Top Western Highlands Food & Drink

Led by local women, this cultural tour of Santa Cruz la Laguna offers a fascinating insight into Maya life on Lake Atitlan and how the ancient traditions can still be seen in modern Guatemala. Arriving in Santa Cruz by boat, you'll meet the women at the dock and walk up to the town, where you'll visit a home for a cooking class, learn about local handicrafts, and relax with a steam bath in a traditional adobe temazcal.

The best way to immerse yourself in the Guatemalan culture or mayan roots through the gastronomy. Learn to cook our delicious dish and share this amazing experience with us.

Once famously described as "too much of a good thing," Lake Atitlan's stunning beauty and broad diversity of towns can make it difficult for visitors to decide how best to see its attractions. This tour lets you see it all while connecting with the landscape and the local people in ways that few visitors get to do. After taking a boat from Panajachel to the small Mayan village of Tzununa, hop on a bike for a ride through the countryside, stopping to visit weaving cooperatives, coffee plantations, art galleries, and some of the best viewpoints on the Lake.

Scale the heights of Guatemala’s towering Santiaguito volcano, one of the country’s most active, during this 6-hour hiking excursion. Take a relatively easy hike up the slopes of this 12,375-foot (3770-meter) volcano, enjoying views of nearby Mayan corn fields and the area’s cloud forest as you climb. From the top you’ll enjoy gorgeous sight lines of the volcano’s smoking side cone (and a thrilling sense of accomplishment). This Santiaguito day hike covers entrance fees, a guide, snacks and round-trip hotel transport.

Come on a Foodie Tour with us, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Xela dish called Quichon, a Mayan broth full of flavor. As well as some first-quality artisan chocolate. All these from the hand of a Mayan woman who along with an association, seeks to share their ancestral knowledge with us. You will also get to know and enjoy Shecas, a traditional Mayan bread from Xela that has become very popular among national and international tourists since many years ago and that is very emblematic of this region. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee, which due to its altitude and soil conditions, is one of the best, being exported to other countries and having a distinguished profile in Guatemala. We hope you enjoy this authentic experience with us and discover the Mayan gastronomic legacy.

Embark on a captivating journey immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Santiago Atitlan. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as you delve into the world of traditional cuisine. Choose from three authentic dishes, each brimming with local flavors. Whether it's the savory Patín, the hearty Caldo de Gallina Criolla, or the mouthwatering Pulique, each dish is a culinary masterpiece. And don't forget to try your hand at crafting your own handmade tortillas. Next, discover the rich tapestry of textiles that reflect the vibrant heritage of Santiago Atitlan. Explore the intricate weaving techniques passed down through generations and admire the stunning colors and patterns that adorn these remarkable creations. As we continue, delve into the artistry of beadwork, where minuscule, colorful pieces come together to form exquisite accessories. Indulge in the wonders of Lake Atitlan, where vibrant traditions, culinary delights, and breathtaking scenery await.