Colonial Antigua and the neighbouring Western Highlands are an adventurous traveler's paradise, offering Guatemala's most spectacular cultural and natural attractions. Take a private Western Highlands tour with a friendly local guide and you'll be transported into the magical world of volcanoes, cloud forests and alpine lakes that surround one of Latin America's loveliest cities.

Before you leave for the 'Altiplano' be sure to spend time exploring Antigua. Nestled between three volcanoes, the city offers thriving reminders of its Spanish colonial past at every turn; your guide will help you uncover the city's rich ambiance. Once you leave Antigua, the choices are endless - will you hike to the crater lake at Chicabal or explore the archaeological ruins at Iximché? For a once in a lifetime experience, hike to the top of Tajumulco, Guatemala's highest peak and witness a gorgeous sunset from the 4200m summit of the inactive volcano.

Enjoy your private Western Highlands tour!

Western-Highlands

Full day trip takes you from one end of Lake Atitlan to the other. Travel by private boat to the villages of San Marcos, San Juan and Santiago, with time to explore each village.  Easy walking involved.
Your first stop is San Marcos, where we stop for a walking tour and optional cliff jumping. Then we depart the north shore for San Juan, the "Swiss village" of Lake Atitlan. You will spend approximately 2 hours on a guided walking tour where you visit art galleries, woman's weaving cooperatives, and a medicinal and curative plant garden. Lunch is at a local comedor.
Your third stop is Santiago. The bay of Santiago is a photographer's dream. We take a tour along the shore of the bay before we start our walking tour. Your first stop is a visitor center that offers insight into the life of the Tzutujile Maya. There are interpretive displays on the history of the traje (traditional clothing), spiritual beliefs and Maximon. We we tour the local church, market, historical sites, and visit Maximon.

Amazing beauty will take your breath away

Tzutujile Mayan in full traditional clothes

Explore San Marcos, San Juan and Santiago

Lake Atitlan - Mayan Village Tour

Fuentes Georgina's Hot Springs Private Tour

The Hot Springs - Fuentes Georginas is a pools place with natural hot water, ideal to reduce or disappear problems with stress, muscular pain, and relax the body and soul during your trip in Guatemala. The agriculture landscape and the cloud forests that you will see will make this experience unforgettable.

The first stop is at Zunil, where we will explore the local Maya Mam town. You will experience how they live, more about culture and traditions and, the most relevant aspect of the place. Maximon, an important Mayan folk saint in the highlands of Guatemala, represented by a dressed up wooden figure, sitting on a chair.

This is a good way to experience the mysticism of the Mayan Culture.

If you have specific transportation requirements, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me a message, I will be happy to arrange it for you.

The entrance fee to the Hot Springs, Fuentes Georginas.

A box lunch is included:
A bottle of water, 
A granola bar, 
A banana, 
An apple 
and a sandwich.

Relax at the thermal water coming from the volcano veins with a private guided tour

Hike the Upper Mayan Trail, Cloud Forest, and Solola market

Full day trip takes you high into the mountains on a strenuous hike ending in Solola. Explore the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Hike through maize fields, coffee fields, old growth forest, and into the cloud forest. You can visit a sacred Mayan site where rituals are performed by the local shamans, and make your own offering at the alter.
This rugged and remote area has barely been touched by the outside world. Our hike takes us 2500 feet above the waters of Atitlan for breath taking views and pristine scenery. You walk though a remote Mayan village high in the mountains where we find the road. You hike along ancient paths that have been used by the Kachekel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily life, encounter farmers tending their maize and coffee fields, and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world, with the hike ending in Solola. You visit one of the largest markets in Guatemala, then travel by private vehicle to Pana.

Explore the hidden paradise in the forest above Lake Atitlan & visit the Solola market through the back door

Hiking day in the fabulous Chicabal Volcano and Laguna on private tour

Highlands in Guatemala owns the most wonderful volcanoes and mountains to go hiking.
The Chicabal Lagoon and volcano is considered one of the most sacred and ecological sites for the practice of the Mayan cosmovision. The volcano is used for carrying out the traditional Mayan ceremonies all over the year.

This picturesque volcano mixes Mayan-Mam spirituality and stunning mountain scenery with the mysterious lake in the crater of the volcano and its mystical cloud forest.

A community tourism project where locals protect and get benefits from their own land. Preserving the flora and fauna of the forest.

This is a moderate hike, will take two and a half hours to get up the top and one an a half to go down.

If you have specific requirements for a larger group, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me a message, I will be happy to arrange it for you.

Entrance fee is per person, and is included.

Box Lunch: 

A bottle of water
A banana
An apple
A granola bar
A sandwich

Chicabal Lagoon: At the crater of the volcano, you will see and explore a lagoon, where local people practice, nowadays, Mayan Ceremonies.

Chicabal Volcano: A wonderful view from the top.

Chicabal, lagoon and volcano: Once at the top, we will go down the stairs at the crater to get to the lagoon.

This is a lovely view you will find at the top of the volcano. A lagoon on its crater.

During the hike, you will enjoy lovely landscapes of Santa Maria volcano.

Exploring the most important ceremonial center of the Mam culture with a private guide

Mayan Fire ceremony with Shaman / Curandero

This one-of-a-kind experience with a Mayan shaman (curandero) will immerse you in the ancient ritual of fire cleansing. This tradition goes back centuries. Modern-day shamans perform this ritual for protection, healing, and cleansing as a way of maintaining their spiritual life.

The ceremony is held in the most sacred location around Lake Atitlan, the caves of San Jorge. You'll feel the energy and power as soon as you enter the caves. Mayans from the highland tribes frequently travel here to perform holistic healthcare rituals on behalf of the indigenous poor, and it's likely locals will come to pray in the caves whilst you are there.

With the help of your local guide, you will learn also about the 5000-year-old Mayan calendar, how it relates to the ceremony, and how it influences daily life for the Maya of Guatemala.

ceremony w shaman

Exploring the most beautiful buildings on a private city tour in Quetzaltenango

This is a half day walking tour, exploring the most beautiful buildings and sites in Quetzaltenango, the second most important city in Guatemala, also known by its Maya name, " Xela". Quetzaltenango is known for its culture and tradition, the perfect city to explore and live a local life.

We will visit The cathedral, the city hall, Pasaje Enriquez, where we will try the local beer, will visit the theater, trying some local candies, following the route we will find the Cemetery and to the end, we will find a place to eat some chuchitos, enchiladas, and some famous street food.

If you have specific requirements for a larger group, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me a message, I will be happy to arrange it for you.

We will try some street food during the tour. 

One Local beer
One enchilada
One chuchito
Horchata
One traditional Candy

The Cathedral of Quetzaltenango tells us about history of the city and the natural disasters like quakes of 1853 that destroyed almost all the structure.

The Xela's Cemetery: Famous for all the activities at November 1st and its colorful landscape.

Monuments in Xela: in honor to the ex-president Justo Rufino Barrios.

The City Hall: This city with a unique architecture, famous for its historic center that has neoclassical buildings. It is a destination very visited by its culture and traditions, you can also appreciate sites with beautiful views and landscapes that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Street food is one of the main characteristics you will see and experience while you are in Quetzaltenango.

Walking and tasting a delicious street food with a private guide

Hiking - The Active Santiaguito volcano - Private Tour

Eco and community tourism hike. Santiaguito volcano is one of the most actives volcanoes in the whole Central America, It is located in Quetzaltenango, the highlands of Guatemala. Famouse for its activity but also for the beautiful Maya Mam community that protec this area.
This community will be waiting for us, they will assign one person from the community to join us during the hike, that will make more interesting our journey because this person will share with us anecdots of their own community.
Once we finish the hike, we will have an amazing opportunity to have lunch at the house of one of the Mayan families. We will explore the community and learn about their lifes.

Waiting for the first explosion of Santiaguito Volcano.

Hiking and Maya Mam culture

Chichicastenango's Market & Q'umarkaaj Archaeological Site Day Trip

We start our tour with a visit to Q'umarkaaj archaeological site, ancient capital of the Mayan Quiché people during the post classic period, where usually in special days we can witness live ceremonies.

Santo Tomas Chichicastenango, a mystical town in the western highlands, 18 kilometers south of Q'umarkaaj, is a popular destination for tourists attracted by its enigmatic church and Market days (Thursdays and Sundays), colorful cemetery and Pascual Abaj (shrine located at the summit of a hill nearby the town, where Mayan priests perform ceremonies).

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If you have specific transportation requirements, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me an email by clicking on the 'ASK A QUESTION' button that's listed on my tour page and profile. I will reply to you promptly. Thanks!

Chichicastenango's church fachade during the night of the start of the local faire in December

Pascual Ab'aj Maya Shrine and Ceremonial Site

Experience the Maya culture in Guatemala with a private guide

Water Sports in Guatemala with Hiking Tour

Full-day trip begins and ends in Santa Cruz. Includes a guide kayak tour along the rugged north shore, and a hike back thru San Marcos, Tzununa, El Jaibalito and Santa Cruz la Laguna. You will enjoy this experience if you love nature, spending time on the water, and want to learn about the history of the lake and the Mayan people who live here. I have been guiding on Lake Atitlan for over 10 years and love to share with my guests.

Full day includes a kayak tour and a hike back thru Mayan villages

This is a very unique experience, meeting a Maya Quiché woman with a lot of knowlagaes about our ancesters and their gastronomy.
During the tour we will be able to see and interact with the proces of cooking a Mayan dish, you can feel the texture and smell of each ingredient.

At the end of all the proces, you will enjoy the dish.

Note:
The proposed schedule of the itinerary is flexible, if you have a different preference, we can change.
The food is made by chicken, meat or pork. If you have a special diet, please let me know.

Learning process of cooking local food in Guatemala.

Explanation about past and actual process of cooking local food in Guatemala.

Try and learn about Guatemalan Gastronomy on a private tour

Guatemalan Gastronomy - Private Tour

This one-day trip will take you to find yourself, you will be guided to calm your mind, let go of your stress and dedicate this moment of internal connection just for you, exercising your body in a harmonic way, connecting with your whole being.

Supporting community tourism projects in the hihglands of Guatemala, you will be able to learn about Medicinal plants within the Mayan community, hike their magical forest, enjoy a healthy and delicious Mayan food abong others. 

Lunch at a local Mayan Family is included.

Reconnect your spirit in the magical forest of Guatemala

Wellness Tour 

Are you looking to experience Guatemala in an authentic and personal way? Experience the taste and flavors of Guatemala cooking at the Santa Cruz Cooking Class. 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 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.
Learn to cook authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepian & Tamalitos with a fantastic view of Lake Atitlan.

All proceeds support the community of Santa Cruz La Laguna through the local nonprofit Amigos de Santa Cruz which runs education and economic empowerment programs (see amigosdesantacruz. org or Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation on Facebook for more information). Classes are taught by Claudia, a local graduate of Amigos' culinary program.

For the food costs involved in the cooking

Learn to cook authentic Guatemalan dishes

Classes are taught by Claudia, a local graduate of Amigos' culinary program

Enjoy your 3-course lunch on our patio overlooking Lake Atitlan

Experience the taste and flavors of Guatemala cooking

Santa Cruz Cooking Class Tour

One of Guatemala's natural marvels, and a sacred place for Mayan people since ancient times, and a place with a rich variety of flora and fauna.

Chicabal volcano is one of the two volcanos in Guatemala with a lagoon in their craters.

Located in the department of Quetzaltenango, close to the town of San Martín Sacatepéquez, 275 km away from Guatemala City in western Guatemala. At an altitude of 2712 meters (around 8895 feet), covering a surface of 19 ha (around 2045 square feet), with 331 meters depth (around 1085 feet).

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If you have specific transportation requirements, pricing inquiries or if your preferred start time isn't listed, please send me an email by clicking on the 'ASK A QUESTION' button that's listed on my tour page and profile. I will reply to you promptly. Thanks!

View of the mist gathering in the center of the lagoon

Amazing mirror effect when the water is completely calm

Discover its magical lagoon & sacred Mayan places

Chicabal Volcano Two Day Trip

2 Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package, from Antigua

Your first day of paddling departs from the beachfront staging area.
This section of the lake's shoreline has dramatic scenery filled with exotic plant and bird life. You will have many up close encounters with Mayan men who fish from hand hewn cayukas as they have for centuries.
Take the opportunity to climb a cliff and jump into the crystal waters, or just enjoy a swim and sun. Pull into the bay and village of San Marcos and enjoy this unique paradise.
You will have free time to explore before gearing up for the afternoon hike.
Start your second day with a kayak paddle to explore another section of shore line. Afternoon hike up the secluded Pumpatin Canyon and see a much different tropical eco-system. The trail follows the Pumpatin River along cascading waterfalls, coffee fields, and very exotic plant and bird life. This canyon is rarely seen by outsiders, and we consider it to be our secret garden paradise.

Everything you want from a Lake Atitlan experience. Savor the lake from the best perspective possible.

Santa Catarina is a small village that is easy to explore on foot. There are several womans weaving cooperatives where you can see the beautiful textiles being made into table coverings, clothing, and bed covers. The colors used on this side of the lake are bright vibrant blues, purples, and reds, woven into elaborate and beautiful designs.
You will walk through terraced fields of onion and garlic as they have been maintained for hundreds of years, and visit with the farmers.
Visit the home of a local Mayan healer (curasera). She will perform a healing or protection ceremony specifically for you. You will experience the ancient healing arts practiced by the Mayan for thousands of years. This is a unique opportunity to visit a local home and experience Mayan life for your self.

individual mayan ceremony, fee to shaman. Temescal sauna.

mayan ceremony, santa catarina, curasera, mayan village

Santa Catarina tour with Mayan ceremony

Family Fun Day - children's day camp tour

This takes the best of what Lake Atitlan has to offer and blends it into a fun day of activities and relaxation. Great for kids, families and those who want to enjoy!
Itinerary - The day begins from your hotel or holiday rental - I will meet you and bring you to the boat (centrally located hotels are a short walk to the docks) - to start your day in Santa Cruz. The activities adhere to USA safety standards. Kayak for an hour or so, then hike @ 20min through the local forest to a rock wall. I will teach you the basics of top-rope supported rock climbing. Safe rock climbing (harnesses, ropes, etc. ) up to 45 feet, then rappel down. When ready, return to Santa Cruz for lunch and free time to swim, kayak more, hang out - archery, hammocks. . . . . Return to your hotel by 3-4 pm. You decide on your activities and ENJOY !
Cost includes bilingual guide, lunch, all activities, boat to/from Santa Cruz

Additional fee per person for lunch, kayak rental, rock climbing fee, and boat transportation.

Santa cruz la laguna tours

Explore with 17 tours and 3 guides.

Lee B.

$ 335 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 575 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 255 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 695 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 210 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 490 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 315 (USD)

Nestor

$ 350 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 155 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 275 (USD)

Yessika C.

$ 420 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 110 (USD)

Nestor

$ 550 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 625 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 210 (USD)

Lee B.

$ 145 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Santa cruz la laguna

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