Things to do in Solola Department, Western Highlands: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 3, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Solola Department, Guatemala including Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Guatemala City, Private Tour: Lake Atitlan Boat Tour and Santiago Village from Antigua, Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel, Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel, Tour a NGO non profit Vocational Training Center Amigos de Santa Cruz and explore the Mayan village, indian´s nose, Experience the Culture, Art, & Sacred of Santiago Atitlan., Private Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour , Indian Nose Hiking Adventure (custom and private tour), Panajachel / Lake Atitlan.
Restaurants in Solola Department

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

Gray Line Guatemala
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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

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.

3. Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel

Panajachel, Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Solola Department, Western Highlands Los Elementos Adventure Center
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Visit the closest Mayan ruin to Lake Atitlan. These well preserved ruins include pyramid-temples, ball-courts, royal palaces, museum, and interpretive signs explaining the history of the site. Built over 1000 years ago, this site is worth exploring. Mayan rituals are still performed at this site. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization, the 5000 year old Mayan calendar, astrological observations, and how the modern day Mayan views their culture.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, coach, or SUV, Round-trip private/shared transportation (depending on tour option), 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!

4. Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel

Ferry, Panajachel, Guatemala Los Elementos Adventure Center
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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!

5. 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!

6. indian´s nose

Benjy Travel/Tours, 8A Av 6C-24, San Pedro La Laguna 07018, Guatemala Benjy Travel
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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

7. Experience the Culture, Art, & Sacred of Santiago Atitlan.

Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala LeeAnn Heinbaugh - Iliana
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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. Private Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour

Authentic Guatemala
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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.

9. Indian Nose Hiking Adventure (custom and private tour)

Tour Guide Salvador
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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.

10. Panajachel / Lake Atitlan

Caminos del Quetzal
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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.

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