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
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.
Options
Sacred Caves visit, no shaman
Mayan ceremony with Shaman
Your personal Shaman
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
Materials for your own ceremony are available for an additional fee
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
58 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spiritually cleansed
ellarS8193SK,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I knew I wanted to partake in a shamanic ritual and I am so grateful for the experience offered by Kayak Guatemala. Alex was my shaman and I feel extremely lucky to have witnessed his devotion during the ceremony. I emerged from the cave feeling spiritually cleansed and left with a deep appreciation for the land and Mayan culture.
Very spiritual and really...
Susan M,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very spiritual and really enjoyed learning about Maya culture. Luis our guide was very thoughtful and informative.
Magical and genuine experience
AutumnW124,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friend and I went in with no idea what to expect and emerged energized and renewed feeling a deep connection to the land, local culture, and our individual spirituality. It was a very moving, emotional, and transformational experience rich with ritual and personal introspection. We hope to return with our families. The shaman is very serious about using his gifts to help the world which is beautiful to witness. Thank you for this incredible gift! It’s such a privilege to be included.
Absolutely amazing experience!!
sophiewQ4124ZH,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a beautiful experience! I know it would be cheesy to say life-changing, but it was really eye-opening and amazing! Our guide was so kind and welcoming to their culture and traditions. It was absolutely incredible! 100% I would go again and bring friends and family! I can’t recommend this enough!
This was the absolute...
Ashley E,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the absolute highlight of our trip. It was an incredible experience. Our host was incredible. Unforgettable.
Wonderful Mayan cultural tour
Jay S,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience! So special to learn about Mayan culture and tradition. The Shaman, Carlos, and our guide, Mario, were incredible. The chicken bus was really fun. Definitely wear sneakers, the walk would not be good in flip-flops and you can get ash on you, so don't wear white. Highly recommend this tour. It was such a unique meaningful experience. Learning more about my Mayan sign and how it interacts with my partner's sign was amazing.
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.
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