Top Things to do in Western Highlands
Things to do in Western Highlands, Western Highlands: The Best Tours
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. Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Experience the flavors of Guatemala during a cooking lesson at the Santa Cruz Cooking Class. Learn to cook authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepian and Tamalitos with a fantastic view of Lake Atitlan. Taste how Mayan culture and Spanish colonial influences blended in perfect harmony through food. Enjoy what you've prepared afterwards. Great for those who love to cook, fine dining, gourmet food, cultural sharing, experiential travel.
Inclusions: Gourmet lunch, that you help preparing, Instruction and the opportunity to enjoy the dishes you prepare, A printed copy of the recipes you prepared
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, 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!
2. 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!
3. Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs from Quetzaltenango
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit these hot springs that emanate from the Zunil Volcano and which flow into the place known today as Fuestes Georginas. These thermal sources were discovered by two laborers from Zunil in the year 1902 and they changed it into communal bath, where people who lived around there or near the thermal baths took a bath when they considered it necessary.
Inclusions: Shared round trip transfer, Local Guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Gratuites, Tips
Reviewed By 775irisl
As a solo female traveler I’m leaving this review for anyone else who may have some doubts. They arrived on time for pick up. Picked up others for the group hike in a timely manner. Stopped for coffee which I appreciated due to it being early. We ran into traffic issues (protest) out of our control. However, our driver got us to the location. Our guide at Pacaya was amazing and I felt safe through out the hike. Amazing views and roasting marshmallows amongst the lava rocks is a memory I’ll forever cherish. In all do it you won’t regret it!
4. Sunrise Hike to the Indian Nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
One of the most hiked mountain on shore Atitlan Lake. From that point it's possible to watch the sunrise and the volcanic chain of Guatemala. This mountain is also known as Indian Nose.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (Just we pick you up at your hotel in San Pedro)
Exclusions: Breakfast, Souvenirs, 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. 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.
6. 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
7. 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:
8. Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A beautiful half-day tour to the Fuentes Georginas hot springs. Soak in 4 thermal pools heated by the nearby volcanoes, surrounded by cloud forest.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Transportation
Exclusions:
Reviewed By jenn-ac-1993
We did a 2 night, 3 day trek from Xela all the way to Lake Atitlan with Mont Verde and had an amazing time! They provided sleeping mats and bags as well as our food and sent our bags straight to San Pedro on the lake to be there when we arrived. They arrange for you to sleep in spare rooms/shacks in the mountains with indigenous families for the 2 nights which is a great experience. Our guide, Felix, was extremely skilled and knowledgeable on the area and prepared great meals for us too! We had an incredible experience and would highly recommend them!
9. Kayak and Hike Adventure Tour from Panajachel in Guatemala
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 10 reviews
Get ready for the adventure with this combined tour that includes kayaking and hiking to the rugged north shore of Lake Atitlan. Explore ancient Mayan paths on an adventure tour from Santa Cruz La Laguna. Discover Mayan villages in the jungles of Guatemala, and see the villagers tending their coffee crops, and more. You will have the option of cliff jump, only if you dare! This section of Lake Atitlan has barely been touched by the outside world, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding volcanoes.
Inclusions: All activities, Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located Panajachel and Santa Cruz hotels), Round-trip shared boat transfer, Professional kayak guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks (available for purchase), Transportation to/from Adventure Center from other locations, 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!
10. 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.
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