Head to the western highlands of Guatemala on this full-day tour. Discover Chichicastenango, the site of the largest and most colorful outdoor market in Latin America. Visit the town of Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan for spectacular views.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 10 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
- Pickup included
- Pickup from the listed locations.
Experience
Highlights
- Marvel at the colorful native dress and market in Chichicastenango
- Observe the ancient indigenous rituals at Santo Tomas Church
- Admire the views of Lake Atitlan from the town of Panajachel
Full description
Your 10-hour excursion begins with a drive into the western highlands of Guatemala. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.
When you arrive at the Chichicastenango market you’ll begin your walking tour. The market is at the center of the town and is the heart of commercial life for maxeños, the natives of Chichicastenango.
Every Thursday and Sunday merchants head to the central plaza to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little over the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and admire the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region.
In Chichicastenango, you’ll also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of a pre-Hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, and the Mayan and Latino influence is evident in both the interior and exterior of the building.
After exploring the market you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch (not included in the tour price).
Next you’ll continue to the town of Panajachel, located at the edge of Lake Atitlan. Take a walk along Santander Street and enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The volcanoes Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro form a natural frame for the lake. Lake Atitlan has a surface of 125 square kilometers and sits 1,560 meters above sea level.
Includes
- Pickup from select points
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Optional gratuities
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
Covid-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
- Smoking
Know before you go
- Minimum of 2 passengers (adults) is required for the tour to run. If the minimum size is not reached, the tour is subject to cancellation and all tickets are refunded or rescheduled
- Tours include bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- It is recommended that you bring walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a camera
- Please contact local provider if you need a guide in any other language. French, German and Italian in private services, subject to additional costs and guide availability
- For groups of 10 persons or more, please contact tour operator to arrange
- Please note: during Holy Week (starting April 8) the tour operator does not pick-up from hotels, you will be requested to go to the meeting point where you will be picked-up. Please be ready at the meeting point 15 minutes prior the start time of the tour
- Additionally, during Holy Week, the tour will only visit the Chichicastenango Market, and not Atitlan Lake due to excessive traffic