Guatemala Indigenous Market Tours: Culture & Crafts

Immerse yourself in the coffee culture on the communal estates of the indigenous Tz'utujiles Mayans. Discover the fascinating story of how coffee arrived in Guatemala and Lake Atitlan, and learn about the ecological and sustainable techniques used by local communities. You’ll know the full production process, from bean planting to cupping, as we tour the coffee plots together. This unique experience will allow you to connect deeply with the traditions and life of the indigenous communities that live around the lake. Finally, we will explore the colorful streets of San Juan La Laguna, where art, culture and Mayan essence merge in every corner.

This tour will take you up to the base of the “Vol­can de Agua” in the indigenous town of Santa Maria de Jesus with an altitude of over 2,070mts above sea level. You will get to visit the local market at the town’s square. As you make your way back down to Antigua, you will stop in the aldea of San Juan del Obispo where we visit the local chocolate factory "Chocolate Antigua" and a local wine store "Vinieria Los Lobos" We get to see the chocolate process on the tour of the small chocolate factory and get to taste some samples of their different chocolate flavors. Our next stop is San Pedro de las Huertas, where we visit a local jade factory and are able to see and learn about making these rocks into fine jewelry. Our next and final stop is the food stop. We visit a local restaurant where we are able to taste local food and some delicious drinks.

Embark on a unique journey through the indigenous peoples of San Juan, San Pedro and Santiago Atitlan, where you will discover the richness of Tz’utujil culture through its traditions, art and daily life. We’ll walk through its colorful streets, vibrant markets and stunning colonial churches as we learn about its fascinating history and worldview. Unique experiences on the tour: We will visit the World of Mayan Bees; discover the ancient connection between the Maya and nature. Artisan Chocolate Factory; Know the elaboration and taste the authentic local cocoa. Women's Weavers Textile Shop: Admire the art of traditional weaving and its symbolism. Local Art Gallery: Learn about contemporary expressions inspired by Mayan heritage. Dynamics included: Moment for photos and videos ; Capture unforgettable memories with landscapes and people. Optional purchasing opportunity ; Directly supports local entrepreneurs and artists.

If you want to discover that Antigua´s charm relies on its hardworking and smiley people, their products and traditions… This is the adventure to go for!!  In this 5 hour tour through Antigua´s surroundings, you will experience the art of Chocolate Beverage, Coffee and its cultivation and Process, Macadamia Nuts and all its products, Monuments and Museums, Local Handicrafts Markets and More. This attraction operates from Monday to Saturday, all mornings. Join our well experienced team at the comfort of our vans and let´s learn and have fun together. 

At Chichicastenango Maya Market you will witness ancient Indian rituals at the Santo Tomas Church,also enjoy the picturesque outdoor market where locals from the region gather to buy and sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, animals, textiles and handicrafts.

This full day tour takes you to Guatemala’s most famous market. This market is a traditional indigenous Quiche market, and includes a walk to the cemetery and Paschal Abaj, the Shaman Hill. You are likely to witness a sacred Fire Cleansing Ceremony conducted by a Mayan shaman. Learn about the Mayan story of creation, the Mayan ceremony, the base-20 counting system, and the 5,000 year-old Mayan calendar. Even visit the Mayor's office.

This is the best sightseeing adventure tour around Antigua! This unique tour is done on Motorcycles were you choose to be a driver or a back seat rider. Visit 5 Mountain attractions  around Antigua and an amazing dirt trail through one of the mountains, which includes El Cerrro de San Cristobal El Alto, an organic farm  that has the best view of the valley. Hobbitenango a unique ¨Hobbitt¨ theme lodge and restaurant located in one of the highest mountain in Antigua, ¨Earth Lodge¨ a relaxing EcoLodge Avocado farm that has unique and wonderful views of the valley, volcanoes, and nature, and finally Santa Maria de Jesus, a completely indigenous village located over a mile above sea level. There are plenty of stops to grab a drink, snacks and food, the tour covers about 50 km of riding all over the valley. The last stop of the tour is ¨El Cerro¨ de La Cruz the most popular landmark of antigua for a great aerial view of Antigua and the villages around the valley.

This tour is offered in Spanish. However, the guide can communicate in basic English to explain the main points. This tour takes you to discover three of the most authentic villages of Lake Atitlan: San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan. Guided by a local host, you will live a deep cultural immersion in the rich Tz’utujil Mayan tradition. During the tour, we will stroll through streets full of color and life, admire vibrant murals and traditional markets, and enjoy breathtaking landscapes of the lake and volcanoes surrounding each village. You will know different cooperatives such as textiles, honey and chocolate. indigenous art workshops, We will also visit spiritual and historical sites such as the colonial church of Santiago Apostle and the house of the venerated Maximon. More than a tour, it is a soul and heart experience, perfect for those who seek to connect deeply with local communities and take away unforgettable memories and learning.

This full day tour takes you high into the mountains above Lake Atitlan on a strenuous hike ending in Solola. Explore the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna and visit the indigenous market in Solola. Hike through maize fields, coffee fields, old growth forest, and into the cloud forest. Visit a sacred Mayan site with the change to see Shaman performing Fire Ceremony. Hike ends in Solola with time to explore the market, then transfer to Panajachel and back to Antigua. Very strenuous hike.

You will explore Lake Atitlán in a relaxed and engaging way, guided by local people who are happy to share their lifestyle, traditions, and cultural heritage.

During this tour, we will take you to know 3 different towns. You will explore the largest market in Guatemala, will go to the most colorful church, and end the tour by going to a small but lovely town. Each location holds something special that we want to show you and hope you like it as much as we do or even more. The first place to visit will be San Francisco El Alto and its market which is the largest one in Guatemala. Usually, it takes around 6 hours to go through all of it (that is not the case on this tour, we will be there just a fraction of all that time). Then, we will visit the famous church of San Andrés Xecul, an icon of Guatemala and a representation of religious syncretism. In the end, we will visit Salcajá, a small but very charming town with lots of history and beautiful places to visit. This is a tour you don´t want to miss, so reserve your ticket, and we will take you to one of the greatest traveling experiences of them all.

Enjoy and discover the colorful market day of Chichicastenango! This is an unique experience that you will see how is the local people live and doing their activities in the market days. The real Mayan culture is still live. Also since their typical dress till the Mayan language that they speak.

Start your travel experience to colorful San Juan Sacatepéquez and its open air flower market.  A Mayan village that retains its customs and life style of the prehispanic period.Only 60 km from Antigua Guatemala framed by an spectacular landscape, Mixco Viejo mayan ruins is so far one of the best restored arqueological sites of Guatemala, the ancient fortress offered heroic resistance to the Spanish invaders, walk through Royal Palaces, Temples, Ball Courts and More. A site that witness the end of Mayan period and beginning of colonization.

Along the way areas will be observed wooded and there is a valley where a variety of vegetables are grown, as well as fruits and vegetables grown by the local population. Upon arriving at chichicastenango begins the walking tour in the beautiful and colorful market and visits the Church of Santo Tomás, built in 1540 on the base of a pre-Hispanic archaeological temple, considered Colonial architecture. The next destination you will discover history and culture in the mystical ruins of Iximche, the last capital of the Mayans. enjoy of views of the indigenous western highlands of Guatemala. A Once you arrive, you will be amazed at this peaceful site. Iximche, who means "place of the sacred corn trees", it is exuberant and vibrant. During your tour, your knowledgeable guide will lead you around the site and will explain the many myths, legends and facts that surround the Mayans.

This full day trip takes you high into the mountains above Lake Atitlan and features the Solola market, Panajachel, small farms, and Mayan villages. Drive through maize and vegetable fields, coffee fields, old growth forest, and into the cloud forest. Visit a sacred Mayan site with the chance to witness a Fire Cleansing Ceremony. Explore Panajachel and Solola with time at the market and town square. Great alternative to Chichicastenango. Perfect for families, safe for women travelers, and those who like to shop.