Lake Atitlan: Upper Mayan Trail from Antigua or Panajachel

Antigua, Guatemala

From $91.99

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

10 to 12 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a walk back in time as you explore the idyllic Mayan villages, ancient rituals and gorgeous scenery of Lake Atitlan on this strenuous day-long hike on the Upper Mayan Trail. Interact with the local Cakchiquel and Tzutujil Mayan tribes, visiting the town of Santa Cruz la Laguna and tracing a path along a steep path used by the tribes for centuries. You’ll also have the chance to observe the rituals of local shamans and visit the second largest market in the country. Your hike also includes round-trip hotel transport from Antigua.

Explore the Upper Mayan Trail and Lake Atitlan on this trip from Antigua or Panjachel
Challenge yourself with this strenuous hike amidst the gorgeous scenery and small villages of Lake Atitlan
Interact with members of the local Cakchiquel and Tzutujil Mayan tribes
Observe a Mayan ritual ceremony performed by a local shaman
Travel along footpaths used by local villagers for centuries

What's Included

Transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach
Outdoors adventure, plus learn about the Mayan culture
All activities
Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located Antigua hotels only)

Food and drinks
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Antigua: Centrally located Antigua hotels. Panajachel: Option if you are staying at Lake Atitlan.

What To Expect

Lago de Atitlan

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Los Elementos Adventure Center

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Solola Market

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not wheelchair accessible
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Carol_C

My friend and I had a wonderful time on this hike! Lee and his wife communicated with us early on to let us know about pick up times and what to expect. This made us feel secure as this was our first time in Guatemala. We were picked up from our hotel in Antigua and met by our tour guide in Panajachel, where we took a speed boat to Lake Atitlan. There we stopped at the home to prepare for our hike. The hike itself is challenging, but doable. Make sure you wear good shoes. The view from the top is absolutely stunning. We then had lunch and explored the Solola Market. We had some free time so we took advantage and walked around. Lee and his wife showed us around and we got to see where the Mayan rituals happen, although there wasn't an active one. Overall, it was a real pleasant experience. We thank Lee, his wife, and our tour guide! I definitely recommend!

Reviews

4.5

9 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-6 of 9 reviews

Amazing view, TOUGH trail

Kara_S, Feb 2024

This hike was much harder than we expected but absolutely worth it!! It was nearly 4 hours with our breaks but our guide Sam was wonderfully patient and encouraging. Our phones said this hike had us climb the equivalent of nearly 152 floors. Firstly, we were pleasantly surprised that it is required to get on a boat to get to the bottom of the hike. You should ABSOLUTELY eat breakfast prior to this trail. The first third of the journey was through the village of Santa Maria (which is the steepest village I had ever experienced). Then the next third was equally difficult but in a more woodsy setting, the last third would not have been so difficult if it wasn’t for the first two thirds being exhausting. The views were incredible and made the difficult trail so worthwhile. We ended with lunch and a market tour. Bring a water bottle and buy an extra! This hike is humbling to say the least. My friend and I both work out about 3-4 times a week and this hike was still difficult for us due to the elevation and the stamina it required.

Strenuous hike but great local experiences!!

Cathryn_J, Mar 2023

Antonio, our guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable and attentive to my husband and me as we were the only two on the tour. The hike up the mountain is very steep and strenuous but Antonio was patient with my many breaks and lent a helping hand to pull me up the steepest parts. It was fascinating to see the views and locals hauling their firewood and avocados on this active mountainside trail. At the top of the mountain we jumped in the back of a pickup truck for the ride to Solala to walk through the market and have lunch. It was my husband’s birthday and Antonio surprised him by ordering cake with a candle to be brought to our table!! Also experienced a chicken bus ride back to Panajachel!!! A great day!!

Excellent experience

Susan_A, Mar 2023

Our young guide Fernando was excellent for our upper Mayan Canyon trail He literally flew up the trail but was great about adjusting for our speed Shared many precious healing spots along the way Highly recommend him One thing was it was a few hours wait until 4 for our trip back to Antigua

My friend and I had a...

Carol_C, Jun 2022

Hike

Caroline_H, Aug 2018

This was a wonderful experience in every way! Recommended to wear pants on the hike because its a little buggy and lots of plants! But wonderful!

Awesome hike and amazing views...

Jason G, Jan 2017

Awesome hike and amazing views! Definitely worth it if you find yourself in Antigua. The guide took us swimming after the tour was over as we waited for our ride back to town. The guide was super friendly, and made the hike very enjoyable.