Local partnerships to showcase the best.
An activities guide for Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
Local People, Local Businesses, Real Experiences
One of the things that makes Culture Chalk different is the relationships we've built with people around Lake Atitlán.
We work with local artists, teachers, guides, entrepreneurs, families, and small businesses to help our guests experience Guatemala through the people who actually live here. Many of these relationships began as friendships and grew naturally into partnerships.
When you join one of these activities, you're not simply booking another tourist experience. You're meeting someone we've come to know and trust, learning directly from them, and helping direct tourism toward local people and small businesses in our community.
We've included some of our favourite local partners and experiences below. Some are available as part of Culture Chalk programs, while others can be arranged for families staying in the area.
Concepcion — Traditional Weaving & Bracelet Making
San Pedro, La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
A class in traditional weaving with Concepcion
Concepcion has a beautiful technique, and her many years of experience are taught through patience and slow-motion speech. She lives right next door to us in Pacucha. Join her for an hour or two per lesson, in her home, at her kitchen table. She will make you feel like a grandchild, serving you coffee and sweetbread and encouraging you as you learn. A big trip highlight for those who sign up for our worldschool programs; we encourage this experience and interaction! The best part is that you take home a handmade Guatemalan bracelet that YOU made with your new wonderful Abuela Concepcion!
Dorly — Spanish Teacher
San Pedro, La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
Meet your teacher, Dorly
A gem of a woman, Dorly is the perfect Spanish teacher. We have known her for years, since moving to our San Pedro neighbourhood of Pacucha. Her calm nature and work ethic are very contagious! Dorly will be happy to meet you at the guesthouse at one of the common area tables for written lessons, or go for coffee or walks, or invite you out with the family to work on conversational lessons! We highly recommend giving a lesson or two a go if you would like to improve tu Español.
Pablo - Tailor and designer
San Pedro, La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
Custom tailoring by Don Pablo
Pablo lives across the street from us and is always eager to fix zippers or stuffed animals for our girls and hem pants for our boys. He makes all the cushion, curtains and decorative hand towels for our accommodations.
Want something unique to take home with you? Hear me out! You know that amazing pair of pants or T-shirt that you love and fit you so well? Pablo is a gifted tailor who can replicate your favourite clothes. If you are around the lake for more than just a few days, here is an idea… Go to a traditional fabric store and buy a yard or two of Guatemalan material and bring your clothing item and the fabric to Don Pablo. He will make you a Guatemalan double of your favourite pants, dress or T-shirt. This also works great with little girls’ dresses and would make an incredible gift for your daughter or niece (or somebody else’s daughter or niece!)
Petrona Quiacain - Traditional Cacao Expert
San Pedro, La Laguna
Cacao preparation and workshop
What could be more Guatemalan than coffee and chocolate?
Take a tour with Petrona and learn how cacao is transformed into chocolate, from bean to finished product. You'll finish by tasting some delicious chocolate drinks and treats that aren't overly sweet, letting the flavour of the cacao speak for itself. Petrona and her sisters have been collaborating with us since our first Culture Chalk Hub.
Petrona inherited this tradition from her late grandmother, and chocolate making has been part of her family for generations. She has created a beautiful place to learn about cacao, the remarkable bean at the heart of one of Guatemala's most beloved traditions.
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Pascual and Rogelio - Local Horsemen from San Juan, La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Horseback tours through the narrow streets of San Juan
Step back in time as you're guided through the dirt walkways and stone alleys of San Juan. A fun afternoon activity guided by Don Pascual and his trusty fleet of beautiful horses.
Pascual is a familiar face we love to stop and greet when we see him walking with his horses through San Juan.
Recommended for families and individuals looking to experience the nostalgia that comes from trusting an animal to take you from point A to B!
Jorge, Alix and Gaspar - Local artists, San Juan, La Laguna, Lake Atitlan
Art classes with renowned artists
Get creative and take some time to learn some new techniques with oil paints or acrylics. San Juan is known particularly for its vast network of very talented artists. Take a walk beforehand through the colourful streets to get inspired! The streets of San Juan are notoriously beautiful as a result of being a hub for artistic individuals.
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Rosa María and her two daughters - San Juan, La Laguna.
Coffee at Las Marias
Las Marias Cafe is a tiny, two table restaurant tucked up a narrow walkway off a side road. Once you're up there, it's like sitting in a tree fort with your besties for a tea party. Except it's a coffee party, and you're now an adult.
The coffee is locally grown, harvested, and roasted, and it is very, very good. Rosa Maria also makes a great breakfast, so come hungry (and prepare yourself for the caffeine).
Rosa Maria is a close friend of ours. We met during the pandemic when we first arrived in Guatemala, and she would open up her roastery for us while we sat and chatted for hours. We're thankful for all the coffee, conversations, and caffeine she has provided over the years.
Brigida Matzar - Local historian and cook, San Pedro La Laguna
Let's put our hands together for... Tortillas!
What happens when you get home and want to cook a Guatemalan meal for your family after your travels and can’t make a Guatemalan tortilla? Well, you hang your head and cry. But let's face it, no amount of tears is going to bring tortillas back into your life. This is a skill worth learning the basics of so you can recreate the nostalgic taste of Guatemalan breakfasts, lunches and dinners, wherever you may be. Once this skill is learned, it also translates to Pupusas and Dobladas!
Brigida's charismatic workshops will have you laughing and smiling the whole way through.
Jaime Navichoc - Chauffeur and local guide, San Juan, La Laguna.
Rostro Maya Hike
Not for the faint of heart, starting in San Juan, this hike up the mountain starts at 3:30am and is 2.5 hours long. Once you arrive at the top, sit and enjoy some coffee and one of the most breathtaking views in the world. While you take it in, we prepare a fire and cook you a campfire breakfast of delicious pancakes and fruit topped with whipped cream and syrup!
PS. There is an easy version of this tour as well. :)
Ninette & Juan — Kayak Rentals and Tours
San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
Kayaking
Our San Pedro neighbors, Ninette and Juan, run a kayak rental business and we love to support them and send guests their way. Take a morning to get some exercise in and enjoy the sun while you drift over the water. Guided tours hosted by Simon are available to the “jumping rocks” or Cristalinas beach across the lake, please ask for rates.
Santi, Kevin, and Paco - Tuk-tuk tours and local stories.
San Juan, La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
A tuk-tuk tour is a perfect way to settle in, get your bearings, and discover the little spots around San Juan La Laguna on Lake Atitlán that you might otherwise miss.
We have a handful of tuk tuk drivers we've gotten to know well, and we've spent plenty of time riding around with them and discovering the hidden gems of town. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. These guys know the area, have great local recommendations, and are guaranteed to show you a good time.
By the time your two-hour tour is over, there's a good chance you'll have a whole collection of inside jokes with your driver. That's part of the fun.
Francisco, or "Colocho" - Pickup tours around Lake Atitlán
San Pedro, La Laguna
Ride as a group in a pickup!
If you are the kind of tourist that likes to see and experience what many other travelers don’t, this one's for you. These pickup rides involve a guided 3-5 hour tour through the back roads with stops in the area’s surrounding aldeas, a picnic and a 20 minute hike or two through some special trails! Please book 2 days in advance to allow adequate planning.
Diego - Local birdwatching guide and expert
Santiago, Atitlan
Exotic Bird Watching
Guided by Diego, a local, experienced tour guide and bird-watching expert. This tour leaves San Juan or San Pedro at 5:00 am and takes a pickup truck to the Toliman Bird Sanctuary. On this trip, quetzals, toucans, and other amazing species are regularly spotted. Bird watchers! Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Prices vary by group size.
Captain Leo - Local guide and lover of wildlife
San Pedro, La Laguna
Private boat tours!
A must-do while visiting Lake Atitlán.
This is a full-day or half-day experience, up to you! Check out several villages along the Lakeshore in one day with Captain Leo at the helm. A close neighbour and friend, Leo has an amazing personality and is the perfect guide. His knowledge of the Lake, local history, religion and culture is perfectly balanced with his humorous and laid-back approach to life. He is punctual, patient and loves showing off his beautiful homeland.
Hike the iconic Acatenango
We partner with tour agencies we know and trust to help families experience an overnight hike on Acatenango, one of Guatemala's most spectacular volcanoes.
This is a challenging hike and definitely not for the faint of heart. But if you're prepared, up for the challenge, and ready for an unforgettable adventure, we're happy to organize the details for you.
Transportation to and from our location, gear, guides, logistics, and whatever else you need? We've got your back.
Cultural Immersion Retreats