Guatemala · Culture

2 Days Private Tour to Chichicastenango and Panajachel

2 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the colorful Chichicastenango market
  • 02 Visit St. Thomas' Church and witness living cultural traditions
  • 03 Stroll through the lakeside town of Panajachel
  • 04 Enjoy views of Lake Atitlan and surrounding volcanoes
  • 05 Take a boat ride to a Mayan village around the lake
  • 06 Learn about local customs, beliefs, and traditional textiles
  • 07 Travel with a certified guide and private transportation

Discover some of Guatemala’s most memorable cultural highlights on this 2-day journey through Chichicastenango, Panajachel, and Lake Atitlan. Visit one of the country’s most famous Mayan markets, explore a town rich in living traditions, and take in the striking scenery of volcanoes, lakeside villages, and colorful streets along the way.

This experience combines local culture, history, and beautiful landscapes in one itinerary. From the vibrant stalls of Chichicastenango and the unique religious traditions at St. Thomas' Church to a boat ride across Lake Atitlan and a visit to a Mayan lakeside town, this tour offers a rewarding introduction to the region’s customs, crafts, and everyday life.

Discover some of Guatemala’s most memorable cultural highlights on this 2-day journey through Chichicastenango, Panajachel, and Lake Atitlan.

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, Chichicastenango, Antigua Guatemala, Atitlan, San Juan La Laguna
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Guatemala City

We will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel in Guatemala City. At 7:00 am we will depart to the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala to pick up our other guests as this is a shared experience. The ride will only take around 1 hour depending on the traffic. 

Chichicastenango

Getting to this amazing town and market will only take us around 2 hours. Chichicastenango or “Chichi” has one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the country.

As soon as we get there you will be mesmerized by the great number of sales including fruit, vegetables, jewelry, pottery, Mayan textiles, handicrafts, and traditional Mayan dishes. This market has existed since before the coming of the Spanish conquers and has been one of the most important trading points since ever. 

The market is open on Thursday and Sunday, and it is the best place to buy souvenirs for its variety of options. 

*The road has twists and turns. Please make sure to bring your motion sickness pills in case you need them. 

St. Thomas' Church

A stunning white-wall colonial structure full of color and movement at its base will be waiting for you. We are talking about the Santo Tomas Church located right next to Chichi's market. 

The church was built on top of a Mayan temple in 1540 and that is when the religion syncretism begins. You will see Catholic figures dressed in Mayan gowns. You will also see Catholic Masses and Mayan ceremonies. This is the only church in Guatemala where you will see anything like this.

On the steps of the church, you will see many people selling flowers, candles, incense, and some others praying to give thanks or ask favors to the heavenly being.

Panajachel

Panajachel with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings offers visitors a unique experience that blends Mayan culture with a laid-back ambiance. Our first stop after lunch will be a peaceful stroll through the main street until we get to the stunning lakefront. This picturesque scene is framed by the majestic volcanoes of San Pedro and Atitlan, creating a postcard-perfect scene. 

Panajachel is a magical place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience, this unique town is sure to have something for you. Come and explore the charms of Panajachel – you won’t regret it!

Panajachel

Panajachel with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings offers visitors a unique experience that blends Mayan culture with a laid-back ambiance. Our first stop after lunch will be a peaceful stroll through the main street until we get to the stunning lakefront. This picturesque scene is framed by the majestic volcanoes of San Pedro and Atitlan, creating a postcard-perfect scene. 

Panajachel is a magical place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience, this unique town is sure to have something for you. Come and explore the charms of Panajachel – you won’t regret it!

Panajachel

Panajachel is a great option to spend the night and explore the town on your own with a peaceful stroll. It has a good number of hotels. Rest and get ready for day 2. 

2
Day 02

Lake Atitlan

Start the day by enjoying a tasty breakfast and getting ready for our adventure. We will take you to visit one of the towns in Lake Atitlan. On the shores of the lake, we can find many Mayan towns. We will take you to visit one of these: 

• San Juan

• Santa Catarina Palopo

• San Antonio Palopo

Usually, if the weather allows it, the town we will visit will be San Juan, which offers great Mayan textiles and chocolate workshops. However, if the weather does not allow it, we will then decide to visit one of the other two towns.

No matter which town we visit, you will be fascinated by the beauty of the traditional costumes of the region, and you will learn about the culture and its cosmovision. 

The town we will visit will depend on the weather of the lake if the wind is blowing hard, the current of the lake can become very strong, and the safety of our guests and our staff comes first.

Guatemala City

We will return to Antigua Guatemala, our first stop for our guests staying there. After that, we will return to Guatemala City. Thank you for choosing us to have this amazing cultural experience. We are sure you will love it.

*We will make a stop for 1 hour to have lunch. 

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Guatemala City. 5 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Certified tour guide
  • Boat ride to 1 Mayan Village around the Lake
  • Guided visit to Chichicastenango, Panajachel, and 1 town of Lake Atitlan

What's Not Included

  • Food and beverages
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • We pick up travelers at the lobby of their hotel in the central area of Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Guatemala City.
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 Guatemala City..

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