Top Things to do in Western Highlands
Top 10 Day Trips from 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. Hike Around Lake Atitlan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This hike very known will guide you through stunning views, so be prepared. We will begin from Santa Cruz la Laguna and will end in San Marcos la Laguna. It is a up and down trail 9 km long. Relatively easy I recommended this hike for all ages. • Lake view • Mayan Villages • Corn and beans field • Pickup/drop off: Panajachel or Lake Atitlan Area. • Lenght: 4 hours total (2 hrs hike) • Begin at 7:30 am.
Inclusions: One-way private transfer, Hotel pickup, Professional guide
Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch
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.
4. 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!
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. Tikal Sunset Tour from Flores in Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Small group of maximum 9 people, premium tour visiting the best spots to photograph the monuments Guaranteed departure, we operate only with 1 passenger without additional charges and if we go over 9 people, we make 2 groups Extensive tour, with enough time and flexibility, excellent for photographers Entry fees available in advance, we pay those for you, just send us a list of names, last names and ages Excellent English-Spanish bilingual guide with deep knowledge of local history, flora and fauna and with service attitude to give a meaning to each monument visited Bottles of water, lunch at Restaurante del Parque included (gluten-free and vegan options)
Inclusions: Mosquito Repellent Application, Professional bilingual tour guide in Tikal, Tikal Map, Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch at Restaurante del Parque, 5 options
Exclusions: Sunset and Day Entry fees to Tikal for a total of US$34 only payable for guests 10 year old and on.
Reviewed By dandelionc361
Marlon Diaz - the epitome of a personal tour guide. Very punctual, a confident and experienced driver, he is well informed in the history of the country, the local traditions and customs of each town that he drove us to, which were enthusiastically and effectively communicated, and helped to making our visit an unforgettable experience Marlon was eager show off the natural beauty of his country, giving us the names of the trees, flowers, birds, pointing out a lot that we would not have noticed but for his keen eye, making it for us a very cultural tour Courteous, interactive, sensitive, humorous, coupled with professionalism, he was particularly mindful of our individual requirements for the twelve days that he guided us through his country. I truly appreciated the constant attention he paid to my safety and well being, encouraging me to go the extra bit, when I thought I could go no further. . Highly recommended, without a doubt
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. 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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