Things To Do
in Pastores
Pastores is a tranquil highland town in Guatemala’s Sacatepéquez department, just outside Antigua Guatemala. It sits amid coffee farms and rolling green hills, offering rural charm and easy access to volcano views. The town blends traditional Maya customs with warm Guatemalan hospitality, evident in markets, churches, and family-run eateries.
Visitors come to wander quiet streets, sample home-cooked meals, and use Pastores as a comfortable base for day trips to Antigua and nearby natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Pastores and settle into your accommodation, which offers charming views of local landscapes. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village streets, absorbing the vibrant colors of the traditional Guatemalan textiles on display. Visit a local café to enjoy a cup of Guatemalan coffee while chatting with friendly locals.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to explore the surrounding hills, where you can engage with the community and learn about the weaving techniques used to create the region's famous textiles. Participate in a hands-on workshop where expert artisans will teach you the traditional methods of weaving on a backstrap loom. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to a local market to soak in the lively atmosphere and sample regional delicacies.
Gather around a cozy fire at your accommodation or a local restaurant to share stories with fellow travelers. Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan dinner, featuring dishes like pepián or kak'ik, paired with fresh tortillas. As the stars light up the sky, unwind with a glass of locally brewed tinto.
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Lake Atitlán, famous for its stunning natural beauty surrounded by volcanoes. Take a boat ride across the lake, admiring the lush green hills and charming lakeside villages dotting the shores. Enjoy a guided tour of San Juan La Laguna, known for its art galleries and colorful murals.
After lunch at a lakeside café, venture to the nearby village of Santiago Atitlán, where you will explore local cultural practices and perhaps visit the famed Maximon shrine. Interact with the local artists and purchase handcrafted souvenirs to support the community. Reboard the boat in the afternoon, taking in the lake’s serene ambiance as you head back to Pastores.
Back in Pastores, refresh yourself with a light meal before joining a community gathering if available. Experience local music and dance, immersing yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the area. Share laughs and stories with the locals, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.50-1.50 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🧺Souvenir/handicraft | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet base near Antigua with easy day trips
- Friendly locals and strong coffee culture
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale dining options
- Rural roads can be uneven and some services are basic
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Me gustaría…" - I would like…
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Pastores
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial façades and a traditional plaza setting ideal for candid street photography.
Pastel-painted homes and shopfronts along the main street provide classic Guatemala photography opportunities.
Food in Pastores
Pastores Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, ancient sauce made with roasted peppers, spices, and meat, often served over rice.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered in a green tomatillo-cilantro sauce with rice and potatoes.
A chili-based turkey soup with herbs, typically enjoyed with tortillas.
A potato and corn tamale, steamed and served with sauce.
Sweet corn tamales that are common as a snack or breakfast treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market offering fresh produce, tortillas, roasted corn, and daily staples.
Elotes, chuchitos, tostadas, and other quick bites sold by local vendors around the plaza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” when entering shops or plazas; handshake is common.
Ask for consent before photographing people, especially in homes or markets; modest dress is appreciated in religious spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Pastores
Ensure a smooth experience
A small 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if service is not included. Guides and drivers often expect tips; small tips ($1-$5) are common for day trips.
Cash in Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ) is widely accepted; some places accept USD. Cards are less common in small eateries; carry local currency for markets and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bright skies, abundant sunshine, and comfortable days; cool nights. Great for outdoor walking and hilltop views; occasional dusty winds.
Frequent showers in the afternoon or early evenings; landscapes become lush and green. Trails can be muddy; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Pastores at Night
Hiking in Pastores
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle-to-moderate hike offering valley views toward Antigua and the surrounding hills, suitable for most fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Pastores by plane.
Guatemala City’s main international airport; easy transfers by road to Antigua and Pastores (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Pastores is primarily inhabited by Mestizo residents with Mayan influences; the region also hosts a small expatriate and visitor population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Guatemala’s most popular sport; local matches and pick-up games can be seen in community fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pastores.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Request vegetable-based stews, beans, rice, and salads; avoid meat stock and lard. Many dishes can be adapted with cheese or plant-based toppings; always ask for sauces separately.