All Western Highlands Tours & Excursions in 2026

The villages fringing Lake Atitlan are known for their Indigenous Mayan heritage and artisanal traditions. But without a guide leading the way, it can be hard to push past the surface and journey outside the tourist track. On this small-group excursion, visit both San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan by boat, watching an exclusive hand-dyed and woven textile demonstration and paying a visit to the Mayan god Maximon.

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.

Discover the Lake Atitlan area on this half-day ATV adventure. First, head to San Antonio Palopo via the road that runs around the lake. There, visit a local ceramic factory to learn about the production process and also stop by a chocolate factory. Following that, travel to the village of Santa Catarina Palopo where you'll be able to learn about and see the weaving of blankets, and other goods. Lastly, head to Playa Blanca en Barrio Jucanya for some photo opps by the water.

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.

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!

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.

An awesome way to explore around Lake Atitlan, this sunset ATV adventure tour takes you up into the mountains around the caldera lake—formed after a volcanic eruption over 1.8 million years ago—before heading down to the shore for a swim. You’ll visit local villages including San Antonio Palopo, learn about the fascinating culture of the region, watch paragliders soar through the skies, and find the best spot for sunset.

Travel between Antigua and Panajachel (the gateway to Lake Atitlan) quickly and efficiently, without the expense of booking a private taxi, by opting for a shared shuttle service. Your driver will pick you up directly at your hotel or vacation rental in Antigua. If you're traveling from Panajachel, a driver will pick you up at a central location.

Highlights of the Panajachel UTV Tour UTV Adventure through 3 of Lake Atitlan’s most iconic villages Visit to Santa Catarina Palopó ( artisan goods) Local coffee experience Visit to San Antonio Palopó (Weaving textiles ceramics + chocolate workshop) Stunning view point in Godinez Cultural immersion in traditional villages Scenic lake and volcano views

Panajachel Wake up with local flavor ✔ Enjoy an authentic Chapin Breakfast, full of Guatemalan tradition and flavor. San Juan La Laguna Immerse yourself in a magical corner of Lake Atitlan, where every street, gesture and handcrafted creation tell a story. ✔ Live a Mayan textile workshop and know the symbolism of each design. ✔ Learn about melipone bees, guardians of natural balance. ✔ Walk along Calle de los Umbreros and Calle de los Hatros, full of art and color. San Pedro La Laguna ✔ Short stop to rest or explore the picturesque Hummingbird Street. Santiago Atitlan Let yourself be wrapped up in the mystique of this town full of living traditions, spirituality and Mayan heritage. ✔ Discover its artisan market, full of color and flavor. ✔ Visit the Church and Convent of Santiago Apostle, symbol of cultural syncretism.

During this tour, we will take you to know 3 different towns. You will explore the largest market in Guatemala, will go to the most colorful church, and end the tour by going to a small but lovely town. Each location holds something special that we want to show you and hope you like it as much as we do or even more. The first place to visit will be San Francisco El Alto and its market which is the largest one in Guatemala. Usually, it takes around 6 hours to go through all of it (that is not the case on this tour, we will be there just a fraction of all that time). Then, we will visit the famous church of San Andrés Xecul, an icon of Guatemala and a representation of religious syncretism. In the end, we will visit Salcajá, a small but very charming town with lots of history and beautiful places to visit. This is a tour you don´t want to miss, so reserve your ticket, and we will take you to one of the greatest traveling experiences of them all.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are already in Xela on your trip through Guatemala, take advantage of every second of your stay and discover all its history and emblematic buildings in a unique, fun, and different tour. We will take you through the most iconic places of this beautiful city in a Trolley Bus while sharing the most relevant pieces of history of each location. Fun and history are guaranteed on this tour! Some of the most relevant places that we will visit are Parque Centroamerica, the Cathedral, the Municipal Theater, some churches, just to name a few gems of this trip. This is a collective tour for Spanish speakers, but don't worry! A bilingual guide will be with you all the time so you don't miss any detail. So, wait no more and get ready to discover Xela in the best possible way. This tour is ideal if you are short on time, but still want to take a moment to visit this historic city. We will be waiting for you!

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.

Take a journey through the traditions of Mayan spirituality as you experience a 2-hour traditional fire-cleansing ceremony with a guide in the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. Step inside these mystical caves, used by local Mayans for many centuries, to observe the performance of this holy and powerful ritual by a local shaman. Listen as your guide explains the history and traditions behind the ritual and provides insight into the Mayan calendar system. Before you leave, you’ll have time to admire the gorgeous views of the lake down below.

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.

Embark on a full-day tour to discover Guatemalan shoe-making, where local artisans craft unique footwear using vibrant, traditional textiles.

Explore the rich culture and history of Quetzaltenango on a guided walking tour of its historic center. Discover breathtaking architecture, local markets and cultural attractions as you walk its lively streets. This immersive experience will allow you to get to know the heritage of the city, making it ideal for both history lovers and curious travelers. Interact with local artisans and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this Guatemalan gem. - Guided walking tour of the historic center of Quetzaltenango - Discover cultural attractions and local markets - Ideal for history lovers and cultural explorers - Know the heritage of the city from an expert guide