Lake Atitlan: Upper Mayan Trail from Antigua or Panajachel
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This full day tour takes you high into the mountains above Lake Atitlan on a strenuous hike ending in Solola. Explore the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna and visit the indigenous market in Solola.
Hike through maize fields, coffee fields, old growth forest, and into the cloud forest. Visit a sacred Mayan site with the change to see Shaman performing Fire Ceremony. Hike ends in Solola with time to explore the market, then transfer to Panajachel and back to Antigua. Very strenuous hike.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lago de Atitlan
Experience one of the most beautiful lakes in the world
Los Elementos Adventure Center
Gear up and prepare for your hike at our exclusive Adventure Center.
What‘s Included
Outdoors adventure, plus learn about the Mayan culture
Transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach
Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located Antigua hotels only)
All activities
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Antigua based
Depart from Antigua for an exciting day hike. Explore off the beaten path trails, indigenous markets, and spectacular views of Lake Atitlan. Return to Antigua. Departure times are 5:30am daily.
Pickup included
Panajachel based
Depart from Panajachel or other Lake Atitlan villages for an exciting day hike. Explore off the beaten path trails, indigenous markets, and spectacular views of Lake Atitlan. Return to Panajachel.
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing view, TOUGH trail
Kara S,,Feb 26, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This hike was much harder than we expected but absolutely worth it!! It was nearly 4 hours with our breaks but our guide Sam was wonderfully patient and encouraging. Our phones said this hike had us climb the equivalent of nearly 152 floors. Firstly, we were pleasantly surprised that it is required to get on a boat to get to the bottom of the hike. You should ABSOLUTELY eat breakfast prior to this trail. The first third of the journey was through the village of Santa Maria (which is the steepest village I had ever experienced). Then the next third was equally difficult but in a more woodsy setting, the last third would not have been so difficult if it wasn’t for the first two thirds being exhausting. The views were incredible and made the difficult trail so worthwhile. We ended with lunch and a market tour. Bring a water bottle and buy an extra! This hike is humbling to say the least. My friend and I both work out about 3-4 times a week and this hike was still difficult for us due to the elevation and the stamina it required.
Interesting hike but a bit overpriced
Tour395621,,Aug 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Hike took in scenic countryside & Mayan culture, but felt a bit overpriced for what we did. Hike was very steep. Market was really interesting & fun to go on the back of a pick-up into town.
Strenuous hike but great local experiences!!
Cathryn J,,Mar 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Antonio, our guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable and attentive to my husband and me as we were the only two on the tour. The hike up the mountain is very steep and strenuous but Antonio was patient with my many breaks and lent a helping hand to pull me up the steepest parts. It was fascinating to see the views and locals hauling their firewood and avocados on this active mountainside trail. At the top of the mountain we jumped in the back of a pickup truck for the ride to Solala to walk through the market and have lunch. It was my husband’s birthday and Antonio surprised him by ordering cake with a candle to be brought to our table!! Also experienced a chicken bus ride back to Panajachel!!! A great day!!
Amazing Upper Mayan Trail Experience with Alex, Diego, and Antonio!
jodiann24,,Mar 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an amazing experience for our group of 4 women from the US. Alex, Antonio, and Diego had us laughing all the way up the trail. It was a somewhat challenging hike, but they made it so enjoyable. We also got to visit a market, have a traditional lunch, and visit a sacred cave. I won't ruin all the surprises, but I will say that this was one of the best hikes I have ever experienced. If you enjoy hiking and are somewhat fit, I 100% recommend this!
Excellent experience
Susan A,,Mar 4, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Our young guide Fernando was excellent for our upper Mayan Canyon trail He literally flew up the trail but was great about adjusting for our speed Shared many precious healing spots along the way Highly recommend him One thing was it was a few hours wait until 4 for our trip back to Antigua
My friend and I had a...
Carol C,,Jun 23, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00My friend and I had a wonderful time on this hike! Lee and his wife communicated with us early on to let us know about pick up times and what to expect. This made us feel secure as this was our first time in Guatemala. We were picked up from our hotel in Antigua and met by our tour guide in Panajachel, where we took a speed boat to Lake Atitlan. There we stopped at the home to prepare for our hike. The hike itself is challenging, but doable. Make sure you wear good shoes. The view from the top is absolutely stunning. We then had lunch and explored the Solola Market. We had some free time so we took advantage and walked around. Lee and his wife showed us around and we got to see where the Mayan rituals happen, although there wasn't an active one. Overall, it was a real pleasant experience. We thank Lee, his wife, and our tour guide! I definitely recommend!
Excellent choice for hikes and history
Jb f,,Apr 17, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lee was recommended by our host. Couldn’t have been a better choice. We first hiked with one of his local guides, amazing views of the lake, and then Lee and his guide took us to view a market, a shrine and Mayan caves. Both Lee and his guide were very knowledgeable. Lee’s been there for a while and seems to know all the locals and history and community.
Hike
Caroline H,,Aug 8, 2018
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful experience in every way! Recommended to wear pants on the hike because its a little buggy and lots of plants! But wonderful!
Awesome hike and amazing views...
Jason G,,Jan 8, 2017
- Review from Viator
4.00Awesome hike and amazing views! Definitely worth it if you find yourself in Antigua. The guide took us swimming after the tour was over as we waited for our ride back to town. The guide was super friendly, and made the hike very enjoyable.
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Operated by Los Elementos Adventure Center & Day Spa