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Tour Overview
Embark on an enriching journey through the heart of Guatemala with an authentic cultural experience. Dive into local life as you stay with a welcoming Maya family and explore vibrant communities around stunning Lake Atitlán. Participate in traditional weaving, cooking, and immerse in centuries-old customs. Enhance your adventure with a scenic boat tour, visiting picturesque villages like San Juan and Santiago. This unique travel experience offers unforgettable memories and a deep connection with the rich Mayan heritage and breathtaking landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Meet local Mayan communities in an authentic homestay
Marvel at the otherworldly Lake Atitlan and its volcanoes
Explore colorful indigenous villages surrounding the lake
Itinerary
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Day 1: Panajachel - San Jorge La Laguna, Guatemala
Location: Iglesia de San Jorge La Laguna
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
Duration: 2 Days
Departure Time: 17:00
Home Stay in San Jorge La Laguna (D)
Upon arrival at Avenida Santander Zona 2 (next to Hotel Dos Mundos), you will be given instructions on how to take a public bus from Panajachel to reach the village where your host family lives, San Jorge La Laguna.
The home stay will give you a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family during your trip by staying one or more more nights with a family from the Kakchiquel Indigenous group in San Jorge La Laguna. Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.
Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for partcipating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.
A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home. Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.
Day 2: San Jorge La Laguna - Panajachel, Guatemala
Location: Panajachel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages. Return to Panajachel (B)
You will have all the instructions on how to go from the Homestay to the meeting point. Then, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages.
The word "atitlan" is translated from Maya as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors" and accordingly you will understand why so many people have been drawn to this magical lake for hundreds of years. Panajachel alone is an 800 year old town home to mostly Cachikel Maya and an increasing number foreigners from every corner of the globe, all coming together to soak up a piece of that serenity and originality that this place provides.
You'll visit the following villages:
San Pedro La Laguna, much like Panajachel has a large population of bohemian tourists and ex-pats, however the indigenous people of the town still preserve their original ways of life and wear traditional dress, remain very conservative and practice the same style of subsistence agriculture that their ancestors practiced years ago. Just outside of town coffee crops are cultivated on the mountain side and hard working farmers hike up and back on a daily basis to tend to their crops. Walk uphill towards the town center (away from the docks) and you will see a whole different side to this popular lakeside village.
Santiago Atitlán is the largest of the communities around the lake with a population of over 32,000, 95% of which are indigenous Tz’utujils. Traditionally, it is fishing and farming town; it is also known for the manufacture of cayucos, wooden canoes. Directly from the dock, the main street leads visitors up to the main square where there is a vibrant and very lively indoor/outdoor marketplace where street hawkers target "gringos" as they wander by looking for good deals on original locally made souvenirs. Santiago is also home to a very interesting Maya/Catholic sacred statue called Maximon (also known as San Simon by the Spanish and Rilaj Maam by the Maya). All Guatemalan people worship this deity and go to him to ask for blessings or give offerings. During "Semana Santa" (Holy Week) in March/April, the statue is paraded around town and celebrations are held to worship this Guatemalan god. If you can, catch a glimpse of this interesting and very unique local custom.
San Antonio Palopo is one of the most interesting villages around lake Atitlan and the best place to really get an idea for how these traditional indigenous towns used to feel. Walking through the village one can see people wearing intricately designed "huipiles" (woven tunics) and women weaving fabric made of wool and cotton. Take in the views of this tranquil town and imagine what the villagers' peaceful life is like living in adobe houses with tin roofs, farming and selling souvenirs to make a living. This is one of the best places to purchase a "huipil" traditional hand-woven tunic knowing that the profits are going straight to the villagers.
You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.
What's Included
Accommodation
1N Shared basic accommodation and bathroom at local family home
Meals
1B / 1D
Activities
Homestay, lake tour Homestay experience Maya communities lake tour (Boat trip around Lake Atitlan, Visit to indigenous communities San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlan and San Antonio Palopo)
Guides
The tour does not have a guide
What's Not Included
Transportation ($3 USD)
Bottled water
Small gift for local family (Please see suggested gifts in the text below)
English speaking guide
Lunch on lake tour (Please bring 10 USD with you for lunch)
Souvenirs (consider bringing extra cash if you wish to purchase souvenirs)
Mode of Transport
Travel by public bus from Panajachel to San Jorge La Laguna, and enjoy a boat tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to its colorful indigenous villages.
Accommodation
Enjoy a genuine insight into the everyday lives of a local family with a 1-night stay in shared basic accommodation and bathroom at a family home in San Jorge La Laguna.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the homestay?
The accommodation is a shared basic accommodation and bathroom at a local family home in San Jorge La Laguna.
What are some of the villages visited during the Lake Atitlan boat tour?
The villages visited include San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, and San Antonio Palopo.
Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 1 breakfast and 1 dinner.
What should I bring as a gift for the host family?
Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables, or kitchen utensils are appreciated. Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would also be a great addition to the family library.
Is lunch included during the lake tour?
No, lunch is not included. Please bring 10 USD with you for lunch.
Is there a guide provided for the tour?
No, the tour does not have a guide.
What are some of the activities included in the tour?
The tour includes a homestay experience and a boat tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to its colorful indigenous villages.
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel is by public bus from Panajachel to San Jorge La Laguna, and a boat tour of Lake Atitlan is included.
Is there an age limit?
No! Most of our bamba travellers fall between the ages of 18 - 35, but everyone is young at heart and welcome to come experience the world with us!
If you are between the ages of 18 and 118, we invite you to travel with bamba and have the time of your life!
Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our trips cater to the adventurous independent traveller.
In fact, many of our travellers arrive on their own and quickly find that they easily meet like-minded people along the way at their hostels, on transportation, or during activities.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip, especially when travelling in developing countries.
Bamba does not include travel insurance of any type.Your current medical insurance may cover part of your trip, so it is important for you to become familiar with your current coverage. We recommend purchasing additional travel insurance that provides coverage for medical emergencies, emergency evacuation and repatriation, lost or stolen items and unforeseen cancellations. If you plan to participate in activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, sand-buggy rides, etc please make sure they are included in your policy.
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Reviews of this operator
Jonas Nesset(Norway)
The company is exceptional. When...
Dec 10 2019
The company is exceptional. When I had questions, I always got prompt and professional answers. The excursions that Bamba organized were fantastic! Thank you once again for everything!
Shane Alce(United Kingdom)
For true explorers....
Aug 12 2019
For true explorers.
Marian Reder(Germany)
To this day, this is...
Oct 2 2019
To this day, this is the best tour we've ever done together as a couple! The fun activities, great hotels and nice guides worth the money! We were always taken care of and they made sure that we had a good time. This tour is definitely worth taking.
Tanja Ottosen(Denmark)
The Bamba Team really made...
Jan 9 2020
The Bamba Team really made my journey one of the most memorable experiences of my life! Still so nice and supportive! They handled everything and responded to each question within a few minutes. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Especially if you want to do a lot of activities and travel to a lot of different places without feeling rushed. They've also helped me with specific issues that weren't covered by the tour, as well as answering general questions. Thank you so much for making my journey so enjoyable!
...more ...less
Braiden Rowe(United States)
The tour was fantastic; I...
Feb 12 2020
The tour was fantastic; I was able to visit some of Japan's most beautiful locations, and the accommodations were excellent, with convenient access to the city's best attractions. Also, our tour guide was fantastic. I will pick bamba again and recommend the tour to anyone who wants to see Japan while having a good time!!
...more ...less
Aaron Davies(Australia)
I only have good words...
Oct 23 2019
I only have good words about our trip to Kenya. The entire experience was totally magical and I struggle to say how fantastic it was. We were fortunate enough to have a brilliant vehicle for ourselves, but we had great luck with David for our guide too. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and nice. Thank you for helping to create this fantastic safari experience. I Highly recommend this company.
...more ...less
Matteo Hoffmeister(Germany)
Bamba Experience has been the...
Jun 5 2019
Bamba Experience has been the best tour guide I've ever had. Every tour has been a thrilling experience. There are so many things to choose from. Bamba has been extremely helpful in providing us with all of the necessary information for our departures and activities! Bamba has made this a simple and enjoyable experience. I'll certainly tell my friends and family about it! Thank you very much, Bamba!!
...more ...less
Melanie Liu Chang(Australia)
We organized a trip through...
Feb 20 2020
We organized a trip through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia on the hop-on, hop-off bus. It made the trip so much simpler for us as first-time travelers because we just had to send an email to arrange the bus, which avoided the hassle of looking for the best price and so on! We also had a number of tours included, they were all amazing and saved us the trouble of trying to find the best offers on our own; it also meant we got to see a lot of stuff we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I will strongly suggest and use again!
...more ...less
Marius Halvorson(Norway)
Our Bamba tour of Vietnam...
Jun 25 2019
Our Bamba tour of Vietnam was fantastic. We had a lot of new experiences and all of the help we needed to make this a stress-free vacation. The well-organized accomodation and transportation were excellent. We will certainly use Bamba in the future.
Alexis Helman(Australia)
I had booked our Uyuni...
Jun 25 2019
I had booked our Uyuni Salt Flats & Desert Adventure 3D/2N (Uyuni to Atacama) tour via an Australian travel agency, but they had made an error and refused to assist us or take responsibility. This was very difficult for us because we wanted to have a stress-free honeymoon. I contacted Bamba and I asked if we could talk on the phone so they made the improvements to our tour reservation that our travel agent declined to make. The quality of service was exceptional and they generously offered to us a complimentary gift because it was our honeymoon. I can't say enough good things about Bamba.
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Bamba Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Bamba Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform bamba travel, 60 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Bamba Travel requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of bamba travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Maya Homestay Experience 2D/1N with Maya Communities Lake Tour
2 Days Starting and ending in Panajachel, Guatemala
Visiting:
Iglesia de San Jorge La Laguna, Panajachel
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Maya Experience Home Stays has started this home stay program in the village to give something back to the communities around Lake Atitlan, and also to give you a very genuine experience of living with a Maya local family to experience their culture and customs. This experience is very new to the village and families who welcome foreigners into their homes. As a responsible traveler, we as guests must be aware of and sensitive to the culture by behaving respectfully during our time with the family and in the village.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>Although shy at first, the villagers are very friendly and welcoming people. Make sure you ask permission to take photos of the people in the village since the Mayan community commonly believes a photograph will steal their soul. You will most likely find the housing situation in San Jorge La Laguna rather basic but the reason for partcipating in this home stay is to enjoy a real insight into Guatemala, so you can experience the culture firsthand and interact with the local community on a personal basis. We hope that you enjoy this very unique experience.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>A small gift for the family would be a nice gesture of appreciation for the family welcoming you into their home. Cooking or kitchen materials such as pasta, rice, sugar, fruit, vegetables or kitchen utensils are very much appreciated ($3 USD per person approx). Other materials from your home country or children's books (coloring, basic English, workbooks, almanacs) would be a great addition to the family library.<br/>","lat":"14.751297","lng":"-91.17252"},{"title":"Day 2: San Jorge La Laguna - Panajachel, Guatemala","name":"Panajachel","description":"<p><span>Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan with visits to indigenous villages. Return to Panajachel (B)</span><br></p>You will have all the instructions on how to go from the Homestay to the meeting point. Then, you will hop in a boat for a tour of Lake Atitlan and a visit to its colorful indigenous villages.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>The word \"atitlan\" is translated from Maya as \"the place where the rainbow gets its colors\" and accordingly you will understand why so many people have been drawn to this magical lake for hundreds of years. Panajachel alone is an 800 year old town home to mostly Cachikel Maya and an increasing number foreigners from every corner of the globe, all coming together to soak up a piece of that serenity and originality that this place provides.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>You'll visit the following villages:<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>San Pedro La Laguna, much like Panajachel has a large population of bohemian tourists and ex-pats, however the indigenous people of the town still preserve their original ways of life and wear traditional dress, remain very conservative and practice the same style of subsistence agriculture that their ancestors practiced years ago. Just outside of town coffee crops are cultivated on the mountain side and hard working farmers hike up and back on a daily basis to tend to their crops. Walk uphill towards the town center (away from the docks) and you will see a whole different side to this popular lakeside village.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p><p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>Santiago Atitlán is the largest of the communities around the lake with a population of over 32,000, 95% of which are indigenous Tz’utujils. Traditionally, it is fishing and farming town; it is also known for the manufacture of cayucos, wooden canoes. Directly from the dock, the main street leads visitors up to the main square where there is a vibrant and very lively indoor/outdoor marketplace where street hawkers target \"gringos\" as they wander by looking for good deals on original locally made souvenirs. Santiago is also home to a very interesting Maya/Catholic sacred statue called Maximon (also known as San Simon by the Spanish and Rilaj Maam by the Maya). All Guatemalan people worship this deity and go to him to ask for blessings or give offerings. During \"Semana Santa\" (Holy Week) in March/April, the statue is paraded around town and celebrations are held to worship this Guatemalan god. If you can, catch a glimpse of this interesting and very unique local custom.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p><p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>San Antonio Palopo is one of the most interesting villages around lake Atitlan and the best place to really get an idea for how these traditional indigenous towns used to feel. Walking through the village one can see people wearing intricately designed \"huipiles\" (woven tunics) and women weaving fabric made of wool and cotton. Take in the views of this tranquil town and imagine what the villagers' peaceful life is like living in adobe houses with tin roofs, farming and selling souvenirs to make a living. This is one of the best places to purchase a \"huipil\" traditional hand-woven tunic knowing that the profits are going straight to the villagers.<p><font face=\"Arial\"><br></font></p>You will be dropped off back in Panajachel when the tour is finished.<br/>","lat":"14.740493","lng":"-91.152097"}]
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