Day 1 - Chichicastenango Market

Guatemala City - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Guatemala City and transferred to Chichicastenango, with some transfers possibly going through Antigua Guatemala. Below is a brief overview of what to expect during the journey.

Mercado de Chichicastenango - The tour will head west to the region where most of Guatemala’s indigenous villages are located. The journey begins in a forested area with pine and other tree species, leading to a valley where locals cultivate a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Upon arrival at the market, a walking tour will commence. The market is the city’s center and the commercial hub for the “maxeños” (the indigenous people of Chichicastenango, named after Max, meaning Tomás in the Quiché language). Every Thursday and Sunday, merchants gather in the central square to sell their goods in this remarkable indigenous market, which has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

Visitors will see vibrant handicrafts made by local artisans, along with various goods such as clay crafts, traditional textiles, fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, flowers, and regional costumes.

The tour will also include a visit to Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 on the site of a pre-Hispanic archaeological temple. This church is a stunning example of colonial architecture, blending Mayan and Latin influences both inside and out. After exploring the market, guests can enjoy a delicious lunch (not included, but available as an optional add-on).

Panajachel - At the end of the day, guests will be transferred to Panajachel, where they can visit Calle Santander and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, considered one of the world’s most beautiful. The lake is framed by three magnificent volcanoes: Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro.

Lodging: Panajachel

Day 2 - Lake Atitlan

Lago de Atitlan - A public boat will be taken to cross Lake Atitlan and visit Santiago Atitlán, where guests will learn about the local Saint “Maximon,” a nahual of the Tz’utujiles of Santiago Atitlán, revered as the “guardian protector” of the Tz’utujil people. According to popular tradition, this figure is a “palo de pito” or “tz’atel” tree, common in Mesoamerica, proposed in mythological times as the people’s guardian protector.

Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol - Santiago is the most popular lakeside settlement outside Panajachel, where many Atitecos (as the locals are known) maintain a traditional Tz’utujil Mayan lifestyle. Women weave and wear huipiles (tunics) embroidered with colorful birds and flowers, and the town’s cofradías uphold traditional ceremonies and rituals, blending Mayan and Catholic practices. The area also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Lago de Atitlan - After exploring the town, a public boat will return guests to Panajachel.

Panajachel - In Panajachel, guests can enjoy a delicious lunch (not included).

Explore the village of Panajachel, a pre-Columbian town of Kakchiquel origin, located by the river of the same name and on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Guatemala City Central Park - Finally, guests will be returned to Guatemala City via Antigua Guatemala.

• Professional guide
• Driver/guide
• Lake cruise
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Walking tour at Chichicastenango Market
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

• Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Accommodations. Please indicate where you will stay at Panajachel area Hotels

Join us for a 2-day venture setting off from Guatemala city in the dawn hours. The first day takes us to the dynamic highlands of Guatemala where we explore the vibrant market of Chichicastenango. This bazaar is renowned for its market days on Thursdays and Sundays, hosting a myriad of goods ranging from handicrafts, foodstuffs, blooms, pottery, pine boxes, condiments, herbal remedies, candles, traditional incense (pom and copal), lime stones (used in tortilla preparation), grindstones, livestock, machetes, and other miscellaneous tools. In the afternoon, we move on to Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) for an overnight halt. The second day is spent touring the Santiago Atitlan Village via a pleasant boat ride.

• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum of 2 passengers (adults) is required for the tour to run. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• To find pictures of our experiences, search us on Instagram as @graylinetoursgt

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.