San Juan La Laguna is a vibrant Tz’utujil village, renowned for its cultural, artistic, and natural riches. This tour has been designed to provide an authentic, educational, and supportive experience through visits to collective workshops that operate in artisanal and sustainable practices. It also includes a hike to the Kaqasiiwaan Lookout , from where you can contemplate the majesty of Lake Atitlán and its volcanoes. Each stop along the tour boosts the local economy, promotes social inclusion, and highlights the value of ancestral knowledge.
Panajachel
9:00 A.M.
The tour begins at the Porta Hotel del Lago in Panajachel. We’ll walk to the public beach pier, where we’ll board a boat that will take us across the majestic volcano-lined Lake Atitlán to the Tz’utujil Mayan village of San Juan La Laguna.
In this artisanal workshop, we’ll learn everything about the transformation of cacao into chocolate. From roasting the beans to making bars, we’ll demonstrate how 100% natural, chemical-free chocolate is produced. Participants will have the opportunity to make their own chocolate and enjoy a tasting.
This workshop presents the fascinating world of bees in Guatemala. The three types of bees found in the country are explained, along with how the community cares for them to obtain honey naturally.
Honey-based products are also demonstrated: soaps, creams, ointments, and sweets, all chemical-free. The ecological importance of bees to the environment and human health is highlighted.
Here, visitors can learn about the complete process of traditional Mayan weaving: from the treatment of the thread with corn and warm water, to the use of the backstrap loom, to the design and embroidery of unique pieces steeped in history. The artisans will explain the symbols present in the textiles, inspired by nature, volcanoes, and stars.
A 25-minute hike leads to the Kaqasiiwaan Lookout , a privileged spot offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Atitlán and the majestic volcanoes surrounding it. This space invites photography , serene contemplation, and the deep connection with nature that characterizes this sacred corner of the Mayan world.
We conclude the tour with an authentic culinary experience in a traditional dining room in San Juan La Laguna, where you can sample dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. For groups of five or more, a delicious mini-buffet is available, upon reservation, with a variety of traditional dishes, allowing you to savor the best of local cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
