Xela - Lago Atitlán

The unforgettable three day trek from Xela to Lake Atitlán, the jewel of the Guatemalan highlands.

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Summary

Join us on this incredible three day trek from Xela to Lake Atitlán! Experience the best of the volcanic highlands along this unique natural and cultural adventure, ending with a stunning sunrise over the lake.

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. On Day 3, we will rise early to watch the sunrise over the beautiful Lake Atitlán while enjoying breakfast at the mirador. From there, we will descend into San Juan La Laguna where you may enjoy a local coffee or other snack before we transit to nearby San Pedro La Laguna.

After enjoying lunch and swimming 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!

**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

Start

6:00 AM, Xela

End

2:00 PM, San Pedro

Total distance

46 km (28.5 mi)

Maximum elevation

3,050 m (10,000 ft)

Average backpack weight

12 kg (25 lbs)

The profits from one person hiking to the lake is enough to feed one child in the hogar for over a month!

Trip Details

Start Time & Location

Quetzaltrekkers Office (inside of the Casa Argentina hostel, Xela)

End Time & Location

Restaurante El Fondeadero (San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan)

What to bring

Hiking Backpack (>45L); Sleeping Bag; Sleeping Mat; Hiking Shoes; Hiking Clothes; Sandals/Water Shoes; Warm Clothes; Rain Jacket/Poncho;  Swimsuit and Towel; Headlamp; 2-3 Liters Water; Communal Food Items

Language on trek

This trek is primarily run in English. If you have any questions about the language on the trek please contact us in either English or Spanish

What's included

What’s not included

Elevation

Frequently asked questions

Where do we sleep?

We sleep indoors with homestays; since we are on the floor, you must carry a sleeping mat and sleeping bag during the trek.

Will I need to bring food and water?

No, we provide plenty of food throughout your whole trek, and purified drinking water. 

What if I have dietary needs?

We accommodate dietary restrictions. All our trek food is vegetarian, and we can arrange for any other considerations as needed. Please let us know of any dietary needs that we should be aware of when you book the trek.

Can I bathe on the trek?

You will have the opportunity for a mayan temascal sauna on the first night of the hike, as well as a shower on the second.

Can I store personal luggage not needed for the trek in Xela?

Yes, we have a secure, locked room in which you may store your luggage. Or, you can use our bag drop service to have your luggage delivered to our ending point at Lake Atitlan on the last day of the hike.

How can I pay for the trek?

You can pay any remaining balance at our office during the pre-trek meeting on the night before the hike. We accept cash quetzales, or cards with a 3% fee.

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