Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day
Things to know
About the Activity
Experience the mystery and majesty of Lake Chicabál and life in a Mayan Village. Formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people of the region and is surrounded by cloud forests, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. Descend 600 steps into the caldera and explore the lake's perimeter, learning about the 20 Mayan 'naguals' along the way. After the hike, engage with local culture during a village tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. This immersive experience is perfect for families and individuals looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the western Guatemalan Highlands. 80% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.8 hours 30 minutes
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
//
Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Food and drink : Lunch. Box lunch after the hike on top of the Lake Chicabal crater
Food and drink : Breakfast. Breakfast is served at the 8am at our Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex
Food and drink : Bottled water. Bottled water
Food and drink : Snacks. A sweet treat is offered upon return to the Welcome Center.
Fees : Entrance fees. Entrance fee to Lake Chicabal
Tour guide gratuity
More Activities in Quetzaltenango
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 12 travellers in this tour.
WELCOME: 8:00am at our Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex to meet your expert guide and breakfast.
• RIDE: 9:00am - A transport vehicle will whisk you up scenic trails to the dry lakebed below Chicabál Lake crater.
• HIKE: 9:30am - Reach the rim of the caldera and learn the crater lake's history before descending - 600 steps down.
• NAGUAL TOUR: Hike the scenic perimeter and learn about the 20 Mayan "naguals" - the "energies and lessons of days.”
• NATURE: In the surrounding forest, be prepared to see butterflies, birds, and perhaps the phenomena of "clouds gathering water" that local people count on to bring the rains to nourish their crops.
• HIKE OUT, LUNCH: Hike back up to the rim's edge for a box lunch before returning to our complex for cultural activities.
• VILLAGE TOUR: 1:30pm - Explore the local village on a narrated walk along streets lined with fields of corn, potatoes, and other crops, for a behind-the-scenes look at daily life of the Mam-Maya people.
• VISIT A MAYAN HOME: 2:30pm - visit a family in their home
• REFRESHMENTS, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION: 3:30pm - return to Welcome Center for a snack and traditional Mayan backstrap weaving demonstration
View Location
Activity Locations
Laguna ChicabalQuetzaltenango, Guatemala
View LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
The excursion begins and ends at the Welcome Center of the Xela Aid Complex in San Martin Chiquito.View Location
End point
1
The excursion begins and ends at the Welcome Center of the Xela Aid Complex in San Martin Chiquito.View Location
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations; or, customers can make their own way to the start point- Travelers can choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- We can also pick you up in Quetzaltenango, or for an extra fee, we can pick you up in Antigua or Lake Atitlan.
- Travelers will be picked up 45 minutes before departure time
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
- Spanish
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in America/Guatemala time to receive 100% refund.
Operated by Local Hope Trips and Activity PackagesCreated on 29 Jun 2025Created on 04 Jul 2025
Can we help?Can' t find the tours you want? Contact Travalour. We'll find them for you.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply