Lake Atitlan: Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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‘s Included

Local guide

Gratuities

Materials for your own ceremony are available for an additional fee

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

Reviews

4.81

48 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Alex is the best! A truly spiritual mayan ceremony at Lake Atitlan
918reedh,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The 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
5.00
This 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
5.00
Alex 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
5.00
Highly 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
5.00
Absolutely 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
5.00
This 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.
Truly unique experience
kimberlilisk,
Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very authentic and interesting. Alex as our guide was incredible. That ceremony made our Guatemala trip wholesome. Thank you very much!
Spiritual ceremony in Maya cave
freddya471,
May 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Alex was our guide, he was great. He made it very fun with his humor throughout our hike. He also explained the culture and Maya spirituality. The cave ceremony is not really something you can explain just a thing to trust and experience. My wife and I will hold this short journey special to our hearts for year's to come. Thank you Alex!
Alex was an excellent...
SARAH L,
Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Alex was an excellent guide. He imparted so much wisdom and knowledge. I truly appreciate that he openly shared his culture and customs with us. It was truly a spiritual experience. Although, not for the faint of heart. The cave was very hot, ashy, smike filled, etc. All that aside, it was worth it to leave with a full heart and inside experience in Mayan culture. Also it was very cool to take the chicken bus. Alex went above and beyond helping get Mayan calendars and lunch at the local market in Panajachel. This was an amazing, authentic cultural and spiritual experience. Do it. Worth every cent.
Mayan fire ceremony
Jean Francois D,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a beautiful ceremony Alex put all his heart into it. He answers your questions and explains this ancestral practice. Well liked the visit of the mercado to take the offerings. A great opportunity for me to contact my ancestors.