HIKE & EXPLORE CULTURE
If you have a full day or overnight, check out our Activities Packages where you'll experience the mystery and majesty of Lake Chicabál, and life in a Mayan Village. Sacred to the Mam-Maya people of the region, the lake is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango region! Come alone, as a couple, or as a group to enjoy our experiences which are all kid- and family friendly.
Full-Day Option
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Our expert Guides and Staff will welcome you to an unforgettable day of adventure and cultural exploration. We can pick you up and deliver you back to Quetzaltenango if you like. 100% of your contribution fuels our non-profit's Empowerment Programs.
• WELCOME - Arrive at 8:00 AM at our El Comál Restaurant and Welcome Center at Xela AID Complex to meet your personal Guide and some of our Staff members. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and introductory film, "Feel the Magic."
• RIDE - At 9:00 AM your transport vehicle will whisk you up scenic trails to the dry lakebed below Chicabál Lake crater—the gateway into the eco-preserve with its fascinating cultural history.
• HIKE - About 9:30, you'll reach the rim of the caldera where your expert guide will share details of the crater lake's history before beginning the descent with you—600 steps down into the crater lake itself, every step with a view!
• NAGUAL TOUR - Once at the lake, you will hike its scenic perimeter learning about each of the 20 Mayan "naguals" — the "energies and lessons of days" as described by local experts.
• NATURE - In the forest surrounding the lake, be prepared to see butterflies, birds, interesting insects and, if you're lucky, the phenomena of "clouds gathering water" that local people count on to bring the rains to nourish their crops.
• HIKE OUT, LUNCH - After taking in the wonder and serenity of this lush, wild place, hike back up to the rim's edge to enjoy a satisfying box lunch before returning to our complex for some inspiring cultural activities.
• VILLAGE TOUR - Around 1:30, we'll get some more light hiking in as you explore the local village with our guide. On a narrated walk along streets lined with fields of fresh corn, potatoes, and other crops, our guide will treat you to a behind-the-scenes understanding of the daily life of the Mam-Maya people of the San Martín region, "El Area Mam."
• VISIT A MAYAN HOME - Your tour will continue when around 2:30 with a visit to a local home where you'll get an up-close and personal view of family life, including learning a new skill (it's a surprise!).
• REFRESHMENTS, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION - Near 3:30, return to our El Comál Welcome Center for a sweet treat and demonstration of traditional Mayan backstrap weaving, complete with a presentation from a Master Weaver about the meaning of the colors and symbols appearing in local Mam-Maya weavings.
• OUR FAIR-TRADE COOPERATIVE - You'll be so inspired by our weavers that we wouldn't want you to leave without an authentic keepsake. Wrap up your experience by visiting our Fair-Trade Weaving Cooperative and use a complimentary Gift Card included for adults and students to pick a hand-woven treasure to remind you of this special experience!
P.S. NEW LIFE FOR OLDER SHOES - Tennis shoes and sturdy sandals protect the feet of our village children! Should you wish to donate a pair or two, we will put gently used or new shoes for children 13 and younger to excellent use!
COST - 100% of fees fuel our Empowerment Programs
• Children 5 and Under - Free with a full-pay adult
• Adult (age 18+) - $170
• Full-Time Student with ID (up to age 21) - $126
All-Inclusive Overnight Stay
2:00 PM Check-in to 3:00 PM Next Day
Our Guides and Staff will welcome you to your overnight adventure staying at our top-rated Guest House. We can pick you up and deliver you back to Quetzaltenango if you like. 100% of your contribution fuels our non-profit's Empowerment Programs.
Day 1
• ARRIVAL - Around 2:00 PM, arrive and check in to our Eco-Guest House where our Guest Experience Staff will greet you and help get you settled in.
• VILLAGE TOUR - Around 2:30, we'll explore the local village with our guide. On a guided walk along streets lined with fields of fresh corn, potatoes and other local crops, our guide will take you behind the scenes to learn about the daily life of the Mam-Maya people.
• VISIT A MAYAN HOME - Your tour will continue around 3:30 when you'll visit a local home where you'll get a up-close and personal view of family life, including learning a new skill (it's a surprise!).
• R&R, HAPPY HOUR - After your local tour, return to our Eco-Guest House and relax in your room or our Hearth Room gathering place. There are games for kids or the whole family, or adults may enjoy an alcoholic beverage before our delicious gourmet dinner
• DINNER IS SERVED - At 6:00 PM, enjoy a scrumptious, three-course dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients by our expert chef. After dinner, our film, “Local Hope: Feel the Magic,” will introduce you to the inspiring work taking place at our complex.
• HANG OUT - In the evening enjoy games with your group or our Staff on-duty in our Hearth Room, if you like. Snacks and beverages are available, as well as complimentary coffee and tea 24 hours.
• ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME - Take a steaming hot shower in your spacious ensuite bathroom, and enjoy all the amenities of our rooms including fluffy towels, a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, free WIFI, ample and convenient electrical plug-ins and USB charging bedside, reading lights, desk, space heaters, extra blankets, window shades and ample space for your clothing and luggage. Our guests report sweet dreams!
Continue to Day 2, below
Day 2
• GOOD MORNING! - A delicious breakfast awaits at 7:00 AM where you'll meet your expert Tour Guide. While dining, you'll be treated by one of our Master Weavers to a demonstration and presentation on the ancient art of Mayan backstrap weaving. Watch in awe as a weaver creates a stunning piece of art while you learn the meaning of the colors and symbols used in the weavings of the village of San Martín Chiquito.
• RIDE - At 9:00 AM, your transport will whisk you up scenic trails to the dry lakebed below Chicabál Lake crater—the gateway into the eco-preserve with its fascinating cultural history.
• HIKE - About 9:30, you'll reach the rim of the caldera where your guide will share details of the crater lake's history before beginning the descent with you—600 steps down into the crater lake itself, every step with a view!
• NAGUAL TOUR - Once at the lake, you will hike its scenic perimeter learning about each of the 20 Mayan "naguals" — the "energies and lessons of days" as described by local experts.
• NATURE - In the forest surrounding the lake, be prepared to see butterflies, birds, interesting insects and, if you are lucky, the phenomena of "clouds gathering water" that local people count on to bring the rains to their crops.
• HIKE OUT, LUNCH - After taking in the serenity of this lush, wild place, hike back up to the rim's edge and enjoy a delicious box lunch before returning to our complex.
• REFRESHMENTS, WEAVING DEMONSTRATION - Near 1:30 return to our El Comál Welcome Center for a sweet treat and Mayan traditional weaving demonstration, complete with a presentation about the meaning of the colors and symbols that appear in local Mam-Maya weavings.
• OUR FAIR-TRADE COOPERATIVE - You'll be so inspired by our weavers, we wouldn't want you to leave without an authentic keepsake from our community! You can use a complimentary Gift Card included with this experience to pick out a hand-woven treasure from our Fair-Trade Weaving Cooperative — something special to remember your visit!
P.S. NEW LIFE FOR OLDER SHOES - Tennis shoes and sturdy sandals can protect the feet of our village children! Should you wish to donate a pair or two, we'll put gently used or new shoes for children 13 and younger to excellent use!
COST - 100% of fees fuel our Empowerment Programs
• Children 5 and Under - Free with a full-pay adult*
• Adult (18+)
> Double-Occupancy - $185
> Single-Occupancy - $218
• Full-Time Student with ID (up to age 21)
> Double-Occupancy - $166
> Single-Occupancy - $201
*We welcome children five and under but they don't count towards double occupancy nor receive a Gift Card. Thank you for your understanding.
Looking for 2-Week All-Inclusive, Build-Your-Own Service Trip, or Guided Group Experiences? Return to check those out HERE.
