Things to do & places to visit in Western Highlands, Guatemala

Guatemalas spectacular Western Highlands run from Antigua to the Mexican border. Pines blanket misty hillsides, rivers cascade through sliver-thin ravines, volcanoes rumble overhead. Catch market day or witness offerings to drinking, smoking St. Maximon, in Chichicastenango. See traditional life in the Ixil Triangle. Clamber the Cuchumatanes Mountains. Mayan dialects and ceremonies are still part of everyday life for the majority of Guatemalas indigenous population, living where their ancestors trod.

Western Highlands #4 destination in Guatemala 2023. The average rating score is 4.55 based on 5.388 traveler reviews, of 80 attractions. Timezone: America/Guatemala, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 10:08.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Quetzaltrekkers (569 reviews)
- Amazing experience, organization and guides
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Hiking & Camping Tours

We did the Xela to Lago 3 day trek with Quetzaltrekkers and we can't say enough good things about this trek, organization and experience. While the trek itself is stunning with incredible views, it is the effort they put into building a cohesive group that will always stay with me. The hike is 46 km and it is pretty grueling at times, but our guide Kelly always had some surprise up her sleeve to keep us motivated. The food was excellent, accomodation is on mats on the floor in Mayan villages, they provide any gear you need to borrow and all profits go to support the school/shelter in Xela. The absolute highlight has to be watching the sunrise over Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes, cozied up in our sleeping bags. Absolutely breathtaking. We did this trek as a family (kids 11 and 13) and Quetzaltrekkers and our group were so welcoming. We had a diverse group and formed some great friendships over our 3 days together. This was my far our favourite activity in Guatemala and we are so thankful we went with Quetzaltrekkers. See more..
5.0 Eagle's Nest Atitlán - Yoga & Dance (227 reviews)
- Most beautiful place on Earth
Thursday: 7:45 AM - 8:00 PM Sports Camps & Clinics

Come enjoy the views from our Café! DAYTIME Join one of our Ecstatic Dance, Cacao Ceremonies or Conscious Community Parties! OVERNIGHT Book a Room with us! WEEK Immersive Retreats - Dance, AcroYoga Training, YTT, Personal transformation, etc. Eagle's Nest seeks to create an awe-inspiring environment that invites us to venture beyond our inhibitions and allows our fullest potential to soar. See more..
5.0 Galeria Imox (49 reviews)
- A must-see!
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

La Galería Imox lo que desea trasmitir nuestra cultura maya y tradiciones, tambien vendemos puro arte todo lo que pintamos es relacionado a nuestra cultura maya, a los protectores mayas, somos 5 artistas, cada artista tiene diferente estilo técnica y tendencia de arte, y también explicamos el calendario maya a cada visitante cobramos la explicación. Para que conoscan que cada persona, tiene un nawal o protector maya con su fecha de nacimiento podrás conocer su protector maya sus caracteristicas de cada persona, sus profesiones, y su cruz maya explicamos a cada visitante para que nos sirve en nuestra vida que debemos hacer y lo que no tenemos que hacer en nuestra vida el Calendario maya personal. Todas las personas estan asombrados por lo exacto del libro maya todo lo que dice es muy acertado lo que nos trasmite en nuestra vida, es muy sagrado. Los mayas utilizaron este conocimiento y lo aplicaron en su vida diario, si desea conocer a fondo visite la Galería Imox en San Juan La Laguna. See more..
5.0 Santa Cruz Spanish School (48 reviews)
- A school with a view
Spent More than 3 hours Universities & Schools • Educational sites

Since 2006. The school is located at Our Hotel Arca de Noe - 1 minute away from the main public dock in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Our teachers are highly qualified and flexible. Students can share different experiences with other teachers! It is possible. Our courses are individually or in a small group designed for everyone. All materials provided by the school are free. Our school includes free WIFI and a great place for coffee or just relax. Though we offer structure, we are always ready to accommodate student's particular needs and desires. Our teachers are ready to help if a student feels the need to spend more time on any phase of the learning process... See more..
5.0 Trama Textiles (41 reviews)
- Weaving courses and gifts from 100% worker-owned women's cooperative
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Lessons & Workshops

Trama is a great place to stop by if you want to get off the tourist trail in Guatemala and really find out more about the culture. They run weaving courses, where you work with the women from the cooperative to make yourself a scarf, table runner or traditional huipil to take home. They also have a great shop which has the most incredible textiles I've seen during my travels - amazing scarves, homeware, bags and toys. They're a little more pricey than what you find at the market, but great quality and you know that your money goes directly to the women who make them which is definitely worth it. They can also show you a really interesting video if you ask about the history of the cooperative and how it works - very moving. Def worth checking out. See more..
5.0 Unicornio Azul (27 reviews)
- Horse ranch in the Cuchumatanes
Equestrian Trails

Horseback riding in the amazing Cuchumatanes mountain range at 3000 meters. Well-trained horses, excellent saddles, professional guide. Rides from 1 hour to 1 day for beginners and experienced riders. See more..
5.0 Semilla Spanish School (27 reviews)
- Nice experience there
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Universities & Schools

Our team will welcome you with the best help you need and deserve to learn and improve your Spanish! Our school is located in a quiet neighbourhood and is only a 5 minute walk to the heart of San Pedro La Laguna. Our classroom has an impressive view of Lake Atitlan. Live with a local family, get to know our culture and learn about our Mayan traditions. There’s also the possibility to volunteer at one of our projects! See more..
5.0 Xocomil (16 reviews)
- fun...fun....fun
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

As good as any USA water park. 1 full day of attraction and you do not stop having fun. Great to entertain kinds!! See more..
5.0 Nexus Studio (15 reviews)
- Great Salsa School
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Lessons & Workshops

Nexus is a dance studio focused on Latin dances, urban dances, the dance technique is very important in our classes, if you want to enjoy a fun and very professional class, we are waiting for you .... See more..
5.0 Chocolate Dona Pancha (13 reviews)
- Chocolate Experts
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

I had a hot Chocolate at Dona Pancha. Then was offered to watch a movie about chocolate history and preparation. Movie can be played in either English or Spanish. Then I met the owner, she answered all of my many questions and I was offered to try different samples in different concentrations. They have two stores in Xela. The one in Diagonal 13 has the more informations. See more..
5.0 Mesoamerican Institute of Permaculture (10 reviews)
- Stunning views and so much to learn
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute – IMAP – seeks to promote the holistic wellbeing among the peoples of Mesoamerica. We work to promote food sovereignty, protect biodiversity, educate people about agroecological practices, and strengthen small farmers' outputs and connection to the land. What are you waiting for? Come check out our living seed bank, try delicious recipes made from the superfood, amaranth, stay in one of our ecologically built cabins, and sign up for workshops on permaculture and Maya cosmovision. We are located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlán in the town of Pachitulul, located in San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá, Guatemala. See more..
5.0 Volcan Atitlan (9 reviews)
- Fantastic and rewarding hike
Volcanos

I would highly recommend this hike for the fantastic views and amazing changes in vegetation. We left from San Lucas Tolimán at 4am with a guide hired through the Hotel Tolimán. I would definitely recommend hiring a guide particular for their knowledge of the paths, flora, fauna and local customs. Hiring a guide is also an excellent way to contribute to the local economy. The hike took us 12 hours in total. 6 hours to walk up through coffee plantations, maize fields, deciduous forest, stunted pine trees and finally lava fields. At the summit volcanic gases rise from the black (basic) and red (acidic) dried lava. The views of the lake and towards the South coast are truly spectacular. We stayed 1 hour at the top and took 5 hours to walk down. The hike is without doubt a challenge but very rewarding, particularly as this is one of the lesser climbed volcanoes in Guatemala. See more..
5.0 Ketzali Accessories (9 reviews)
- Beautiful ponchos and scarves
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

We were their first costumer since they opened the day before we were there. They sell beautiful ponchos and scarves from artisans in Guatemala. Everything with amazing quality. It is not cheap but considering the quality and the fact that you support local artisans, the prices are reasonable. The hard thing is to decide what to buy since there are so many beautiful things! Read the other person's comment to find the shop, it can be a bit tricky but it's really worth a visit! See more..
5.0 Guatemaya Spanish Academy (9 reviews)
- Perfect Spanish School in San Pedro
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Universities & Schools

Entrada a San Pedro La Laguna See more..
4.5 Atitlan Nature Reserve (829 reviews)
- Tranquility
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Atitlan Nature Reserve is both a must for visitors of Lake Atitlan and a force in the environmental cause: Atitlan Azul. It is an extraordinary gate to the magnificent Lake Atitlan and its spectacular volcanoes. Its zip lines, butterfly preserve, trails, hanging bridges and lodgings bring you in close contact with nature. On the zip lines you fly above waterfalls, coffee groves, oak stands and the steep cliffs that guard the lake. At the Butterfly Geodome you enjoy the colors and forms of hundreds of butterflies surrounded by flowers and the sounds of water. Humming birds and the murmur of the river accompany you while you have lunch, coffee or a drink, then you continue to explore the diversity and beauty of this natural wonder. At night, the crickets, owls and the sounds of the night will be your company in our lodging. The Reserve supports the work of scientist and students concerned with biodiversity and environmental degradation. See more..
4.5 Lago de Atitlán (772 reviews)
- Stunning part of the world
Bodies of Water • Volcanos

Lake Atitlan is Guatemala's largest tourist attraction and for good reason. The lake and it's views of Volcanos and mountains are stunning. There is a lakeside towns to suit everyone; for backpackers it is San Pedro, for hippies it is San Marcos, for those who want peace and quiet it is Santa Cruz. It is good to stay at different towns to experience these different vibes. We stayed at both San Pedro and Santa Cruz. There were plenty of activities and restaurants at San Pedro. Santa Cruz was more limited, however it had perfect views of the San Pedro and Atitlan Volcanoes across the lake and was very relaxing. Publico water taxis run frequently and can get you across the lake for 25Q or less, with prices varying depending on how far you go. See more..
4.5 Volcan San Pedro (315 reviews)
- Great hike but tough. It took us 5 hours. 3 hours up and 2 hours down.
Volcanos

Hiked the volcano today without a guide. It was a good but tough hike. Enjoyed the rope swing and the view at the top. If you are concerned about personal items I think it may have been possible to leave at the entrance although we didn’t think of it at the time. We chose to believe it would be safe based on last review. Met two policemen on the top of mountain they were very nice and we met a tour coming up as we were going down and a policeman coming up behind them. What ever way you do the mountain with or without a tour it’s really nice. See more..
4.5 Hotel Atitlan Gardens (273 reviews)
- Cosy hotel with amazing garden
Gardens

Stayed here for three nights. Should have booked more. The hotel itself with all the details in that amazing garden takes at least a day to explore and admire. The staff was very friendly, food okay, hotel cosy with excellent location. The lake, it’s villages and volcanos offer so much to do and explore. There’s a very nice national park next to the hotel. Lake itself might survive, if the people learn to take care of the wastewater. And it seems there’s some actions taken and hope exists. Would have been better, if the two monster hotels pretty close to this hotel would not have been built there, but this is Guatemala. See more..
4.5 Indian Nose (239 reviews)
- Excellent tour guide!!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountains

We did a sunrise tour with Henry, which was beautiful. He is such a great, chilled but enthusiastic guy. He likes to tell you all about lake Atitlan and loves to take pictures(see below)! Also we went only in a small group of 4 and stayed below the platform of the Mayan face, so we could enjoy the sunrise without the crowd. Definitely recommend! See more..
4.5 Laguna Chicabal (166 reviews)
- A great activity to do yourself!
Bodies of Water

Tour companies charge Q200 per person for transportation to the entrance of the park and a guide to be with you for the 2 hour hike. You can take a microbus yourself from 15th ave and 6th st (zone 3) that drops you off at the road that leads to the lagoon for only Q6. If you don't want to hike to the entrance of the park and up to the lagoon, you can pay for a pick-up truck ride that starts 1 km from where the microbus drops you off. There are signs with red pick-up trucks that show you where to go. Somebody will call the truck drivers if they are not there. Our driver took us all the way to the lookout for Q25. It also costs Q25 to enter the park. Our pick-up driver came back to get us from the lookout and took us to the main road (another Q25 per person), where we waited for a microbus to take us back to Xela. In total, we each spent Q87 and did not have to hike to the lagoon. We only had to walk down the 550 steps from the lookout to the lagoon and back up again to be picked up by the truck. See more..
4.5 Santa Maria Volcano (158 reviews)
- Great hike for the adventurous family.
Volcanos

As we walked around Xela this majestic volcano continued to tempt our adventurous side and was begging to be hiked. Being the family we are, we accepted and definitely had moments of WTH. Upon arrival at the peak, all doubts disappeared. What a great experience for us all both mentally and physically! We elected for a guide and would unquestionably get one again. It's a hike up a volcano so it's going to be challenging. My sons' age 15 and 8 were able to hike it, so can you! See more..
4.5 Fuentes Georginas (127 reviews)
- Es muy bonita
Geologic Formations

Beautiful clear water pools! We arrived at 9.30 on a Tuesday, so we had the place to ourselves for the first hour, then the crowds started to turn up! Apparently weekends are really crowded! Surrounded by beautiful mountains, whilst the sun beat down on us. Lovely snacks and drinks available. Incredible how hard the indigenous people work on the steep hills growing every fruit and vegetable you can imagine! See more..
4.5 Colonial Church (119 reviews)
- Worthwhile Visit
Religious Sites

The prior review does a great job of providing a detailed description of the church. The most interesting part of the church to me was the memorial for the Oklahoma priest who had served the community. He was killed in the civil war and was honored as a martyr. Our tour guide told us that his heart was at the base of the memorial. Kind of creepy but interesting, nonetheless. See more..
4.5 Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve (115 reviews)
- Awesome Way To Spend a Day at Lake Atitlan
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Cerro Tzankujil is located in San Marcos La Laguna. When you exit the boat or lancha dock, walk to the left by the lake just like I shared to go swimming. While you are swimming or enjoying the docks, if you look to the right you will see the beautiful rock formations and cliffs of the reserve. If you keep walking, you may enter by climbing the steps when the lake beach ends and meets the rocks of the reserve. As of April 2021, it is 20Q / $3 to enter the reserve. You may walk the reserve and take beautiful pictures of the views of San Pedro Volcano and Lake Atitlan. The first time I visited I explored the reserve for a few hours and journaled. The second time I visited, I spent a half day or at least relaxing on the rocks and swimming in the beautiful waters. See more..
4.5 Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri (74 reviews)
- Breathtaking View
Lookouts

My husband and I took our three small children on a clear Sunday afternoon in March. The view was absolutely stunning. There was no entrance fee, and the roads are well maintained on the way out from Guatemala City. There is no bathroom, that we were aware of- so be sure to stop before arriving. You can see various volcanoes from the top, as well as several departments of Guatemala. Amazing lookout. See more..
4.5 Church of St Francis (61 reviews)
- My best time in Panajachel was Christmas Mass here
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Wow, the altar was so beautiful and they placed the baby Jesus in the manger. The energy in the church was so peaceful and amazing and the priest so loving. It was a truly spiritual night for me. See more..
4.5 Solola Market (50 reviews)
- Great Fun!!
Flea & Street Markets

The market in Solola is crowded, noisy and full of beautiful fabrics, food, etc. You can buy almost anything there. Be cautious with your money - like you would be in NY or other crowded places. Just sit in the square and people watch. It is fascinating! If you like fabrics, like I do, be sure and go to the Asociacion Maya de Desarrollo (also known as Threads of Hope). It is located at 8a Avenida 13-21 Zona 2, Barrio San Bartolo, Solola. This is a women's coop and they sell some amazing chenille fabrics that are from organically grown, fair trade bamboo. They are open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am-3pm or by appointment. You can see their online store at www.athreadofhope.org. See more..
4.5 Catedral del Espíritu Santo (42 reviews)
- Home church of my ancestors
Churches & Cathedrals

Facade of old church with new one besides. many family records baptism marriage here. Near to cementery where many ancestors are laid to rest. See more..
4.5 Santa Catarina Palopo Church (39 reviews)
- Lovely Church
Religious Sites

This is a beautiful church in the heart of a small Mayan town called Santa Catarina Palopa. The town is filled with artisans and their work. The church is lively and welcoming. I happened to get stuck in San Antonio after dark and was unable to find a pick up truck or tuk tuk back to Pana. My friend randomly asked a man in San Antonio for some help getting back to Pana, and it turns out he is the local priest. He was so kind and gave us a ride and told us all about the history of the church. It's a lovely place. See more..
4.5 La Galeria (39 reviews)
- What a Treat!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums

La Galeria celebrates the arts as a whole and provides at the same time a center for local and international artists. We sell a vast range of art work at attractive prices, rare and fine art pieces for collectors as well as unique frames of our own design. The building, a piece of art in itself is located in the heart of Panajachel. Since 1973 we also organize community events, concerts, theatre, cabaret, art movies etc. Our additional show of unique folk art began in the 1920s and continues to this day. Come by for an excellent cup of cappuccino or espresso and get inspired.House recommendations: Cappuccino - See more..