What an amazing experience. Super nice place and tour. We enjoyed it a lot. Would come back anytime. Thanks you so much José and Estuardo.

Amazing interesting tour. Even more if you enjoy a good rum . Eric was very knowledgeable.

Nice experience, good bar for tasting after the tour.

Amazing experience and guiding provided by Jose. Amazing Rums and history

Interesting place and history...

Drove an hour to get to this place to find out that you need to reserve a tour ten days ahed, it’s BS and waste of our time.

Excellent service!

Beautiful and full of history! I did a day tour with CA travelers and it was great. our tour guide was super attentive and sweet - Francisco. we visited 3 pueblos : ceramic factory, honey products factory and textile factory. very special and full of history. people are lovely. Please make sure you respect their villages - do not leave trash and support the community loved the experience

Approaching Atitlan's shores, you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret oasis, a hidden gem that few have been lucky enough to discover. It's a place of rare beauty, once nominated for being among the world's new seven wonders. I definitely haven't seen a lake more spectacular. Surrounded by Mayan villages, Atitlan also neighbours with three cone-shaped volcanoes and hides ancient ruins underneath its waters.

WOW!!!🤩 what a absolutely stunning place. I felt like I had traveled to another world while boating around the lake surrounded by sleeping giants. The water was such a beautiful shade of blue. Still in total awe of the area. I highly recommend getting on a boat and traveling to the smaller towns around the lake. Each one has its own Myan vibe and rich heritage. I would go back to Guatemala just to visit this lake.

First thing to say is that it will take you about 2 hours from Antigua. Second thing to say is that you'll go through their Sierras (Mountains) and will fall in love with the scenery. Third and most important, when in Atitlan, get yourself a private boat (Lancha) so that you can more easily go between the various towns and don't have to wait or worry about time. We went with this route and in 1 day had the chance to see 4 little pueblos at a very leisurely pace (trust me this is what you'll want to spend your money on). The lake itself is amazing with a feeling of calm and peace. The pueblos dot the shores of the lake and each is known for something different, with different colors, cuisine, and sites. The miradores are the best way to gain the necessary elevation to take in the magnitude of the lake but be ready for a steep climb.

Lake Atitlán is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. The scenery alone is worth the trip; a massive, shimmering lake completely surrounded by towering volcanoes. Waking up to those views is something I’ll never forget. I spent two days there, which felt like the perfect amount of time for me. I visited three of the small towns around the lake, and while they were charming, they all had a very similar, shopping-oriented vibe. Many people spend a full week hopping from town to town, but since I’m not big on shopping, it started to feel a bit repetitive. For me, the true highlight wasn’t the markets; it was the nature. The calm water, the dramatic volcano backdrop, and the overall peaceful atmosphere make Lake Atitlán a must-see destination. If you love stunning landscapes and quiet moments in nature, this place delivers. Two days was just right, and the views alone make the trip completely worth it.

I recommend to visit this place on weekdays and try to arrive as early as possible to get better photos. Beautiful place!

A magical place with breathtaking views. You can rent a boat and go to different places nearby, visit the oldest fire rituals on the first day of the meadow, hike in the mountains, buy the most delicious cocoa, coffee or honey. It has everything: the beauty of nature around, tranquility and a fascinating lake that inspires and makes you want to come back to this place. I recommend going during the day or in the morning. It can be chilly in the morning, so wear something warm when you're on the boat.

We had an amazing time on this stunning lake for the morning tour. My partner and I were complete beginners, and Marshall was very patient and encouraging while guiding us. You can't tell from the photos, but I did stand up and was very proud of myself ;-).

Can’t recommend the sunrise paddle board enough! It’s the perfect way to start your morning and enjoy the lake at its calmest! Marshall, the owner, gets you set up with great gear and makes you a strong cup of coffee just as the sun crests! Finish it off with a refreshing dip in the water and start your day rejuvenated!

Great place to rent paddle boards on Lake Atitlan! The views are spectacular from this part of the lake so I highly recommend this activity. The owner was very nice and helped us get into the water. Q70 per person, per hour which is not bad at all.

Absolutely incredible experience out on the lake this morning, well worth the early start. The sunrise was beautiful and watching a volcano go was the cherry on the cake. Must do if you're in the area

Thank you so much for helping me book this sunrise tour just before I left—what an amazing experience! The sunrise was absolutely breathtaking! Marshall’s service was top-notch; he was constantly taking pictures for us, and I promise, your boyfriend won’t take as many photos as he does, and the best part is, they turn out so well! To top it all off, he provided us with hot coffee or tea in the midst of this stunning scenery, accompanied by calm and peaceful music. Marshall really knows how to enjoy the finer things in life. His explanations were thorough and professional, and even though it was my first time paddleboarding, I managed to stand up pretty smoothly! My only regret? I decided not to swim—should’ve gone for it! If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, as long as the weather is good, you absolutely have to experience this magical moment in the early morning when Lake Atitlán is still asleep.

Simply the best way to start your day on Lake Atitlán! I did the sunrise session and it was so peaceful and lovely. It really heats up once the sun is out and you can go for a refreshing dip to cool off. The prices are super reasonable for what you get and the atmosphere is great too! I would definitely recommend SUP Atitlan for all your paddle boarding needs.

Amazing!!! Book this paddle across Lake Atitlan! All around a fantastic experience; quick responses with Marshall (guide), board set-up and take out of lake, brought coffee for sunrise break, pictures, conversation and our own peaceful time. Feeling grateful to check this off my bucket list the day I added “Padddle across Lake Atitlan”!

I had an amazing experience here! Eleazar is the best teacher! I learned a lot and had a great time too. The location is right near the boat dock and hostels. The setting is beautiful - on a roof overlooking the lake. Highly recommend!

I just wanted to pass on some of my thoughts regarding the school. I was first introduced to your school in June 2017. I walked into it and briefly spoke to the administrator about the program. I returned in June of 2018 to sign up for classes and the administrator remembered our conversation a year earlier….very impressive. My son and I spent four weeks in the school, studying 20 hours per week. It's a very professionally run organization. Every teacher we encountered was truly dedicated to their jobs. The coursework was on par or better than other schools I have attended. My background in Spanish: Learned it in college back in the 1990’s, studied in Antigua in 1994, and I have traveled all over North and South America. I found the curriculum to be diverse and completely applicable to a person with my level of Spanish. The school was quick to custom tailor and identify areas that I needed more work in. We then set out each day working on improving my Spanish. My son has taken Spanish in school here in the US (7th grade). What impressed me about his work in the school was how quickly the teacher progressed him through everything he was taught in school here in Texas last year. They had covered his entire school year in a matter of 2 1/2 weeks. That was a good thing for my son as being a young student, reviewing things is always important. Further, his teacher had a very kind and nurturing personality which is important for a student such as my son. The school administrator was ever present at the school, being a dedicated professional. Every day the students started off the day with a clean and presentable school. Her interactions with staff and students alike was always professional and courteous. The first week I was there was a bit slow as tourist season had just started. Several teachers had afternoon students so in the morning they passed their time preparing for the afternoon students. My teacher was excellent. Everyday he was well prepared. He really had an excellent understanding of Spanish Grammar. What I appreciate most about him was his dedication to identifying areas that I was deficient in and hammering me with drills and conversation in order to learn some of the more complicated grammatical structures. You need to understand that I have taken Spanish on a university level when I say this….He was on par with or better than many professors I had at the University of Texas. Further, in my occupation, I am an instructor as well. My instructor at the school was one of the top 10 instructors I have ever encountered. All said and done, we had a wonderful time. They have an amazing team there at the school. We were sad to leave having made some friends and really enjoying our time spent with them.

I had a wonderful experience taking Spanish classes here with Clemente. My teacher was confident and very knowledgable in both Spanish and English language and grammar. I am at the intermediate level and felt challenged and well guided to level up in both my writing and conversational skills. My teacher was also a great conversationalist, and we always had a nice time talking about the community here and current events. Pedro who runs the school is friendly and quick to respond to messages. They are reasonably priced, and it's a no brainer for Spanish lessons if you are staying in or near Santa Cruz.

I just returned from spending a week taking classes from 'Clemente' at the Santa Cruz Spanish School. The whole experience was one of the best I've had while studying Spanish in Guatemala. SCSS is a very relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting literally footsteps from the lake. The instruction was tailored to fit my exact level of Spanish. We focused on past tenses while taking time to address specific questions I had regarding structure and grammar. I have worked with several teachers in Antigua and San Juan La Laguna and have seen many different styles and abilities. Clemente is very experienced and easy to work with. He completely understands all the forms and tenses of Spanish and is able to translate difficult concepts to english. He speaks slowly and is easy to communicate with. Overall he was an excellent teacher and I would continue to work with him if I had more time here in Guatemala. Pedro, the school director, was able to accommodate my travel needs with both hotel booking and private transportation back to Antigua. He also speaks fluent english. Overall an excellent experience that I would love to continue!!

Pros 1. Excellent Teachers I took six hours of classes a day. Four in the morning with one teacher, and two in the afternoon with a different teacher. I wish my lessons had been a bit more structured, but overall I was very impressed with the quality of the teaching and how knowledgeable my instructors were. They were the part of the school I would return for! 2. Breathtaking Views Truly some of the most spectacular views of the lake. You can enjoy beautiful views from pretty much anywhere at the school as it is all open to the air. On a good day, you can even see Volcano Fuego erupting in the distance! 3. Personalized service I was able to have a significant say in what I studied as far as grammar and vocabulary, which was nice, as I want a general Spanish education with a focus in medical Spanish. Also, one of my instructors took me for a walking tour of Santa Cruz, and showed me some of the small coops where I could purchase fair-trade products. 4. Water We were able to get free (included), purified water at the school which was nice as they charged us to refill our small container at the Hotel Arca De Noe, and there is not a tienda by the water here. Cons 1. Activities The biggest drawback of this school, for me, was the complete lack of included activities. There was no socialization for students, and nothing organized to do after class. The activities were something I really enjoyed at the other Guatemalan Spanish Schools I attended, so this was disappointing. There is a tour agency that works with the schools, but their prices were absurdly high. They wanted over $250 USD for a day hike up one of the volcanos and even the closer, shorter hikes were prohibitively expensive. For comparison, I did an overnight hike up Acatenango, with food, guides and gear included for less than $60 USD, and the guides were all salaried. 2. Noise Not the fault of the school, but there are clearly not enforced muffler rules for the Tuk Tuks in Santa Cruz, as they would blare by every few minutes, making it impossible to hear for 5-10 seconds. Not a huge problem, but it got old after a while. 3. Insects Again, not the fault of the school, but class is held outdoors, so use bug spray! Despite the cons listed here, I would highly recommend visiting this school, and I thought Santa Cruz was a beautiful spot on the lake to relax and focus on learning language.

We took 20 hours of spanish classes with my wife. Maria was a really good teacher, we learned a lot and had fun in the same time ! The location is so beautiful in a quiet garden, with a view on the lake ! Pedro who runs the school is also very pleasant to communicate with

really nice staff and the most beautiful garden to learn Spanish in!

Took a trip here with my cousin and it was less than 10 quetzales to get in. There was plenty of parking, amazing views of mountains, mayan pyramids and a museum. Even though you could not take pictures inside the museum it was fascinating to learn more of the mayan culture.

The grounds are absolutely stunning! It is expensive but you are paying for a great location, pool and hot tub overlooking the lake and volcano and dock access. The restaurant team ( minus one lady) is good, grounds team, housekeeping, front desk and guest services are amazing. Roxana at the restaurant was so pleasant and Carlos who looked after pool service really hustled and was so friendly. The really unfortunate part for service is the bartender team is really not pleasant at all. Honestly I am not sure if I would visit again. I would recommend for the views and the grounds.

Pros - most beautiful hotel that you will ever visit, amazing gardens, parrots flying around, and breath taking view to the atitlan lake and the volcanos - pool and jacozi are amazing (pool is warm), with a view to both the forest behind the hotel, the different gardens, the lake, and the volcanos. - very welcomeing staff, toktok and jeep are always avaliable for rent to go to the city - It has an amazing art collection that is placed meticulously around the hotel and in the rooms. It adds lots of character to the hotel. Cons - very bad internet in the rooms and inside the hotel (at the pool it is OK) very unreasonable laundry rates - when in other places you pay 8 Q (1$) for a pound of laundry, here you pay 4$ for a simple shirt. - all tho the restaurant staff is very welcoming, the restaurant food is not good at all. You will pay twice as much than any other restaurant to get a bad, small portion, tasteless version of the same food you can get elsewhere. I recommend ordering coffee in the morning, watching the amazing view from the restaurant, and then going to eat in the restaurant close to the hotel called Migoya, which has much better food with more reasonable prices. Update 1 day after: They have unclear fees that you discover after you get the receipt in the mail. No one will tell you that you need to pay 160Q extra at the place, and this is after they told me they already did a mistake at the first charge and requested 300Q more at checkout (which I happily paid). It might be that we paid extra 160Q "conservation" fee for them keeping our suitcases for an hour and half but no one told us this will.cost money and this is actually the first hotel I have ever been to that wants money for that service. This left a bad taste in my mouth. If you go there pay extra attention and verify all the fees they wish you to pay. I lowered the service from 5 stars to 3 just because of that.

This place is MAGICAL. I have been to beautiful hotels before, and this is one of a kind. The rooms are spacious and have a balcony with a view on the gardens and/or lake. The cleanliness struck me, and that was the first time it happened that I noticed how spotless everything was, even under the bed. Major points for that. The gardens and view over the lake, however, are what make this place so magical. The hard work of the staff pays off, because the premises create an unforgettable experience. The restaurant also had good food. The staff was professional and pleasant, and even helped me with a flat tire.

The hotel is very beautiful, especially the lush GARDENS. The price of the night is worth it if only for the gorgeous gardens. The lake view from the hotel restaurant is spectacular and the hundreds of lovebirds are so cute to behold! The rooms are nice, but slightly outdated and missing common amenities such as hand soap and shampoo. The bathroom had great pressure, but the curtain was dirty. Furthermore, the road to the hotel is terrible to drive on. It is a sharp right off the road to Pana and is filled with potholes and un drivable conditions. The hotel should fix these roads if they really want to attract tourists.

Hotel Atitlan is absolutely stunning. The gardens are lush and colorful, the lake and volcano views are breathtaking, and the pool area feels like a dream. The staff are kind and attentive, always greeting you with a smile. The rooms are clean, charming, and comfortable, with balconies that overlook paradise. My only small complaint was the weak WiFi and slightly pricey restaurant, but everything else more than made up for it. If you’re looking for peace, beauty, and a true connection with nature, this is the perfect place to stay in Panajachel.

The hotel has the best views of Lake Atitlán and the Atitlán volcano, although the rooms are a bit dated. The pool and jacuzzi are stunning. But I must advise you NOT TO LEAVE VALUABLES in your room or in your suitcase when you check it out at reception. A piece of jewelry of great sentimental value went missing on October 26th, and despite the search, it still hasn't been found.

Stunning views, beautiful gardens, short taxi from town. Rooms were well sized with traditional furnishing. Room 222 had magnificent 180 degree views over the lake. If only service could match the setting. I don’t think this was because the staff were not willing, rather they were poorly organised/trained - drinks arrived 30 mins after being ordered (I had to go up to bar and pick them up) - main courses arrived at different times so some of us had already finished by the time others’ had arrived - we were advised not to order dessert as it would have taken too long - we were told that all the nicer outside seating for breakfast was reserved even though it remained empty for the next hour! Reception were however helpful. It is a shame that these shortcomings detracted from our experience. If this were well managed, it could be a truly spectacular hotel.

This is a nice Place With good information about the region. It is pretty sheep to enter. It is very sad that the Museum is not bigger and it is a little guitar find because it's inside a Resort 🤔

Had some important information about the underground lost city Samabaj. Other than that it seems like a tourist trap that is conveniently located inside a hotel. I would recommend saving your money and watching a free YouTube video online. Is a very small museum. Would probably take you 30 minutes maximum even if you read every single sign.

Nice, albeit small museum. Educational. I enjoyed it.

Decent museum on the pre-Colombian archaeology of Lago Atitlan. Some excellent pieces. It has a unique room on underwater archaeology. It also has descriptions of the geological and volcanic processes which formed the lake.

Rip off place. I ran across this place thought to check it out. It is inside the hotel. I was sweating so I went to the tiny bathroom to wipe off some sweat. Then they charged me 20 quzales for that!! Shady business! 0 star if I could.

It was ok, being honest would be better if someone gives more details.

Extremely small. 35Q is highly overpriced for what you get.

Is this place still open?

Beautiful old church!

It's s church.... Not really interesting

Church in the city center, a good benchmark .

Panajachel

(Translated by Google) Colonial church with many sculptures of Catholic worship. Corpus Christi and other local festivals are celebrated in June. (Original) Iglesia colonial con muchas esculturas de culto católico. En junio se celebra corpus Christi y otras fiestas locales.

(Translated by Google) The church is named after Saint Francis of Assisi because he is the patron saint of the town of Panajachel. It is very old, beautiful inside and out. In addition to being the Catholic temple of Panajachel, where mass and all Catholic customs and rituals are celebrated. (Original) La iglesia lleva el nombre de San Francisco de Asís porque él es el santo patrón del pueblo de Panajachel. Es muy antigua, bella por dentro y por fuera. Además de ser el templo católico de Panajachel, donde se celebra misa y todas las costumbres y rituales católicos.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful Church of San Francisco de Asís in Panajachel!... (Original) Hermosa Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís de Panajachel!...

We couldn't see the view as the clouds were too thick, but we still enjoyed our visit. I highly recommend walking down to the cafe for a hot chocolate. So good! They also had one of the best omelettes I've ever had!

Amazing view! Not much in terms of facilities but the road is paved all the way. Cafe del Cielo is now open with beautiful garden, great service and clean restrooms when you eat there.

That day was cold 🥶. Even with fog and clouds, the view was just sublime 😍. The road 2/5 is in bad conditions, you have to be careful in some curves…can be dangerous ☠️. Be prepare for those temperatures, be patient, make sure your car is working perfectly and you will be fine 😊👌.

Nice view. A bit overrated. Very crowded but expected as it was after Christmas.

Fun place to walk around and enjoy the wonderful view. A lot of picture opportunities available, not just at the house but also around the area as well.

This place was amazing! Over 10000 ft in the mountains and the view was heavenly. And, the mascot is a cat!! Bonus! The lasagna was amazing and HUGE!

The view was asome!!

It was an oké place; very different quite terrifying vibe; if you prefer that why not.

This is a very sacred site to the Maya, so visit with much respect. The entrance is through either the Mask museum or through the path directly after the Pascual restaurant. From there it is about 10-20 min walk up the hill depending on your speed. I was able to see the remnants of a ceremony so the fire was still burning but no one was there. Great views of the cemetery. Don’t leave any trash, there’s unfortunately enough there already. I encourage you to head to the Masks museum before (or after) and talk with the employees about the significance of pascual abaj and how the fire ceremonies work. they are quite fascinating. More so, the syncretism of maya and catholic belief here is intruiging.

Corrected shrine location - it is uphill on a dirt foot path through forest, 5 minutes walk. You don't have to walk through Mask museum property. There is dirt trail immediately east of mask museum driveway.

I am not a superstitious person but I could feel something up on that hill that was different - very spiritual. I left before nightfall - somewhat spooky for me, and I have lived and survived in austere and contested places before. Go with a friend!

I visited Pascual abaj on a Saturday. There are two entrees to the mountain. You can take any of them. The first will also guide you to the mask museum. (Which was closed on Saturday I don’t know it it was doe to the fact that chichi is pretty empty on saturdays or that there was a soccer game going on the tv). After a 10 min (easy) hike you will arrive at the top. The view is very nice. When I was there, there were no ceremony’s going on and I was completely alone. I felt very save.

It's a very nice place with strong energy. But be very careful with dogs, don't go alone! I have been attacked two times going there, dogs were very very aggressive!

Wonderful experience to learn about Mayan rituals. It is helpful if you go with someone that can provide information.

Beautiful cemetery and place to pay respect.

Awesome place, starting by the colorful graves. It is a peaceful place in the middle of the city that has one of the largest street markets in Central America. I totally recommend visiting the cemetery for an hour and remember that we are all going to the same place one day. 😄

a charming, colorful cemetery that is a must-visit

Incredible place to experience Mayan culture. We witnessed a Mayan ceremony and went a few days before Day of the Dead so there were families gathering, kites flying, and bands parading around the grounds.

Loved it. Plan on at least two hours. Beautiful place.

It is a very unique place for its color and tradition, highly recommended to visit the first of November, day and night

A burst of colors! Where many cemeteries have a sober and serene appearance, the Chichicastenango cemetery with its many colorful graves exudes an almost festive cheerfulness. If you are looking for some peace after the hectic market, then a visit to this unusual cemetery is highly recommended.

There was a winter solstice festival happening while we were there. I loved the churches we saw, but the market itself was loud and crowded. I'd recommend staying away on festival days, if you can, even though the costumes were beautiful.

Very special area to visit. Amazing Mayan culture to experience

Very interesting place with lots to see. A couple of beautiful old churches that are still in use and a busy market which sells pretty much everything. A lot of indigenous colour and life. Definitely worth a visit.

Worth to be seen. Lot of hand made and machine made textiles with embroidery made of silk or cotton. Also good bakeries.

It's more touristy than people think. We have travelled entire Guatemala and haven't seem anyone wearing those colourful stuff than tourists. The prices are ridiculously high. We found similar stuff 10X cheaper in other markets. Cóban market is highly recommended if you plan to purchase something. This market is recommended to just visit or maybe try some local food.

Quite the place! I recommend getting here the night before or early in the morning to see the vendors setting up before it gets too busy. We were interested in getting a mask, but were kind of disappointed in the quality (of the painting, the carving seemed good) so we didn’t end up getting one. Once it gets busy (around 11am) I’d recommend heading to the next place. Ideal if you have your own vehicle.

it wasn't what I expected. Be careful for all the people trying to over charge for parking and to give you tours. It is the most annoying thing ever. Park at the Shells gas station if you do need parking and don't hire a tour guide. You don't need one.

Always a beautiful place to visit where catholic and ancient traditions collide. Last visited in 2010 and 13 years later does not fail to impress us with its location at the heart of the town. During the week, you can enjoy the scenery of many ladies selling flowers and during market days, it is vibrant with so many locals, tourists and shops. On some days you can enjoy fresh made tamales and atole at the shops that set up at the bottom of the stairs.

A very unique and bizarre place where traditional Mayan ceremonies and Spanish Christian styles are mixed.

Awesome!

The parade of saints is a unique colorful tradition.

Definitely an experience in the midst of the largest market in Central America.

Visited and lived in this town for a mission trip. Fascinating culture, food and people of the mountains. Highly recommended - worth the extra travel time.

The Iglesias de Santo Tomas is simply magnificent. Said to have been built on the remains of a Cakchiquel Maya temple. A visit here on a Sunday brings the technicolour spectacle of the market directly in front of the church, whilst inside is a blend of Roman Catholic mass and ancient Maya tradition. Copal incense is burned inside and around the church steps. Making the air thick with the sweet scent - not unlike that of Frankincense. A true sensory experience.

Nice site and not to busy in the morning. With a guide you get more detailed info on how it was.

It was awesome to tour this myan settlement and see the history of the area. Wonderful museum and information spread throughout for you to read.

A dream come true visiting Iximche. I studied this site way back in my university days, and its history and relevance stayed firmly planted in my mind. What i was its importance to the current day Mayans, and it's continued use as a ceremonial site. This day, the visit, the ruins, conservation, and interpretation will stay with me forever.

Not too much left from the Maya ruins so asOur tour guide said imagination was

First time visiting this ruins and was quite impressed with how well the ruins that remain are preserved. There wasn't a lot to see but it is an interesting place due to its historical significance. It was very pleasant to wander around the grounds imagining what this place looked like when it was bustling place 500 years ago. Would recommend spending and hour or two if you're in the area.

We loved the Museum. It opens at 1pm (during the week). I'm not sure about the weekends. Then we walked the Ruins. You can get a tour if you'd like too. It's no Tikal but we still enjoyed it. 😍.

Very cool mayan ruins with a cute museum! If you ride from Antigua to Panajachel, this is one of the few ways to incorporate mayan ruins into your trip if you don't want to fly to another area in Northern Guatemala.

Fantastic little campground. Several areas under cover with chairs. Great WiFi.

Absolutely gorgeous top notch campsite (tent or RV) close to the center of Chichicastenango. Spotless toilets, hot showers and fast Wi-Fi. Very well run. Only downside is you can no longer sacrifice chickens at the Mayan altar, if that's what you were planning on doing.

These are cabins set in an ecological garden. They are clean and very comfortable. The host is extremely welcoming and will take very good care of you. Highly recommended

The owner Thomas is wonderful. He’s available Monday to Sunday and festival days from 6am to 9 pm. After 9pm ring the bell at the entrance.

Lovely place, very clean and large and open area. Clean shower and toilet

(Translated by Google) The site is excellent and the campsite owner was very friendly, but I can't say the same for one of his children. From the beginning he engaged in strange conversations with me and there was a moment when he asked me to see if I would give him a kiss. I really felt very uncomfortable, at no time did I go beyond polite to him for being the owner's son. Women who travel alone have the right to feel safe and cared for when we travel and we do not have to experience these types of situations. (Original) El sitio es excelente y el dueño del camping fue muy amable, pero no puedo decir lo mismo de uno de sus hijos. Desde el principio entabló conversaciones extrañas conmigo y hubo un momento en que me pidió a ver si le daba un beso. Yo realmente me sentí muy incómoda, yo en ningún momento fui más allá de cortés con él por ser el hijo del dueño. Las mujeres que viajamos solas tenemos derecho a sentirnos seguras y cuidadas cuando viajamos y no tenemos porqué vivir este tipo de situaciones.

(Translated by Google) It is a very nice and cozy place very close to the center of Chichi. We spent 2 nights camping, it has a kitchen with very complete equipment and several very clean bathrooms. The people who manage it are very friendly and attentive. Highly recommended if you are looking for a quiet place, at a good price and surrounded by nature. (Original) es un lugar muy bonito y acogedor muy cerca del centro de chichi. pasamos 2 noches acampando, dispone de cocina con un equipamiento muy completo y varios baños muy limpios.las personaa que lo gestionan son muy amables y atentas. muy recomendable si buscas un sitio tranquilo,a buen precio y rodeado de naturaleza.

We went on a weekday and there was really no one there except us. The ruins are a sight to see for sure! Beautiful landscape! The ruins are big but small enough for kids to climb cautiously. It was very very hot as everything is out in the open. There is no place to buy water or snacks once inside so stop at the last store right as you pass the big bridge and get water! There are restrooms that were decent. The kids enjoyed climbing on the steps and the Mango trees 🥭! There was some shaded spots and the breeze felt so good! Lots of history! Tourist pay $50Q, locals pay $5Q, kids under 10 are free.

We were so excited a friend told us about this place and he said it was well worth the two-hour drive from Guatemala City. He was right, it did not disappoint! There or a lot more ruins than we thought there would be and the layout is very very large. So many amazing views and things to climb. We really enjoyed it and it was only Q5.00 for adults to enter and kids are free. Parking was also free.

I was there a couple hours. Wish I would have had more time to explore and worn shorts! They charge 5Q for natives and 50Q for foreigners.

Beautiful place that shows the greatness of our indigenous History ❤️

Wonderful place to enjoy mountain views and the history of the Mayans. Entrance as of this review is 5 quetzales.

Great place to visit, the scenery and ruins are great.

It is a place where people still now day, have a way to realize that inteligence is not only electronics, but brains, muscle, team work and persistence will go long ways

Beautiful orchid museum in a completely natural setting. Good place to learn about why and how orchids grow. Also the symbiotic nature of the bees to the orchids. The guide we were assigned was very knowledgeable, friendly and seemed personally involved with his job. Very family oriented business.

If you enjoy flowers and are yearning for some time in nature, a visit to Orquigonia is for you! We visited in October, and even though July and November are probably the best months to visit, we had a blast and got to see a lot of beautiful and interesting orchids, including the Monja Blanca. There is an opportunity to buy local artisanal products at the end of the tour, as well, and we really enjoyed our coffee that we bought.

A beautiful spot to get out of the concrete jungle and into the real jungle. They preserve orchids from all over Guatemala and have an incredible collection that you explore while walking around their beautifully crafted grounds. They are literally doing gods work and protecting the beautiful floral diversity of Guatemala. Totally worth a stop for a tour of the park (Q75/person) and a tea in the jungle after. The girls working the store were super helpful about other things to do in Coban. Get here by taking a bus from near the mall for Q3 and then stop at Casa Cacao on the way back to Coban to eat chocolate infused dishes.

It was the off-season when we visited so there was less to see but there's always something and this is a good place to support. About: The Orquigonia in Cobán Guatemala holds a special place as a botanical sanctuary dedicated to preserving the region's rich orchid diversity. It began with a vision to conserve these delicate flowers and educate visitors about their importance in local ecosystems. Orquigonia stands out for its extensive collection of orchid species, carefully curated to showcase the beauty and variety of these plants. The project originated from a passion for orchids and a desire to protect them from habitat destruction. Through education, conservation efforts, and stunning displays, Orquigonia has become a haven for orchid enthusiasts and a beacon of biodiversity preservation in Guatemala.

It's a good place to spend the time close to the nature and learning about flowers and especially "orquídeas". The staff it's really kind, young and passionate about thier work. Also, one of the girls working there have beautiful painting for sale. If you want to spend one night there they have camping area. Also, at the reception you can see really close to you..some hummingbirds.

Love it !!! It’s a beautiful place, I went on raining season but I enjoy it!! We met the owner and enjoy his stories. And the tea a the end of the tour. Orquídeas are seasonal so you only will see the ones that are on the time of your visit.

Take your time to discover something that you will never be able to experience elsewhere in the world.

That was an interesting visit however the guide tour can of just tell her story a bit like a robot, answer our question but didn’t let us translate to the kids each time or didn’t try to make it fun for them. The coffee dégustation is something really interesting

Highly recommend! This coop is well run, the coffee tour was very well presented, people are very friendly, and the restaurant has delicious coffee and food .

Went here on a drizzly day. Took a 15 min bus ride from Cobán (1.50 gtq) Driver's assistant said last bus back was 3pm. Make sure to tell them your going to the coffee tour The employees were attentive. Umbrellas are available if you need one. The tour (75 gtq) lasted just over an hour. Our guide was super informative, patient and regularly checked to see if we had any questions. Best part was the coffee tasting at the end and the coffee was delicious.

It's a beautiful place you can eat and drink the most delicious coffee here in Alta Verapaz, I love the service and their people, It's a place you can't lost when you visit Cobán

Great stop on the way up to Semuc Champey! We loved our tour of the coffee farm and enjoyed tasting the coffee after too. The history of the farm which started with Germans who then left during the war was an interesting story as well. Highly recommend coming to visit to support the coffee farmer co-op community directly and to learn about one of the world’s favourite drinks!

Interesting to check out if you’re in the region. I’ve been to better coffee tours but it was fun to do the tasting nonetheless and it was clear that they put a lot of love and effort into what they do.

Really enjoyable tour, it was pretty quiet due to fewer tourists coming through. Had a walk around the plantation then a tasting session afterwards explaining all the different forms of preparation

We took from the transport Lanquin to Panajachel. From start to finish, this transport service was impressively punctual and professional. The driver arrived exactly on time, eliminating any stress about delays. The entire experience was seamless—no waiting, no last-minute scrambling, just smooth, efficient service.

I used Coban Travels from Guatemala City to Lanquin and back again. The shuttle left 1.5hr late from Guatemala City which was super annoying. Traffic was bad but that, of course, wasn’t the fault of the company. Both shuttles I went on were uncomfortable and small. Arm rests would make a big difference. Seatbelts too would make it feel a lot safer. And there’s certainly no leg room! The drive itself was unpleasant as it wasn’t very smooth with sudden jerking stops. The driver was nice and helpful and it was a reasonable price compared to what others were paying. Overall, an uncomfortable ride but I doubt there’s be many better options!

Took 2 shuttles with them. The Shuttle from Flores to Lanquin was pretty full of people but the van was very nice and it was a comfortable journey. It takes like 9hrs to get there (with every company) but you stop at a McDonalds / Mall a bit after the middle of the journey. The shuttle from Lanquin to Pana was a suffering. The Van was comfortable but we had no Ac (with Ac the van wouldn't have the power to make the hills) so burning hot is a great description. The fact that on this journey you only stop in a gas station with poor quality food did not help. But overall it we did get to our destination and I don't really think Coban Travels are to blame directly since there were a lot of tourists from other company's in the same bus (all the company's share the same buses as I understand). It would be nice if Coban makes some pressure on them to at least change the place they stop though.

Very straightforward getting from lanquin to panajachel, and got us in early! Felt very safe and comfortable with this company!

Took the shuttle from Guatemala City to Lanquin. Driver was friendly. The shuttle itself however is very small for the amount of seats and you have almost no space for your legs. For the price we paid and the reviews we’ve read, we would’ve expected some more comfort.

No comfort at all for our trip from Guatemala City to lanquin. Super old van, with to many people onboard. There wasn’t an aisle left, because of the extra chairs in the middle. A bit claustrophobic and not safe at all….

Best bus we got in Guatemala. The only one very serious and punctual. Even the guy on the desk was very kind and helpful with great communication via WhatsApp.

The biotopo is one of the best places in this area to experience the cloud forest. The preserve covers a large part of an extremely steep mountain covered in verdant old-growth forest. The biodiversity of the trees, moss, ferns, bromeliads, and air plants here is incredible. The preserve has two trails: the shorter one (“Los Helechos”) is 2 km or about 1 hour round-trip, and the longer (“Los Musgos”) is 4 km or 2 hours round-trip. Both trails start with a steep climb of numerous switchbacks before leveling off and then descending back down to the visitor center. The trails are well-designed and covered in gravel to keep them from getting too muddy, but proper shoes with some grip are still recommended. At the very end of both trails there are two large pools fed by a waterfall where you can swim, so pack a swimsuit (there are changing rooms and restrooms by the pools). The longer trail also features a short turnoff to a viewpoint with stunning views of the valley below, as well as a massive old tree called the “Grandfather Tree”. Staff informed us that the best place to see quetzales in the springtime is around this tree, at the highest part of the trail, since the quetzales spend more time high up on the mountain before breeding, raising their young, and then migrating down the mountain in the summer. You don’t have to go far to see birds, however - we saw dozens of warblers and other songbirds on the shorter trail closer to the visitor center. The reserve also features a display of local orchids, as well as secure parking on-site.

The air felt very thin to me. I would go up the path a few steps and felt my heart beating over 120bpm and would have to take a break. It was extremely difficult for the first part of the path and got easier at the halfway point. I’m old, fat and menopausal so I sure did sweat a lot on the path too! But the views were phenomenal! The foliage was amazing and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before! The humidity makes the plants pretty and the humans miserable LOL

Extraordinary and beautiful natural jungle. Excellent maintained and manicured paths get you lost in the wilderness of foliage and waterfalls. A peaceful look into the Guatemala many don’t see. Oh yes, we think we saw a Quetzal, but aren’t sure. They’re fast and elusive.

45 minute walk through a fresh forest of little waterfalls and trees is a great routine-breaker. The air is pure, climate is fresh, and the uphill walk is exhilarating, not strenuous. Bathrooms at entrance are very clean and have toilet paper. Bathrooms located at the middle of the hike are rustic and not recommended. The little museum is very educational. We did not get to see any quetzals, but we understand because the quetzal is a timid bird.

Beautiful rain forest walk. Lots of fauna to see. Unfortunately didn't get the chance to see a Quetzal. Excellent spot to break a long journey and connect with nature.

Gorgeous natural hike through the jungle. Did not see the Quetzales but saw other wildlife, plants and waterfalls. Beautiful.

It is a beautiful place, especially being outdoors and seeing the Quetzal flying is a one big beautiful experience. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Wonderful

beautiful place. the path is easy to find, you don’t need a guide. no entrance fee. there’s an amazing and very economic hotel in Chilasco where you can stay overnight.

It is a pretty demanding hike, but the views are breathtaking and the waterfalls (both saltito and salto de chilasco) are superb. I recommend this hike to any nature lover. Price: 35Q forigner; 25Q national to be paid at the tourist info point in the village. P.S.: I have also attached some photos of the views, because there are enough photos of the waterfalls themselves.

Adorable walk in the woods. The place is quite and the waterfall is impressive.

(Translated by Google) A place full of nature, an ecological trail full of birds and orchids. Look in the trees and you will be able to see different species. The waterfall is impressive, although the descent is somewhat difficult and not suitable for everyone. (Original) Un lugar lleno de naturaleza un sendero ecológico lleno de aves y orquídeas, observen en los árboles y podrán ver diferentes especies la catarata es impresionante aunque la bajada es algo dificultosa no apta para todos

(Translated by Google) A very beautiful place but the path is a bit extreme since you have to walk approximately 3 kilometers of which you will find mud, climbs, narrow paths, however the views are definitely worth it. Bring water, cookies, etc. because it will be useful to you since there is nothing but nature! (Original) Un lugar muy bonito pero un poco extremo el camino ya que hay que caminar aproximadamente 3 kilómetros de los cuales vans a encontrar lodo,subidas,senderos angostos sin embargo las vistas definitivamente valen la pena lleva agua,galletas ,etc por qué te será útil pues no hay nada más que naturaleza !

(Translated by Google) The place is beautiful, but it's become a business for some guides to seek additional fees and pressure people to rent horses; animal exploitation is not right. We were unlucky that during our tour, the guide was called away for another job and constantly pressured us to speed up the ride. He never gave us any privacy to share alone time because he was always commenting on our conversations and sometimes even making backhanded jokes. The trail is difficult to access, especially during rainy weather and for people with health problems or who are overweight. I wouldn't return to the place; although the waterfall is beautiful, I think there are other tourist spots in Guatemala that are more worthwhile to visit. (Original) El lugar es bonito, pero ya se ha vuelto un negocio para algunos guías buscar cobros adicionales, y presionar para que las personas renten caballo, la explotación animal no está bien. Tuvimos mala suerte de que durante nuestro tour, al guía lo llamaron para otro trabajo y nos presionó todo el tiempo para hacer rápido el paseo, nunca nos dio privacidad de compartir a solas porque siempre estaba comentando en nuestras conversaciones y a veces hacia bromas en doble sentido incluso. El camino es de difícil acceso sobretodo en tiempo de lluvia y para personas con problemas de salud o sobrepeso. No volvería al lugar, a pesar de que la cascada es hermosa pienso que hay otros lugares turisticos en Guatemala que merecen más la pena ser visitados.

Beautiful and the cave paintings amazong!!!

Great family day out

Cool place

Mystic place

(Translated by Google) It is a place where you have a very pleasant experience, the caves are very beautiful. However, it is not always open to the public, but on the outside there is a sign with some telephone numbers that you can call to contact the people in charge, they give you the route, it is more or less 30 minutes walking to the first cave, they provide you with a helmet and flashlight to enter the caves, the place is surprising and it is a unique experience. (Original) Es un lugar en el que se vive una experiencia muy agradable, las cuevas son muy bonitas. Sin embargo no siempre está abierto al público pero en la parte de afuera hay un rótulo con unos números de teléfono a los que se llama para contactar a los encargados, ellos le dan a uno el recorrido, son más o menos 30 minutos caminando hasta la primera cueva, ellos le proporcionan a uno casco y linterna para poder entrar en las cuevas, el lugar es sorprendente y es una experiencia única.

(Translated by Google) The Tour is the best. One of the most exciting and attractive experiences. The place is beautiful, the guides are friendly, respectful and give you precise and clear instructions. You must bring water to drink, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and repellent. What I didn't like is that the entrance is full of garbage, they should clean it up. The cost of the tour is super cheap. (Original) El Tour es lo mejor. Una de las experiencias más emocionantes y atractivas. El lugar es precioso, los guías amables, respetuosos y te dan las instrucciones precisas y claras. Debes traer agua para tomar, ropa cómoda, bloqueador y repelente. Lo que no me gustó es que en la entrada está llena de basura, deberían limpiar. El costo del tour es super barato.

(Translated by Google) It's a great experience inside the cave, not to mention the adrenaline rush of rappelling down the 85-meter drop. (Original) Se vive una gran experiencia dentro de la cueva y no digamos la adrenalina al hacer el rappel de 85metros.

Unexplored caves where a river borns, nature reigns here, there is around 400 meters with ilumination and from there is full darkness and it depends on you to explore, there is also a underground cenote. Amazing place.

What an adventure. This cavetour is crazy. We were very early so we kinda had a private tour just the guide and me and my girlfriend. it was insane for me to see that we entered the cave just with some candles - no helmet, no swimvest, no flashlights nothing. While it is somewhat frightening it is also super exciting. The Guide always tells you what to do and what to look out for. you can bring a waterproof phone or camera if you like. you will have to swimm, climb and probably hurt yourself a little while doing so. I recommend wearing water shoes. If you don't have any you can rent them there or you can buy them from a local for about 5$ a pair. There are also families selling food and little children selling chocolate close to the entrance. Buy it! the food is great and the chocolate is amazing and totally handmade (we saw that first hand) and the people living there are very poor. all in all an amazing place and a great adventure.

A HUGE cave, amazing!!! You walk inside unsupervised and you can easily get lost there. Even though they have lights installed, a torch is a must. Extremely slippery, wear proper shoes. The parking is 10Q and entrance is 30Q per person. You don't need a guide, just go straight to the cave and enjoy exploring.

Went to the tubing on the river in a hot afternoon , solo with a guide . Real good experience, nice little river rapids at some point and in the complet jungle . 45min long, you come back in tuktuk after . I recommend trying it !!

If wanting to see the bats at sunset, be sure to get there before 6pm as they stop letting people in the gates then

We went to see the bats coming out which supposedly happens at 615 or 630. At 710 after waiting around for an hour someone told us that they don't turn the lights off to trigger the bats leaving until everyone is out of the cave. There were two guys doing who knows what in the cave so about 40 people were just there waiting for them to leave. No one does or says anything. It's insanity.

This place was very beautiful, the scenery makes you feel the magic of Guatemala!!!

Unexplored caves where a river borns, nature reigns here, there is around 400 meters with ilumination and from there is full darkness and it depends on you to explore, there is also a underground cenote. Amazing place.

What an adventure. This cavetour is crazy. We were very early so we kinda had a private tour just the guide and me and my girlfriend. it was insane for me to see that we entered the cave just with some candles - no helmet, no swimvest, no flashlights nothing. While it is somewhat frightening it is also super exciting. The Guide always tells you what to do and what to look out for. you can bring a waterproof phone or camera if you like. you will have to swimm, climb and probably hurt yourself a little while doing so. I recommend wearing water shoes. If you don't have any you can rent them there or you can buy them from a local for about 5$ a pair. There are also families selling food and little children selling chocolate close to the entrance. Buy it! the food is great and the chocolate is amazing and totally handmade (we saw that first hand) and the people living there are very poor. all in all an amazing place and a great adventure.

A HUGE cave, amazing!!! You walk inside unsupervised and you can easily get lost there. Even though they have lights installed, a torch is a must. Extremely slippery, wear proper shoes. The parking is 10Q and entrance is 30Q per person. You don't need a guide, just go straight to the cave and enjoy exploring.

Went to the tubing on the river in a hot afternoon , solo with a guide . Real good experience, nice little river rapids at some point and in the complet jungle . 45min long, you come back in tuktuk after . I recommend trying it !!

If wanting to see the bats at sunset, be sure to get there before 6pm as they stop letting people in the gates then

We went to see the bats coming out which supposedly happens at 615 or 630. At 710 after waiting around for an hour someone told us that they don't turn the lights off to trigger the bats leaving until everyone is out of the cave. There were two guys doing who knows what in the cave so about 40 people were just there waiting for them to leave. No one does or says anything. It's insanity.

This place was very beautiful, the scenery makes you feel the magic of Guatemala!!!

We took Semu Champey tour and it was absolutely amazing. I think our experience was even better because our tour guide. Jungle boy is very funny, enthusiastic and outgoing. He was born there and therefore he knows everything you need during this tour. The tour took 8 hours around and thankfully it didn’t rain until the end of it. We did things we’ve never done before and they were beyond our fears. We went through a cave with full of water, dark and small, he made sure everything was fine the whole time, and you really can do the jumps and sliding if you want. Aside of jumping from a swing and tubing for a few minutes, we hiked had a big included lunch and finally we swam in the nine pools available for swimming and jumping. We def think that without a guide this is not imposible and even less enjoyable.

Absolutely amazing! Observe that there is no need for a tour guide. I recommend using the parking (if you are in your own vehicle) next to the entrance (Q10) rather than right after bridge (Q50). The hike up to the viewpoint is strenuous, but IMHO worth it. Dogs only allowed if emotional support documentation available.

We went to Semuc with our hostel and we thought it was amazing. A natural beauty. The pools were very clear and clean despite raining a few days before. The view point is great and worth the climb. Would recommend.

Gorgeous place. Our trip was organised by Mayan Gateway with local guide Eli. We climbed the stairs to the Mirador first - took about 20 minutes- which was hot and sweaty and hard on the lungs and legs but worth it for the view and made the swimming afterwards especially nice. There are toilets and changing rooms near the pools as well as lockers (bring your own lock) but most people seem to leave bags on the bank within line of sight. Don't worry about swim shoes - the rocks are smooth and the water is deep. There were a few lifeguards too.

One of the most beautiful places to see in Guatemala. Great for a day trip for swimming and a little hiking to the view point. Hike to view point is a bit steep but so worth the view!

Freaking awesome! But food availability is VERY limited. Take swimming gear, snacks and plenty of water. Then just enjoy the absolutely amazing atmosphere 😍

Genuinely the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. Sensational pools, beautiful views and magical mountain scenery. The cost for entrance is 50GTQ (£5), which can be paid on arrival without booking. When you arrive, you can pick up reasonably priced drinks and food from street vendors before entering the park. The walk to the viewing point is c. 30-40 minutes up stairs / rocks. It’s relatively slippery, so go carefully. We drove the whole way to Lanquin from Flores. It’s possible in an average rental (4x4 not needed), but is a challenging drive. Always stick to the main roads no matter what your navigation says, as the side roads are very sketchy (steep, slippery, big rocks, etc). Avoid driving at night, as lots of people / animals / cars use the roads, which are not lit. The entrance to the park is accessed via a 10 minute shuttle from Lanquin, which costs around 50-100 GTQ for a return trip. You could drive it in a 4x4 (or possibly in a normal car, with a high risk tolerance), but I’d recommend going via a shuttle, which can be easily found in Lanquin or via your hostel. We didn’t do the cave tours and were perfectly happy at the main section - you can access everywhere aside from the caves in the normal fee.

Good location, easy to get to in any type of car with the new road. Just a little noise from in the morning from said road. Staff was nice and you don't pay entrance for the waterfalls and discount price for the cave. No wifi though. They told me at check in that there was electricity only from 6-10pm and the some hours fater midday but failed to mention that there isn't a single plug in the rooms. Phones etc. can only be charged in the restaurant or reception. Not ideal.

filthy. no wifi. sheets had holes and didn’t fit the bed. light bulbs burnt out. power only a few hours a day. no outlets in our room. staff indifferent. but it is super cheap and across the street from the river. don’t stay here…..go to greengos instead!

Absolutely excellent location for visiting Samuc Champey. You do not want to make the journey from Lanquin everyday to visit the pools or the caves, so I highly recommend staying here for days you plan to be visiting Samuc Champey. They also offered us a free ride from Lanquin when we arrived. Stayed in the dorm rooms but no one else was there so it was basically a really cheap private room. It was understandably a bit damp feeling but I just aired it out as much as possible. There is no power or lights for most of the day. I was there in August and they turned the lights on when it got dark at around 6ish pm and then turned everything off again at 9:30. So you have to be strategic in charging any devices. There is no wifi so it's not like you need to charge a lot, but you will want to have something for photos at Samuc Champey. Also there is no kitchen. The meals are around 30 quetzales. Nothing fancy but it's all decent. There is great swimming in the river right in front of the property and a fun rope swing. The manager is super friendly and helpful in general. He did a lot of work to arrange for us to catch our super early shuttle out of Lanquin. He also offered a fun cave tour package with tubing back to the property is well worth it.

We ended up staying here by accident since our first choice turned us down because of my son, but I'm so glad things turned out the way they did. This place was great, everyone was so nice and our room was literally steps away from the river! And about a 10 minute walk to the caves and the national park Semuc Champey.

Simple but ok, they were very friendly and helpful. The guy from the hotel did also the candle tour through the cave and was very nice! Food is also ok but don't expect 5 star meal.

Only a cover sheet on the bed with a thin rough blanket. Only have electric for 3 hours. Drain is clogged in the shower only cold water the water comes out of the sink like an 80 year old man with a prostate problem flow. And at 200 Q a night . Not Worth it

Friendly service, located easy walk from semuc champay, cool amenities on site like a pool and swing for the river. Affordable dining on site