Things to do in Quiché Department

Cruise across Lake Atitlan and visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan on this full-day shared sightseeing tour. Ringed by 3 volcanoes on its southern flank, Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. Departing from Antigua, at the gateway to the lake by shared minivan, then from Panajachel your private guide will take you on a scenic private boat trip before exploring some local textile communities but enjoy the ancentral tecniques using naturals plants, trees bark, coconut shells to extract dyes to make colours for the clothes of Mayan villagers from San Juan La Laguna. Get amazing views of the Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro volcanoes, as you experience for yourself why the area became such a Mecca for beatniks and bohemian writers such as Aldous Huxley. Capture the scent of coffee plantations surrounded, stop a shop for Chocolatte process, also enjoy naturaL bee process at local cooperative, afterward getting again by speedy boat to Santiago Atitlan, here you can immerse yourself in the laid-back vibe of the Tz'utujil Mayans and turn the noisy dial of modern life down to zero.

In the morning after meeting in Lanquin village, you will then head out by safety truck on this full-day adventure to Kanba Cave and Semuc Champey Park. At Kanba your guide will take you inside the underground river caves for around 1,000 meters. You’ll scramble over rocks, wade through pools, climb up waterfalls, and swim through narrow channels. Next you’ll go on a half-hour tubing experience on the Kahabon River. Afterwards, you’ll go on a walk in Semuc Champey National Park. The monument comprises a natural stone bridge that’s 300 meters long. Natural pools of different sizes have formed above the bridge, where you can relax and soak in the turquoise pools.

Begin your adventure with a 7:00 AM departure from your Antigua Guatemala lodging to the picturesque town of Chichicastenango, located in the Guatemalan highlands. You will arrive around 9:30 AM to begin a fascinating tour of one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central America. Immerse yourself in the bustle and colors of the market, where you will explore stalls filled with traditional textiles, unique handicrafts, fresh fruits, spices and street food. The tour includes a visit to the iconic Santo Tomas Church, a place that combines Mayan and Catholic traditions in a fascinating example of religious syncretism. At the market, you will witness the daily life of the indigenous communities and have the opportunity to admire and purchase unique handicrafts, such as the famous traditional masks. Next, you will visit a mask factory, where you will learn about the artisanal process behind these pieces used in traditional rituals and celebrations. You will also explore the Chichicastenango cemetery, known for its colorful tombs that reflect the richness of Mayan culture and local traditions.

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.

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!

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.

From Guatemala City Chichicastenango in 1 day, we begin our tour from Guatemala City or from Antigua Guatemala, we will have time to have breakfast in Tecpán, then we continue our tour to Chichicastenango, a place that lives Culture, Gastronomy to this day and Colors of Guatemala, In Chichicastenango we will visit its colorful market, we will get lost among its labyrinths, its sales, its people, we will have time to visit Pascual Abaj, Mayan ceremonial place, also its Crafts market, the Gucumatz Arch and much more... .

Today's trip combines Mayan influence and living culture, and you'll visit sites that will immerse you in the area’s enthralling history. We will begin the day with a transfer from your hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala, to the archaeological site of Iximché. Upon arrival we will take a guided visit to Iximché: the first capital of Guatemala. Learn from watching the indigenous people that still visit Iximché, and if we are very lucky, we will witness a real Mayan ceremony that takes place in Iximché. We will then transfer to the open market of Chichicastenango. Here, you can explore the indigenous market and witness the incessant exchange of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts between local people and foreigners. This charming local market really does offer just about everything—you can even shop for wood products, ceramics and the sorts of gifts that the Mayan priests offer on their pre-hispanic altars. We will then move on to visit Santo Tomás church, where the Popol Vuh (The sacred book of the Maya) was found. You’ll have time for lunch (own expense) when finished, you will be returned to your hotel for a much needed rest!

Embark on a captivating day tour to Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala's most stunning destinations. Begin your journey with a private pickup from your hotel in Antigua, where a comfortable vehicle will transport you through the picturesque Guatemalan highlands. Enjoy the flexibility of stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way, including a breathtaking lake viewpoint. Upon arrival at Lake Atitlán, meet your local Mayan guide, who will share their rich cultural heritage and personal experiences as a descendant of the ancient Mayan civilization. Board a boat equipped with safety gear and set off to explore three charming villages around the lake. Each village offers a unique glimpse into the traditional Mayan way of life, with opportunities to interact with locals, admire handcrafted goods, and learn about their customs. The first stop is San Juan La Laguna, known for its vibrant art scene and cooperative weaving workshops. Next, visit Santiago Atitlán, where you can explore the bustling market and visit the revered shrine of Maximón, a local deity. Finally, head to Panajachel, the gateway to Lake Atitlán, where you can stroll along the lakeside promenade and enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Conclude your tour with a scenic boat ride back to the starting point, followed by a comfortable drive back to your hotel in Antigua. This immersive experience combines natural beauty, cultural insights, and the warmth of local hospitality, making it an unforgettable adventure.

Experience two of Guatemala's most celebrated points of interest: sparkling Lake Atitlan and the Chichicastenango Market on this 2-day tour from Antigua. Visit the highland town of Chichicastenango, world-famous for its open-air market. Here you'll find amazing handicrafts created by the indigenous Maya people as you witness an incessant exchange of fruits and vegetables. Next to the market stands the Church of Santo Tomas, a 16th-century church where you can observe age-old Mayan rituals being performed. Filling an enormous caldera and surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, Lake Atitlan has become renowned for its indescribable beauty and unique cultural history. Spend a day on a guided boat tour of the lake and surrounding towns, then experience the nightlife of Panajachel. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Antigua ̶ Chichicastenango – Panajachel Travel from Antigua to Chichicastenango. Explore the open-air market, where a wide array of produce, finely woven textiles, and intricate handicrafts are for sale. Afterward, visit the Church of Santo Tomas. Evening transfer to Panajachel for overnight. Day 2: Lake Atitlan Boat Trip Board a shared boat for a scenic trip across Lake Atitlan. Visit two traditional Maya villages as San Juan La Laguna as Santiago Atitlan that line the shores of the lake and admire views of the nearby volcanoes. Afterward, you back from Panajachel to Antigua.