Top Things to do in Western Highlands
The 10 Best Private Tours in Western Highlands, Western Highlands
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. 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!
2. 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.
3. Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Enjoy the most magnificent view of Lake Atitlan, whether it be sunrise or mid-day. Over 4000 feet above Lake Atitlan you will see the entire lake and have views of seven volcanoes. Easy hike from the trail head to summit, the drive through the highlands and cloud forest are worth the trip alone. Add on a trip to the Sacred Hunters Cave as an extra bonus. Learn about the history of this cave and why it has become a sacred symbol for the hunters.
Inclusions: Round trip ground transportation, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
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!
4. indian´s nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Indian Nose se encuentra en la esquina noroeste del lago Atitlán, uno de los principales destinos de Guatemala La montaña divide los pueblos de San Juan La Laguna y Santa Clara La Laguna. es uno de los puntos de vista del amanecer más épicos de Guatemala. La belleza de la caminata por la nariz de la India para aquellos que no están en ella durante un largo recorrido es que la caminata dura menos de 30 minutos Es una aventura corta y económica con vistas épicas y una excelente manera de comenzar tu día de aventuras en la zona.
Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea
Exclusions: Breakfast
Reviewed By Flitz8
I used company for transportation to San Pedro and back to Antigua, good trip, professional, had stop as well
5. 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.
6. Chocolate Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This Tour wants to tell us the history of chocolate worldwide, its origins here in Guatemala and especially the Mayan culture. The process is an experience and what to say about the tastings that will leave you asking for more. Quetzaltenango, is in Guatemala the place where you will find the best chocolate to drink and eat. These traditions of family drinks have been transformed into a way of life and subsistence for decades for many families already dedicated to the trade of the famous and world-famous cocoa!
Inclusions: In-person guide
Exclusions:
7. 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.
8. Indian Nose Hiking Adventure (custom and private tour)
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 7 reviews
Hiking tours at Lake Atitlan don’t get much better than climbing the Indian Nose on the Northwest shore of Lake Atitlan. Also called Rupalaj K’istalin, this 2,200m mountain presents one of the most rewarding climbs of Lake Atitlan. In addition to the view of the lake and the volcanoes, you will witness superb views of the villages of San Juan and San Pedro la Laguna. We will pick you up at your hotel in San Pedro la Laguna at 4:00am and then hit the road to Santa Clara la Laguna. From there we will begin the hike. The ascension is around 30 minutes to reach the top of the Indian Nose mountain and admire the Sunrise.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Only hotels in San Pedro L.L)
Exclusions: Drinks, 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. Panajachel / Lake Atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy this beautiful town on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Visit a small coffee plantation, learn how the textiles of Guatemala are done, chocolate is made and also visit the most talented people and enjoy their paintings. A day of full experiences, culture and more...
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities, Coffee and/or Tea
Reviewed By theresa59
I have used Helmuth and his team several times for trips from the airport as well as tours in and around Antigua. Whie he may be a bit more expensive than some others, it is worth it. The drivers are on time and the rides are always comfortable and safe. his tour guides are knowledgeable and always speak English as well as Spanish. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Helmuth for any of your travel plans in and around Antigua and other parts of Guatemala.
10. Iximche Archaeological Site from Guatemala City/ Antigua Guatemala
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the ancient Kaqchikel Real at Iximche, a Maya city conquered by the Spaniards. Travel outside Guatemala City via the Inter-American Highway to Guatemala's first capital for a guided tour of the archaeological site. Round-trip transfer are provided.
Inclusions: Driver and guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottle with water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Lunch
