Lake Atitlan Guided Tour by Boat from Panajachel
Overview
Available languages
6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Cruise across Lake Atitlán and visit the charming village of San Juan La Laguna on this full-day shared sightseeing tour. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes along its southern shore.
Join this tour to immerse yourself in authentic Mayan traditions. In San Juan La Laguna, you’ll have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration by local Mayan women, who use tree bark, natural plants, and vegetables to extract vibrant natural dyes. Learn how these ancestral techniques are used to color handwoven textiles, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship.
Continue Lake Atitlán by boat as you travel to Santiago Atitlán to meet the Tz’utujil Maya community. Discover their rich spiritual beliefs, including a visit to the revered Mayan deity Maximón, also known as Rilaj Mam, considered a powerful grandfather spirit.
You’ll also explore local art galleries, handicrafts, and traditional paintings, gaining deeper insight into the vibrant culture
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Panajachel
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Panajachel and walk with you to the boat dock. From there, you’ll take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlán for about 40 minutes to San Juan La Laguna. It’s a beautiful journey over the water, surrounded by stunning volcano views and charming lakeside villages along the way
San Juan la Laguna
Upon arrival in San Juan La Laguna, after a safe and speedy 40-minute boat ride across Lake Atitlán, you will begin exploring this magical town with your professional guide. Enjoy a fully guided cultural tour as you walk through colorful streets filled with vibrant murals and local art. Visit artisan cooperatives to learn about traditional backstrap weaving, natural dye processes, and the rich heritage of the Tz’utujil Maya community. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover local chocolate and coffee production, making this experience both cultural and flavorful.
What‘s Included
Private Boat for 18 passengers
Local Mayan Guide
Safe Jacket
Tips (optional)
Souvenirs (optional)
Lunch (optional)
Pickup points
Hotel Dos Mundos
Calle Santander, Panajachel Guatemala
Porta Hotel Del Lago
2A. Avenida 6-17 Zona 2, Panajachel Guatemala
Selina Atitlan
Calle Del Embarcadero Panajachel Guatemala
Hotel Nakbe Atitlan
474c Calle Santander, Calle Monterrey 3a, Avenida 4-87 Zona 2 Panajachel Guatemala
Dreamboat Hostel
Calle Santander, Down Calle Santander, in an alleyway on the right side, next to posada de los volcanes Panajachel Guatemala
Hotel Posada De Don Rodrigo Panajachel
Final Calle Santander, Panajachel Guatemala
Options
Lake Atitlan Guided Tour by Boat from Panajachel
Pickup included
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lake Atitlan
Kevin M,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The lake was beautiful but the boat ride was scary. We visited San Pedro, San Juan y Santiago. Keep in mind of the bumpy boat ride.
Best way spend your day at Lake Atitlan
Hunter Q,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00100% recommend. Excursion ran from 9am to 4pm dock to dock. So many activities, food and a little bit of free time. Best way to spend a day on Lake Atitlan.
A Yes for Us.
498richm,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful day for a boat ride. Great guide with friendly demeanor and cultural insights. Dedicated launch so you don’t have to schlep all your gear and purchases around. Recommend.
Excellent. We love the...
Sergio D,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent. We love the experience. Very good tour and included everything. The guides super friendly and spoke several languages.
Great tour!!!
Margarita P,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great tour, a lot of good information. We were enjoying this tour and learned a lot about Maya culture
Pleasant Day around Lake Atitlan
Jeremy G,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We had a pleasant day on the water and visiting two of the towns on Lake Atitlan. It was interesting to compare San Juan and Santiago. In addition to seeing each town, we enjoyed learning a little about the area, Mayan culture, making textiles, honey cultivation, coffee harvesting and turning cocoa beans into chocolate. Plus, there was an interesting mix of other tour members from several countries. Our guide Juan Carlos was very nice.
Great trip
Sarah D,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00An interesting trip to two lake villages to see local life. Lots of workshops and learning about the Maya's.
Mixed group of English...
Ryan K,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Mixed group of English and Spanish speakers-predominately Spanish. Had two guides (1 English and 1 Spanish). The Spanish guide was very informative and gave great detail to his group. The English guide, not so much. Not as enthusiastic or telling is about what we were seeing. But felt safe and took care of us throughout the day
Good value quick tour
Lawrence M,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Good introduction to San Juan and Santiago, though a bit too much time at various demonstrations in the former and a bit rushed in the latter
Fantastic!
andreakrubin,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was fantastic. It was wonderful to see the villages, learn some history and culture, and see how the Mayans preserve their traditions. The boat ride is BUMPY and the views are spectacular. The most beautiful place on earth! Add this to your travel plans!
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Operated by Marvelus Travel