10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Lake Atitlan That You Shouldn't Miss

March 9, 2022 Dorsey Hagwood

Discover the best top things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala including Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Antigua, 6-Day Tour: Traditional Guatemala Including Antigua, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlan and Tikal, Tour a NGO non profit Vocational Training Center Amigos de Santa Cruz and explore the Mayan village, 11-Day Mayan Ruins Tour: Guatemala and Copán, Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua, Chichicastenango & Lake Atitlan Day, from Guatemala City or Antigua, Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan day tour with lunch from Guatemala city, Real Mayan Culture- Visit three different villages around lake atitlan, Lake Atitlan Village Tour - from Panajachel, Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City.
Restaurants in Lake Atitlan

1. Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Antigua

Gray Line Guatemala
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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.

2. 6-Day Tour: Traditional Guatemala Including Antigua, Chichicastenango Market, Lake Atitlan and Tikal

Gray Line Guatemala
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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!

3. Tour a NGO non profit Vocational Training Center Amigos de Santa Cruz and explore the Mayan village

Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store, CECAP Building, Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala Los Elementos Adventure Center
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Great opportunity to see the inner workings of a successful NGO.  Perfect for volunteers, educators, families, and individual travelers who are interested in social development.  This experience will inspire you with the success' that have transformed a small Mayan community.

Inclusions: Guided tour of the NGO programs and village., Lunch is included in the lunch option.

Exclusions: Transportation to/from Santa Cruz, Additional donations

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. 11-Day Mayan Ruins Tour: Guatemala and Copán

Guatemalan Adventure Day Tour
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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

5. Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua

Gt Business & Travel
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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

Guat2do
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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. Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan day tour with lunch from Guatemala city

GTM Tour Guide & Travel Services
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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. ☺️

8. Real Mayan Culture- Visit three different villages around lake atitlan

Tour Guide Salvador
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

It is a tour to wisit three mayan villages around the lake atitlan. 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.  • Santiago Atitlan  • Panajachel • San Juan la Laguna

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, private round-trip transfer (boat taxi)

Exclusions: Food and 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.

9. Lake Atitlan Village Tour - from Panajachel

Tour Guide Salvador
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4.5 based on 2 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: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer (Taxi boat), Local guide

Exclusions: Food and 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.

10. Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City

Guatemalan Adventure Day Tour
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4.4 based on 16 reviews

See Guatemala’s mixture of Mayan and Spanish influences on this 8-hour tour from Guatemala City to the Iximché ruins and the city of Antigua. Learn about Mayan history from your expert guide as you explore the archeological site of Iximché. Then, move on to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua, where you’ll see some of its most famous sites, including San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and Plaza Central. This historical day trip is perfect for the whole family!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, 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

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