Lake Atitlán Village Tours

We have brought fun and excitement and mixed it in with the beauty and cultural experiences the lake has to offer. We depart from our office in Panajachel and head over to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopo. In this village we are able to see and learn about local weavings, blankets, nahuales and other goods made and sold by the locals. At the plaza of this village, we visit a local coffee house where you can grind your own coffee and taste the locally grown beans. Once finished in Santa Catarina we hop back on our ATVs to the village of San Antonio Palopo. We visit local ceramic factory where we learn about the process to make all these incredible goods. We also visit a local chocolate factory in San Antonio where we learn about the process...

This tour is ideal for those looking for a perfect combination of nature, culture, and adventure, all in one day. At the end of the afternoon, we'll return to Antigua with our hearts full of memories and our cameras packed with spectacular photos. * You'll explore some of the picturesque villages surrounding the lake, each with its own unique character, culture, and charm. * You'll experience living Mayan traditions up close, admire local crafts, and enjoy the hospitality of the communities that have called the lake home for generations. * Boat tour of the deepest lake in Central America and time to explore the different towns.

This tour will take you all over the valley and visit over 5 villages located near or around Central Antigua. We will visit places like a local traditional textile museum, Jade Factory, a chocolate factory, and visit the first cathedral built in Central America in the year 1534.  You will have many aerial views of the city, birds eye views of the volcanoes and a close encounter with local Mayan villagers that live around Antigua. You will drive through the cobblestone streets, paved roads, To finish the tour off, visit a local restaurant in the village of San Pedro El Panorama that serves guatemalan dishes.

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.

Our mini Chicken Bus, a colorful, shiny, and iconic mode of transport. While regular Chicken Buses are built for 60 passengers, ours has only 20 and is used exclusively for participants, offering a more personal and comfortable ride but keeping the authencity of public transportation, the reduced sized allows us to easily move through villages that othewise we couldn't connect in the same route. These buses, known for their unique designs, are a symbol of local pride. Our Half Day experience provides a safe and comfortable journey from village to village, allowing us to immerse in local lifestyles. Along the way, we visit family-owned workshops and community projects that preserve ancestral traditions like artisanal chocolate, loquat wine and more. Your participation directly supports these efforts and has a positive impact on local families.

A very complete and picturesque tour, which teaches you interesting things particular to each village, live different experiences in an approximate span of 6 hours, meet local people and add the excitement and adventure of touring the villages in an ATV. We have the best bilingual guides who will give you a great time creating new memories.

Experience the beauty of Lake Atitlán, a sparkling gem surrounded by majestic volcanoes and blooming landscapes, on this solo traveler-friendly tour. Enjoy a scenic boat ride and immerse yourself in Mayan culture with a guided visit to San Juan. Discover traditional techniques for natural textile dyeing, chocolate making, and their rich cosmovision. We’ll also explore Panajachel, the region’s most famous town. If weather conditions prevent crossing the lake, we’ll visit the charming villages of Santa Catarina or San Antonio Palopó instead. These colorful towns offer unforgettable cultural experiences, ensuring your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities!

Explore the colorful villages that surround Antigua Guatemala on this immersive cultural tour. Travel through the valley and visit Chocojol Juyú for beautiful landscapes and Maya history, explore the weaving traditions of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, walk through the lively market of Ciudad Vieja, and enjoy the peaceful central parks of San Pedro Las Huertas and San Juan del Obispo. Learn about local chocolate production at La Sanjuanerita, taste artisanal cacao, and discover unique handmade crafts along the way. This tour offers an authentic experience of daily life, traditions, and culture beyond the city of Antigua. Perfect for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Guatemala’s heritage.

Discover the true essence of Antigua Guatemala on our exclusive village tour by private vehicle. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and fascinating history of each town as you capture unforgettable moments with your camera. With incredible views and a unique experience at each stop, this tour is essential for any visitor. Book your adventure now!

After pick-up by your local driver from Antigua listed hotels, make your way to Panajachel Lake Atitlan and set off on a boat trip across the peaceful water. Listen as your bilingual guide shares facts about life in the Guatemalan Highlands, and visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan. after all the experience will be back in Panajachel to hop on the Minivan to go back in Antigua. Learn about the local Maya culture in these traditional communities, as well as the benefits the textile and bee farming industry bring peaceful economy at this regionof Guatemala. While in San Juan La Laguna, enjoy woman workshop for dying performing using ancentral tecniques to extract from plantations, tree barc, coconuts shells, vegestables to make colours of theirs woven, also experience the Chocolatte processs, Then admire the view of the 3 majestic volcanoes nearby; Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro.

Second option after Antigua walking. The villages of Antigua and their workshops are exceptional. Jade, Textiles, Wines, Chocolate, Macadamia products. Is an experience very well organized and you will enjoy it Departure from Antigua jus half hour from starts our adventure. San Antonio Mayan town with the most extraordinary traditional dress and full of color great views.

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. 

Here's your chance to volunteer and make a difference in a Mayan village if you have just one day. Before your hands-on community service, start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Then go behind the scenes to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Mam-speaking Maya via a walking tour of the village and a visit to the home of a local family. After lunch and a demonstration of traditional backstrap weaving, share your skills and interests by engaging in meaningful volunteer work that will impact the lives of so many villagers. Opportunities include assembling clean water filters or emergency food bags and delivering them to people's homes; assisting in the health clinic; engaging with children on art projects and soccer play; and practicing English with the staff. 78% OF YOUR ACTIVITY FEE DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE PROGRAMS and CLINICS of LOCAL HOPE/XELA AID THAT EMPOWER LOCAL FAMILIES and COMMUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY, EDUCATED AND SELF-RELIANT.

Recorreremos los pueblos que se encuentran alrededor de Antigua: San Juan del Obispo, San pedro las Huertas y Ciudad Vieja incluye Finca de Macadamia.

Prepare to enjoy an incredible journey full of experiences that will delight your senses while we visit the towns around La Antigua Guatemala and the main activities carried out by local people in the different traditional towns to visit. This tour was created by Best Guatemala to show the different traditions, art and skills of the locals, such as cooking, weaving and local crops, explaining a little bit of the history, importance and life style of each town, making three stops to highlight the most important out of the five villages we will visit. TOUR PLAN Heading to our first stop, San Juan del Obispo village, you will visit the Archbishop´s Palace (if availiable). Then we will visit a local family, experts in chocolate preparation, the one you could taste if wanted (not included). Following to our next stops, you will drive through three colorful and historical main plazas of San Pedro Las Huertas, San Miguel Escobar and Ciudad Vieja village.