Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the mystery and majesty of Lake Chicabál and life in a Mayan Village. Formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people of the region and is surrounded by cloud forests, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. Descend 600 steps into the caldera and explore the lake's perimeter, learning about the 20 Mayan 'naguals' along the way.
After the hike, engage with local culture during a village tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. This immersive experience is perfect for families and individuals looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the western Guatemalan Highlands.
80% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
WELCOME: 8:00am at our Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex to meet your expert guide and breakfast. • RIDE: 9:00am - A transport vehicle will whisk you up scenic trails to the dry lakebed below Chicabál Lake crater. • HIKE: 9:30am - Reach the rim of the caldera and learn the crater lake's history before descending - 600 steps down. • NAGUAL TOUR: Hike the scenic perimeter and learn about the 20 Mayan "naguals" - the "energies and lessons of days.” • NATURE: In the surrounding forest, be prepared to see butterflies, birds, and perhaps the phenomena of "clouds gathering water" that local people count on to bring the rains to nourish their crops. • HIKE OUT, LUNCH: Hike back up to the rim's edge for a box lunch before returning to our complex for cultural activities. • VILLAGE TOUR: 1:30pm - Explore the local village on a narrated walk along streets lined with fields of corn, potatoes, and other crops, for a behind-the-scenes look at daily life of the Mam-Maya people. • VISIT A MAYAN HOME: 2:30pm - visit a family in their home • REFRESHMENTS, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION: 3:30pm - return to Welcome Center for a snack and traditional Mayan backstrap weaving demonstration
Options
With Pick up in Quetzaltenango
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Snacks: Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at the Eco-Guest House; a box lunch during the hike; a snack at the end of the day Pick up in Quetzaltenango : Pick up in Central Park in Quetzaltenango - about an hour from the village - at 7am, and bring you back at the end of the day Pickup included
Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day
Breakfast, Box Lunch, Snacks: Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at the Eco-Guest House; a box lunch during the hike; a snack at the end of the day Begin day at 8am, end at 4:30: Begin your day at 8am at the Eco-Guest House, San Martin Sacatepequez, with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast.
What‘s Included
Box lunch after the hike on top of the Lake Chicabal crater
Breakfast is served at the 8am at our Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex
Bottled water
A sweet treat is offered upon return to the Welcome Center.
Entrance fee to Lake Chicabal
Tour guide gratuity
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1 review
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Experience the truth about Guatemala & its culture
Vivian M,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00From the start, their team communicated with me before the tour, to address any concerns on my part. They were very friendly, well mannered, and hard working individuals. I learned so much from Xela Aid, the community, the needs and education that deeply Guatemala struggles with. It was an eye opening experience that gave me a glimpse of life, for those who have struggled to get where they are. I enjoyed every part of the tour, while simply eating breakfast at the table, to all the help the organization does for others. I defiantly would recommend for others to try this experience, and tour.
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