Lake Atitlan: Upper Mayan Trail from Antigua or Panajachel

This hike was much harder than we expected but absolutely worth it!! It was nearly 4 hours with our breaks but our guide Sam was wonderfully patient and encouraging. Our phones said this hike had us climb the equivalent of nearly 152 floors. Firstly, we were pleasantly surprised that it is required to get on a boat to get to the bottom of the hike. You should ABSOLUTELY eat breakfast prior to this trail. The first third of the journey was through the village of Santa Maria (which is the steepest village I had ever experienced). Then the next third was equally difficult but in a more woodsy setting, the last third would not have been so difficult if it wasn’t for the first two thirds being exhausting. The views were incredible and made the difficult trail so worthwhile. We ended with lunch and a market tour. Bring a water bottle and buy an extra! This hike is humbling to say the least. My friend and I both work out about 3-4 times a week and this hike was still difficult for us due to the elevation and the stamina it required.

Hike took in scenic countryside & Mayan culture, but felt a bit overpriced for what we did. Hike was very steep. Market was really interesting & fun to go on the back of a pick-up into town.

Antonio, our guide, was wonderful and very knowledgeable and attentive to my husband and me as we were the only two on the tour. The hike up the mountain is very steep and strenuous but Antonio was patient with my many breaks and lent a helping hand to pull me up the steepest parts. It was fascinating to see the views and locals hauling their firewood and avocados on this active mountainside trail. At the top of the mountain we jumped in the back of a pickup truck for the ride to Solala to walk through the market and have lunch. It was my husband’s birthday and Antonio surprised him by ordering cake with a candle to be brought to our table!! Also experienced a chicken bus ride back to Panajachel!!! A great day!!