How to Plan Your Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, one of the best experiences you can have is visiting the Western Highlands. The Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour is a wonderful way to explore the area and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Mayan civilization. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your tour step-by-step, so that you can make the most out of your visit.

Step-by-Step Planning Guide

Step 1: Choose your dates

The tour is offered year-round and can be booked on any day of the week. Depending on your travel itinerary, you can choose the most convenient dates for you.

Step 2: Book the tour

To book the Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour, we recommend using the following link: book the tour here This tour is run by third-party companies, and this is the official booking page. You can find all the information about available dates, prices, and what is included in the tour package.

Step 3: Arrive in Panajachel

Once you have booked the tour, you’ll need to make your way to Panajachel, which is the starting point for the tour. You can get there easily by bus, shuttle, or private car from Guatemala City or Antigua.

Step 4: Enjoy Day 1

A local guide will meet you at your hotel in Panajachel at 9:00 am to start Day 1 of the tour. You will be taken by shared boat to San Juan La Laguna, where you will visit a Mayan community with handicraft talents. Afterward, you will visit San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, where you will experience the authentic culture of the Maya civilization first-hand. You will also have the chance to kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Atitlan, hike the hills around the lake, and soak up breathtaking views from Casa del Mundo Hotel. The guide will return you to your hotel in Panajachel in the early evening.

Step 5: Get ready for Day 2

On Day 2, a local driver will meet you in front of your hostel in Panajachel at 5:00 pm to take you by car to San Jorge La Laguna. This is an original Mayan village where you will have a great chance to experience authentic cultures and interact with a Mayan family. You will also have the opportunity to taste delicious local foods and sleep in nice rooms in the family’s home.

Step 6: Return to Panajachel

On Day 3, you will have breakfast with the family before returning to Panajachel with the driver. The tour ends upon your return to Panajachel.

What’s Included in the Tour

The Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour is an all-inclusive tour package that includes:

– Experienced guide(s)
– Local transportation
– Kayaking equipment
– Accommodation
– Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

What to Pack

To make the most of your Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour, we recommend packing the following items:

– Comfortable, lightweight clothing and shoes suitable for hiking and kayaking
– Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
– Insect repellent
– Warm clothing for the evenings
– Camera or smartphone for capturing amazing views

Conclusion

We hope this step-by-step planning guide has helped you prepare for your Mayan Home Stay & Communities Lake Atitlan Tour. This is an unforgettable experience that will immerse you in the rich culture of the Mayan civilization and provide you with spectacular views of the region’s natural beauty. Remember to book your tour in advance to secure your place, pack appropriately, and get ready for an incredible adventure.

Insider’s Guide to San Juan La Laguna: A Mayan Home Stay and Communities Lake Atitlan Tour

San Juan La Laguna is a charming Mayan village situated in the highlands of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan. While tourists often flock to the more prominent towns surrounding the lake, this hidden gem remains off the beaten path, offering an unforgettable and unique cultural experience. I’ve compiled a list of insider tips to help you plan an authentic and immersive Mayan home stay and communities Lake Atitlan tour.

Local Attractions: Discovering Hidden Gems

While most tourists are captivated by the scenic beauty of Lake Atitlan, few venture into the lesser-known alleyways of San Juan La Laguna. As you stroll through the town center, make sure to stop by the local art galleries, where traditional Mayan textiles are exhibited, and unique handcrafted pottery is sold. Take a walk along the narrow streets to discover the Mayan medicinal plants and herbs grown here, which are used for their medicinal benefits and spiritual healing. Another hidden gem worth exploring is the Finca Xetuc Organic Coffee Farm, where the guides can enlighten you on the coffee-making process, starting from bean to cup.

Dining Spots: Savoring Local Cuisine with a Dash of History

San Juan La Laguna has a rich culinary heritage, and you will surely enjoy a variety of traditional Mayan dishes during your stay. However, if you want to experience something unique and meaningful, we recommend a traditional Mayan cooking class in a local home. Here you will learn about the ingredients used, the cooking techniques, and also gain insight into the family’s customs and beliefs. One of the traditional dishes worth trying is the Kak’ik soup, made with turkey meat and Mayan chili. Legend has it that the soup has healing powers and is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Cultural Experiences: Unearthing Local Traditions and Customs

One of the unique experiences you can have during your Mayan home stay is to learn about the town’s customs and participate in their traditional ceremonies. San Juan La Laguna is known for its colorful traditional costumes and weaving techniques. You can visit the Tz’unun Ya weaving cooperative, where the local women will demonstrate the intricate weaving techniques, and share their stories about the history and legacy behind their textiles. You can also learn about the Mayan spirituality and participate in the Ajaw Kaqchikel Medicine Ceremony performed by local Mayan priests, who are believed to possess the powers of healing, blessings, and cleansing.

Local History: Delving into Fascinating Stories

San Juan La Laguna has a rich history, and its legacy can be traced back to the Mayan civilization. The town has been ruled by different Mayan tribes and has a rich cultural heritage that has survived throughout the centuries. The town also played a significant role during the Guatemalan civil war when many of the local women were abducted and forced into sexual slavery. The town has since emerged as a peaceful community that has successfully preserved its traditional arts and crafts, and is now known for its social and economic empowerment of women.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Creating Unforgettable Experiences

For adventurous travelers, we suggest taking a hike to the top of the San Pedro Volcano, which overlooks the entire Lake Atitlan. The hike is challenging but equally rewarding, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Another unique experience you could have in San Juan La Laguna is kayaking around the lake’s edges, where you can observe the town’s vibrant wildlife, including various species of bird and fish.

In conclusion, a Mayan home stay and Communities Lake Atitlan Tour is an excellent opportunity for those who seek a deeper understanding of the local culture and Mayan heritage. San Juan La Laguna provides a unique and authentic slice of the Mayan community, which is worth the extra effort to explore. I hope this guide helps you in planning your ultimate trip to San Juan La Laguna that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and soul.