San Pedro La Laguna in 1 Day for Couples - Visit San Juan La Laguna’s murals and artisan workshops (bees, chocolate, weaving)
In Collaboration with TOURSWITHVICK. Updated on February 23, 2026.
A guided half-day cultural walk through the Tz’utujil towns of San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. Includes murals and artisan workshops in San Juan (beekeeping, chocolate, weaving, local art); a short visit to San Juan’s colonial church; a walk through San Pedro’s park and market; and an introduction to Santiago Atitlán’s colonial/Mayan church, plazas and markets. The 6.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with TOURSWITHVICK, inspired by the tour Lake Atitlan Cultural Tour Exploring Mayan Villages. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Visit San Juan La Laguna’s murals and artisan workshops (bees, chocolate, weaving)
- Learn about Tz’utujil traditions and contemporary art
- Walk local markets and town plazas in San Pedro La Laguna
- Explore Santiago Atitlán’s colonial church and market
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day (6.5-hour) guided cultural tour across San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. Start and end point is the meeting/pick-up area agreed at booking (many departures begin from San Juan La Laguna). The flow follows local public-boat links between villages; timing includes walking visits, short boat transfers and time to speak with artisans.
Meet & public boat transfer to San Juan La Laguna
Meet at the agreed public dock or town meeting point (Panajachel, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tz'ununa, San Marcos or San Pedro options available). Board a public boat to San Juan La Laguna to begin the village visits.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at the dock 10 minutes before the agreed pickup time so you can board promptly and avoid delays.
- Carry a small waterproof bag or dry pouch for valuables—lake water and spray are common during transfers.
- Have small local cash (Guatemalan quetzales) ready for any local docking or boat-handling tips; keep luggage light for quick boarding.
San Juan La Laguna — murals, World of Mayan Bees, chocolate and weaving visits
Guided walk through San Juan’s colorful streets and murals. Visits will include a local native-bees/bee-keeping project, an artisan chocolate demonstration, and women's weaving/textile shops and a small local art gallery. Time is allocated for short explanations, demonstrations and optional purchases directly from artisans.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask permission before photographing artisans or villagers; many artisans appreciate a brief conversation first.
- If you wish to taste chocolate, mention any allergies to your guide so sampling is safe.
- Bring a reusable tote or small daypack for purchases; many artisan items are fragile and best carried carefully on the boat.
Visit Iglesia (colonial/Mayan church) — San Juan La Laguna
Short guided stop at the colonial/Mayan-style church in San Juan La Laguna. The guide will explain the church’s history and its role in local religious and communal life.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly for the church visit (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect for local customs.
- Keep voices low inside the church and step to the side for any services; if a mass is in progress the guide will advise.
- If available, ask the guide for the church’s local name for clearer context when speaking with residents.
Boat transfer to San Pedro La Laguna
Short public-boat crossing to San Pedro La Laguna to visit the central park, street market and local church.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep small purchases or fragile items close and secure during boarding to avoid jostling.
- Wear sun protection—caps and light layers are useful for short open-boat crossings.
- Confirm with your guide where the boat will drop you off in San Pedro so you can re-board later if needed.
San Pedro La Laguna — park, market and town walk
Guided walk through San Pedro’s central square and local street market. Visit the Catholic church and learn about local daily life, commerce and contemporary culture in the town.
Tips from local experts:
- Markets are best explored with small bills and coins; vendors often prefer exact change for small items.
- Stay together while walking busy market streets—couples should keep valuables secured and be mindful of crowded areas.
- If you plan to sample snacks, ask vendors about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
Boat transfer to Santiago Atitlán
Short public-boat crossing to Santiago Atitlán for the final village visit. The guide will orient you on arrival and lead a walk through the main plaza and market area.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your guide’s phone number or visual marker in case your group briefly separates during disembarkation.
- Bring a light layer; lake breezes can be cool on open crossings even on warm days.
- Use the transfer time to confirm any desired purchases so you can manage time at the Santiago market.
Santiago Atitlán — colonial & Mayan church, plazas and street markets
Walk through Santiago Atitlán’s central area, visit the colonial/Mayan style church and learn about the town’s Tz'utujil history and contemporary community life. Time to explore local stalls and capture photos of lakeside and town scenes.
Tips from local experts:
- When photographing local people, ask your guide to introduce you so consent is clear and culturally appropriate.
- Carry small change for market purchases and a lightweight bag for any textiles or souvenirs you buy.
- Plan a quiet lakeside photo moment with your guide—early or late in the visit is best to avoid crowds and capture complementary light.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Culture, Neighborhood |