Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Panajachel, Guatemala

Popular pick

Booked 5+ times last week!

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Shayla_L ·

Oct 2025

This was such a great experience. It was just me and my son with the guide. He was extremely helpful, and connected well with my son. He's a teenager, and that can always be iffy, so I was really happy about that. We also took a couple chicken buses, which added to the experience. We really enjoyed this!

· Kiera_G ·

Sep 2025

Alex made my experience a 10/10. Such a beautiful ceremony. I really enjoyed learning this and he was SO kind do explain everything and made me feel very very confortable. You have to check this out!

Explore our promoted experiences

Panajachel, Western Highlands

5.0

(546)

Lake Atitlan Villages Tour on ATV

from $57

From Panajachel Browse and Discover Towns of Lake Atitlan

Panajachel, Western Highlands

4.9

(17)

From Panajachel Browse and Discover Towns of Lake Atitlan

from $59

Panajachel, Western Highlands

5.0

(177)

Lake Atitlán Sunset Tour

from $63

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

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.

Observe a mystical Mayan spiritual ceremony inside the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan
Discover the history of the Sacred Caves, used by local Mayans for rituals over many centuries
Watch as the traditional Mayan fire cleansing and protection ceremony is performed by a local shaman
Learn about Mayan spiritual beliefs and their unique calendar system
Once-in-a-lifetime experience

What's Included

Local guide

Gratuities
Materials for your own ceremony are available for an additional fee

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Ferry
Panajachel, Guatemala
Xocomil Tour office, Calle Embarcadero, Panajachel

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

08/20/2022 - 04/09/2027
Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Itinerary

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 57 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Very spiritual and really...

Susan_M, Mar 2026

Very spiritual and really enjoyed learning about Maya culture. Luis our guide was very thoughtful and informative.

This was the absolute...

Ashley_E, Mar 2026

This was the absolute highlight of our trip. It was an incredible experience. Our host was incredible. Unforgettable.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words!

Wonderful Mayan cultural tour

Jay_S, Feb 2026

Wonderful experience! So special to learn about Mayan culture and tradition. The Shaman, Carlos, and our guide, Mario, were incredible. The chicken bus was really fun. Definitely wear sneakers, the walk would not be good in flip-flops and you can get ash on you, so don't wear white. Highly recommend this tour. It was such a unique meaningful experience. Learning more about my Mayan sign and how it interacts with my partner's sign was amazing.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad you had such a meaningful experience and enjoyed learning about Mayan culture. Carlos and Mario will be very happy to hear this! Hope to see you again soon!

A truly unique experiencd

Vadim_G, Jan 2026

This was a truly special experience. In all of our travels, this stands out as unique as you get to experience what Mayans have done for hundreds of years. But not only hundreds of years ago, these rituals are performed now as there were two other Mayan families in the cave during our time there, who were doing their own rituals so this isn’t a tourist trap - you get to do what Mayans actually do. Just one suggestion - you will get smoke and soot everywhere so do not wear clothes that you are afraid of ruining. We all washed everything off after the ceremony, but our daughter’s white t-shirt was ruined. So wear simple clothing and enjoy this must-do activity in the Lake Atitlan area.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re really happy to hear how meaningful and authentic the ceremony felt for you. And thank you for the helpful tip—it’s great advice for future guests! We hope to welcome you again soon

10/10 experience

Neuteyshe_F, Dec 2025

It was great! Handled the ceremony very carefully, paid for the transportation and assisted with everything/asked if I had questions etc made me comfortable throughout .

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you so much! We’re glad you felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the experience. It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the ceremony and the support from our team. Hope to see you again soon!

This was such a great...

Shayla_L, Oct 2025

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! ❤️ Alex will be absolutely thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the experience. We’re honored by your enthusiastic recommendation.

Must Do!

Kiera_G, Sep 2025

Alex made my experience a 10/10. Such a beautiful ceremony. I really enjoyed learning this and he was SO kind do explain everything and made me feel very very confortable. You have to check this out!

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! ❤️ Alex will be absolutely thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the experience. We’re honored by your enthusiastic recommendation.

Alex was an excellent...

SARAH_L, Apr 2025

Alex was an excellent guide. He imparted so much wisdom and knowledge. I truly appreciate that he openly shared his culture and customs with us. It was truly a spiritual experience. Although, not for the faint of heart. The cave was very hot, ashy, smike filled, etc. All that aside, it was worth it to leave with a full heart and inside experience in Mayan culture. Also it was very cool to take the chicken bus. Alex went above and beyond helping get Mayan calendars and lunch at the local market in Panajachel. This was an amazing, authentic cultural and spiritual experience. Do it. Worth every cent.

Response from Host, May 2025

Thank you for your positive feedback. We are honored to help connect visitors with this local experience.

This was a very beautiful...

Amy_J, Apr 2025

This was a very beautiful experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and open to questions. It was very helpful that he emphasized being open to the experience and personalizing it, while also keeping us very aware of the beliefs and history behind what we were doing.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Thank you for your comments. We are happy to know that the experience met your expectations.

Mystical

Ludwiga_T, Mar 2025

It can be very hot. Do it as early as possible. The trek down to the cave is not easy. A walking stick can be helpful. I wish the guide had cold bottled water ready. We didn’t bring any bec it was provided on our previous tours.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you for your comments.

Spirit Shifting

Kizzy_R, Dec 2024

My guide (Alex) was welcoming, interesting and knowledgeable. The experience of the cleansing was purifying. This is not a tourist experience. It should not be done without purpose and intention. I am forever grateful to the people and my Shaman for allowing me access to such a sacred space.

The Gift of Shared Ritual

Elizabeth_H, Aug 2024

This was an incredible experience. My guide was Alex and his understanding and willingness to share his Mayan tradition was a true gift.

Authentic and Unique Experience with Mayans

Micki_S, Jun 2024

This was a fantastic experience that really showed a side of Maya history and culture that is rarely seen by visitors! Make sure to dress for heat and to get dirty, this is an authentic experience. The walk to the ceremony isn't bad at all but wear good hiking shoes since it is rocky. The guide shared a lot of unique information and allowed questions to be asked before the ceremony began. Make sure to add this to your list of activities, I plan to return next year and do it again!

Great activity! Beware exploding eggs and smoky clothes

Jessica_C, Apr 2024

Alex was so friendly - what a gentleman and nice guy! Brilliant English. My boyfriend and I attended with another couple - so there were 4 of us in total, and Alex as the shaman and guide. We had avoided “chicken buses” but this was a nice chance to use one with a local chaperone! Picked up in central Pana, then 10 mins on bus up the hill. Walked to the cave and did the ceremony. Prepare to be covered in ash and smell of smoke, also ingredients in the fire ceremony are burnt (bien sur!) so maybe not great for anyone with respiratory conditions, cave might also be difficult for tall people. Exploding eggs and popping seeds also an interesting addition! Really appreciated Alex explaining how he’d been trained, I would have loved some written information sketching the ceremony placement out and explaining what each of the elements were / what they signified.

Healing & Reconnecting

Dinora_L, Jan 2024

I did the private ceremony with Shaman Carlos, and Mario the guide. I set an intention of what I’d like to receive from the experience, and it exceeded all expectation. It was intimate & healing. Grateful to the ancestors, spirits, and shamans for their guidance.

beautiful and authentic

Shoshana_B, Jan 2024

Meeting Alex and experiencing a ceremony with him was very powerful. It's clear that he is welcoming and thoughtful. He also maintains a strong relationship with the local community.

You must experience!

SANDRA_E, Aug 2023

What an amazing truly unique experience. Mario our guide and Carlos the Shaman were incredible. Extremely helpful. The whole spiritual experience is something that moves and changes you. A moment you will always remember. 100% recommend to everyone!

It was a beautiful, touching, heartfelt, and sacred experience.

Harvir_K, Aug 2023

This ceremony was has been the highlight of my trip to Guatemala. It was a beautiful, touching, heartfelt, and sacred experience. I would definitely recommend to those wishing to learn more about the Mayan culture.

Unforgettable Experience

Inna_A, Aug 2023

It worth it. Excellent, unforgettable experience! Highly recommend. Though I don’t think most children would like it.

Restore your spirit, mind, and body

Kavita_C, Jun 2023

Of all the excursions we did in Guatemala this was hands-down the most special thing we did. I was a bit skeptical since no other tourists were aware of this however, I cannot recommend this enough to you if you are looking to connect spiritually with the ancient Mayans culture. Our guide Alex met us promptly on time and started the tour with a ride on the chicken bus to the starting point of our hike, which was such a pleasant surprise! On the bus the historical and cultural significance of the ceremony were explained so we could appreciate it once we were in the cave. From the starting point of the hike to the cave was maybe 10-15 minutes. There were some slippery parts so I recommend sneakers with good grip. At the cave, there are many locals conducting their own ceremonies, which you can watch as Alex continues to explain the different things going on around us. Our cleansing ceremony involved own prayers, and lighting a candle to banish bad spirits. After some moments of silence, you hike out of the cave to a stunning overlook to have time to meditate further, and attract good energy/spirits. My friend and I were deeply moved by this experience and are SO grateful to have gotten a chance to participate. Truly something that we could not have done it anywhere else in the world.

Most Impactful Experience at Lake Atitlán

James_N, Mar 2023

This experience was very impactful for me as I‘ve been taking on a lot of energies during the couple months prior. Marcelino, our personal Mayan Shaman, took the time to understand each one of our intentions and prayers before the ceremony. Alex, our guide/translator, did an amazing job of helping us understand the Mayan culture and fire ceremony process. Thank you again Marcelino and Alex for allowing us into the sacred caves and providing the cleansing, healing, and protection we requested! ✨♥️💫

My guide Mario was...

Leslie_C, Oct 2022

My guide Mario was awesome. Shared a lot about his culture and the significance of the places we visited. We also went to see a shaman who shared his gifts with me. Truly a memorable experience. I’ll be visiting Guatemala again with friends and family and will definitely be booking this experience for them.

Humberto was our hero!

Sam_J, Apr 2022

We scheduled our tour for Easter weekend, which little did we know would be insane. Our shuttle from Antigua caused us to be late but Humberto was only concerned with our well-being. When we arrived at Xocomil Tour office they were not particularly polite but thankfully Humberto was in contact with us. Be prepared once you hit the road that leads to the boats for multiple men to approach you trying to take you to your ferry. We happily hopped in Humberto's van to first arrive at the house of Marcelo, the Mayan shaman. Humberto's passion for sharing knowledge about his culture was obvious. We gave a small donation to the alter and were blessed by the shaman. Then we walked by some locals preparing lunch and stopped to purchase a water. We then hiked down a mountainside and this is when I realized we probably should've worn hiking shoes. There were some quite precarious moments Humberto just graced through as we grasped on and made sure each other weren't going to fall. If you are scared of heights this isn't for you. Due to time constraints we were only able to see one cave but Humberto made our tour absolutely worthwhile. Leaving the incredible view of the cave we climbed back up the mountainside and hopped in the "pick-up" Humberto arranged for us last minute. He was determined to get us across the lake for our next tour on time and we even managed to be early. After the most authentic Guatemalan travel I can think of, only 2nd to a chicken bus, we hopped out of the back of the pick-up at the beach full of festivities. Not only had Humberto arranged a pick up to get us down the mountain, he also arranged a boat ride for us across the lake. It was like being James Bond and just contacting Humberto for help. Even after the boat ride he walked us to our next tour. I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing this tour and soaking up the opportunity to learn directly from Mayans. Bring decent shoes for hiking and if you're from the flat lands like me get a little incline cardio in before you go.

Must See Experience in Lake Atitlan

Lokoskales, Sep 2021

This was an enjoyable tour. Lee was very informative and ensured you had the local historical and cultural context for each ceremony location. It is very likely you will have a chance to catch a ceremony, so do not miss this experience.

Wonderful experience

SKE, Jul 2021

Our guide was incredible. We really enjoyed learning the history of the town and the way a lot of the local people intertwine aspects of Catholicism and Mayan traditions. This was a realistic, interesting, learning experience. Thanks so much!

Time I spend during the tour was...

SLAWOMIR K, Oct 2017

Time I spend during the tour was amazing!You will learn about real Mayan culture.Alex is a great person who explain to you everything.You will visit sacred places and you can become a part of it.You will energy and you can have your own ceremony.Go for it ! View is amazing :

This was a great experience! Our...

Richard F, Aug 2016

This was a great experience! Our guide Alex understood the ceremonies and the different sites for certain ceremonies very well. We learned much more than we ever expected about the Mayan culture. We got a personal insight from a Mayan person who has practiced these very ceremonies. We were given the opportunity to have our own ceremony as well. This really made us feel as though we were a part of this beautiful culture.