Xela to Lago Atitlán
The can’t miss three day hike from Xela to Lake Atitlán, the jewel of the Guatemalan Highlands.
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Summary
Join us on our most popular trek: the three day hike from Xela to Lago de Atitlán! View all that the Western Highlands have to offer on this 3 day, 2 night adventure which ends with a stunning sunrise over Lake Atitlan.
Skip the cramped tourist shuttle: trek through cloud forests, coffee groves, and rural villages; marvel at corn fields growing on steep hillsides; cross rivers and relax by a wood fire; and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and mountains.
We spend our evenings in local Mayan communities where you can use a temescal (traditional Mayan sauna) on the first night and enjoy a home cooked meal with a homestay on the second. At pre-dawn on Day 3, we will awake to watch the sunrise over the beautiful Lake Atitlan while enjoying breakfast at the mirador. From there, we will descend into San Juan La Laguna where you may choose to enjoy a local coffee before we transit to nearby San Pedro La Laguna.
After enjoying lunch at a waterside restaurant, you will receive your additional luggage and be welcome to continue on to the rest of your travels. We cannot imagine a better nor more rewarding way to arrive at such an iconic Guatemalan location!
* Please note that this trek must be booked with a paid deposit by 11am the day prior to departure. All requests to book made after this time are not guaranteed and will incur a Q50 late fee.
**There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting at 6:00pm the evening prior to the trek’s departure. Here, you will meet your guides and fellow trekkers, borrow any gear you may need, receive communal gear, finalize payment, and more.**
Quick Facts
Total distance
46 km (28.5 m)
Average backpack weight
12 kg (25 lbs)
Maximum elevation
3,050 m (10,000 ft)
Days offered
Tuesdays and Saturdays
All profits directly support the youth of Xela through EDELAC’s social projects!
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Travel Details
Departure Time & Location
Quetzaltrekkers Office (inside of the Casa Argentina hostel, Xela)
- 6:00 PM Mandatory pre-trek meeting the evening prior to trek departure
- 6:00 AM Meeting time the morning of the trek
Arrival Time & Location
Restaurante El Fondeadero (San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan)
- Personal luggage stored in Xela will be dropped off between 1:00 - 3:00 PM
What to bring
Hiking Shoes; Hiking Clothes; Warmer Layers for nighttime; Rain Jacket and/or Poncho; Sleeping Bag; Sleeping Mat; Hiking Backpack (at least 45L); Sun Protection; Swimsuit and Towel.
- You will also be required to carry 3 liters of water (refill available every evening), and some communal food items.
- Any hiking gear you do not have is available to borrow at no additional charge. This will be provided at the pre-trek meeting
What is included
3 Breakfasts; 3 Lunches; 2 Dinners; Trail Snacks; Filtered Water; Temescal; Transportation; Guides; Gear; and 2 nights of accomodation.
What’s not included
Transportation of personal luggage to meet you in San Pedro (Q100 per bag) OR return transport back to Xela (Q150); Any additional snacks or drinks purchased.
Elevation
Frequently asked questions
Where do we sleep?
We sleep indoors; both nights are spent on the floor, so you must carry a sleeping mat and sleeping bag during the trek.
What do we carry?
You will be expected to carry everything in the “what to bring” list above, as well as any other personal items you may elect to bring. There are no porter services for this trek.
Can I store person luggage not needed for the trek in Xela?
Yes, we encourage trekkers to use our bag drop service. All items not needed for the trek will be locked in a secure room located in our office. These items will be brought to Lake Atitlan for an additional fee on Day 3.
I am vegetarian / vegan / lactose intolerant etc..
We accommodate dietary restrictions. All trek food is vegetarian and has vegan substitutes; all restaurants offer meals that meet most dietary requirements. Please fill out the “dietary requirements” section while booking with any information about food allergies or intolerances we should be aware of.
How do I sign up?
By paying a Q100/person deposit, on this webpage or in our office, before 11:00am the day prior to the trek. The remaining balance is due by cash or card at the pre-trek meeting.
Help Without Hiking
Your support is providing housing, care, and education for the children of EDELAC in Xela, Guatemala
100% of your monthly gift goes directly to providing opportunities for children living in poverty
100% of your monthly gift goes directly to providing opportunities for children living in poverty