How to plan your Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour in Western Highlands

If you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience in Guatemala, the Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour is a must-do. This tour takes you to the heart of the Western Highlands to visit the famous Solola Market and the surrounding indigenous villages. You will learn about the Mayan culture, visit sacred sites, and witness a Fire Cleansing Ceremony. Here’s how to plan your Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour:

Booking the Tour:

To book the tour, all you need to do is visit the following link: book the tour here. You will be directed to a booking page where you can select your preferred date and time, enter your details, and make the payment. The process is quick and easy, and you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details.

Tour Experience:

The Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour is a full-day tour that starts in the morning and ends in the late afternoon. During the tour, you will be accompanied by an experienced local guide who will take you to the following places:

Solola Market:

Solola is the best indigenous market near Lake Atitlan. You will get the chance to see the local handicrafts from this region and shop if you wish. However, this tour is less about shopping and more about sharing the Mayan culture. You will find the people warm and welcoming, and more of the Kachekel Maya dress in traditional traje (clothes). Even the men still dress in traditional clothes.

Local Government Office and Indigenous Mayor’s Office:

You will visit many interesting sights unique to this location, including the local government office and the indigenous mayor’s office. Learn how and why the two mayors exist side by side. Your guide can explain about the Mayan calendar and teach you about the unique base 20 Mayan counting system.

Mountain Villages:

After the market tour, you will drive through maize and terraced vegetable fields, coffee fields, old growth forest, and into the cloud forest. The tour includes a visit to a sacred Mayan site, where you will have the chance to witness a Fire Cleansing Ceremony.

Highlights:

The Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour is packed with highlights. Here are some of the things you can expect to experience:

• Visit Solola, the best indigenous market near Lake Atitlan
• Experience the warmth and welcoming nature of the Kachekel Maya
• Shop for local handicrafts
• Visit the local government office and the indigenous mayor’s office
• Learn about the Mayan calendar and counting system
• Drive through maize and vegetable fields, coffee fields, old growth forest and into the cloud forest
• Visit a sacred Mayan site with the chance to witness a Fire Cleansing Ceremony

What to Bring:

The Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour involves a fair amount of walking, so it’s recommended that you wear comfortable shoes. Here are some other things you might want to bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun
• A light jacket or sweater for the mountain villages, as the temperature can be cooler
• Cash if you wish to shop at the Solola Market
• A camera to capture the beautiful scenery and cultural experience

Final Thoughts:

The Solola Market and Mountain Villages Tour is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the Mayan culture and experience the beauty of the Western Highlands. Make sure to book your tour ahead of time and bring comfortable shoes and clothing for a memorable day.

Insider’s Guide: Exploring Solola and the Mountain Villages of Western Highlands

If you’re planning to visit Solola Market and the nearby mountain villages in Western Highlands, then this insider’s guide is for you. Situated in the southwestern region of Guatemala, Solola is a small city surrounded by towering mountains and stunning natural vistas. The city is renowned for its bustling market, which offers a great insight into local culture, handicrafts, and traditional foods. Moreover, the towering mountain villages surrounding Solola are a must-visit for any tourist looking to experience the authentic rural life of the region.

Explore Solola Market

Solola Market is the largest of its kind in Western Highlands, attracting thousands of visitors every Thursday and Sunday. The market is renowned for its colorful textiles, woven baskets, and carved wooden figurines, all made by local artisans, which showcase the rich Mayan traditions of the region. It’s also a great place to try traditional foods such as chuchitos (tamales), tostadas, and atol, a warm, thick corn drink. The market is also an excellent place to see locals dressed in their traditional clothing, and you can even get your picture taken with them.

Discover the Mountain Villages

The mountain villages around Solola offer an authentic and immersive experience of rural Guatemalan life. These villages are home to the indigenous Mayan communities that have lived in the region for centuries. You can visit these villages by hiking through the stunning natural landscapes that surround Solola or by taking a guided tour. The villages of San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan, and San Antonio Palopo are particularly worth exploring, as they offer unique cultural experiences, including weaving workshops, traditional dance shows, and local art galleries.

Immerse in Local History and Culture

Solola has a rich and intriguing history that’s worth exploring. A visit to the Museo Regional de Solola gives visitors an in-depth understanding of the Mayan civilization that once ruled this region. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the Mayan people, their beliefs, and traditions. Another great cultural experience is the Huilapanteca Cultural Center, which hosts traditional dance performances, art exhibits, and workshops on weaving and handicrafts. This center is a great place to learn more about the cultural heritage of the region.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you’re looking for an adventure, consider visiting the Iximche Ruins, a Mayan archaeological site about an hour’s drive from Solola. The ruins are set in a lush jungle and offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. Moreover, there’s a small off-the-beaten-path village called Concepcion that’s worth exploring. Concepcion is a beautiful village with a small church that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. It’s also a great place to see traditional weaving and pottery-making techniques, as the village has a thriving handicrafts industry.

Dine at Local Spots

When it comes to dining in Solola, there are a few local spots that are worth visiting. If you’re looking for traditional Guatemalan cuisine, head to Restaurante El Turista, which serves local dishes such as pepian, a thick, hearty stew made with chicken, vegetables, and spices. Another great spot is La Fonda de la Calle Real, which is a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious home-style cooking. Their enchiladas and chiles rellenos are particularly recommended.

In conclusion, Solola and its surrounding mountain villages offer a unique and immersive travel experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Guatemala. From exploring the bustling market to discovering the rich cultural heritage of the region, there’s something for every type of traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Western Highlands.