About
About Kayak Guatemala!
In 2005, we (Lee and Elaine) moved from the mountainous state of Colorado to the tropical country of Guatemala with a single mission: to share our passion for adventure.
Lake Atitlan had become a rising destination in Central America, capturing the hearts of people worldwide with its breathtaking lake surrounded by volcanoes and rich Mayan culture. Our goal was to establish Lake Atitlan’s #1 basecamp for exploration and adventure, offering activities like hiking epic volcanoes, discovering hidden waterfalls, and leisurely kayaking whilst you watch rays of sunshine hit the water’s surface. It all began with our deep love for kayaking, and that’s how “Kayak Guatemala” (also known as Los Elementos Adventure Center) was born.
Over the years, Lake Atitlan flourished into a bustling tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors annually. It has now gained recognition from National Geographic as the most beautiful lake in the entire world. We also evolved in tandem with the lake’s growth. Kayak Guatemala expanded its offerings to include cultural tours and off-the-beaten-track experiences, such as the Solola market and village tour to Santa Catarina and San Antonio. Our tours have been adored by many (and continue to be) because of our professional service combined with authentic touches of Guatemala’s vibrant culture.
Community Impact
Lake Atitlan is home to a large and thriving indigenous community. However, sadly, a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. We firmly believe in working alongside local communities to empower and support them. That’s why we donate the profits from all our tours to a local non-governmental organization (NGO) called Amigos de Santa Cruz. This incredible organization is dedicated to improving education levels by providing scholarships and vocational training programs.
Furthermore, the majority of our guides, who themselves grew up in Lake Atitlan, have received education and training through Amigos de Santa Cruz’s programs. Employing, educating, and empowering the local community lies at the core of everything we do.
For more information about the remarkable work of Amigos de Santa Cruz, visit their website here.
Tours With Social Impact
We also collaborate with Guatemala Escala, an NGO that promotes community development through sports and ecotourism. Together, we are developing climbing adventures in Lake Atitlan with a vision of fostering sustainable and resilient communities in Guatemala. Guatemala Escala trains our climbing guides and helps establish additional climbing routes, which require technical expertise and specialized gear and equipment.
To learn more about Guatemala Escala, visit their website here.