of 3,837 meters (La Torre) is the non-volcanic mountain chain highest elevation in Central America From Nebaj lasts for three days starting the hike in the (Region Ixil) to Todos Santos takes you off the beaten track and discover uncharted mountains Cuchumatanes chain where people live inthe remote communities and their traditional routes through 3 zones starting with the region “Maya Ixil, area , then here we will Mam area the “Chaplaincy, La Ventosa, Tower “up to Todos Santos mountain chain that is hardly visited Guatemala with few changes and features as unique as spectacular scenery, green valleys of pine, fir, juniper, oak, madrone is crossed, barren plateaus. The region was one of the hardest hit during the civil war (civil war that lasted 36 years) and memories of massacres and disappearances weigh on the minds of people.

The north shore of Lake Atitlan has no true road access, so you will be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kachekel Maya for centuries. You will see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. This rugged and remote section of Lake Atitlan has barely been touched by the outside world.

From the Rostro Maya viewpoint, you can appreciate the landscape, a sunrise, or a sunset. Witness the sunrise or sunset, walk under the stars toward a well kept secret, a viewpoint where the mountain comes alive. Imagine the sky as it begins to light up, or a clear blue sky with volcanoes aligned to the south. Walk atop a mountain with the profile of an ancient Mayan face emerging from the mist and stone. It's not by chance. It's sacred geometry.

Experience the mystery and majesty of Lake Chicabál and life in a Mayan Village. Formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people of the region and is surrounded by cloud forests, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. Descend 600 steps into the caldera and explore the lake's perimeter, learning about the 20 Mayan 'naguals' along the way. After the hike, engage with local culture during a village tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. This immersive experience is perfect for families and individuals looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the western Guatemalan Highlands. 80% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.

This immersive experience is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands. DAY ONE: Explore life in a Mayan village - engage with local culture during a guided tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. After happy hour and a three-course dinner, enjoy all the comforts of home in our top-rated Eco-Guest House. DAY TWO: After breakfast, discover the mysteries of Lake Chicabál, formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano. Descend 600 steps into the caldera, explore the lake's perimeter, learn about the 20 Mayan 'naguals'. Surrounded by cloud forests, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. 78% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant

A unique two-day adventure that combines a captivating bird watching excursion with Mayan culture, perfect for the whole family. Day One: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Mam Maya people via a walking tour of the local village; visit with a family. Relax during Happy Hour, then dinner and overnight at our top-rated Eco-Guest House Day Two: Get an early morning start (4:00am) for the best chance of sighting Guatemala’s national treasure, the Resplendent Quetzal, in the renowned El Refugio del Quetzal. Explore misty trails, discover vibrant birds, amphibians, and lush rainforest plants. While spotting the Quetzal is a highlight, even if it remains elusive, you’ll still experience incredible bird sightings, wildlife and natural beauty. Return to the Eco-Guest House for a traditional Guatemalan meal, followed by a demonstration of backstrap weaving -- an ancestral art passed down from generation to generation. A $10 gift card is included toward purchase from the weavers’ shop.

Don't miss the views of the ancestral Mayan trail, which are amazing. It was also used for a long time by the ancient indigenous people of the Kakchiquel ethnic group as a path to reach other towns and is still used as one of the important roads between the villages of Tz' ununa and Jaibalito to Santa Cruz, it was a trade route to sell their local products, currently it is used by tourists for walks and appreciate the beautiful views of Lake Atitlán and its imposing volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro. On this trail we will have the best views of Lake Atitlán. Learn all the history and walk the ancestral Mayan trail on your own and don't miss this opportunity to live this experience, which is one of the best hikes in Lake Atitlán.