Top Western Highlands How to Get Around in 2026

Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Atitlán on this immersive 7-hour adventure, combining hiking, swimming, and cultural exploration. Trek ancient Mayan paths while soaking in breathtaking views of surrounding volcanoes. Experience a thrilling cliff jump into the lake’s pristine waters, followed by a visit to the vibrant village of San Juan La Laguna, where you'll enjoy local cuisine and learn about traditional textile crafts and chocolate making. This tour offers a unique blend of nature, history, and cultural insights, perfect for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike. - 7-hour guided tour with a local expert speaking English and Spanish - Enjoy a scenic hike along ancient Mayan trails with panoramic views - Experience adrenaline with a cliff jump at Reserva Tzankujil - Explore the vibrant culture of San Juan La Laguna with a local lunch included

This tour starts in Panajachel where we pick up the people who are staying at the hotels in Panajachel and on the way to Santa Catarina. We also pick up at the Tzanjuyu dock. The tour starts in Panajachel where we will tour the museum of photographs, then we will go to the villages of Santa catarian to visit the colonial church, cultural center where we will learn the history of the town history of traditional costumes, then we will continue to santa catarina palopo to learn about the manufacture of ceramics, crafts made by people, view of the vegetable market, then If we find ourselves on a sunny day we will have the best sunsets of the lake with the fall of the sun on the volcanoes

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.

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 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.

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.

This is a tour that starts from Panajachel where in our office we will go to the ferry to take a public boat that will take us to the town of Tzununa, from there our bicycle adventure begins, visiting the towns of Tzununa, San Marcos, San Pablo, San Juan and San Pedro, on the bike tour stops will be made where you can appreciate panoramic views, you will also visit weavers, medicinal plants, colonial churches, and coffee plantations. The route has a total of 7 miles, so the bicycle tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, the road that starts with dirt for approximately 3 miles later with a paved road, there are also ups and downs of small hills so It is recommended to be in good condition.

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

Live an authentic experience in one of Guatemala’s most iconic cultural destinations. Explore the mystical St. Thomas Church, where Mayan rituals and Catholic traditions merge, and visit the colorful cemetery, full of symbolism and tradition. Tour the famous market, one of the largest in Central America, surrounded by textiles, crafts and living culture. It ends with a visit to a mulberry shop, where you will know the art and meaning of traditional masks. A unique experience to connect with the essence of Guatemala.

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!

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

This tour offers an authentic and cultural experience in the heart of Lake Atitlan, combining nature, tradition and direct contact with local Mayan communities. Unlike other tours, travelers will be able to discover the colorful village of San Juan La Laguna through real experiences such as the textile tour with natural dyes and the demonstration of artisan honey made by families in the community. In addition, the experience includes time to relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake inside Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, one of the most impressive and photogenic places in Atitlan. This tour is designed for travelers looking for much more than just visiting villages: a genuine connection to local culture, spectacular scenery and memorable experiences in a safe environment.

Veer from the well-trodden tourist path and discover traditional Mayan culture on a full-day tour from Antigua. Round-trip transportation from your hotel spares you the white-knuckled stress of riding on a public bus. Together with your guide, visit three Mayan villages and learn about the unique way of life from the people who live there. The excursion also includes some of Guatemala’s natural beauty, with a boat ride around Lake Atitlan.

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.

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.

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.

Traveling by mountain bike is a challenging and adventurous way to visit parts of Lake Atitlan that are all too easily overlooked when visiting by boat or car. Follow your guide down rugged mountain paths en route to an epic sunset spot at the Mario Mendez Montenegro Mirador in Godinez—chances are, you’ll be the only people there.

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.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Panajachel at 3:00 a.m. You will travel with other passengers by shared minivan to Santa Clara La Laguna. Upon arrival, there will be a brief 5-minute stop before starting the hike. Accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide, you will hike for approximately 45 minutes to reach the summit of Indian Nose Mountain. From the top, enjoy a spectacular sunrise with panoramic views of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. You will spend approximately two hours at the summit to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. To keep you warm in the early morning cold, a hot chocolate drink will be provided. After hiking back down to the base, you will return to Panajachel by shared minivan.

Travel from Panajachel to Solola where you'll visit colorful markets filled with the exquisite handmade textiles Guatemala is known for. Then meet a group of local women and learn the traditional art of weaving while you watch them at work. Next, you'll enjoy a savory meal of classic Guatemalan flavors before rounding out the day with panoramic views from San Jorge La Laguna.

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.

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.

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.