Day 1 - Chichicastenango Market

Antigua Guatemala - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Antigua Guatemala and transferred to Chichicastenango.

Mercado de Chichicastenango - The journey takes us westward to the region where many of Guatemala’s indigenous villages are located. The trip begins in a forested area with pine and other tree species, and continues through a valley where locals cultivate a variety of fruits and vegetables. Upon arrival at the market, a walking tour will commence. This market is the city’s hub and the commercial heart for the “maxeños” (the indigenous people of Chichicastenango, named after Max, meaning Tomás in the Quiché language). Every Thursday and Sunday, merchants gather in the central square to sell their goods in this remarkable indigenous market, which has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. Visitors will see vibrant handicrafts made by local artisans, as well as clay crafts, traditional textiles, fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, flowers, and regional costumes. The tour also includes a visit to Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 on the site of a pre-Hispanic archaeological temple. This church is a stunning example of colonial architecture, blending Mayan and Latin influences both inside and out. After exploring the market, guests can enjoy a delicious lunch (not included, but available as an optional add-on for an additional cost).

Panajachel - Afterwards, guests will be transferred to Panajachel, where they can visit Calle Santander and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The lake is framed by three magnificent volcanoes: Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro.

Lodging: Panajachel

Day 2 - Lake Atitlan

Lago de Atitlan - A public boat will take guests across Lake Atitlan to visit Santiago Atitlán, where they will learn about the local Saint “Maximon,” a nahual of the Tz’utujiles of Santiago Atitlán, revered as the “guardian protector” of the Tz’utujil people due to their colonized status. According to popular tradition, this figure is a “palo de pito” or “tz’atel” tree, common in Mesoamerica, which was mythologically proposed as the people’s guardian protector.

Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol - Santiago is the most popular lakeside settlement outside Panajachel, where many Atitecos (as the locals are known) maintain a traditional Tz’utujil Mayan lifestyle. Women weave and wear huipiles (tunics) adorned with brightly colored birds and flowers, and the town’s cofradías uphold traditional ceremonies and rituals, blending Mayan and Catholic practices. The area also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Lago de Atitlan - After exploring the town, guests will take a public boat back to Panajachel.

Panajachel - In Panajachel, guests can enjoy a delicious lunch (NOT INCLUDED).

Explore the village of Panajachel, a pre-Columbian town of Kakchiquel origin, located by the river of the same name and on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Antigua Guatemala - After lunch, guests will be returned to Antigua Guatemala City.

• Professional guide
• Driver/guide
• Lake cruise
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)
• Walking tour at Chichicastenango Market

• Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Accommodations. Please indicate where you will stay at in Panajachel

Embark on a two-day expedition from Antigua to the rural areas of Guatemala. Our first day involves exploring the vibrant Guatemalan highlands and the colorful Chichicastenango Market, renowned for its bustling market days every Thursday and Sunday. Later in the day, we move to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel), where we stay overnight. Please note, this tour does not cover accommodations. On the second day, we’ll engage in a boat tour of the Santiago Atitlan Village, after which we return to either Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City.

• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum of 2 passengers (adults) is required for the tour to run. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• To find pictures of our experiences, search us on Instagram as @graylinetoursgt

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.