Explore and enjoy Guatemala in a different way and get the benefits of the magical forests and Mayan Communities knowledge.
A community tourism experience in Guatemala it’s been designed to give you a new experience of traveling while you Reconnect your Spirit in a Magical Forest in Guatemala, learning by locals about plants, Maya cosmovision, agriculture, gastronomy, weaving, ceramics, among other ancestral techniques still used today.
Community tourism is a model where local communities actively design, manage, and benefit from tourism experiences, offering visitors authentic cultural immersion while directly supporting local development.
Driving to Antigua Guatemala where timeless elegance meets cultural sophistication in Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial charm and refined travel experiences coexist seamlessly. Framed by dramatic volcanoes and adorned with meticulously preserved architecture, Antigua offers an atmosphere of understated luxury and cultural depth.
Coffee tour “De la Gente” Farm: We will lead you through their fields, explain the work behind cultivating coffee, walk you through each processing step from bean to brew, and finish the tour by joining you for a coffee in their home. Along the way, you’ll learn more than just the process behind coffee–you’ll have authentic and transparent conversations with small-scale producers to hear firsthand about their obstacles, triumphs, and goals as coffee growers and experience their persisting enthusiasm and dedication to the coffee industry.
During your Coffee Tour, you can expect to walk approximately 5 kilometers (3.2 miles) as we make our way through the fields and back to the producer’s home in town. Parts of the walk include uneven terrain, loose dirt paths and trails, and while minimal overall elevation gain, some parts of the walk are steep. If you foresee having any difficulty participating in this kind of activity, we can make the necessary adjustments so that you have the most enjoyable experience possible.
A visit to Iximché unfolds as a guided journey through time, where history, spirituality, and landscape converge.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by quiet pine forests and open ceremonial plazas, setting a calm and reflective tone. Unlike larger, more crowded archaeological sites, Iximché offers a more intimate and contemplative atmosphere, allowing for a deeper connection with the The Ajaw (or Ahau) was the Mayan title for “king” or “ruler” of the city-states, representing the highest political and divine leader during the Classic period.
Following this archaeological experience, we will end our day at Panajachel, Lake Atitlán. It is often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán is a destination that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Encircled by towering volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, the lake offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquility.
Villages to visit for an Authentic Experiences by the Water:
Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Lake Atitlán reveals its true essence through its lakeside villages—each offering a distinct cultural identity, aesthetic, and pace of life. Visiting these towns is not simply sightseeing; it is an invitation to step into living traditions, artistry, and community life.
San Juan is widely regarded as the most artistic and community-driven village around the lake. The atmosphere is calm, intentional, and deeply rooted in sustainability and indigenous heritage.
Here, travelers can:
The experience in San Juan is intimate and meaningful—ideal for those seeking authentic cultural connection with a refined, conscious approach to travel.
Perched along the lake’s edge, San Antonio offers a more tranquil and contemplative environment, with fewer crowds and a strong sense of preserved tradition.
Visitors will discover:
San Antonio is perfect for travelers who value subtle luxury—space, authenticity, and the beauty of simplicity.
Santa Catarina offers a harmonious blend of tradition and modern design, making it one of the most visually striking villages around the lake. Its hillside homes, painted in bold geometric patterns, reflect both heritage and innovation.
Here guest can enjoy:
Santa Catarina is ideal for those seeking a more elevated, design-forward experience that also incorporates wellness, relaxation, and natural healing elements.
Today, we will drive to Quetzaltenango, well known as Xela. This region blends dramatic landscapes with elevated cultural immersion for travelers seeking meaningful and exclusive experiences. On the way, we will make a stop on San Andrés Xecul to see the most colorful church in Guatemala. San Andrés Xecul offers one of the most visually striking and culturally profound experiences in the Guatemalan Highlands. This small town, often overlooked by conventional tourism, invites visitors into a world where spirituality, color, and indigenous identity converge in extraordinary ways.
Totonicapán goes far beyond relaxation—it is a deeply grounding journey into nature, culture, and inner balance. Set within the Guatemalan Highlands, this region offers a rare combination of Magical Forests, living traditions, and spiritual heritage, creating the ideal environment for meaningful restoration.
We start with a light hike at the Magical Forest of Victoriana, our community tourism leader, who will share with us about how her community works, community organization, forest protection, land distribution, community resistance to conquest, and resistance to this day.
Throughout the hike and at the summit, we will experience forest bathing, which will help awaken our senses: smelling the aromas of the vegetation, listening to the sounds of the forest, enjoying the different shades of green, and feeling the textures of the path. We will have a moment of mindful breathing and stretching techniques to relax our bodies.
Al bajar la montaña tendremos la capacidad de sentir mejor todo lo que está a nuestro alrededor. Almorzaremos con una familia anfitriona, que con mucho amor nos preparará un almuerzo local, con productos de su propio huerto y de la comunidad. Aprenderás un poco sobre la comida, producción local, y la vida diaria de las familias de Totonicapán.
Volcán Chicabal and its crater lake, Laguna Chicabal, provide one of the most meaningful and visually captivating experiences in the region.
The journey begins with a scenic drive through the highlands, gradually ascending into misty cloud forests. Upon arrival, a guided hike leads through lush vegetation, where the air becomes cooler and quieter, setting a reflective tone.
As you descend the steps toward the lagoon, the landscape reveals itself: a perfectly circular, emerald-green lake, often wrapped in a mystical layer of fog. This is not only a natural wonder but also a sacred site for Mayan ceremonies, where visitors may respectfully observe altars adorned with flowers, candles, and offerings.
The experience here is deeply atmospheric—less about activity and more about presence, stillness, and connection with nature and culture. After the hike, the experience transitions seamlessly from exploration to restoration, as travelers are guided toward a more private and rejuvenating setting in the surrounding highlands.
This carefully curated experience combines nature, spirituality, and deep relaxation, offering travelers a uniquely Guatemalan journey through the highlands—where volcanic landscapes and ancestral traditions create a powerful sense of connection.
We begin our day by walking through the community to understand its daily life and sustainability practices. Following this, we visit the “traditional kitchen,” a space inherited from the community’s grandmothers and preserved by new generations so as not to forget how our ancestors cooked.
We will prepare a delicious typical dish of the community based on corn, vegetables, sauces, and cheese. A true delicacy.
We will end our day with an aromatherapy workshop, focusing on medicinal plants from the region.
This day you will have an option to do another volcano hike or just stay in Xela and explore the city by yourself.
OPTION 1: A free day in Quetzaltenango—known locally as Xela—offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience a city that is authentic, walkable, and culturally rich, without the intensity of more touristic destinations. It is a day designed for slow exploration, meaningful encounters, and personal choice.
How to Enjoy Your Day
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast in one of the city’s cafés near Parque Centro América, the social and architectural heart of Xela.
Late morning to early afternoon is ideal for light exploration:
OPTION 2: Hiking to see the volcanic eruptions of Santiaguito Volcano: As part of the Mayan community experience, Santiaguito volcano is an extraordinary and highly rewarding experience, combining a physical challenge with the incredible sight of an actively erupting volcano from a safe distance. The journey takes you through varying landscapes, starting with a steep initial climb and culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of the rest of the mountains and farms.
Set along the shores of Lake Atitlán, Panajachel offers a relaxed and accessible environment where the afternoon unfolds gently.
After a drive to get Panajachel, travelers can:
The atmosphere is casual yet scenic—perfect for those who want to slow down while remaining connected to the landscape.
In contrast, afternoons in Antigua Guatemala offer a more refined and culturally rich ambiance, where every corner feels curated by history.
During free time, visitors may:
Antigua transforms in the late afternoon, becoming warm, atmospheric, and subtly sophisticated—ideal for travelers who appreciate design, gastronomy, and cultural detail.
Depending on your flight schedule, you can go directly to the airport or say goodbye to Guatemala by exploring the La Aurora Zoo. This place offers a pleasant, well-curated experience that serves as an ideal final stop before departing the country. Situated just minutes from the international airport, it provides travelers with a calm, accessible, and enriching way to conclude their journey. Unlike large, overwhelming zoological parks, La Aurora Zoo is known for being clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed. Its layout allows visitors to explore comfortably within a few hours, making it perfectly suited for a half-day visit before a flight.
Shaded pathways, well-maintained gardens, and clear signage create an environment that feels safe, relaxed, and family-friendly, while still offering meaningful encounters with wildlife.
End of service
We warmly invite you to join one of our scheduled group departures, available in June and October – November—carefully selected to offer the best seasonal conditions and an enriching travel experience in Guatemala.
This journey has been thoughtfully designed to offer a seamless, comfortable, and enriching travel experienceacross the highlands of Guatemala, ensuring that every detail is carefully taken care of.
To allow flexibility and personal choice throughout your journey, the following items are not included:
To ensure a smooth and well-organised travel experience in Guatemala, the following payment and cancellation terms apply:
Payment details will be provided within your invoice. Payments may be made via:
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. The following refund policy applies:
In the event that a traveller chooses to leave the programme early, or must do so due to circumstances beyond the control of THGuatemala (including force majeure not related to the services provided), no refunds or reimbursementswill be granted.
These policies are designed to ensure clarity, fairness, and the smooth coordination of all travel services, many of which require advance reservations and commitments.
We strongly recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
