Top Things to do in Western Highlands
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10 Multi-day Tours in Western Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss
Guatemalas spectacular Western Highlands run from Antigua to the Mexican border. Pines blanket misty hillsides, rivers cascade through sliver-thin ravines, volcanoes rumble overhead. Catch market day or witness offerings to drinking, smoking St. Maximon, in Chichicastenango. See traditional life in the Ixil Triangle. Clamber the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Mayan dialects and ceremonies are still part of everyday life for the majority of Guatemalas indigenous population, living where their ancestors trod.
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1. 2 Day Tour: Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Join this 2-day tour departing from Guatemala city early in the morning. On day 1, we are going to visit the lively highland of Guatemala, visiting the colorful market of Chichicastenango. It is well known for its famous market days on Thursdays and Sundays where vendors sell handicrafts, food, flowers, pottery, wooden boxes, condiments, medicinal plants, candles, pom and copal (traditional incense), cal (lime stones for preparing tortillas), grindstones, pigs and chickens, machetes, and other tools. Afternoon transfer to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) to spend the night. On day 2, we visit Santiago Atitlan Village by boat tour.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Lake cruise, Walking tour at Chichicastenango Market, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, Gratuities, Accommodations. Please indicate where you will stay at Panajachel area Hotels
Reviewed By lou_lou_fur
This was a great way to relieve our designated driver for a day and so glad we opted for this tour. A lovely little hike to see Pacaya Volcano close-up, we were the first party to ascend that day and glimpsed some lava. The views from the top were well worth it and taking El Arenal route on the descent was an adventure. After the hike, the Kawilal Spa was just the ticket! We even had the whole area to ourselves due to the pandemic, so all felt very safe. The smoothie and lunch there were also very delicious. Could have done with a tad more direction at times, but all part of the fun!
2. 2-Day Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City or Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
The trip consists of a visit to the open market of Chichicastenango on the first day. On the second day you will be visiting Panajachel and Lake Atitlan on a boat. In Chichicastenango you will be able to explore the indigenous market and be witness of the incessant exchange of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts between local people and foreigners. Lake Atitlán was formed when a volcanic caldera depleted of its magma. Three stately volcanoes, Atitlan, Tolimán and San Pedro rise gracefully from its southern shore, their perfect cones reflected in the azure mirror of the lake. Weaving made and worn by the Maya-Tzutujil and Cakchiquel women who live around the lake and many of the men also wear traditional, hand-woven clothing.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Overnight accommodation, Breakfast, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
3. 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Kayak and Hike Adventure Package includes everything you want from a Lake Atitlan experience. Savor the lake from the best perspective possible. Enjoy moderate level activities and explore the Mayan villages surrounding Lake Atitlan. Private or small-group. Family friendly.
Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Option to add an extra-night (if option selected), Round-trip shared transfer, Boat transfers, Kayak rental, Professional guide
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By Destination319352
We are very happy that we were referred to Lee at Los Elementos Adventure Center by our AirBnb host. From the very beginning (even when our trip had to be postponed for a year due to the pandemic), Lee was very responsive, kind and helpful. We ended up spending a day trip going from Panajachel to the Solola market. We also took a short hike and had a picnic in the forest. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and are really thankful that we got to experience the culture and beauty of this area on Market day. What really made this excursion extra memorable and fun was the fantastic guide that we had, a young man by the name of Marce! He was the perfect guide for our family, so adventurous, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to provide a unique day for us. It is such a treat when guides are flexible and open to whatever adventures may present themselves. We would definitely go with Los Elementos again and highly recommend Lee's personalized services and wonderful guides!
4. 6-Day Tour: Traditional Guatemala Including Antigua, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlan and Tikal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit several of Guatemala’s Spanish colonial towns and modern-day Mayan villages on this 6-day tour with an informative and entertaining guide including round-trip transport from Guatemala City. You’ll learn about local history and culture amid gorgeous natural surroundings, with a boat ride across the volcanic region of Lake Atitlán. Be amazed by the diversity of daily customs, crafts and clothing in Antigua, Chichicastenango, Panajachel with Santiago Atitlán and Tikal.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 5 nights accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Professional guide (English and Spanish), Air-conditioned vehicle, Flight to and from Flores
Exclusions: Gratuities, Airport taxes (approx. USD $3)
Reviewed By lou_lou_fur
This was a great way to relieve our designated driver for a day and so glad we opted for this tour. A lovely little hike to see Pacaya Volcano close-up, we were the first party to ascend that day and glimpsed some lava. The views from the top were well worth it and taking El Arenal route on the descent was an adventure. After the hike, the Kawilal Spa was just the ticket! We even had the whole area to ourselves due to the pandemic, so all felt very safe. The smoothie and lunch there were also very delicious. Could have done with a tad more direction at times, but all part of the fun!
5. 11-Day Mayan Ruins Tour: Guatemala and Copán
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Your 11-day journey begins in Guatemala City. Continuing to the Western Highlands of Guatemala you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Santo Tomas Church where the famous Popol Vuh was founded. Visit the first capital of Guatemala, Iximche, the open market of Chichicastenango and one of the most beautiful lakes in the World: Atitlán. We will continue to the Guatemala border to visit two important UNESCO Heritage sites that historically where involved together, Quiriguá and Copán in Honduras. Then visit the Caribbean Coast and two of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization: Tikal and Yaxhá. You´ll have the chance to appreciate the differences of architecture, art and majesty of the Mayan constructions and monuments. This journey has unequal diversity to explore all the beauties of Guatemala, “The land of the eternal spring” named like that because of its perfect climate.
Inclusions: 10 nights accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, All Fees and Taxes, One way local flight from Flores to Guatemala City
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Tips
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
6. 8-Day Best of Guatemala Tour: Antigua, Pacaya Volcano, Lake Atitlan and Tikal Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 12 reviews
Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s fascinating history and beautiful scenery on this 8-day tour. See some of Guatemala’s best-known destinations as you take a city sightseeing tour around Antigua, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Atitlan, visit the Mayan ruins of Yaxha and Tikal, hike up Pacaya Volcano and more. This all-inclusive tour includes transportation and overnight accommodation, making it a convenient way to get the most out of your trip to Guatemala!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Private boat tour, Transport between sites, Professional English-speaking guide, 7 nights of accommodation, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch), Small group tour of 15 pax maximum
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
7. 2 Day Tour: Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan from Antigua
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
This 2-day tour will depart from Antigua for a journey to the highland of Guatemala. On day 1, we are going to visit the alive highland of Guatemala, visiting the Colorful Market of Chichicastenango. It is well known for its famous market days on Thursdays and Sundays. In the afternoon we transfer to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) to spend the night. This tour does not include accommodation. On day 2, we visit Santiago Atitlan Village by boat tour, and return to Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Walking tour at Chichicastenango Market, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lake cruise
Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, Gratuities, Accommodations. Please indicate where you will stay at in Panajachel
Reviewed By Flightgirl7777
Avoid this company! I fell very ill the day of the tour. I was aware of the cancellation policy. I had a high fever, headache and was concerned about my exposure to Covid. I text the company and asked could I reschedule for next month since the tour was 100 US dollars. They were kind enough to agree. I picked up another Guatemala to do the tour. After many texts, they were happy to take me on the tour. Then I received a message asking me for more money. It would be 200 US dollars for a three hour tour. We had established I would be back and they seemed happy to make up for lost time. I wanted to be cautious due to Covid. I have gone on tours all over the world. India, Peru, Columbia, NYC and Rome to name a few. This seemed suspicious. Save your money.
8. 2-Day Takalik Abaj: Mayan and Olmec Archaeological Site from Panajachel
Takalik Abaj has both Olmec and Maya features, and flourished from the 9th century BC to the 10th century AD. This is one of the oldest archeological sites in the old Mayan world, and one of the largest sites with sculptured monuments on the Pacific coastal plain. It is home to one of the greatest concentrations of Olmec-style sculpture. The site includes a Maya royal tomb and examples of Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions that are among the earliest from the Maya region. The site features a sophisticated water drainage system and a wealth of sculptured monuments. Overnight accommodations are near the site.
Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Transport by SUV, minivan, or coach, Round-trip private transfer, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Driver/guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Destination319352
We are very happy that we were referred to Lee at Los Elementos Adventure Center by our AirBnb host. From the very beginning (even when our trip had to be postponed for a year due to the pandemic), Lee was very responsive, kind and helpful. We ended up spending a day trip going from Panajachel to the Solola market. We also took a short hike and had a picnic in the forest. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and are really thankful that we got to experience the culture and beauty of this area on Market day. What really made this excursion extra memorable and fun was the fantastic guide that we had, a young man by the name of Marce! He was the perfect guide for our family, so adventurous, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to provide a unique day for us. It is such a treat when guides are flexible and open to whatever adventures may present themselves. We would definitely go with Los Elementos again and highly recommend Lee's personalized services and wonderful guides!
9. 3-Days of Trekking from Xela to Lake Atitlan
This hike is one of the most popular and beautiful in the Guatemalan Highlands where you will witness volcanoes, mountains and of course, the beautiful Lake Atitlan.
Inclusions: 2 nights at home-stay, All meals and drinks, Professional guide
Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Reviewed By 309kattieh
Okay FIRST OF ALL, Salvador is the best guide we’ve had out of four trips here. The hike was either incredibly hard or we were very out of shape ???? but he worked with us to still have an amazing time. We ended up also birdwatching and found many Quetzales. It was a beautiful time. He’s super knowledgeable, very kind, speaks English/Spanish, and even will offer you a raincoat if you tell him ahead of time! :) I would recommend this hike if you’re a cross fitter or really in to long hikes, but if recommended Salvador taking you anywhere whether you are traveling alone as a female, or this is your first time in Guatemala, or you’re in a family with kids, or a business trip, or literally whatever- he’s the guy!! We felt safe and taken care of the entire day. We can’t wait to come back and see more with him next year and the years to come.
10. Overnight Tour to Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango
Among attractions that Guatemala has to offer, Lake Atitlan stands out as a place of natural beauty that is hard to encounter anywhere else. Lake Atitlan is surrounded with three big volcanoes, capturing the imagination of many generations of foreign visitors. Any description with words is failing, even undoubtedly beautiful pictures that you can easily find in the internet cannot bring you the real impression on the spot. On the other hand, Chichicastenango market is a social place; it is where you can see Guatemalan live culture. From the appearance of its people, their entrepreneur spirit when bargaining and selling their merchandise to local dishes and other products from the rich Guatemalan soil. In both ways you will be close to the essence of the Highlands and what Guatemalan soul is!
Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Breakfast, Landing and facility fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By JanDreamer
We stayed at Barcelo hotel in Guatemala City. We took hotel taxi and did the Chichicastenango market and Lake Atitlan in one day. It is a long drive but there is plenty to watch and see on the way. We loved the people, colors, hand made artifacts and food in the market. We stopped at Santo Tomas Church in the market. We then drove down to Solola, saw local men in wonderful costumes on the way. We took a trip over lake Atitlan with public boat. Lake Atitlan surrounded by mountains and volcanoes has seen generations of mayans and local tribes live, grow and evolve, like a mother providing to her children. As a bonus our driver Mario took us to Iximché ruins on the way back from the lake. We left around 6:45 and we were back by 7pm in our hotel. We absolutely enjoyed the trip, these places show soul of Guatemala, do not miss them. Highly recommend our driver Mario Xicará - 502 5853 3071, taxi # 796 in Zone 9 of Guatemala City (marioxicará[email protected]). He is reliable and trustworthy.
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