San Pedro Las Huertas in 1 Day for Seniors - Panajachel lakeside transfer and boat crossing
In Collaboration with Guate tours on line.. Updated on February 21, 2026.
Full-day cultural tour from Antigua into the Mayan towns around Lake Atitlán. Visit Panajachel, take a tuk‑tuk to Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó for local crafts and viewpoints, then cross the lake by boat to San Juan La Laguna to see traditional weavers, botanical dyes and Naïf galleries. Return to Antigua the same day.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Guate tours on line., inspired by the tour Full-Day Lake Atitlan and Magic towns From Antigua . Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Panajachel lakeside transfer and boat crossing
- Tuk‑tuk ride to colorful Santa Catarina Palopó
- Traditional pottery and textiles in San Antonio Palopó
- Weavers, natural dyes and Naïf galleries in San Juan La Laguna
- Scenic viewpoints over Lake Atitlán
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Antigua and full‑day visit to Lake Atitlán towns (Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio Palopó, San Juan La Laguna) including tuk‑tuk rides, a boat crossing and time to visit weavers and galleries. Designed with comfortable pacing and short walking segments for older travelers.
Hotel pickup in Antigua
Driver and bilingual guide collect you from your Antigua hotel, confirm the day's plan and assist with any luggage before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before the pickup time; the guide will confirm passenger names and phone number.
- Have any mobility aids ready to hand to the driver; staff can help with boarding but note some short steps may be present.
- Carry any daily medication and bottled water from your hotel; guide will carry a small first‑aid kit but personal meds stay with you.
Drive from Antigua to Panajachel (Lake Atitlán)
Road transfer by comfortable vehicle to Panajachel on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán. Short restroom/stretch stops included as needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect mountain roads; wear a seatbelt and keep belongings secure in the vehicle during winding sections.
- Ask the guide for a short restroom stop after the first hour if needed—drivers plan brief breaks for comfort.
- Bring a light jacket for cooler temperatures in the highlands, especially in the early morning.
Tuk‑tuk transfer to Santa Catarina Palopó
Short, scenic tuk‑tuk ride from Panajachel up to the colorful village of Santa Catarina Palopó (local, open-air three‑wheeled vehicle).
Tips from local experts:
- Tuk‑tuk rides are open‑air and bumpy; sit near the center and hold handrails for stability.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat—tuk‑tuk offers little shade during sunny stretches.
- If you have limited mobility, notify the guide so they can arrange the most accessible tuk‑tuk and help with boarding.
Visit Santa Catarina Palopó (viewpoint & streets)
Short walk through the town to admire painted houses, local crafts and a lakeside viewpoint. Gentle, short walking segments with seating breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Pace yourself on uneven sidewalks—take the flat routes recommended by the guide and rest on benches when needed.
- Bring small bills in local currency for any crafts or small purchases; vendors may not accept cards.
- Ask to see the main village viewpoint (Colibrí/ ‘hummingbird’ viewpoint) but avoid steep paths if you have balance concerns.
Transfer to San Antonio Palopó
Short road/tuk‑tuk transfer to nearby San Antonio Palopó to observe traditional pottery and textile techniques.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep personal items close during short transfers; some streets are narrow and crowded with pedestrians.
- If steps are required at any workshop, the guide can request a seated demonstration or move to an accessible viewing point.
- Ask the guide in advance if you prefer a slower‑paced visit or to skip stairs; hosts are accustomed to adjusting for mobility needs.
Visit San Antonio Palopó (pottery & textiles)
Guided short visit to local artisans to see pottery, textiles and village streets. Time for photos and brief shopping.
Tips from local experts:
- Respect photography requests—some artisans ask for permission before photos of their work or people.
- Ask the guide to negotiate or explain craft origins; a brief conversation makes purchases more meaningful and accessible.
- Carry a small tote bag for fragile purchases and request paper wrapping from sellers to protect ceramics.
Return to Panajachel & boat departure prep
Short transfer back to Panajachel; time to use restrooms and board the boat to San Juan La Laguna.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the municipal restrooms in Panajachel before boarding—they are the most reliable option for shore facilities.
- Keep a small dry bag for any essential items during the boat crossing (phone, medication, medications).
- Board and disembark the boat carefully—steps may be wet; the guide and staff will assist passengers as needed.
Boat crossing: Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna
Scenic boat trip across Lake Atitlán to San Juan La Laguna. Short walking onto the boat pier and a comfortable seated crossing.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the lower bench if you prefer shelter from wind; the guide will reserve seats near the center for stability.
- Bring a light layer—wind on the water can feel cooler than on land, especially mid‑morning.
- If prone to motion sickness, take medication before boarding and sit centrally on the boat.
San Juan La Laguna: weavers, botanical colours & galleries (includes lunch)
Guided visit in San Juan La Laguna to see traditional weavers, learn about natural dyes and visit Naïf art galleries. Time allotted for a relaxed lunch at a local café or family‑run restaurant.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose dishes that are mild and familiar if you have dietary restrictions; tell the guide any allergies before lunch.
- Bring cash for small gallery purchases and tip the artisans if you receive a private demonstration.
- Request a shaded seating area for lunch; the guide can recommend quieter spots and assist with menu translations.
Boat back to Panajachel
Return crossing to Panajachel with time to relax before the drive back to Antigua.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm personal belongings and any purchases before leaving the pier—boats leave on a schedule.
- Sit near the guide or staff for assistance when stepping onto and off the boat.
- Keep a small waterproof pouch for any receipts or travel documents during the crossing.
Drive back to Antigua and drop-off
Road transfer returning to Antigua. The guide will confirm drop‑off at your hotel and provide a short wrap‑up of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your hotel name and room number ready to confirm the final drop‑off location with the driver.
- Expect some bumpy sections; remain seated with seatbelts fastened until the vehicle is stationary.
- If you need additional assistance with stairs or luggage at drop‑off, ask the guide in advance so they can help coordinate.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Culture, Break, Outdoor |