Top Western Highlands On the Water

Each town and village surrounding Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan boasts its own unique culture and traditions, but many travelers miss out on experiencing the lakeside region’s diverse heritage. Get an insider’s introduction to three towns—San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro, and Santiago Atitlan—during this small-group cultural tour by boat. Full-day experiences focus on Mayan ancestral practices, including chocolate-making, fabric dying, and the production of natural medicines.

One of the most beautiful locations in all of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is best explored outdoors. Start your day with a kayak or paddle board tour around the lake before hiking to a ziplining location on the lake’s rugged north shore. Choose from a scenic or extreme adventure as you soar past vistas of the lake, waterfalls, and volcanoes, completing your tour at the Nature Reserve.

Go kayaking on Lake Atitlan on a half-day tour from San Pedro la Laguna led by an experienced guide. Paddle across the pristine lake to Las Cristalinas, then have time to relax at the white-sand beach and swim, all within view of a stunning volcanic landscape. Make the most of your morning by starting early, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience the sunrise from Lake Atitlan’s Indian Nose Peak, named for its resemblance to a face gazing skyward, on this private tour. Get an early start and hike through coffee and corn plantations to the summit, where you watch the sunrise over the lake. Afterward, savor breakfast in San Marcos La Laguna and head to Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve for some cliff diving into the crystal-clear waters.

If you are visiting Lake Atitlán, this is one of the best tours to learn more about its towns and interact with the local culture. This tour is special since we will take you to know little frequented towns and with great beauty! The first 3 towns: Santa Cruz, Jaibalito & Tzununa are full of nature and you can be in contact with it, learn about the local culture and breathe fresh air. Then, we will go to San Juan La Laguna. During our visit to San Juan, we will do the chocolate tour, learn about the natural dyeing of textiles, and Mayan honey. Lunch is included. Don't worry about anything, take your camera and enjoy it to the fullest!

Learn all about Mayan and Cristian culture on this private tour to three different villages on Lake Atitlan, with round-trip transport from Panajachel to keep things running smoothly. Your guide organizes all the logistics, including lunch, so you just need to enjoy learning about past and present culture on your day out. Learn about local textiles, the importance of color, and why chocolate was so important for making friends with the gods.

The locals of the area claim that Lake Atitlan is a location brimming with good energy. Currently, both indigenous and non-indigenous people value this good energy. This will be of great interest to you if you're searching for a different activity to do on the lake. Imagine doing yoga in the middle of a forest with stunning lake views, and you can also participate in a ceremony or workshop that will nourish your mind and spirit. Depending on the day you go, it will be the ceremony or workshop you will participate in. You can take part in a ritual involving cacao, sound, temazcal, or something else. To engage the community in our activities, we will provide you with a delicious vegetarian brunch that will be served by neighborhood residents who work with us. We are confident that you won't want to skip this tour. You can leave this exercise feeling renewed and full of positive energy.

Our adventure begins as we board a private boat, that makes a stop in the middle of Lake Atitlan. Our knowledgeable guide unveils the secrets of the Maya Atlantis, a mystical submerged city hidden beneath the lake's surface. Leaving the mysteries of the deep behind, we arrive at Chuitinamit, an archaeological site nestled amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Atitlan. Here, we marvel at the meticulously carved stone structures, each a testament to the artistic prowess and advanced engineering of the Maya people. Our journey reaches its pinnacle as we arrive in Santiago Atitlán, a vibrant and culturally rich village. Experience the essence of Mayan heritage as we explore the captivating murals that narrate stories of their past. Visit the village church, witness the communal washing basins, and have the opportunity to partake in a ceremonial request to Maximon, a revered religious figure blending Catholicism and Mayan traditions (if we are lucky enough to witness a ceremony).

Embark on a captivating journey immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Santiago Atitlan. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as you delve into the world of traditional cuisine. Choose from three authentic dishes, each brimming with local flavors. Whether it's the savory Patín, the hearty Caldo de Gallina Criolla, or the mouthwatering Pulique, each dish is a culinary masterpiece. And don't forget to try your hand at crafting your own handmade tortillas. Next, discover the rich tapestry of textiles that reflect the vibrant heritage of Santiago Atitlan. Explore the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations and admire the stunning colors and patterns that adorn these remarkable creations. As we continue, delve into the artistry of beadwork, where minuscule, colorful pieces come together to form exquisite accessories. Indulge in the wonders of Lake Atitlan, where vibrant traditions, culinary delights, and breathtaking scenery await.

Hike your way to the top of Atitlan Volcano at your own pace on a private 1-day trek departing from Lake Atitlan. This tour is perfect for active travelers ready to explore the Guatemalan wilderness. With a local guide accompanying you throughout, concerns about wrong turns or language barriers are eliminated. Revel in unparalleled views of surrounding villages, volcanoes, and Lake Atitlan from the summit.