Top Western Highlands Nature and Wildlife Tours

This Indian Nose tour offers you one of the best panoramic views of Lake Atitlan. At dawn, we ascend to the top to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise: the sun rising over the volcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán and Atitlán, while the sky and the lake are filled with vibrant colors. A perfect time to photograph, breathe fresh air and marvel at the tranquility of the landscape. If you are looking for a unique experience, full of nature and beauty, this sunrise will be the best memory of your trip to Atitlan. Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical dawn. Book now and create memories that will last a lifetime!

St. Peter's Heart Ride to a Secret Viewpoint During 2 hours of riding walk the streets and experience them from the top of your horse. This walk is your ticket to an authentic adventure that combines the vibrant culture of San Pedro La Laguna with the absolute majesty of Guatemalan nature. We started riding through the colorful cobblestone streets, immersing ourselves in the energy of the Tz'utujil people. Then to the mountain trails, where the landscape is transformed. At every turn, the views of the imposing San Pedro Volcano and the glittering Lake Atitlan become more and more spectacular. The climax of our journey takes us to a hidden viewpoint, a privileged place few know. From this natural balcony, you’ll be breathless in front of one of Guatemala’s greatest views: the giant volcanic Atitlan and Tolimán, the picturesque town of Santiago Atitlán lying on the shore, and the blue waters of the lake stretching to the horizon.

Immerse yourself in the coffee culture on the communal estates of the indigenous Tz'utujiles Mayans. Discover the fascinating story of how coffee arrived in Guatemala and Lake Atitlan, and learn about the ecological and sustainable techniques used by local communities. You’ll know the full production process, from bean planting to cupping, as we tour the coffee plots together. This unique experience will allow you to connect deeply with the traditions and life of the indigenous communities that live around the lake. Finally, we will explore the colorful streets of San Juan La Laguna, where art, culture and Mayan essence merge in every corner.

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.

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.

Add this half-day small-group tour to your Guatemala vacation and take in panoramic views of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding landscapes. Hike to the top of the Rostro Maya mountain and Snap photos of San Pedro La Laguna and the nearby volcanoes of San Pedro, Atitlan, and Toliman, all lit up against golden-pink-hued skies as the sun rises over the region.

Discover the stunning birdwatching opportunities in Lake Atitlán on this guided tour, focusing on the Resplendent Quetzal in the Rey Tepepul Municipal Nature Reserve. Start your early morning with a traditional local truck ride into the lush cloud forest, where expert guides help you identify a variety of bird species and unique flora. This immersive experience is designed for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers seeking to observe birds in their natural habitat. Join a small group for an authentic adventure in one of Guatemala's best birding locations. - Duration: Approximately 5 hours, easy to moderate difficulty. - Local pickup from hotels in Santiago Atitlán. - Guided birdwatching with professional local guides. - Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and serious birdwatchers.

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.

Birdwatching in San Juan La Laguna is a really cool activity if you want to explore more of nature. We have the equipment that will make you have an amazing experience watching the colorful birds that there are around.

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.

Sunrise Tour in Rostro Maya (Indian Nose) – Lake Atitlan Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise experience at the Rostro Maya (Indian Nose) viewpoint, one of the most iconic spots on Lake Atitlan. Start with private transportation from San Pedro or San Juan La Lagunay a moderate 45-minute walk between coffee, avocado and corn plantations. At the top, you will witness a unique spectacle: the sun rising over the volcanoes San Pedro, Atitlan and Tolimán, with the possibility of observing the eruption of the Volcano of Fire in the distance. While enjoying this breathtaking view, it offers you coffee, tea or hot chocolate, accompanied by the guide of a local expert. Includes: private transportation, local guide, guided walk and hot drink. Ideal for lovers of nature, photography and those looking for an authentic experience in Guatemala.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This isn’t simply a tour of Guatemala. It’s an opportunity to step into a community, serve alongside local families, and experience what can happen when ordinary people choose to show up. We believe that when ordinary people show up, extraordinary things happen. We’ve been working alongside this community for years, building relationships, listening, and supporting community first, sustainable solutions. Our garden towers are one example of what’s possible when local knowledge, long term relationships, and people willing to serve come together. And YOU are part of what makes it possible. By showing up, you help provide families with garden towers they can grow, maintain, and use to create a more sustainable source of fresh food for their families. You’re not just visiting Guatemala. You’re becoming part of the community and part of the story.

Walk the Face of the Earth on the Sacred Path of the Sun: Author & lecturer Vincent Stanzione has opened his mountain home in an exclusive arrangement to offer an amazing experience. This experience will enable you to enter the Maya world in truly authentic ways. It allows visitors to learn about the Maya Civilization by entering the Maya World of the Present Day. Let us take you to places nobody but the Maya ever go while learning all you can from a researcher and writer who is hungry to share the world he has made his home. Guiding enables those of us who have attained a great deal of knowledge to share it with others in a direct way. So take a walk with Vincent along the flowery paths during this fascinating day in the highlands, high above Lake Atitlan. Learn about the Maya and the Mesoamerican traditions, their cosmo-magical thinking, their calendar, the way of living in the world, their myths and their deep sense of being the descendants of divine ancestors.

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.

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.

Guatemala is a megadiverse country as well as a multi-ethnic one as we hold more than 22 ethnicities. Guatemala is mostly Mayan, and if you are on the West side of the country, this is not the exception. During your visit to Xela, don´t miss the chance to visit one of the most important spots: Fuentes Georginas, natural hot springs located at the base of Zunil Volcano. Enjoy paradise submerged in hot relaxing water while appreciating the calmness and sweet sounds of nature. Also, visit 2 Mayan towns, learn about their language, traditional clothing, and traditions, and visit their nation-acclaimed vegetables markets. Don´t miss this chance to take a diverse, relaxing, and cultural tour, all in one.

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.

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.

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.