Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Western Highlands, Western Highlands

January 8, 2022 Lean Nau

Guatemala’s 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 Guatemala’s indigenous population, living where their ancestors trod.
Restaurants in Western Highlands

1. Voltan Adventures

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
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5.0 based on 258 reviews

Voltan Adventures

We offer a variety of cultural, adventure and ecotourism tour packages in Guatemala with exciting itineraries designed for individual visitors, small and large groups. Due to our many years of experience in the travel industry, we offer competitive prices with no compromise on quality. We are highly recommended by our customers on Trip Advisor an award that recognizes the quality of our services and hard work and dedication of our team. In 2016, we decided to change our company name to Voltan Adventures. Voltan is the Mayan God of the Earth NOT to be confused with Votan (the Mayan God of War). Over the years our company has developed a stellar reputation as one of the best tour operators within Guatemala. Because our base of operations is at Lake Atitlan and our former company name was Tours Atitlan some people would confuse our company with a competitor whose name is similar. We noticed a trend. Numerous tour operators were incorporating the lake into their company name and this was leading to much confusion. Because our company is Mayan owned and locally operated we decided it would be best to embrace our culture and take a more distinctive name where there can be no confusion. So welcome to Voltan Adventures. To read about our company’s past reviews please see our customers Trip Advisor reviews under our old company name: Tours Atitlan, and after your trip with us, please post a review under our new name so we can begin a new tradition!

2. Quetzaltrekkers

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 539 reviews

Quetzaltrekkers

Quetzaltrekkers is the only all non-profit, all volunteer-run trekking organization in Guatemala. Whether you're scaling a towering volcano or going from highland village to highland village, participating in our treks is a truly unique experience. 100% of our profits support a local school and dormitory for children living in Quetzaltenango.

3. Mayan Dynasty Tours

Excellent
99%
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1%
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5.0 based on 139 reviews

Mayan Dynasty Tours

Mayan Dynasty Tours is operated by a Tzutujil Mayan man born and raised in San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The name of our business before was ´´Adventure Atitlan Tours´´ I am a licensed and authorized tour guide in Guatemala. I have been a tour guide nearly 10 years so my experience in Tourism guarantees my clients a unique trip on the lake and my country. We offer custom day and multi-day trips for individuals, couples, families, students and groups all over Guatemala. We provide cultural immersion and special tours such as Village Tours, Hikes to volcanoes and mountains, visit to archaeological sites, Horseback riding, etc. Give us an opportunity to customize your trip.

4. Lake Atitlan Travel Guide

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Lake Atitlan Travel Guide

Lake Atitlan Tours Provides First Class Tour Services for Travelers to the Highlands of Guatemala. Lake Atitlan Tours Invites You to Discover and Experience the Cultural, Historical, and Natural Wonders of Lake Atitlan Guatemala for a Truly Magical and Unforgettable Experience. From majestic volcanoes and mountains and mysterious ancient Mayan temples and ruins, to colorful outdoor markets, Lake Atitlan’s unique physical attributes offer some of the most-awe-inspiring sites in the world.

5. Mayan Kitchen

Rn 14 Between Casa Blanca Hotel and Hostel Fe, San Pedro La Laguna 07018 Guatemala +502 5824 7440 [email protected] http://www.mayankitchencookingclass.com/
Excellent
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 267 reviews

Mayan Kitchen

Are you looking to experience Guatemala in an authentic and personal way? Experience the taste and flavors of Guatemala cooking at the Lake Atitlan Maya Kitchen. This class will help you understand how our Mayan culture and Spanish colonial influence blended together in a perfect harmony through food. You will have lots of hands-on fun learning how to cook up three authentic Guatemalan dishes during this 3-5 hour Guatemala cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional recipes that are unique to Guatemala, and come away with all the skills you need to prepare them in your own kitchen. Our classes start at 9am. with a tour in the local Market, where together will purchase our ingredients, buying organic vegies from local people productors so in that way We are supporting their projects and giving them opportunities too.

Reviewed By Gapyeartravelers

Anita’s cooking class was our favourite activity in San Pedro !! We had the best experience, from buying fresh produce from the market in the morning to cooking up the yummiest meal in the most beautiful kitchen. There were 3 of us in the class which was the perfect number to all get involved and always have something to do ! Anita was the best host, so accommodating, knowledgeable about Mayan culture and open to sharing her own amazing story. Preparing the meal and then sitting down altogether to eat it was so rewarding and it tasted amazing !! I couldn’t recommend this Mayan cooking class more to anyone of any age. If you are in San Pedro it is absolutely a must !!!!

6. Atitlan Nature Reserve

Antigua Finca San Buenaventura, Panajachel 07010 Guatemala +502 7762 2565 [email protected] http://www.atitlanreserva.com
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 811 reviews

Atitlan Nature Reserve

The Atitlan Nature Reserve is both a must for visitors of Lake Atitlan and a force in the environmental cause: Atitlan Azul. It is an extraordinary gate to the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its spectacular volcanoes. Its zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colors and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink, then you continue to explore the diversity and beauty of this natural wonder. At night, the crickets, owls and the sounds of the night will be your company in our lodging. The Reserve supports the work of scientist and students concerned with biodiversity and environmental degradation.

Reviewed By ChrisW9565

A short tuk tuk ride from central Pana, this nature preserve is quite nice. We explored the butterfly dome which was also accompanied by some in-depth explanations & exhibits from different stages of the butterfly's life. We also did the Xtreme Ziplining. The trail up took us past some of the nature trail and were able to see some monkeys on the way up!! It was my first time ziplining, and they could not have been nice about taking care of me and showing me the ropes. The views were *breathtaking* and I absolutely recommend stopping here and spend half a day if you have the time.

7. Laguna Chicabal

Quetzaltenango Guatemala +502 3025 6142
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 164 reviews

Laguna Chicabal

Reviewed By solidarity4ever

It's nt an easy hike so one must be in shape. Beuatiful and serene and considered to be a sacred place by the local Maya folk. Bring a light jacked as it can chilly.

8. Quetzal Tours Guatemala

Excellent
88%
Good
5%
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4.5 based on 73 reviews

Quetzal Tours Guatemala

Opening its doors since 2011, Quetzal Tours Guatemala has provided tours and recreation services to many satisfied visitors in Xela. Giving work opportunity to local people Quetzal Tours Guatemala helps to build a better community. My name is Jose Sica. I was born in Totonicapan, a town about 45 minutes from Xela. I know the area very well and would love to show you around my home country of Guatemala. I lived in the United States for 15 years so my English is very good. I also have 6 years experience as a tour guide and offer a range of affordable tours that cater for all interests. I have recently partnered with a local family who live in a safe, quiet residential neighbourhood in Xela. Quetzal Tours is now excited to offer language classes, a homestay and delicious home-cooked meals. The family also has a roof terrace with views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes as well as a traditional Mayan sauna which you can use for just Q20 per person. We specialize in short-term language classes specifically designed for tourists. We can help you learn how to order in a restaurant, catch local buses, rent a hotel room and how to ask the locals for advice about things to see in your destination. We know your holiday schedule is already jam-packed with activities so we offer introductory classes for as little as one hour. However, to really make the most of your time in Central America, we recommend five hours of classes to cover all the basic vocabulary needed for travelling. We offer day tours and overnight hikes. Please contact us with any questions. We would be happy to design a tour program or language classes to suit your needs. Prices are negotiable and we offer discounts for additional people. Please contact us for a quote. Services offered: -Volcano Hikes and Ziplining (Canopy) -Coffee Tours and Birdwatching Tours -Shuttle and Private transportation -Overnight camping treks (2 and 3 day treks) -Paragliding

9. Lema Association

San Juan la Laguna 07017 Guatemala +502 5866 8446 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/Asociaci%C3%B3n-Lema-463674480316548/
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 23 reviews

Lema Association

Lema, one of the oldest weaving cooperatives in the Solola region, is located in the center of the historic and tranquil town of San Juan La Laguna that borders Lake Atitlan. All of the textiles at Lema are made by local artisians that use natural dyes to create a diverse array of culturally authentic textiles. In addition to the store, Lema offers an authentic Guatemalan experience in a Tzutujil village through their home stay experience! The package includes a complete cultural experience in San Juan La Laguna. Each homestay offers two bedrooms with one to two beds. Bathrooms are shared with host families and other guests. Three authentic, homecooked, Guatemalan meals are provided daily. Homestays also offer traditional weaving classes, local coffee plantation tours, fishing tours, and guided hike of the "Mayan Face."The store is located up the hill from beautiful Lake Atitlan. San Juan La Laguna attracts many tourists with its tranquility and authentic Mayan culture. You can either take the minibus from Antigua or embark on a short ferry ride from Panajachel, a more urban area with many bars and restarants.Once you arrive at the San Juan dock, Lema is about a seven minute walk directly up the hill. Tuc Tucs are available to transport guests and luggage for a small fee of 5 quetzales.A basic understanding of Spanish for the home stay experience is advisable. WiFi is not available but there are many internet cafes within walking distance. Feel free to contact us with any questions! We look forward to meeting you!

Reviewed By dianehK5760ZP - Chicago, United States

I visited Rosa's shop and had a demonstration of the local natural dyeing process, followed by a lesson in backstrap weaving. I had studied natural dyes before this demo, so was particularly interested in their cultivation of cochineal insects for dyeing. Maria gave me the tour (I had little Spanish, but she used her phone and google translate quite effectively before the translator we hired arrived...it's an accessible tour even without much Spanish). The place where the cactus are growing and harvested, including the greenhouse where they are collecting the cochineals was most interesting. Maria demonstrated the dyeing process , including using vinegar and aluminum salts to alter the pH and change the color of the dye. Following the demonstration, we returned to the shop at Lema to see how the warp is strung for the backstrap weaving process. Maria demonstrated, then gave me a chance to try some weaving. It is harder than it looks to get your mind and your hands to work together to weave successfully. I had enough time to get the feel for what I was doing, and to recognize the worth of all those woven things in the shop. It took about 2 hours, so we had the afternoon to explore the town. Rosa has built up a great business that benefits the local women, so if you're in the town and looking for textiles to take home, give this place a look!

10. Xela Adventure

Excellent
89%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
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Poor
3%
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3%
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5.0 based on 38 reviews

Xela Adventure

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