Lake Atitlan Off The Beaten Path: A Day Full of Adventure from Antigua

Not worth the money. We were picked up by a bus that later I found out anyone could just pay to get on for very little money. We were dropped off later than anticipated so we were told there would be much time to do any activities except take a boat ride to the villages. We were told that our bus back is scheduled for 4pm so we really couldn’t see more than one village. When we got to the village we went to see how fabric was made which was a great experience. Then we went to visit a bee honey making demonstration which felt rushed. There was nothing special about the demonstration and it lasted for a few minutes. It really seemed like they just wanted to get you to buy their products (which we did as we felt it’s important to help the local community). Our guide was a very nice guy but here are the two issues we had, both of which have nothing to do with him, but more with the company who ill equipped him. 1. He kept taking photos and videos of us. Clearly for advertising purposes. But here’s a tip: maybe ask the travelers if they are comfortable with that. 2. No information was really provided about anything. No historical facts, no cultural significance of anything we saw whatsoever. Every single thing we did you can do on your own and pay way less money for. $150 per person is extremely excessive for what we got. Save your money and do on your own or go with a different company. The disappointed traveler.

Our guide was great and we got to paddleboard and see surrounding villages. We got to see the process of coffee, chocolate, weaving, and honey. The description is misleading however, making it sound like we have the option to rock climb, hike, cliff jump, kayak, and see villages. When we got there they assumed we were kayaking and hiking even though they had said we would tell the guide what we wanted to do once we got there (rock climbing and paddleboarding). Once we got their and expressed we weren’t planning on hiking they explained it was too wet to go rock climbing, which is completely fair we just wish it would have been communicated ahead of time or not put as an option in the listing. The tour was great we would recommend it for sure, our tour guide was super friendly and excited to show us around. Thank you!!

I had an amazing time!!! Adventurous and history lesson in one lol. Would highly recommend if your time on Lake Atitlan is limited.

We had a great lunch. I recommend starting at the earliest time possible. The boat ride was nice. The views are breathtaking even if you do nothing else. Our guide was phenomenal and informative. We jumped off the cliff. It was exhilarating. We explored three different locations. Definitely save time for a bit of shopping.

Ok the ride to the Lake was not good, the driver did not have any heat in the car and it was 5a and freezing. That is not ok for a 2hr drive, had it been about 20min I could have been cool with that but to know you don't gave working heat and not even offer blankets or have a car with heart is insane. Fast forward, met our tour guide Alex. He is so freaking amazing. Highly recommend him. He was high energy, very good at explaining the cultures and keeping us on time so we could see everything but it didn't feel rushed. He was the best hype man when jumping off the cliffs. He was just awesome. I recommend him highly!!! Thank you Alex!! Overall a good trip, just a horrible start.

What a wonderful way to experience the area, with Lee and his wife and a team of local tour guides. in hindsight I may have stayed the night there at the lake. Kayak Guatemala offers a well organized and very professional experience with lots of depth and very educational. Highly recommend.

The moment you leave the bussle of Panajachel and sit on your water taxi the magic begins. You will have run the gauntlet of the water taxi "bookers" who will rip you off trying to get you to pay $10 US for a "private taxi", when the local water taxi service (every 10 minutes) costs $1.5 US. But once on the water speeding to your accommodation your spirit will begin to soar. The location and scenery are totally stunning, the air clear and the water appears clean. Atitlan is a huge Caldera with surrounding volcanoes and villages dotted around the shoreline whose lights twinkle across the water at night. The pace of life is slow and relaxed with many Yoga type resorts advertised for those wishing a more spiritual visit. The flora is lush with many birds and animals in the undergrowth, you may even be buzzed by hummingbirds as they wizz by to the next feed. The locals are happy people and willing to help even with when presented with very haltering Spanish !! . Enjoyed every minute of the 3 day visit.

This was a great personalized experience at Lake Atitlan which is gorgeous. The natural beauty of the area is incredible. Our guide, Alex was fabulous and extremely knowledgeable and fun. We went hiking, kayaking, and some cliff jumping but you can do whatever you want. The villages we visited were interesting but not the highlight. The journey to and from Antigua was a little rough so next time would consider spending the night. The owner, Lee, was welcoming and accommodating and his house serves as a beautiful base for your day long adventure. You should do it!

The help of our completely personalized and almost private guide made our tour something wonderful. The kayak trip was beautiful and the lake jumps full of adrenaline and excitement. Jaibalito is a very small and picturesque village, the landscapes are really beautiful.

We had a great day on this tour! Our guide, Sam, was absolutely incredible. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Los Elementos is a beautiful property and the area itself is stunning. We had a hiccup with the pick up, and had to postpone it a day which is why I rated it 4 stars, but Lee, the owner, was very accommodating to make up for it.