Guatemala · Religious & Spiritual

Private Hike to a Sacred Lagoon on a Crater Volcano Full-Day Tour from Xela

6 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the sacred crater lagoon of Chicabal Volcano
  • 02 Enjoy an easy hike in the highlands near Xela
  • 03 Learn about Mayan beliefs, ceremonies, and offerings
  • 04 Take in panoramic views from the lagoon viewpoint
  • 05 Descend to the shore of the crater lagoon
  • 06 Travel with a certified guide and private transportation
  • 07 Entrance fee and bottled water included

Discover one of Quetzaltenango’s most meaningful natural sites on a private full-day journey to Chicabal Volcano and its sacred crater lagoon. This easy hike combines beautiful highland scenery with deep cultural significance, taking you to a place where Mayan communities come to pray, leave offerings, and connect with their ancestors.

Enjoy views over the lagoon from above before descending to the shore, where the peaceful atmosphere and surrounding forest create a memorable setting. With private transportation, a certified guide, entrance fees, and water included, this experience is designed so you can simply take in the nature, history, and spirituality of Chicabal.

This is a sacred place for Mayan people as they come here to do ceremonies, pray, and ask their ancestors for favors.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Quetzaltenango
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

We will start with this tour by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel located in the central area of Xela or nearby the central park. Our professional team, tour guide, and bus pilot will be ready to pick you up on time and without inconvenience. The tour will start at 8:00 AM, so you have enough time to have breakfast and, get ready for the upcoming adventure at Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal.

The ride will take us only 1 hour to get there. Once we get to the general area of the volcano, a 4WD vehicle will be waiting for us to take us to the entrance and where we pay for our admission tickets.

Remember to bring hiking shoes, that is very important as the weather up there is cold and wet, and the soil could be a little slippery. You may also bring mosquito repellent and sun protection, as well as some healthy snacks to give you energy in case you need it such as raisins, granola bars, nuts, or similar.After we get to the entrance of the volcano, we will go to the viewpoint where we will have a great view of the lagoon. Spend some time there appreciating nature, the peace, and the fresh air, and then go downstairs to the shore of the crater lagoon.

Once you get to the shore, you will feel a pleasant energy surrounding you.

This is a sacred place for Mayan people as they come here to do ceremonies, pray, and ask their ancestors for favors. If you are lucky enough, you will see a ceremony right before your eyes (if we get permission from the Mayan priest and the indigenous people witnessing the ceremony). If there´s no ceremony taking place, you will definitely see many bouquets decorating the shore, they are offerings for favors asked.

If the weather is on our side, you will have a clear view of the entire lagoon and even witness a local legend, we are talking about the Mayan God that descends from heaven in form of mist, skims the water, and leaves back to heaven.LUNCHTIME After our visit full of mysticism, culture, and nature, we will go to a cozy restaurant nearby the Volcano. Please feel free to rest, eat deliciously and have some free time. After this stop, we will return to Xela, back to your hotel. Enjoy your lunch!

*If you have any meal requirements, please reach out to us, so we can coordinate a restaurant that suits your needs. You are our #1 priority.At the end of the tour, we will be back at your hotel. We hope that you enjoy this experience to the fullest and don´t miss any of Quetzaltenango´s highlights. We hope to see you back soon to show you more incredible locations in Guatemala!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango. 1 city · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Air conditioning in the vehicle
  • Certified tour guide
  • Shared 4WD transportation to get to the entrance of the volcano
  • Entrance fee to the Volcano
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Please make sure to bring hiking shoes, sun protection, mosquito repellent, and healthy snacks
  • We offer hotel pick up and drop off. Our staff will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and will ask for you at the front desk.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango..

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