Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit the most sacred and holy locations around Lake Atitlan. Shaman priest perform Fire ceremony at sacred caves for healing, protection, safe travels, and for centering their energy. This is a once in a lifetime experience! You will experience an ancient Mayan custom at a fire cleansing and protection ceremony at the Sacred Caves of Lake Atitlan. The modern day Fire Ceremony is how the Mayan of today connect with the old wisdom known as the Mayan Cosmovision.
Immerse yourself in the mysticism of a holy place, and learn why the highland tribes travel for hours to connect with the spirits. Your guide will explain why the ceremonies are performed, and teach you about the ritual and unique meanings of the Mayan calendar.
You will witness shamans performing ceremony on most days, although this is can not be guaranteed.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience an important ceremony of the Maya people of Guatemala at the most sacred and holy location on Lake Atitlan. Transfer to the trail-head from Panajachel. Then, walk to the 1st cave (a maximum 20-minute hike). Named “Nimajay”, “San Simon”, “Enchanted” 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 feet waterfall.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
Materials for your own ceremony are available for an additional fee
Options
Sacred Caves visit, no shaman
Mayan ceremony with Shaman
Your personal Shaman
Reviews
52 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A truly unique experiencd
Vadim G,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a truly special experience. In all of our travels, this stands out as unique as you get to experience what Mayans have done for hundreds of years. But not only hundreds of years ago, these rituals are performed now as there were two other Mayan families in the cave during our time there, who were doing their own rituals so this isn’t a tourist trap - you get to do what Mayans actually do. Just one suggestion - you will get smoke and soot everywhere so do not wear clothes that you are afraid of ruining. We all washed everything off after the ceremony, but our daughter’s white t-shirt was ruined. So wear simple clothing and enjoy this must-do activity in the Lake Atitlan area.
10/10 experience
Neuteyshe F,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great! Handled the ceremony very carefully, paid for the transportation and assisted with everything/asked if I had questions etc made me comfortable throughout .
Beautiful and spiritual experience.
Alan S,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex,our guide and shaman, was kind, helpful and authentic. It is a beautiful place and was a spiritual experience. We were renewed.
A transforming exo
irmap545,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible experience. Alex was , generous, engaging and authentic. Highly, highly recommend. A transforming experience.
Alex is the best! A truly spiritual mayan ceremony at Lake Atitlan
918reedh,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves experience was the most profound and moving part of my trip to Guatemala, largely thanks to our guide and shaman, Alex. He made our travel to the caves seamless, picking us up in town on the bus and guiding us through a short hike to the sacred cave high on the mountain. Alex's knowledge of Mayan religious beliefs and the fire ceremony was incredible; he made the experience deeply personal by performing readings of our Mayan astrological signs and clearly explaining how we would participate. The traditional fire ceremony itself was a touching and powerfully spiritual event, offering an authentic glimpse into Mayan heritage. Alex was truly great; his warmth, kindness, and connection to the Mayan culture make him the perfect guide, I cannot recommend him or this unforgettable tour enough!
This was such a great...
Shayla L,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a great experience. It was just me and my son with the guide. He was extremely helpful, and connected well with my son. He's a teenager, and that can always be iffy, so I was really happy about that. We also took a couple chicken buses, which added to the experience. We really enjoyed this!
Must Do!
Kiera G,,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex made my experience a 10/10. Such a beautiful ceremony. I really enjoyed learning this and he was SO kind do explain everything and made me feel very very confortable. You have to check this out!
Authentic, Sacred and 100% recommend
A7594PQvickyk,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this experience to connect with a traditional and sacred ceremony. The cave itself was a powerful place and our guide Alex was really amazing. He shared lots of wisdom, knowledge and encouraged questions. We had such a great experience, we invited him to join us for dinner afterwards and he took us to a great local restaurant and continued to share his amazing knowledge. Super grateful and glad i booked this experience and hope to bring others to do this in the future when back around the Lake.
Don’t miss this
naomim932,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t miss this. Alex is amazing and you will almost certainly leave with more than expected.
An Amazing Experience
adamdK6789MB,,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a life changing experience for me. I don’t use that term loosely. I went into the cave in one way, and came out another. Even if spirituality is not your thing, this still would be an amazing cultural experience. Take the tour.
From US$118.00
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