Lake Atitlan Tours & Trip Packages

Lake Atitlan Tours & Trips

20 Lake Atitlan trips. Tours from 3 tour companies. 129 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

20 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Maya Encounter
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Spend three days exploring the island paradise of Caye Caulker – munch on barbecued lobster, snorkel around a coral reef, nap under palm trees, go kayaking or just kick back with a couple of worry-free beach days.
  • See some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Maya civilisation – plus an array of local wildlife, including coatis and howler monkeys – during a guided tour of Tikal National Park.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna – a lakeside village where you can share meals and conversation with a local family and see how they harvest their local medicinal plants.
  • Wander between stalls of rainbow handicrafts, fruits and flowers in the popular and colourful Chichicastenango Market.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, where you’ll head out on a birdwatching walk and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Ultimate Central America
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Panama Canal, Panama City, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • The stars of this trip are the dramatic and varied landscapes of lush Central America. Active volcanoes, ancient ruins, idyllic beaches and emerald jungles – this trip has got you covered.
  • Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas. This old-world town is surrounded by indigenous villages that have retained their traditional customs and roots.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a village sitting on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Clear sea perfect for swimming, shacks serving cold cerveza and sandy shores covered in starfish are waiting in Panama's Bocas del Toro, where you spend three nights on Isla Colon.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Overland Journeys

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Nicaragua to Belize Discovery
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Copan, Flores, Lake Atitlan, Salvador, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Drive up through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and head on a hike to one of the crater lakes with an expert local guide.
  • Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Maya civilisation.
  • Hop on a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Gaze in wonder at the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal National Park – one of Central America's most impressive Maya sites, as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
  • Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker, a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Heart of Guatemala
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Antigua, Lake Atitlan

Highlights

  • Visit San Andres Itzapa and see the shamanic ceremonies devoted to San Simon, a popular chain-smoking saint that has stolen the hearts of the Maya people.
  • Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God.
  • Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Maya garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Maya descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon.
  • Start and end your trip in Antigua, making sure to see the city’s restored Spanish buildings and epic views of the volcano that towers over it.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Heart of Central America
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Antigua, Central America, Copan, Lake Atitlan, Salvador

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of the Copan ruins and archaeological site – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilisation.  
  • Visit an Indigenous artists’ village in Nicaragua to meet with a local artist who makes traditional masks – an important part of the history of the country's revolution. 
  • Drive up through the cloud forest at Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and head on a hike to one of the crater lakes with an expert local guide.
  • Visit Chichicastenango market – known as Chichi for short – and pick up your very own huipils (a traditional Mayan garment worn by women and girls) or some handmade jade jewellery. 
  • Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Mayan descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon and share a bottle of local spirits with them as they tell you stories of local life.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Best of Guatemala and Belize
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Flores, Lake Atitlan, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Take an elaborately decorated chicken bus to a local market and witness the larger-than-life vegetables this region’s known for – decide for yourself whether it’s the result of the fertilizer or the blessings from God. 
  • Gaze in wonder at the jungle-shrouded limestone temples of Tikal, one of Central America's most impressive Mayan sites, as howler monkeys call from the canopy.
  • Relax and recharge on the white sands of Caye Caulker, a tiny Belizean island made for beach BBQs, snorkel trips and lazy afternoons spent swinging in a hammock.
  • Explore Livingston – a one-of-a-kind riverside town where the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population heavily influences the local culture.
  • Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Atitlan to Santiago Atitlan, with 95% of the population of Mayan descent, and meet the shamanic keepers of Maximon and share a bottle of local spirits with them as they tell you stories of local life. 

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Best of Central America
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Boquete, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Colon, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Panajachel, Panama City, Salvador, San Ignacio, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Experience the multiple sides of Central America, whether slumbering on the sands of Caye Caulker and Bocas del Toro, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or shopping in the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango.
  • Get to know contemporary Maya life during a homestay in San Juan La Laguna, a village on the shores of Lake Atitlan, where you can share meals and conversation with a local family.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through Costa Rica’s steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.
  • Cruise up the Rio Dulce to your waterfront jungle lodge, then maybe grab a beer and relax while the sounds of nature fill the air.
  • Put your chef hat on and help prepare a traditional Caribbean dinner in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Central America Explorer
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Copan, Granada, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Lake Nicaragua, Leon, Mexico City, Monteverde, Ometepe, Pacific Coast, Palenque, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, Salvador, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • This is one of our most extensive trips in Central America, hitting more than 20 destinations and introducing you to the cities, villages and myriad cultures of seven countries.
  • Your local craft fair just won’t feel the same after you’ve experienced Chichicastenango, a colourful Guatemalan market that draws thousands of vendors from the surrounding mountain villages.
  • Chichen Itza is one the New Seven Wonders of the World – find out why. Strolling around the ancient Maya ruins feels pretty wondrous.
  • A few days on Caye Caulker provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy Belizean island vibes, beachside beers and optional snorkelling, the perfect (almost) halfway point for this epic adventure.
  • Discover the jungle Costa Rica is famous for during a stay in Monteverde, a misty rainforest area home to sloths, hummingbirds, white-faced monkeys and tapirs among hundreds more animal species.

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Lake Atitlan Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
129  Reviews
See all Lake Atitlan tour reviews
Excellent
17
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
B

Brianna M.

Feb 2023

Written on

The company was well-organized and I enjoyed every activity they planned for this trip!

Although I have a friend from Guatemala who has told how magnificent the country is, I had never gone. One night I was doing research when I came across CharlieTheTr...

J

Jon H.

Feb 2023

Written on

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days.

The Guatemala trip through CharlieTheTraveler had so much packed into 6 days. I had such a good time on each daytrip and going to each attraction. I was intrigued by...

S

Susan T.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler did an amazing job keeping me busy with interesting and exciting activities on this trip.

The entire time I was in Guatemala, I seemed to forget about the stresses and worries of homelife, which is exactly what I wanted out of a trip. CharlieTheTraveler d...

T

Tom Walker

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip.

CharlieTheTraveler balanced nature and culture in this Guatemala trip. It was awesome to go on the exhilarating excursions. I could not believe all of this way for o...

K

Kelly E.

Feb 2023

Written on

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them.

CharlieTheTraveler has all positive reviews online, which made it an easy choice to book my Guatemala trip through them. They ensured I was safe throughout the trip ...

Write a Review

Lake Atitlan Tour Selection Trips

  • Regardless of how long you’re staying in Lake Atitlan, you should pack light! The primary means of transport in the area is boat, or four-wheel-drive trucks, so carrying only one bag will make all of your travel much more convenient.
  • Most of the small towns around Atitlan are do not have ATMs, and plenty of restaurants and small stores are cash only. For this reason, you should stock up on cash beforehand, though only carry a portion of it with you each day?
  • If you are on a longer tour of Guatemala or Central America, it’s likely that only a day or two has been dedicated to Lake Atitlan. While this does not do the region, and its 12 very distinct villages, justice -- it’s still better than nothing! If you are based in Panajachel, you can still take a small boat and visit several villages in the span of a few hours to get a better feel of the area.

Additional details

Weather in Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlan has incredible weather, with daytime highs consistently between mid 70’s to mid 80’s Fahrenheit, all year round. The area surrounding the lake is lush but not particularly rainy, except during the hurricane season (between August and September), when the area can be impacted by prolonged storms. The lowest chances for rain are during the dry season, which takes place between November to February.

What to Wear in Lake Atitlán

Because of the consistent weather, what you decided to pack for a trip to Lake Atitlan does not change much depending on the time of year. When packing, think about making sure all of your clothing is light, breathable, and comfortable. There are very few times and places in the lake area where people dress formally, so you will never be underdressed, and you will appreciate having comfortable clothing when hiking in the sun and humidity.

Lake Atitlan is still in the mountains, so the temperature does drop in the evenings. To prepare for this chill, bring a sweater and a pair of long pants. You should bring a pair of sturdy sneakers or boots to hike in, as well as a pair of flip flops or sandals for hanging out by the lake. And, of course, be sure to bring a camera and your bathing suit for when you decide to go snorkeling and swim!

Safety in Lake Atitlan

Although you may have heard about Guatemala being an unsafe travel location, or seen that the U.S. has a level 2 travel advisory for traveling to Guatemala. While this advisory is accurate, and should definitely be adheeded if you plan to travel around Guatemala and visit its city locations, Lake Tikal has a very low crime rate.

This is mainly because the communities are isolated and rely on tourism (and as a result, safety) to make money, and primarily Mayan, where even petty crime is severely punished. When traveling anywhere, however, you should remain aware of your surroundings like you would in any foreign country. This is particularly true if you are drinking and walking around alone at night.

If you plan not to take an unguided tour, especially for hiking, some travelers recommend preparing for the chance that they are mugged. They keep an extra wallet (or even just a small group of bills) filled with just a little cash, and some expired credit cards, in case they are approached and robbed while away on a hike.

Another thing to keep in mind, though not necessarily a "safety risk," is that the majority of Mayan people do not appreciate being photographed, so always ask permission. On a similar note, Mayan people are technically forbidden to marry outsiders, and so they do not appreciate being flirted with.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 20 trips to Lake Atitlan and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >