Top Western Highlands How to Get Around - page 3

Panajachel is a great place to start a journey to the stunningly beautiful and culturally vibrant Chichicastenango. Located only a short drive away through the breathtaking natural landscapes of the western highlands of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is home to the famous Santo Tomas Church, an iconic colonial structure with bright white walls and stairs at its base where many devotees burn incense, bring flowers, and show their gratitude. Upon arriving in Chichicastenango, you will be amazed by the number of colors, textiles, street traditional food, and all kinds of sales in the market. We will visit the indoor and outdoor market, make stops to buy if you wish, and learn about the great history of this market, its people, its traditions, and its religion. Afterward, we will visit the Santo Tomas Church, and at the end of the day, we will go to the Pascual Abaj Hill, where if we are lucky, we´ll see a traditional Mayan ceremony.

This experience stands out for its small group atmosphere, personalized attention, and early departure that ensures reaching the summit before the crowds. Your certified local guide shares insights about the culture and history of the area, making the hike more than just a viewpoint visit. We focus on punctuality, safety, and a well-organized experience so travelers can fully enjoy the magic of sunrise over Lake Atitlán without stress.

Visit three Mayan villages around Lake Atitlan—Santiago Atitlan, San Juan la Laguna, and Panajachel—on this guided all-day tour from San Pedro La Laguna. Witness the lifestyle of the Mayan people, learn their techniques for making and dyeing textiles, and experience the local way of life as you wander the bustling markets.

Enjoy and discover the colorful market day of Chichicastenango! This is an unique experience that you will see how is the local people live and doing their activities in the market days. The real Mayan culture is still live. Also since their typical dress till the Mayan language that they speak.

Enjoy a leisurely, laid-back, 3-hour cycling trip amidst the idyllic mountain villages near Panjachel. Spend most of your trip pedaling downhill, soaking up scenic views of Lake Atitlan, quiet rural roads and the tiny indigenous towns of Godinez and San Andres Semetabaj. With more than 98% of your cycling trip on downhill terrain, it’s a chill, easy, way to see a lot of scenery with minimal effort. Your ride includes a guide, bike and transport to the cycling start point.

Sit alongside local women and learn the art of Maya beading with this hands-on workshop in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Not only is this socially responsible tour a great way to learn about the Maya cultures found on Lake Atitlan, but it also directly benefits local communities. Upgrade to include lunch at Lake Atitlan’s top restaurant—also run by a social enterprise—or a community-led tour of the village.

Enjoy a more personal and authentic hiking experience with a certified local guide who was born and raised in the Lake Atitlán area. Along the trail, you will learn about the volcano's geology, local wildlife, and Maya culture while hiking at a comfortable pace with plenty of photo opportunities. Unlike large group tours, we focus on safety, personalized attention, and creating a memorable adventure from start to finish.

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.

Once famously described as "too much of a good thing," Lake Atitlan's stunning beauty and broad diversity of towns can make it difficult for visitors to decide how best to see its attractions. This tour lets you see it all while connecting with the landscape and the local people in ways that few visitors get to do. After taking a boat from Panajachel to the small Mayan village of Tzununa, hop on a bike for a ride through the countryside, stopping to visit weaving cooperatives, coffee plantations, art galleries, and some of the best viewpoints on the Lake.

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.

Immerse yourself in the Mayan Heart of San Juan La Laguna Discover the explosion of color and culture of San Juan La Laguna, a picturesque town anchored on the majestic shores of Lake Atitlan. Our unique experience will take you to: Explore outdoor galleries : Stroll along the famous Calle de las Umbrellas and the charming Calle de los Hatros, where every corner is the perfect setting for a colorful photograph. Connect with ancient traditions: Participate in interactive workshops where you will discover the secrets of cocoa, coffee, local beekeeping and Mayan textiles dyed with natural pigments and made on the traditional waist loom. Discover local gems: Visit the iconic Catholic church and take in the most breathtaking panoramic view of the lake from the Kiaqasiwan Viewpoint. More than a tour, it is an authentic immersion in the life and culture of the Tz'utujil people. An experience that will allow you to take in the heart the true essence of Lake Atitlan.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Quetzaltenango, and then the soothing hot waters of Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs, on this 10-hour day trip. Start with an exploration of the historic architecture and top attractions of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala’s second-largest city. Then soak away your aches and cares in the therapeutic geothermal waters of Fuentes Georginas, where you can relax and rejuvenate in a series of outdoor pools of varying temperatures. Your trip also includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport.

Step into lush coffee plantations, meet local farmers, and savor culture at its roots. On this trail, we will walk through coffee plantation nearby lake atitlan, at the end we will go to a coffee shop to see the process how they treat the coffee cherries to a cup of coffee. Perfect for families, adventurers, and coffee lovers seeking an authentic journey from bean to cup.

Come on a Foodie Tour with us, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Xela dish called Quichon, a Mayan broth full of flavor. As well as some first-quality artisan chocolate. All these from the hand of a Mayan woman who along with an association, seeks to share their ancestral knowledge with us. You will also get to know and enjoy Shecas, a traditional Mayan bread from Xela that has become very popular among national and international tourists since many years ago and that is very emblematic of this region. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee, which due to its altitude and soil conditions, is one of the best, being exported to other countries and having a distinguished profile in Guatemala. We hope you enjoy this authentic experience with us and discover the Mayan gastronomic legacy.

Step back in time to the ancient world of the Maya during this 6-hour exploration of the Iximche ruins near Lake Atitlan. Explore this 1,000-year-old city’s wealth of ball courts, pyramid-temples, royal palaces and the on-site museum. You’ll also learn about the history of this iconic archaeological site up through the Spanish colonial era, and discover details about the Mayan calendar, astrological studies and the attitudes of the present day Mayan people towards their ancestors. Your trip includes entrance fees, a guide and a choice between shared and private round-trip hotel transport.

In addition, you will be guided by local experts who not only accompany you along the way, but share stories, traditions and the spiritual significance of this sacred place for Mayan culture. This makes the tour more than just a tour – it is a cultural and natural connection.

Visit an archeological site + one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Guatemala and a small town, all in one day with the best company by your side. Our first stop will be the archeological site of Zaculeu, known for its restored ruins. This place belonged to the Mam Mayan kingdom but was conquered by the Spanish and their allies in 1525 after an intense war. Then we will visit El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri. Get amazed by all the beauty surrounding this place. This is one of the highest points in Guatemala and has some of the best views. There is an abandoned country house in the mountain, and it is a great stop for a picture, as well as the views of the entire valley. Lastly, don´t miss the chance to visit a small town in between Zaculeu and El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri, it is a picturesque town that you will definitely like. This is the perfect circuit if you´re looking to do different activities in one day.

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

Here's your chance to volunteer and make a difference in a Mayan village if you have just one day. Before your hands-on community service, start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Then go behind the scenes to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Mam-speaking Maya via a walking tour of the village and a visit to the home of a local family. After lunch and a demonstration of traditional backstrap weaving, share your skills and interests by engaging in meaningful volunteer work that will impact the lives of so many villagers. Opportunities include assembling clean water filters or emergency food bags and delivering them to people's homes; assisting in the health clinic; engaging with children on art projects and soccer play; and practicing English with the staff. 78% OF YOUR ACTIVITY FEE DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE PROGRAMS and CLINICS of LOCAL HOPE/XELA AID THAT EMPOWER LOCAL FAMILIES and COMMUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY, EDUCATED AND SELF-RELIANT.

The Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal are a must on your visit to Xela. Go on this easy hike and visit the volcano´s crater full of water, now considered a sacred place for the Mayans. In Guatemala, there are only two volcanoes with a lagoon on their crater, and this is one of them. Many Mayans come to the crater lagoon to practice ceremonies, have direct communication with their ancestors and gods, and be surrounded by nature. Because this is considered a sacred place, it is not permitted to swim in the lagoon, however, you will appreciate up close the Mayan beliefs whether you see a ceremony or not. If you don´t see one, you will not miss the chance to see all the bouquets on the shore, left there by people as offerings or to say thanks for a favor answered. We will coordinate everything for you, so you just enjoy the experience.