Guatemala Indigenous Culture Destinations

Travel isn't only about seeing new places and tasting new foods, it's about genuine cultural exchanges and learning about history off the page — or screen. Guatemala's indigenous culture is alive and well, and you can experience it when you talk to Guatemala's people and go on Guatemalan cultural tours. Cultural tours are a great option if you're specifically interested in Mayan civilization, as the Maya are arguably the most prominent of Guatemala's indigenous culture.

Enjoy the traditional attire of the residents of Todos Santos Cuchumatán or explore Itzá customs in the town of San José. Indigenous attractions are often set within small rural towns. Because these tours are specifically intended to attract and inform travellers, you can be sure that your efforts to learn more about Guatemala's indigenous culture will be met with equal parts enthusiasm and information. Another great thing? The townspeople of these regions host festivals and other events throughout the year — if you're around during one, you're welcome to check it out.

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12 Guatemala Indigenous Culture Destinations

The places our local insiders recommend most come first.

Lake Atitlan, Panajachel

Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.

Lake Atitlan, Panajachel

Destination

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Set within a lush valley in Guatemala’s Central Highlands, the small town of Lanquín is becoming well known for two attractions—the Lanquín caves and the Semuc Champey limestone pools.

Lanquín, Alta Verapaz

Destination

Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango (Chichi, for short) is a rare mixture of authentic culture and unconcealed tourism. Set within the Western Highlands, Chichi is a small and traditional town that has grown into one of Guatemala’s most tourism-friendly places, largely because of its fascinating outdoor marketplace. While carousing the market, you’ll see Maya weavers right alongside photo-snapping tourists. It makes for an interesting site.

Chichicastenango

Destination

Santiago Atitlán

Santiago Atitlán is set within an inlet on the southwest corner of Lake Atitlán and lies in the shadow of the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. Santiago Atitlán is one of the largest lakeside villages and also one of the most traditional.

Santiago Atitlán

Destination

Santa Catarina Palopó

The small and traditional village of Santa Catalina Palopó lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Panajachel. The town borders Lake Atitlán and has some of the best hotels in the area.

Santa Catarina Palopó

Destination

San Marcos la Laguna

San Marcos La Laguna is the New Age center of Guatemala. Set along the western shores of Lake Atitlán, San Marcos is best known for its yoga courses, meditation retreats, and holistic therapies. The town itself is rather small and basic.

San Marcos la Laguna

Destination

San Juan La Laguna

San Juan La Laguna is a Tz’utujil Maya town set along the shores of Lake Atitlán. It is tranquil and lacks large crowds of tourists.

San Juan La Laguna

Destination

Sololá

Sololá is the departmental capital of Sololá. Set within the Western Highlands, Sololá resides some 2,000 feet (600 m) above Lake Atitlán and has a substantial population of Kaqchikel and K’iche’ Mayans. The town does have a colorful Friday market, but otherwise has little appeal for most travelers.

Sololá

Destination

Lívingston

Lívingston is unlike anywhere else in Guatemala. For starters, it has a seriously interesting mix of Guatemalan and Caribbean cultures—it’s a hub for the Garífuna people and Q’eqchi’ Maya of the Río Dulce region. It’s also surrounded by water and is only accessible by boat.

Lívingston

Destination

Sayaxché

The town of Sayaxché is a jumping off point for visiting several Mayan ruins in Petén. It’s 38 miles (62 km) south of Flores.

Sayaxché

Destination

Raxruhá Candelaria

Raxruhá is a small town in Petén that provides travelers with a good base for exploring the Candelaria Caves and the ruins of Cancuén.

Raxruhá Candelaria

Destination

San Pedro la Laguna

Set along Lake Atitlán’s southwest corner is the hip town of San Pedro La Laguna. Second in popularity of Panajachel, San Pedro is a favorite of international travelers who come here to hike the San Pedro Volcano, ride horses, or party. While the town has evolved to accommodate more travelers over the years, it hasn’t yet lost its Guatemalan flavor. And the setting is absolutely spectacular.

San Pedro la Laguna

Destination

Trips to Inspire

Guatemala Indigenous Culture Destinations itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Guatemala Indigenous Culture Destinations itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 daysFrom $1,102 per person

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Thank you for making my Wes and Ines's wedding so special! We were taken care of at all times and will return and only use your services!

A Wedding Celebration Made Better

Guatemala

18 daysFrom $3,602 per person

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

the culture is so rich and diverse, the colors, the music, language, dance, art, artesania, nature, and most of all the people are very nice and wonderful

Artisan Explorer in Guatemala

Guatemala

6 daysFrom $974 per person

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Take the children on an exciting adventure without sacrificing your comfort. Spend time outdoors, then enjoy high thread count linens, swimming pools, and private transportation.

This is the Jungle? Ohh La La!

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Explore the world in vivid color when you make your way through Guatemala. Get outdoors, enjoy cultural exchanges, learn something new. Sample the best of Guatemala now!

Colorful Cultural Adventures

Guatemala

13 daysFrom $1,261 per person

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Don’t just take your family somewhere new, teach them about the world on a colorful expedition of Guatemala full of outdoor adventures, history, and cultural exchanges.

The Colors & Culture of Guatemala

Guatemala

14 daysInquire

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

You’re an intrepid traveler with an explorer’s spirit –– it’s time to make your way through the wild heart of Guatemala and Belize. This vacation, walk with the ancients.

An Expedition in Guatemala & Belize

Guatemala

15 daysInquire

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Rediscover your passion for adventure and each other when you make your way through beautiful Guatemala. Sample a little of everything –– from ruins to cuisine.

Live, Laugh, Love in Guatemala

Guatemala

5 daysInquire

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Take yourself on an amazing journey –– collect precious memories throughout the visually striking nation of Guatemala. The beauty of Lake Atitlan and history of Antigua awaits.

Guatemala's Gems of Nature

Guatemala

12 daysInquire

Heart of The Mayan World

I would warn them about the deceptive practices of Casa Azul though about the stocking and charges of the alcohol in the fridge. No warning at check in. No signage on fridge. Not locked. No tally sheet. No warning or heads up by Anywhere. I have never had to pay for alcohol before. ($92. U.S.) There was a store a few doors away. My only complaint about this hotel. I would stay there again. I just wouldn't be tricked twice.

Heart of The Mayan World

Guatemala

9 daysInquire

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

When we told our family and friend that we were going to Guatemala, their first impression was your kidding. The country is not safe. Let me say we had a fantastic time from beginning to end of our trip. Guatemala has a lot to present and the country has a lot of history and the people are wonderful. I would come back again. In general I would say we had no issues with the Itinerary and the drivers of Anywhere were very professional and most of all kept us safe where ever we went. The hotels that we stayed were very nice and in safe location.

We Dreamt. Then We Went.

Guatemala

Belong Anywhere

In their words