Xela - Lago Atitlán Trek
The unforgettable three day trek from Xela to Lake Atitlán, the jewel of the Guatemalan highlands.
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*Price will raise to GTQ 1,300 on January 1, 2027
Get 10% off your 2nd multi-day hike!
Get 20% off your multi-day hike if you are a Guatemalan local!
From Xela to Lago Atitlán in 3 days
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, leave a deposit for any personal gear you may need to borrow, pay for trekking poles, receive communal gear, finalize payment, and more.**
Quick Facts
Trek difficulty
Total distance
46 km (28.5 mi)
Backpack weight
+ 12 kg (26 lbs)
Maximum elevation
3,050 m (10,000 ft)
Elevation change
⇑ 1,600 m, ⇓ 2,500 m
The profits from one person hiking to the lake is enough to feed one child in the hogar for over a month!
Want to get back on trek and make an even bigger impact? We’d love to go on another overnight adventure with you. If you book another multi-day trek with us, we will give you 10% off! In the confirmation email of your first trek, we will attach a promo code for you to use in your second booking.
Gallery
Trip Details
Start Time & Location
Quetzaltrekkers Office
- 6:00 PM Mandatory pre-trek meeting the evening prior to trek departure
- 6:00 AM Meeting time the morning of the trek
End Time & Location
- Personal luggage stored in Xela will be dropped off between 2:00 - 3:00 PM
What to bring
- Hiking Backpack (>45L)
- Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat
- Hiking Shoes and Sandals/Water Shoes
- Hiking Clothes
- Warm Clothes;
- Rain Jacket/Poncho
- Swimsuit and Towel
- Headlamp
- 2-3 Liters Water
- Communal Food Items
- Trekking poles have a set Q20 per pole rental cost (Q40 per set).
- Any other hiking gear you do not have is available to borrow at no additional charge. This can be arranged at the pre-trek meeting.
- However, if you do wish to borrow any gear from us, we ask for a Q100 deposit which will cover all items that we lend you.
What's included
- 2 nights of accommodation (in homestays)
- 2 baths (1 temascal, 1 shower)
- 3 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Trail snacks
- Gear
- Guides
What’s not included
- Additional snacks or drinks
- Souvenirs
- Bag drop to San Pedro (110Q) or Return lift to Xela (100Q)
- Tips for your volunteer guides
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
Elevation Map
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 and can arrange for any substitutes 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.
