From Guatemala City: Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan
ID: GYG33881-41465
Category:
Country: Guatemala
Duration:
12:00 hours
Description
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.
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.
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
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• 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
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
