Things to do in El Quiche Department, El Quiche Department: The Best Tours

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

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

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)

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

We will leave around 6 a.m. from your hotel in La Antigua Guatemala and drive 3 hours to Chichicastenango.  If you don´t have breakfast included in your hotel we will stop to eat on the way (not included).  At our arrival we will walk around the market where we will see how local vendors sales their agriculture products (lots of colors, people and opportunities for great pictures here).  After that we will visit the local church where we will see people performing ceremonies inside the catholic church. Inside this church the original copy of the famous book Popol Vuh was found.  We will learn about local traditions and mayan history.  We will have time to shop around the market for people that wants to leave the market with a souvenir and before we leave back to Antigua we will have lunch at Hotel Santo Tomas (not included).  This lunch is very special because it will give you an opportunity to try several plates from all over Guatemala. Return to La Antigua  (3 hours) to end the tour.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities

Chichicastenango is an indigenous Town in the Guatemalan Highlands where a kaleidoscope of colors takes place. You'll are able to interact with Local people, dressed the original Mayan gowns. Home to one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America, is not only Guatemala’s biggest and best market, but also its most historic. This little town has been a main trading center since before the conquistadors arrived in the Americas. Afterwards imagine an immense lake, sparkling in the sunlight, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes covered with blooming wildflowers and lots of Mayan Culture...That’s exactly where we'll take you to discover the lake’s secret magic.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver and Tour Guide., Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities

This tour is unique because you have the opportunity to wake up in Chichicastenango and see some of the Mayan rites inside the Catholic Church.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Admissions

Exclusions: WiFi on board, Private transportation, Gratuities, Restroom on board

When you arrive at the Chichicastenango market you will start the walking tour. This is located in the center of the town and is the heart of the commercial life of the Maxeños, the natives of Chichicastenango. Every Thursday and Sunday, merchants head to the central square to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little over the centuries. Explore the narrow streets and admire the products and crafts offered by the locals. In Chichicastenango you will also visit the church of Santo Tomás, built in 1540 on the basis of a pre-Hispanic temple. This is a magnificent example of colonial architecture and the Mayan and Latin influence is evident inside and outside the building.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch

Exclusions: Private transportation, Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water

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

Today is market day in Chichicastenango!  Visit the most colorful and picturesque Indian open-air market in the country. Hundreds of Indians from the surrounding countryside gather to barter their goods and products.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off at Panamerican Hotel, Barceló Hotel and Westin Camino Real Hotel, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Gratuities, We do not pick up passengers in Antigua Guatemala