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Sololá Department Meet the locals

Our most recommended Sololá Department Meet the locals

Acatenango Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua 2D/1N

1. Acatenango Volcano Trek & Tour from Antigua 2D/1N

There are approximately 5 hours of walking to reach the camp, along the way there will be several stops for rest, hydration and food. There is the option to visit the volcano of fire the first day with an extra walk of 03 hours round trip. People who wish to do so must confirm at the time of booking to assign a guide with experience in the fire volcano. The prize for visiting the volcano of fire is Q200 per person. The accommodation in the tents is shared Day 2: 4 am Start of ascent to the summit of Acatenango 5.45 am Arrival at the summit of Acatenango Sunrise view on the summit summit descent 7:30 a.m. Breakfast at camp team review 8:30 a.m. Start of the descent 11:30 Arrival at La Soledad Village 12:30 Arrival in Antigua Guatemala

Explore San Juan - Full-Day of Cultural Sharing

2. Explore San Juan - Full-Day of Cultural Sharing

You have a full day to explore San Juan, the “Swiss village” of Lake Atitlan. You will spend approximately 5 hours on a guided walking tour where you learn about the unique changes that have transformed this Tzutujile Mayan village into a model community. Visit art galleries, woman's weaving cooperatives, a medicinal and curative plant garden operated by the comedrones (mid-wifes), a coffee tour, the school and library, confradia shrines, and even the mayor’s office. You will meet several families, visit with them about how their lives have changed through experiential tourism. See a traditional children’s dance performance, and learn about the story behind the dance. Enjoy lunch with local recipes from this area, or if you prefer enjoy a cheese sampler platter with over 20 cheeses, all from Guatemala. (Lunch not included in tour price). Several famous painters are from San Juan and we visit their galleries to see them at work. The village has over 40 public murals depicting important elements of the Mayan culture, the Mayan calendar and counting system. Your guide will explain the meaning behind each mural; including the Mayan story of creation, ceremony, counting system and the development of mathematics and the 5000 year old calendar.  Women Weavers and Nuestra Artesania includes demonstrations showing how the beautiful fabrics are made; from harvesting the cotton, to spinning it into yarn, dieing the yarn, and then creating one of-a-kind fabrics with the back strap loom. The Qomaneel center is a medicinal and curative herb garden operated by the midwives of San Juan. You are guided through the garden and given samples of each plant along with a description of its curative powers. All natural soaps, teas, and shampoos are made on the premises.   Learn about the confradia system and how it helps keep the traditions, both Catholic and Mayan. This tour gives the visitor a little bit of all that Guatemala has to offer. 

Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

3. Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

Experience an important ceremony of the Maya people of Guatemala at the most sacred and holy location on Lake Atitlan. Transfer to the trailhead from Panajachel. Then, walk to the 1st cave (a maximum 20-minute hike). Named “Nimajay,” “San Simon,” “Singing” and “Colorado,” the 4 caves have been used by the Mayans for centuries for their Fire Cleansing and Protection Ceremony. The highland tribes travel for hours to visit the holy caves, and you will feel the energy and power as soon as you approach the cave entrance. Watch the shamans perform the ceremony (not guaranteed, but available on most days), and experience an authentic part of the living Mayan culture of the Guatemala highlands. Your guide will explain why the ceremonies are performed, and teach you about the ritual and unique meanings of the Mayan calendar. Located 1,200 feet above Lake Atitlan, the caves offer panoramic views of the lake and caldera. Stand on top of Eagle Rock, and marvel at how the earth drops hundreds of feet around you. Feel your spirit soar like a bird as you stand with nothing but air on all sides. You can also visit the shrine of San Simon/Maximon, the colonial church, and a 200-foot waterfall.

Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour

4. Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour

Day 01- Enjoy a full-day of adventure activities on and around Lake Atitlan under the shadows of the Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro volcanoes. A local guide will meet you at hotel in Panajachel. at 09:00 am From here, get scenery Shared boat to San Juan La Laguna, stop for nice local mayan People with handicraft talents, afterward San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, you will get to experience the authentic culture of the Maya civilization first hand, Day 02- a Local Driver meet you infront of hostel in Panajachel at 5:00 pm to ride 10 minutes By car to San Jorge La Laguna as Original Mayan village to Explore the Authentics cultures, great chance to experience interacting with Mayan Family. taste the delicious foods of the mother, Sleep at nice rooms in the Family.

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What people are saying about Sololá Department

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

It may seem a bit pricey but well worth it. Your guide, Lee, will take you places you would not find on your own. As a Mayan in the know he can explain everything to you. You will not be disappointed

although we came late for the ceremony. the local tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. He showed me some great spots around and its overall history of his people.

Great tour! If you are interested in learning more about mayan culture or how cristianity has merged with local religion you should definitely give it a go.