Guatemala · Culture

Discover The Mayan Towns Around Lake Atitlan On a 2-Days Tour From Antigua

2 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Antigua Guatemala. Easy pace
Lake Views from Panajachel
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Travel from Antigua through the Guatemalan highlands to Lake Atitlan
  • 02 Enjoy a private boat ride across the lake to San Juan La Laguna
  • 03 Learn about natural dye fabrics, medicinal herbs, and artisanal chocolate
  • 04 Take in lake and volcano views from Panajachel and surrounding towns
  • 05 Visit the colorful Mayan towns of Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo
  • 06 Experience local textiles, handicrafts, and authentic village life
  • 07 Enjoy a short hike between Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo

Discover the beauty, culture, and living traditions of Lake Atitlan on this immersive 2-day journey from Antigua. Travel through the Guatemalan highlands to Panajachel, then cross the lake by boat to San Juan La Laguna, where colorful streets, artisan traditions, and local culture create a memorable introduction to the region.

Along the way, explore Mayan towns known for textiles, natural dyes, medicinal herbs, and artisanal chocolate, while enjoying sweeping views of the lake and its three volcanoes. On day two, visit Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo, with time to appreciate traditional clothing, scenic lakefront settings, and the charm of these picturesque communities.

With private transportation, a private boat ride, and guided visits around the lake, this experience offers a rewarding mix of culture, scenery, and authentic local encounters.

Along the way, explore Mayan towns known for textiles, natural dyes, medicinal herbs, and artisanal chocolate, while enjoying sweeping views of the lake and its three volcanoes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Atitlan, San Juan La Laguna
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Departure to Lake Atitlan

We will depart from your hotel in Antigua Guatemala. 

The road to the Lake is full of agriculture and Mayan towns, so sit back and enjoy the beautiful nature views through the highlands.

Panajachel

As soon as you arrive at the picturesque town of Panajachel the experience starts. Our boat will be ready to take you to the first Lake Town of San Juan La Laguna, a place full of colors, culture, and tradition.

San Juan La Laguna

Visit San Juan La Laguna, a lake town where you'll get to learn the ancestral art of Natural Dye of Fabrics, Medicinal Herbs Garden & Fine Artisanal Chocolate factory. 

Lunch will be served in great local restaurants.

Lake Atitlan View

Enjoy an evening boat ride back to Panajachel with the stunning views of the Lake and its 3 volcanoes.

Panajachel

Feel free to enjoy your afternoon at Panajachel, wander around in its coffee shops, bars, live music restaurants, or just enjoy the sunset at the lake's dock street.

And then, head to your hotel to relax and get ready for day 2.

Hotel Accommodation

Overnight Stay at Hotel Dos Mundos or Similar

2
Day 02

Breakfast

The second day will start with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You will be able to appreciate the beautiful views of Lake Atitlan and get ready to visit our first town: Santa Catarina Palopò.

Santa Catarina Palopo

Santa Catarina Palopò is characterized because its inhabitants use traditional Mayan clothing. This wardrobe is full of colors, figures, and great ancestral and cultural significance. It is a quiet town and we are sure that you will love to buy souvenirs of the textiles from this place to take home.

San Antonio Palopo

Hike from Santa Catarina Palopo to San Antonio Palopo takes around 30 minutes.

Visit this tiny but picturesque town of San Antonio Palopo, where you´ll be able to have amazing views of the Lake and take an iconic photo on its artisanal dock. 

Return to Antigua

We will leave the Lake Atitlan area heading to Guatemala City where we will take you to the lobby of your hotel safe and sound. Thank you for traveling with us!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Antigua Guatemala. 4 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Certified Tour Guide
  • Private Boat ride to San Juan La Laguna
  • Bottled water
  • Guided tour in 3 towns around the lake

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Meals
  • Hotel accommodation

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • During Holy Week, the Flower Festival, or other events when streets in Antigua close, guests may need to walk a short distance outside the city center to start the tour.
  • We pick up all travelers at the lobby of their hotel in Antigua Guatemala

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Antigua Guatemala.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Antigua Guatemala.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Antigua Guatemala..

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