Top Western Highlands Walking Tours

Explore the charming village of San Juan La Laguna on a guided tour that immerses you in its living culture. Learn about the ancestral art of weaving with natural dyes made by local women, from spinning to loom. Learn about the world of stingless melipone bees and taste three unique types of honey. Visit the Xocolat chocolate factory, where you will discover the importance of cocoa in Mayan culture while enjoying artisan chocolate tastings. Walk through the most iconic streets of the village, such as Calle del Sombrero and Calle de las Umbrillas, perfect for photos and to appreciate the vibrant local art. Best of the tour - Local culture, history and crafts - Fabric with natural dyes with artisans - Tasting of honey and artisan chocolate - Tour of the most emblematic and colorful streets

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.

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.

During our visit in the Atitlan nature reserve we will see wild animals such as the spider monkey, coati, birds and a butterfly with different species of butterflies, we will also have the opportunity to make two short walks to Lake Atitlan and in the mountains crossing the suspension bridges to a beautiful waterfall or if you are a lover of extreme adventures the zip line is a great idea for you (Yes you want to do zip line with an extra payment of 40$), but if you are a lover of water then swimming in the lake or in the waterfall is a good idea. All this can be appreciated in the reserve that is a place suitable for the whole family and that you cannot miss it during your visit at Lake Atitlan. The price of this tour does not include tickets to the reservation which are 80 quetzales per adult.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This tour takes you to discover three of the most authentic villages of Lake Atitlan: San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan. Guided by a local host, you will live a deep cultural immersion in the rich Tz’utujil Mayan tradition. During the tour, we will stroll through streets full of color and life, admire vibrant murals and traditional markets, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the lake and volcanoes surrounding each village. You will know different cooperatives such as textiles, honey and chocolate. indigenous art workshops, We will also visit spiritual and historical sites such as the colonial church of Santiago Apostle and the house of the venerated Maximon. More than a tour, it is a soul and heart experience, perfect for those who seek to connect deeply with local communities and take away unforgettable memories and learning.

Led by local women, this cultural tour of Santa Cruz la Laguna offers a fascinating insight into Maya life on Lake Atitlan and how the ancient traditions can still be seen in modern Guatemala. Arriving in Santa Cruz by boat, you'll meet the women at the dock and walk up to the town, where you'll visit a home for a cooking class, learn about local handicrafts, and relax with a steam bath in a traditional adobe temazcal.

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 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.

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.

Experience an unforgettable experience with this hike to the Indian Nose viewpoint during the day, one of the most impressive points to admire Lake Atitlan. We will start the tour from San Juan La Laguna and climb by car for about 45 minutes until we reach the starting point of the trail. From there, we will hike for approximately 35 minutes surrounded by nature, enjoying spectacular views of the volcanoes and the lake. It is a perfect choice for those who wish to explore the beauty of the lake without getting up early. Along the way, your local guide will share stories, legends and curiosities about the Mayan culture and the natural environment that surrounds this amazing viewpoint.

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.

Our tour of Chichicastenango is not just a visit; it is a deep dive into one of the most fascinating living cultures in the world. Imagine getting lost in a sea of colors at America’s most famous outdoor market, where every fabric tells a millennial story and the aroma of the cup purifies the air. Here you will not only buy unique crafts, but you will be part of an ancient ritual. You will live the unique spirituality by witnessing, with respect, the Mayan ceremonies on the steps of the iconic St. Thomas Church, a religious syncretism that will move you. And every sip of your typical lunch will be an explosion of authentic flavors. This tour is a gateway to a world where time stands still and traditions come alive. It is a total sensory experience, a journey to the heart of the Mayan world that will stay with you forever. Book now! and write your own adventure in Chichi. WE RECOMMEND THE TOUR ON THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS WHICH ARE MARKET DAYS

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.

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.

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.

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.