Things to do in San Antonio Aguas Calientes

Tour of the Villages of Lake Atitlán Embark on a unique journey that will take you to the most emblematic villages of the southern basin of Lake Atitlán, a destination full of history, culture, and traditions that will captivate you. This exclusive tour is designed to offer you an authentic and profound experience, where you can connect with the essence of the region and enjoy breathtaking views and unique activities. San Juan La Laguna: This picturesque village is known for its vibrant local culture and colorful atmosphere. Here you will have the opportunity to learn about the Mayan textile legacy in a specialized workshop, where you will discover the secrets of ancestral techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. In addition, you can learn about the fascinating world of melipona bees, which are key to local biodiversity and artisanal honey production. Don't miss a stroll down the famous Calle de los Paraguas (Umbrella Street) and Calle de los Sombreros (Hat Street), two of the most iconic spots in this charming town. San Pedro La Laguna: on the shores of Lake Atitlán, this vibrant destination overlooks the San Pedro volcano and is known for its local crafts, such as traditional tz'utujil textiles, hand-painted pottery, beaded jewelry, and wood carvings. Santiago Atitlán: Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of this town steeped in tradition. You will learn about the religious syncretism that combines Mayan beliefs with the Christian faith, reflected in its impressive colonial church, built on an ancient Mayan altar. You will also have the opportunity to explore the local craft market, where you can purchase unique pieces handmade by the talented artisans of the region. This tour will give you a unique experience to discover the most representative villages of Atitlán, enjoy its unparalleled landscapes, and discover its living traditions. Don't miss the opportunity to live an unforgettable adventure full of culture, nature, and spectacular views!

On our amazing Lake Atitlan Villages Tour, fun and excitement are mixed in with the beauty and cultural experiences of the lake. We depart from our office in Panajachel and head to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopo.  In this village we can see and learn about local weavings, blankets, nahuales and other goods made and sold by the locals. At the plaza of the village, visit a local coffee house where you can grind your coffee and taste the locally grown beans.  Finish in Santa Catarina, and hop back on your ATVs to continue our ride for a few more kilometers until we arrive in San Antonio Palopo village.  Once in San Antonio, we park at the local pier and walk over to the local ceramic factory where we visit and learn about the process to make all these incredible goods. Visit a local chocolate factory in San Antonio, learn about the process of turning cacao into a finished product, and taste some chocolate. Once finished in San Antonio, we head back towards our office in Panajachel for a drink.

This tour will take us all over the Panchoy Valley around Antigua. We start off going to San Juan del Obispo. It is one of the highest villages around Antigua located on the foothills of the Agua Volcano.. Here we will visit a local chocolate factory named “Chocolate Antigua” where they will show us the chocolate making process as well as get to taste the finished product. During this stop we will also visit a local wine shop which sells wines made out of a local fruit named “Nispero.” After visiting these two spots we will also head to the central plaza of the village and get a birds eye view of Antigua below us. Our next stop is the village of San Pedro de la Huertas. Here we park by the Plaza and visit a local jade shop. At the factory we are shown the processes it takes to turn raw Jade rocks and convert them into fine jewelry. A small shop is located at the factory where we can see a selection of finished products such as “Nahuales” made into necklaces, bracelets, and even keychains. After a little bit of shopping, we hop on our ATVs and head to the next stop on the tour, the first capital city of Guatemala, which is called “Ciudad Vieja” or in English it would be the “Old City”. We park by the central plaza and are able to walk over and visit the first cathedral built in Central America in the year 1534. After a small walk in the plaza we arrive at the local market and while we are there we are shown how to make tortillas like the locals. Once we finish at the market and taste our own tortillas we get on our vehicles and head over to San Antonio Aguas Calientes; in this village we visit a local and traditional textile museum and market where you can purchase local gifts,clothing, and textiles. This stop has some of the best views of the Fuego and Acatenango Volcano due to its vicinity to this small artisan town. Our last stop is the food stop, in this tour we visit a local restaurant in the village of San Pedro El Panorama that serves guatemalan dishes. When we arrive, we will be given a sample of a local dish called “Ceviche” and we are able to try their famous drinks called “Picositas”, Once finished with lunch we will head back to our office in Antigua.

Tour of the Villages of Lake Atitlán We will pick you up directly from the city of Antigua Guatemala so you can begin your experience comfortably and worry-free. Upon arrival in Panajachel, you will be surprised by a delicious traditional Guatemalan breakfast to start the day with energy and local flavor. This exclusive tour will take you to visit the most emblematic villages of the southern basin of Lake Atitlán, where you can immerse yourself in the cultural, historical, and artisanal richness of the region. San Juan La Laguna A village characterized by its colorful atmosphere and vibrant local culture. In this destination, you will learn about the Mayan textile legacy and the fascinating world of melipona bees, key to local biodiversity. -Mayan textile workshop -Melipona bee workshop -Umbrella Street -Hat Street Santiago Atitlán A town steeped in history and spirituality, where a deep tradition of religious syncretism is preserved. Discover the local artisan market and the colonial church, built on top of a Mayan altar. -Local artisan market -Santiago Apóstol Church and Convent This tour offers a unique experience to connect with the essence of Mayan culture and the living traditions of Atitlán, all in a carefully designed itinerary that provides a deep and authentic insight into the region.

The Lake Atitlan Sunset Tour stands out as a top-notch afternoon activity for those exploring Lake Atitlan. Starting from our office in Panajachel, our journey leads us to the first stop in San Andres Semetabaj. The adventure takes a rugged and off-road turn, lasting approximately 30 to 35 minutes as we navigate towards a lookout point known as "Ojo De Aguila." It's important to note that due to the challenging terrain, driving experience is recommended, as the journey can be demanding for those who haven't driven before.Once we arrive we are able to have an aerial view of the entire lake seeing the volcanoes, different towns, all the boats traveling in the lake and if we get lucky some paragliders lifting off or touching down from their flights. After spending some time here we head back down the mountain and visit the town of Santa Catarina Palopo were we have a local stop where we explore a charming local town rich in weaving, crafts, and local culture.For those who like to venture out you can take some time to walk around the edge of the lake and meet some locals. After visiting Santa Catarina, we head to our last stop which is Café Flor in Panajachel that allows us to watch the sunset over the lake. Here, you have the opportunity to grab drinks, coffee, or snacks while watching the sunset. from the lake shore you have the flexibility to wrap up the tour at this scenic spot, offering you the option to linger and enjoy the atmosphere a bit longer. Alternatively, if you're ready to conclude the evening, a quick 2-minute walk back will take you to our office in Panajachel, providing a convenient endpoint for your tour.

Visit the village of San Juan del Obispo and enter a Chocolate Artisanal Workshop. Discover how 5 generations have made this famous chocolate beverage that every Guatemalan family prefers to drink. Sample this handmade treat and enjoy alongside a locally made sweet bread. Continue on your journey with a stop at the Museum of Loquat. San Juan del Obispo is famous for its production of giant loquats which are made into wine, jam, and other edibles which you will get to sample. Take a trip to the village of San Pedro Las Huertas. Witness this tiny village whose namesake arrives from the growing of tomatoes, lettuce, beans, and more. Take memorable photos at a popular communal laundry area and baroque Spanish Colonial church. Experience what a pueblo life is like in Guatemala as you stroll through the main drag of the village. Look around and get perfect views of two volcanoes - Fuego and Agua. Take a trip to Ciudad Vieja, the first capital of the Spanish Crown in the territory and be treated to panoramic views. See flower and vegetable crops made for the locals at San Miguel Dueñas. Stop at the Valhalla Macadamia Farm, an amazing project dedicated to supporting and helping local indigenous communities and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Use your spare time and visit a local restaurant that comes highly recommended. In today's adventure, we'll keep one village as a surprise. It could feature a weaving school or a coffee laboratory, tailored to our group's preferences and interests. Discover the different weaving practices, patterns and colors that offer meaning to the Mayan Culture. Watch as traditional weaves show you how to make an authentic back-strap loom. It will be a sensory journey through the coffee universe, guided by the insights of local producers. Rediscover the profound connection between coffee and our bodies, and the intricate role it plays in our communities including the process to taste a sample of coffee cup.

Get to know the areas surrounding Antigua with a half-day bike tour. On this trip, which is suitable for beginners and intermediate bike riders, ride to the Almolonga Valley west of Antigua. The area was home of the second capital of Guatemala, Ciudad Vieja. On your trip, see the city life fade and the country life take over as you travel further out. Learn about how the old city met a fateful end in 1541 as a result of a terrible mudslide released from the crater of Agua Volcano. The city disappeared in the valley between Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes, and you will hear about the ongoing debate as people try to pinpoint its exact location. While out and about, you will also see the villages of Santiago Zamora and San Antonio Aguas Calientes, and stop off at a macadamia farm. This trip is guaranteed to be an educational experience that will teach you about the history and culture of the area while spending time in the great outdoors!

Embark on a captivating journey to the vibrant heart of Guatemala, where the rich tapestry of Mayan culture unfolds. This tour, departing from either Guatemala City or Antigua, takes you to the enchanting town of Panajachel, followed by a serene boat ride in a water taxi to the traditional village of San Juan. The unique selling points of this tour include an immersive exploration of living Mayan culture, a glimpse into the ancient art of textile dyeing, learning about their natural medicine, and the delightful experience of a local chocolate-making process. Note, if the weather does not allow us to cross the lake to San Juan, we will visit either Santa Catarina or San Antonio Palopo, which are in an area with little wind (we get there by water taxi as well). These towns are colorful and have a cultural charm that will leave you with a big smile on your face. Your security and our team members are a priority for us. Departure from Guatemala City or Antigua: The journey begins with a comfortable pickup and a scenic drive to Panajachel, a gateway to the indigenous world of Guatemala. Departure from Guatemala City is at 7:00 am. Departure from Antigua Guatemala is at 8:00 am. Panajachel: Here, immerse yourself in the bustling local markets and stunning lakeside views, setting the tone for your cultural adventure. Water Taxi to San Juan: Experience living like a local by taking a water taxi to San Juan La Laguna. You'll be mesmerized by the serene beauty of the region, leading to San Juan, a village steeped in Mayan traditions. Cultural Immersion in San Juan: In San Juan, experience firsthand the intricate process of natural dyeing used in creating traditional Mayan textiles. Natural Medicine: Learn about natural medicine and plants Chocolate Experience: Delight in a visit to a local chocolatier, where the journey from cacao bean to chocolate bar is revealed, echoing the rich flavors of Guatemala. Return Trip: Conclude your tour with a water taxi ride back to Panajachel, followed by a comfortable drive back to your original pickup location.

Discover the magic of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of its most iconic villages. Start the day early, with an early departure from your hotel in Antigua Guatemala at 5:30 AM. Upon arrival in Panajachel at 8:30 AM, enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. At 9:15 AM, begin your boat tour, navigating the calm waters of the lake to San Antonio Palopó, where you will explore its cobblestone streets, visit handcrafted pottery workshops and admire its iconic colonial church. Continue to San Juan La Laguna at 11:30 AM, a town known for its vibrant art, women weavers who preserve ancestral techniques, and natural dye workshops. At 1:00 PM, arrive in Santiago Atitlán, the largest town on the lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about its rich spiritual tradition by visiting the altar of Maximón and its colonial church, as well as explore local markets filled with unique handicrafts. Return to Panajachel at 3:30 PM for a brief rest before starting your journey back to Antigua Guatemala at 4:30 PM, taking with you unforgettable memories of a day full of culture, breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences in the heart of Guatemala.

Visit 5 Mountain attractions around Antigua and an amazing dirt trail through one of the mountains, which includes El Cerro de San Cristóbal El Alto, an organic farm that has the best view of the valley. Hobbitenango a unique ¨Hobbit¨ 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.