Top Things to do in Western Highlands
What to do and see in Western Highlands, Western Highlands: The Best Historical & Heritage 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. 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.
2. Tour a NGO non profit Vocational Training Center Amigos de Santa Cruz and explore the Mayan village
Overall Ratings
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!
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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. ☺️
7. Real Mayan Culture- Visit three different villages around lake atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
It is a tour to wisit three mayan villages around the lake atitlan. 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. • Santiago Atitlan • Panajachel • San Juan la Laguna
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, private round-trip transfer (boat taxi)
Exclusions: 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.
8. Lake Atitlan Village Tour - from Panajachel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 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: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip private transfer (Taxi boat), Local guide
Exclusions: 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. Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 16 reviews
See Guatemala’s mixture of Mayan and Spanish influences on this 8-hour tour from Guatemala City to the Iximché ruins and the city of Antigua. Learn about Mayan history from your expert guide as you explore the archeological site of Iximché. Then, move on to the Spanish colonial city of Antigua, where you’ll see some of its most famous sites, including San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and Plaza Central. This historical day trip is perfect for the whole family!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By roxyosuna
This company was very professional from beginning to end. They answered all my questions prior to booking, they were on time for pick up and the tour was as described. Excellent service
10. IXIMCHE MAYAN RUINS TOUR from La Antigua
Overall Ratings
4.3 based on 3 reviews
Leave your Hotel in Antigua to visit a Pre- Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site on a ride of 1 hour and a half towards the western highlands of Guatemala. Iximche was the capital of the late Post classic Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom from 1470 until its temples, palaces and two Mesoamerican ball courts, be amazed watching one of the best restored archaeological sites of Guatemala and the whole mayan world in general.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver, Licensed Bilingual Guide, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, All Fees and Taxes, WiFi
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, T.I.P.S
Reviewed By 61tiar
Erwin was an absolutely fantastic tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable and definitely has a passion for his city! He even recommended and joined us for an extremely delicious, traditional Guatemalan meal. We not only had a blast on our tour, but also gained a life long friend. I highly recommend taking a tour with Erwin.
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