About this experience
After being picked up by your local driver from your hotel in Antigua, make your way to Panajachel at Lake Atitlán and set off on a scenic boat trip across the peaceful waters. Your bilingual guide will share insights about life in the Guatemalan Highlands as you visit the villages of San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán.
In these traditional Maya communities, learn about local culture and the positive impact of textile and bee farming industries on the region’s economy. In San Juan La Laguna, visit women’s workshops to see traditional dyeing techniques using natural resources such as plants, tree bark, coconut shells, and vegetables to create vibrant colors for woven textiles. You will also experience the chocolate-making process firsthand.
Continue to Santiago Atitlán, one of the largest villages, to observe local weaving on backstrap looms and meet the friendly Tz’utujil Maya people, admire the stunning views of the three majestic volcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro.
At a glance
- Duration: 12 hr–14 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 12 hr–14 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Foots
- Guide and Language In-person: English, Spanish
- Shared Minivan for 14 passengers
- Breakfast
- Shared Speedy Boat
Not included
- You have a 30 minutes to make stop for quick lunch (US$12.00 per meal)
- Tips (optional)
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
An experienced driver will meet you at your hotel door at 5:30 a.m. in Antigua to drive through beautiful mountains and valleys on the way to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.
Enjoy meeting a local host at a restaurant on Santander Main Street in Panajachel for a traditional breakfast (approximately 50 minutes). At this location, you will also meet your local guide at around 9:20 a.m.
Take a 40-minute boat ride to San Juan La Laguna, a charming village rich in ancient culture. Visit local women’s cooperatives and experience traditional textile workshops, where you will learn how natural dyes made from plants and trees are used to color fabrics.
From San Juan La Laguna, take the same boat to Santiago Atitlán, one of the most traditional villages in the region and home to the Mayan Tz’utujil people. It is a unique and impressive experience to meet the locals, who are known for being friendly and highly artistic. You will learn about their traditional backstrap loom weaving techniques and how they create their own textiles by hand.
Note: In this largest village around the lake, there will be an optional lunch stop, recommended by your local guide.
Your driver will pick you up in Panajachel at 4:00 p.m. for the return transfer to Antigua. The drive takes approximately 3 hours.
Note: Depending on traffic conditions in downtown Antigua, the driver will drop you off at your hotel. However, in some cases, direct hotel drop-off may not be possible.
Meeting and pickup information
- Central Park of Antigua Guatemala
- Please be ready at 5:30 a.m. at the hotel entrance in Antigua. The driver may pick you up either first or last, depending on the scheduled stops for other customers.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Marvelus Travel
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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