Lake Atitlan & San Juan La Laguna or Santiago Boat Trip

Embark on a journey into Guatemala's rich indigenous heritage and Mayan customs with a day trip to San Juan La Laguna or Santiago. Additionally, you'll experience a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlán.

Activity Details

After a morning pickup from your hotel in Guatemala City, we will begin our ascent into the Guatemalan Highlands. Our route will take us to Panajachel, the largest settlement bordering Lake Atitlán, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and tourist attractions.

Approximately three hours into our journey, we will arrive in Panajachel. Depending on traffic conditions and weather, you'll have an opportunity to wander along Santander Street, famous for its local crafts and souvenirs.

Following this, we will proceed to the pier where we'll board a boat for a remarkable crossing of Lake Atitlán, celebrated as one of the most stunning lakes worldwide. As we navigate the waters, you'll delight in views of the Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro volcanoes, while we share intriguing tales and facts about the region.

Once we reach San Juan La Laguna, a notable community, you’ll have the chance to engage in various handicraft workshops, learning about chocolate, textiles, and medicinal plants. After exploring this charming village, we'll return by boat to Panajachel, where you can savor a traditional Guatemalan meal and explore the town at your leisure. Occasionally, this meal break might occur in Panajachel instead of San Juan La Laguna.

Your day will conclude with our return to the hotels in Guatemala City after approximately 12 to 12.5 hours.

Santiago Atitlán Boat Trip

During the reservation process, you have the option to enhance your experience with a boat trip to Santiago Atitlán. If you choose this upgrade, we will continue our journey east across the lake to visit a town featuring one of Guatemala’s most iconic symbols of unity: Maximón.

Here, we’ll stroll down the main street of Santiago, filled with numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants. Our visit will take us to the brotherhood of Maximón, where you can observe how local devotees present offerings such as aguardiente and cigars. Interestingly, he is regarded by some as a saint and by others as a demon—let's uncover the reason behind this duality!

Following our exploration of Santiago Atitlán, we'll sail back to Panajachel. There, you'll enjoy some free time to indulge in a traditional lunch at your own pace. Enjoy!

Itinerary Adjustments

Be aware that, for organizational purposes, the sequence of visits outlined in the itinerary may change.