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.

Meet The Team

Lee and Elaine

We’re lifelong adventurers, constantly seeking the road less traveled. With years of experience in various outdoor pursuits such as rafting, hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, and team building, we bring a wealth of expertise to Kayak Guatemala. Before establishing our venture here, we resided in the Rocky Mountains, USA.

Mario

Mario, our local expert, has a deep passion for kayaking and leads our multi-day excursions. His expertise has even garnered recognition, as he was featured in The SUP Mag as a paddleboarding authority at Lake Atitlan.

Alex

Alex is our go-to guide for family excursions. With his easy going nature and natural talent for working with children, he ensures that every family vacation is memorable.

Ben

Based in San Marcos (Texas), Ben is our resident kayak professional. He provides support and expertise from his home base.

Tours you might like:

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#1 Lake Atitlan Tour: San Marcos, San Juan & Santiago

$129
6-7 hours
Easy

Our best-selling Lake Atitlan tour, this private boat trip allows you to explore the Mayan v...

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Santa Catarina Tour & San Antonio Village

$95
3-4 hours
Med

Visit the famous ceramics studio of San Antonio and the weaving cooperatives of Santa Catari...

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San Juan La Laguna & Weaving Cooperatives Tour

$95
6-7 hours
Easy

Watch weavers hand spin and dye fabric, visit art galleries and learn how midwives use medic...

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Solola Tour With Street Markets & Sacred Caves

$89
5-6 hours
Easy

On the Solola tour you'll spend a day-in-the-life of the Kaqchikel Maya where the grocery sh...

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Chichicastenango Market & Village Tour

$48
5 hours
Easy-Med

Navigate the hustle and bustle of Chichicastenango Market and its kaleidoscope of colors wit...

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Lake Atitlan Cooking Class In A Mayan Kitchen – Supports Local NGO

$48
3 hour
Easy

Learn how to make local Guatemalan dishes in this 3-hour Lake Atitlan cooking class with a M...

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Adventure Day – Family Excursion Lake Atitlan

$79
6-7 hours
Easy-Med

Kayak, hike, play and enjoy the best adventure activities that Guatemala has to offer with t...

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Cliff Jump – Kayak – Paddle Board Lake Atitlan Excursion

$55
3 hours
Med

Paddle board or kayak to a safety-tested jumping zone with the aid of a professional guide o...

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Mayan Fire Ceremony With Shaman & Sacred Caves

$89
2 - 3 hours
Easy

This traditional Fire Ceremony is led by a Mayan Shaman in the caves of San Jorge - the most...

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Mayan Fire Ceremony With Local Guide & Sacred Caves

$60
1 - 2 hours
Easy

Visit the sacred caves of Lake Atitlan and experience an ancient Mayan fire ceremony for hea...

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Lower Mayan Trail – Easy Lake Atitlan Hike & NGO Tour

$60
3 hours
Easy

This easy Lake Atitlan hike takes you off-the-beaten track with nature trails that cross two...

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Guatemala Bike Tour – Easy Downhill Ride

$80
3 hours
Easy

Start 3000 feet above Lake Atitlan and enjoy a smooth, downhill journey along paved roads th...

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Lake Atitlan Villages Bike Tour

$95
5 hours
Hard

Visit three of Lake Atitlan's most famous Mayan villages and cycle through Guatemalan coffee...

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1 Week Lake Atitlan Kayak Vacation

$1390
7 days
Med-Hard

Explore every corner of the most beautiful lake in the world and kayak through its crystal b...

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2-Day Kayak & Hike Excursion In Lake Atitlan

$225
2 days
Easy-Med

Discover the natural landscapes of Lake Atitlan and stay overnight in a beautiful lakeside l...

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Rock Climbing With Professional Guide Guatemala

$70
4-5 hours
Easy-Med

Beginners can learn the basics of top rope climbing at Los Elementos Adventure Centre, meanw...

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