Lake Atitlan Mayan Trail: A Journey to Cloud Forests, Sacred Sites & Indigenous Market
4.7
9 Ratings
Lago de Atitlan
Embark on a strenuous hike through the cloud forests and sacred sites of Lake Atitlan's Mayan Trail. Discover indigenous markets, witness a Shaman performing a Fire Ceremony, and explore the vibrant village of Santa Cruz la Laguna.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lago de Atitlan - Experience one of the most beautiful lakes in the world
  • Los Elementos Adventure Center - Gear up and prepare for your hike at our exclusive Adventure Center.
  • Solola Market - Experience an authentic Mayan market. Like the more famous Chichicastenango market, but with many fewer tourists.
What's Included
  • Outdoors adventure, plus learn about the Mayan culture
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located Antigua hotels only)
  • All activities
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a challenging full-day hike that leads you through the mountains towering above Lake Atitlan, with the journey concluding in Solola. Experience the culture of Santa Cruz la Laguna village and discover the local indigenous marketplace in Solola.

Trek amidst cornfields, coffee plantations, ancient forests, and journey into the misty cloud forest. Witness a spiritual Mayan location, with the potential of viewing Shaman conducting a Fire Ceremony. The hike wraps up in Solola, where you’ll have the chance to navigate through the marketplace before transitioning to Panajachel and returning to Antigua. This hike is extremely demanding.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Location
Lago de Atitlan
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(9 Ratings)
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Kara_s
Feb 26, 2024
Amazing view, TOUGH trail - This hike was much harder than we expected but absolutely worth it!! It was nearly 4 hours with our breaks but our guide Sam was wonderfully patient and encouraging. Our phones said this hike had us climb the equivalent of nearly 152 floors. Firstly, we were pleasantly surprised that it is required to get on a boat to get to the bottom of the hike. You should ABSOLUTELY eat breakfast prior to this trail. The first third of the journey was through the village of Santa Maria (which is the steepest village I had ever experienced). Then the next third was equally difficult but in a more woodsy setting, the last third would not have been so difficult if it wasn’t for the first two thirds being exhausting. The views were incredible and made the difficult trail so worthwhile. We ended with lunch and a market tour. Bring a water bottle and buy an extra! This hike is humbling to say the least. My friend and I both work out about 3-4 times a week and this hike was still difficult for us due to the elevation and the stamina it required.
Review provided by Viator
Cathryn_j
Mar 22, 2023
Strenuous hike but great local experiences!! - Antonio, our guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable and attentive to my husband and me as we were the only two on the tour. The hike up the mountain is very steep and strenuous but Antonio was patient with my many breaks and lent a helping hand to pull me up the steepest parts. It was fascinating to see the views and locals hauling their firewood and avocados on this active mountainside trail. At the top of the mountain we jumped in the back of a pickup truck for the ride to Solala to walk through the market and have lunch. It was my husband’s birthday and Antonio surprised him by ordering cake with a candle to be brought to our table!! Also experienced a chicken bus ride back to Panajachel!!! A great day!!
Review provided by Viator
Jodiann24
Mar 17, 2023
Amazing Upper Mayan Trail Experience with Alex, Diego, and Antonio! - This was such an amazing experience for our group of 4 women from the US. Alex, Antonio, and Diego had us laughing all the way up the trail. It was a somewhat challenging hike, but they made it so enjoyable. We also got to visit a market, have a traditional lunch, and visit a sacred cave. I won't ruin all the surprises, but I will say that this was one of the best hikes I have ever experienced. If you enjoy hiking and are somewhat fit, I 100% recommend this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_a
Mar 4, 2023
Excellent experience - Our young guide Fernando was excellent for our upper Mayan Canyon trail He literally flew up the trail but was great about adjusting for our speed Shared many precious healing spots along the way Highly recommend him One thing was it was a few hours wait until 4 for our trip back to Antigua
Review provided by Viator
Carol_c
Jun 23, 2022
My friend and I had a... - My friend and I had a wonderful time on this hike! Lee and his wife communicated with us early on to let us know about pick up times and what to expect. This made us feel secure as this was our first time in Guatemala. We were picked up from our hotel in Antigua and met by our tour guide in Panajachel, where we took a speed boat to Lake Atitlan. There we stopped at the home to prepare for our hike. The hike itself is challenging, but doable. Make sure you wear good shoes. The view from the top is absolutely stunning. We then had lunch and explored the Solola Market. We had some free time so we took advantage and walked around. Lee and his wife showed us around and we got to see where the Mayan rituals happen, although there wasn't an active one. Overall, it was a real pleasant experience. We thank Lee, his wife, and our tour guide! I definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Jb
Apr 17, 2022
Excellent choice for hikes and history - Lee was recommended by our host. Couldn’t have been a better choice. We first hiked with one of his local guides, amazing views of the lake, and then Lee and his guide took us to view a market, a shrine and Mayan caves. Both Lee and his guide were very knowledgeable. Lee’s been there for a while and seems to know all the locals and history and community.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroline_h
Aug 8, 2018
Hike - This was a wonderful experience in every way! Recommended to wear pants on the hike because its a little buggy and lots of plants! But wonderful!
Review provided by Viator
Jason
Jan 8, 2017
Awesome hike and amazing views... - <p>Awesome hike and amazing views! Definitely worth it if you find yourself in Antigua. The guide took us swimming after the tour was over as we waited for our ride back to town. The guide was super friendly, and made the hike very enjoyable.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Tour395621
Aug 14, 2023
Interesting hike but a bit overpriced - Hike took in scenic countryside & Mayan culture, but felt a bit overpriced for what we did. Hike was very steep. Market was really interesting & fun to go on the back of a pick-up into town.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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