Depart from Guatemala City for the village of Chichicastenango on a day tour. Visit the Guatemalan highlands to appreciate the colorful market of Chichicastenango. Then take in the view of Lake Atitlán in Panajachel and its 3 surrounding volcanoes.
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 12 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Spanish, English
Experience
Highlights
- Experience the authenticity of the Mayan culture combined with a symphony of colors coming from the typical dress of Chichicastenango
- Visit the colorful market at Chichicastenango, where you can find everything from food to handmade objects
- See Atitlan Lake, considered as one of the wonders of the world
- Enjoy the views of Lake Atitlan and the towns surrounding Panajachel
Full description
Explore the Western Highlands, the region of Guatemala that most travelers familiar with Guatemala think about when daydreaming about a trip to this country. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests, and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.
Arrive at Chichicastenango Market and begin your walking tour inside the market. It is the center of the town and heart of commercial life for the maxeños. The merchants go down to the central plaza every Thursday and Sunday to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little throughout the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and view the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region.
In Chichicastenango, we will also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of an archaeological pre-Hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, as the Mayan and Latino influence is mixed throughout both the interior and exterior of the building.
You will have some free time for lunch (not included). Then, continue to the town of Panajachel, which sits on Lake Atitlan, where you will have time to explore. Visit Santander Street and enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro form the natural frame of the lake itself. It has a surface of 125 square kilometers and sits 1,560 meters above sea level.
Includes
- Round-trip hotel transfers from Guatemala City or Antigua
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Food and 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
- You must keep social distance while in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You must fill out a travel information form
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
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Important information
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
Not allowed
- Pets
Know before you go
- Walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and a camera are recommended
- Minimum of 2 passengers (adults) is required for the tour to run. If the minimum size is not reached, the tour is subject to cancelation and all tickets are refunded or rescheduled
- Tours include bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Please get in contact if you need a guide in any other language. French, German, and Italian are subject to additional costs and guide availability
- Please note during Holy Week (starting April 8) the tour will only visit the Chichicastenango Market, and not Atitlan Lake due to excessive traffic