Santiago Atitlán: A Journey to the Tz’utujil Maya Soul

Santiago Atitlán, known in the Tz’utujil language as Aj Tz’ikin Jaay, is the historical capital of the Tz’utujil people, a place of great cultural and spiritual significance in Guatemala. This picturesque town, located on the shores of the majestic Lake Atitlán and surrounded by imposing volcanoes, is home to a living Mayan culture expressed through its traditions, language, and ways of life that have endured for generations.

The cultural heritage of Santiago Atitlán is vast and diverse, from its unique art and crafts to its traditional clothing and sacred ceremonies, which stand as a testament to an ancestral identity. Handwoven fabrics, with intricate designs and colors representing elements of the Mayan worldview, are especially valued. Additionally, the town boasts artistic and craft richness that ranges from wood carving to the creation of ceremonial masks and folk art.

The experience of visiting Santiago Atitlán is an invitation to immerse oneself in the knowledge, customs, and deep respect for nature that characterize the Tz’utujil culture. Through cultural tours and guided visits, visitors can discover ancestral stories, Mayan mythology, and the spiritual significance of sacred places in the area. Without a doubt, Santiago Atitlán is a destination where the past and present converge, allowing each visitor to be part of the living history of a people who proudly and dedicatedly maintain their legacy.

Places to visit: 

• Atitlán Painting Workshop

The local painting in Santiago Atitlán reflects a unique expression that combines religious syncretism and traditional art. Various techniques are employed, such as bird's-eye view, ant's perspective, different forms of perspective, and pointillism, capturing the cultural and spiritual richness of the place.

• Paseo los Tocoyales (craft market) 

The main street of Santiago Atitlán connects the lakeside entrance to the municipality, from the Chi’nim Ya’ Public Beach to the town center. Along this street, there are numerous craft shops, mainly featuring genre paintings, wood sculptures, jewelry, traditional textiles, and a wide variety of items made by local artisans 

• Cofradía de la Santa Cruz and Rilaj Maam (Maximon)

This brotherhood is fundamental to understanding the religious syncretism that fuses Mayan spirituality with Catholic Christian faith. It is mainly visited to venerate the image of Rilaj Maam or Maximón, who, according to Mayan tradition, grants favors to his believers. 

• Market (Friday and Sunday)

It is a place where you can observe the buying and selling of local Mayan clothing, fruits, vegetables, flowers, crafts, and other items, all reflecting the work and skill of local artisans 

• Central Park 

In the center of the park, you can appreciate a relief map of Lake Atitlán, modeled in the shape of a tocoyal. Around it, there are several murals painted by local artists that depict characteristic aspects of the locality, such as the quetzal and the horned guan, birds native to its forests, as well as the Mayan attire of the Tz'utujiles 

• Church and Convent of Santiago Apóstol

The Catholic temple of Santiago Atitlán was built on a Mayan altar of the Tz’utujiles. Currently, the temple houses ancient wooden altarpieces, which, along with the colors of the clothing of the images from the colonial era and the practice of religious syncretism carried out inside, stand out as its main attraction. The main altar, known as the 'tree of the mountain,' reflects the fusion of local culture with Catholic Christian faith. 

• Tz'utujil Viewpoint

From this beautiful viewpoint, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the imposing San Pedro volcano, whose majesty is reflected in the lake's waters. Additionally, you will have a complete panoramic view of the Santiago bay, a place of great natural beauty, surrounded by green landscapes and the tranquil local atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to take photographs that capture the essence of this picturesque corner of Atitlán, ideal for taking home an unforgettable memory of your visit. 

Santiago Atitlán awaits you: a destination where Mayan culture comes to life. Come and experience a unique journey filled with history, tradition, and natural beauty 


The tour is conducted whenever there are 2 or more people