Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day

5.0 (one review) 8 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

one review

5.0

Beautiful flowers form an alter at sacred Lake Chicabal — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this 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.

Hiking Tours Small Group New Product Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 8 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Local Hope Trips and Activity Packages

Ages: Children (0–5 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–95 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Box lunch after the hike on top of the Lake Chicabal crater
Included: Breakfast is served at the 8am at our Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex
Included: Bottled water
Included: Snacks: A sweet treat is offered upon return to the Welcome Center.
Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee to Lake Chicabal

Not included

Not included: Tour guide gratuity

Itinerary

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

Stop 1
Chicabal Lake

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

The day's activities begin and end at the Eco-Guest House of the Xela Aid Complex in San Martin Chiquito, about an hour from Quetzaltenango.

End point

The day's activities begin and end at the Eco-Guest House of the Xela Aid Complex in San Martin Chiquito, about an hour from Quetzaltenango.

Pickup points

From Quetzaltenango (about an hour from the village), you can choose the option of having us pickup/drop off from Central Park for an extra fee. Pickup at 7am. We will return you to Quetzaltenango at the end of the day. Please choose the "With Pickup in Quetzaltenango" option at checkout. The van holds up to 5 passengers. Please contact us with any questions.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Options

With Pick up in Quetzaltenango

Breakfast, Box Lunch, Snacks: Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at the Eco-Guest House; a box lunch during the hike; a snack at the end of the day

Pick up in Quetzaltenango : Pick up in Central Park in Quetzaltenango - about an hour from the village - at 7am, and bring you back at the end of the day

Pickup included
Hike Sacred Lake Chicabal, then Tour a Mayan Village - Full Day

Breakfast, Box Lunch, Snacks: Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at the Eco-Guest House; a box lunch during the hike; a snack at the end of the day

Begin day at 8am, end at 4:30: Begin your day at 8am at the Eco-Guest House, San Martin Sacatepequez, with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast.