Top Things to do in Western Highlands
10 Cultural 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.
Restaurants in Western Highlands
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. Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Departing from Guatemala City, visit Lake Atitlán and its surrounding villages, a winning combination of scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere, immersed in Mayan culture. In particular, visit Santiago Atitlán, a small town on the south side of Lake Atitlán, famous for a shrine to Maximón and Textiles.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities
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!
3. Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Departing from Antigua, visit Lake Atitlan and its surrounding villages, a winning combination of scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere, immersed in Mayan culture. On this full day we will also visit Santiago Atitlan, a small town on the south side of Lake Atitlan, famous for a shrine to Maximón and Textiles.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle, Transport by private vehicle, Bottled water
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Gratuities
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.
4. Visit Three Mayan Villages - Lake Atitlan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a real immersion in the mayan culture and you will be the witness of the life style of the mayan people and the old technic to get or make textile with nature. You will visit three mayan villages
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Panajachel area)
Exclusions: Lunch, Drinks, Gratuities
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.
5. Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful destination in Guatemala. You cannot miss this place. This day tour is ideal if you want to experience culture and nature in one activity. Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Antigua to take you in a 2:30 hour drive to the beautiful highlands of Guatemala. This transfer is private an exclusively for you and your family or friends. This transportation mode gives the opportunity to stop along the road at couple of places that are worth visiting, such as the lake's viewpoint. Our tour guide is a local Mayan inhabitant that will share with you his knowledge as a certified guide but also his experience in life as a Mayan descendent.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Boat Transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Trvl_Mor_Often
If you are traveling to Guatemala, you have to ride with Byron! He had all of the essentials covered! He was right there for us when we arrived at the airport with a sign and everything. His vehicle was well maintained and absolutely pristine. Not only was he polite, kind and great with kids; he also spoke flawless English which helped quite a bit because my Spanish is... a little rusty. I cannot say enough good things about this experience. He went above and beyond in every way possible including but not limited to amazing knowledge of local custom and history. My wife and I have traveled all over the world and I can say I would come back to Guatemala just to see Byron again. He was that good!
6. Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan Day, from Guatemala City or Antigua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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
Reviewed By yurykravchuk
Impeccable service, everything was organized at the highest level. Thank you for a wonderful trip to Guatemala.
7. Experience the Culture, Art, & Sacred of Santiago Atitlan.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We customize our tours to fit your interests and the depth you want to explore. Our decades of experience bring lots of information and insight. And we are great at bringing together the history, sacredness, art, stories, and ensuring we have fun while we do it!
Inclusions: Tour, translation, custom tour, lots of awesome info, meet local people, personalized service.
Exclusions: Food, additional transportation, other activities, costs for personal ritual, see website for more.
8. Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan day tour with lunch from Guatemala city
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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
Reviewed By tvans19
Excellent experience! This was one of the best walking tours I’ve been on. Armando was a great guide, who’s very kind and knowledgeable of the area. He made me feel safe and put a lot of care into making sure you have the best possible experience. The amount of things covered throughout the tour is remarkable. I highly recommend this tour if you plan to visit Guatemala City. Thanks again. ☺️
9. Private Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
You will explore Lake Atitlan with local people in a fun way who will be happy to share their lifestyle and traditions. The tour is private and flexible according to your tastes and preferences. The trip to the lake lasts 3 hours each way, upon arrival you will take a shared boat to explore the villages around the lake.
Inclusions: Shared boat transfers, Tuc Tuc rides, Admission fees , Private transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, Breakfast
Reviewed By Ghoza
A surprising great day thanks to our tour guide, Gustavo. He was very knowledgeable of Guatemala’s history and flexible with itinerary. He took us to a great spot with local cuisine for lunch. Highly recommend.
10. Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 5 reviews
Experience an ancient Mayan custom at a fire cleansing and protection ceremony at the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. Immerse yourself in the mysticism of a holy place, and learn why the highland tribes travel for hours to connect with the spirits. Your guide will explain why the ceremonies are performed, and teach you about the ritual and unique meanings of the Mayan calendar.
Inclusions: Local guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Materials for your own ceremony are available for an additional fee
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!
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