Lake Atitlan Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trip...

Lake Atitlan Local Immersion & Homestays Tours & Trips

38 Lake Atitlan trips. Tours from 19 tour companies. 103 reviews. 5/5 avg rating.

15 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Local Immersion & Homestays
Maya Encounter
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

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

Highlights

  • Spend two 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.
  • Hit the streets of Antigua with your local leader and climb to a vintage cross lookout for views of the city and the incredible volcano that towers over it. Then, enjoy heaps of free time to take photos, wander and people-watch.
  • 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 and get some haggling tips from your leader in the popular and colourful Chichicastenango Market.
  • 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.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Guatemala & Honduras in 9 days - Magic of the Mayans  - Superior
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Antigua, Copan, Flores, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Santiago, Tikal

Highlights

  • Antigua Guatemala
  • Chichicastenango
  • Cobán
  • Dulce River
  • Flores
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

Trip dates & details
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Central America Encompassed
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Caribbean, Caye Caulker, Central America, Chichen Itza, Lake Atitlan, Mexico City, Palenque, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, San Cristobal, San Ignacio, San Juan, Tikal, Tikal National Park

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac – home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
  • Spend two 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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

Health Safety +

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Costa Rica, Guatemala & Mexico in 17 days - Secrets of Central America & Riviera Maya - Charm
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Arenal Volcano, Caribbean, Chichen Itza, La Fortuna, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Playa del Carmen, San José, Tulum

Highlights

  • Antigua Guatemala
  • Panajachel
  • Arenal
  • San José
  • Tortuguero
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

Trip dates & details
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Central America Explorer
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 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, 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, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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

Health Safety +

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Guatemala in 10 days - Magic of Nature & Mayan Trail - Charm
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By Exoticca
preferred
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
Although they’re cheaper than other brands, they still make sure all parts of the trip, like hotels, meet a high minimum standard.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Flores, Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Tikal

Highlights

  • Antigua Guatemala
  • Chichicastenango
  • Panajachel
  • Tikal

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. If your sending documents out correspondence should be in both the native language and the language of the people the correspondence to. Other than that a great first time experience."

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

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Best of Central America
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 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

  • Whether its slumbering on the sands of Playa del Carmen, gazing at the pyramids of Tikal or haggling in the vibrant markets of Chichicastenango, you'll experience multiple sides of Central America.
  • 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.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the 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 with a local family in their home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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

Health Safety +

More
Central American Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

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

Highlights

  • 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.
  • Caribbean Caye Caulker is a dreamy place to spend two days with no plans. Munch barbecue lobster? Snorkel in coral reef? Nap under a palm tree? It’s up to you.
  • 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.
  • Quaint Suchitoto is a contemporary arts hub with a colonial facade. Explore the flower-studded balconies, galleries housed in 19th-century buildings and a lake teeming with thousands of local birds.
  • Hike, cycle or zip-line through the steamy cloud forests of Monteverde – there’s so many ways to experience the lush canopies and unique Central American wildlife.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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

Health Safety +

More
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15 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Local Immersion & Homestays

Lake Atitlan Reviews & Ratings

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

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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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.

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