Our Story

Who are we?

We are Ati Adventures, a Guatemala-based adventure company rooted in connection, conservation, and community.

We design and guide outdoor experiences that invite you to engage deeply with the land and the people who live here. Through hiking, kayaking, climbing, and culturally grounded explorations, we help you access the heart of the Lake Atitlán region, responsibly and adventurously.

Captura de pantalla 2025-08-29 a la(s) 9.57.56 a. m.

Our Mission

To become Lake Atitlan’s leading hub for conscious travel by offering unique and impactful outdoor adventure experiences

Our Vision

To build a more resilient future by restoring and protecting the biodiversity of the volcanic landscapes of Lake Atitlán through regenerative tourism

This is Atitlán

Lake Atitlán is more than just a beautiful destination. It’s one of the most remarkable mountaineering and biodiversity hotspots in Central America, shaped by time, living culture, and powerful natural forces.

  • An Unmatched Landscape for Trekking

    From crater rims to cloud forests, Atitlán’s topography creates some of the most diverse hiking routes in Mesoamerica. Trails climb through ancient lava flows, maize fields, and alpine ridges, with panoramic views that span the volcanic spine of Guatemala.

  • A Geologic Masterpiece

    Formed over 85,000 years ago by the massive Los Chocoyos volcanic eruption, the Atitlán basin is a caldera of immense geological importance. Today, its rim is crowned by three dramatic stratovolcanoes: Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, each offering physically demanding and geologically rich ascents that challenge and inspire climbers.

  • A Biodiversity Hotspot

    Atitlán’s unique topography and microclimates host over 1,100 species of plants, 450 species of birds, and a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Coniferous, broadleaf, dry, and cloud forests coexist in a single mosaic, making every trail a journey through vibrant, interconnected ecosystems.

  • Where Culture and Nature Intertwine

    Surrounding the lake, the Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil, and K’iche’ Maya communities have lived in harmony with the land for centuries. Their agricultural terraces, fishing traditions, and sacred sites are still alive today, offering hikers a rare chance to walk through both cultural and ecological heritage.

  • A Living Laboratory of Earth’s Processes

    Atitlán’s evolving terrain tells the story of our planet in motion: tectonic uplift, volcanic transformation, and ecological resilience. It’s a place where geology meets biodiversity, and where each summit becomes a window into Earth’s past and future.

Our story

2012–2016
2017–2022
2023-2025
2026

The Origin

As teenagers, Daniel, Marcelino, and Kyle spent countless days immersed in the landscapes of Lake Atitlán. Working alongside biologists, they participated on ecological surveys, collected native seeds, sampled tree species, and supported field research that deepened their understanding of local ecosystems. Beyond the science, they ventured onto new trails, climbed volcanoes, and explored hidden corners of the highlands. Each experience revealed another layer of Atitlan’s beauty and fragility, inspiring a sense of awe, curiosity, and responsibility that would one day become the foundation of Ati Adventures.

Roots of a Dream

Time studying abroad, guiding in tourism, and many multiday trekking experiences around Lake Atitlan sharpened their purpose. With backgrounds in earth sciences, sustainability, and outdoor leadership, the team shaped unique outdoor experiences grounded in adventure and driven by the conservation of the forest ecosystems around Lake Atitlán. The lake became not just a playground, but a living interconnected landscape to protect.

Exploration with Purpose

Ati Adventures pioneered unique routes and challenges, from the Volcano Trilogy—a back‑to‑back ascent of Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro—to a full kayak circumnavigation of the lake in a single day. Exploration is now a commitment to protect what matters most while celebrating connection to adventure, the outdoors, and purpose.

From Vision to Mission

We continue to design conscious hiking, climbing, and kayaking experiences that invite travelers to engage deeply with Lake Atitlán’s biodiversity and communities, aligning every journey with long‑term care for the place we call home.

Meet the Ati Team

Dani Atitlan

Daniel Secaira

Co-Founder - Strategy & Vision Director

Daniel Secaira

Co-Founder - Strategy & Vision Director

Daniel grew up surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Lake Atitlán, where the lake’s beauty and complexity inspired him to explore its every corner. His curiosity led him to study Earth and Environmental Science, where he deepened his understanding of the geological processes that shape the Atitlán basin.
Upon returning to Guatemala, Daniel worked in Natural Disaster Risk Management and community development with a local NGO, gaining firsthand experience of the region’s volcanic terrains and the challenges of conservation. Wanting to bridge impact with enterprise, he co-founded Ati Adventures to create meaningful, regenerative tourism opportunities.
Today, Daniel channels his passion for a vibrant and sustainable Atitlán into every aspect of Ati. Beyond the office, you’ll likely find him trail running, swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, and biking.

IMG_8634

Marcelino Secaira

Co-founder - Systems & Operations Director

Marcelino Secaira

Co-founder - Systems & Operations Director

Born in the Guatemalan Highlands, Marcelino has always been driven by exploration and curiosity. His path took him to the University of British Columbia in Canada, where he earned a degree in Geography, Environment, and Sustainability, focusing on the deep connections between people and nature.
Returning home, Marcelino became a lead guide and manager of a Lake Atitlán travel agency, where he honed his expertise in guiding and leadership. His passion for climbing and creativity in outdoor experiences make him a natural architect of adventures that balance adrenaline with purpose.
Marcelino is constantly seeking new ways to push the boundaries of exploration, inspiring travelers to connect with Atitlán in unforgettable ways.

Kyle Weinstein

Kyle Weinstein

Co-Founder - Sales & Partnerships Director

Kyle Weinstein

Co-Founder - Sales & Partnerships Director

Kyle has both American and Canadian roots and was born and raised in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Over the last seven years, he has led adventures across eight Mesoamerican countries, strengthening his skills as a guide and deepening his connection to nature.
Kyle has also worked on sustainability and community development projects with a local NGO, grounding his adventures in impact and purpose. His passions—photography, videography, hiking, and climbing—are woven into Ati’s storytelling and partnerships, helping to share Atitlán’s magic with the world.

ML Profile Photo

Misty López

Marketing & Communications Director

Misty López

Marketing & Communications Director
Misty is the creative spark behind Ati’s storytelling and strategy. With a background in digital marketing for social impact and a growing bond with the Lake Atitlán community, she bridges explorers with meaningful, grounded experiences.
Her campaigns spotlight adventure with purpose, amplifying Ati’s mission of conservation and connection. When she’s not designing communications, you’ll find Misty trail running, hiking, or curating outdoor experiences for women adventurers in the region.

IMG_7590

Arnoldo Ortiz

Community Coordinator

Arnoldo Ortiz

Community Coordinator
Arnoldo is a proud Tz’utujil guide from Santiago Atitlán, where his journey began as a forest ranger working to protect natural parks and biodiversity. His early years in conservation gave him a deep respect for the land, which he now shares with every traveler he guides.
Dedicated to showcasing the stories and beauty of his homeland, Arnoldo has built a career in tourism that blends cultural knowledge with a love for nature. Whether leading a hike through cloud forests or sharing the traditions of his community, Arnoldo opens a window into the living heritage of Lake Atitlán.

Elida Queché

Elida Queché

Kitchen Lead

Elida Queché

Kitchen Lead
Elida Leticia Queché Sahón is from Panajachel and a proud mother of two. She grew up surrounded by the delicious aromas of her family’s bakery, where her father was a baker and her mother always supported the family business. Her passion for cooking began at home, learning alongside her mother.
Elida began her career working in a restaurant, first as a cleaner and later as a cook, where she discovered her passion for preparing meals for people from all over the world. With many years of experience, she continues to share her talent and joy for cooking with others.

Miguel Santos

Miguel Santos

Transport & Boat Captain

Miguel Santos

Transport & Boat Captain
Miguel Santos Cumez is 37 years old and a proud father of four. He began working as a boat captain at the age of 22, continuing a family tradition of connection to Lake Atitlán. His mother was a talented weaver, and his father a dedicated fisherman, instilling in Miguel a deep respect for the lake and the communities that depend on it.

What Makes Ati Different

Adventure with Purpose
Adventure with Purpose

See Why

We craft experiences that are as meaningful as they are thrilling. Whether you're summiting a volcano or hiking through ancestral forests, our trips are curated to spark curiosity, reflection, and respect for the land.

Conservation Through Regenerative Travel
Conservation Through Regenerative Travel

See Why

We believe adventure should give back. Every ATI tour directly supports the protection of Atitlán’s natural parks, ecosystems, and watersheds. We plant trees, partner with municipalities and NGOs, and host community events that invite locals to explore their own landscapes — ensuring tourism restores, not depletes, this fragile region.

Locally Owned & Community Powered
Locally Owned & Community Powered

Hover on me

ATI Adventures is a locally owned, registered business rooted in Lake Atitlán. Our founders have over 30 years of combined guiding experience, and our local guides bring cultural insight, deep knowledge of the land, and a commitment to keeping tourism benefits in the community.

Safety in Every Step
Safety in Every Step

See Why

From meticulous route planning to high-quality gear and trained first-aid responders, we make sure every detail is in place so you can focus on the adventure, not the risks.

Education for Change
Education for Change

See Why

Every journey is a chance to learn — about geology, biodiversity, and the cultural heritage of Lake Atitlán. We believe knowledge transforms how we see and care for the world around us.

Authentic Encounters
Authentic Encounters

See Why

We don’t stage experiences or script interactions. You’ll meet real people, hear true stories, and see Guatemala as it is — vibrant, raw, and deeply alive.

Fun Along the Way
Fun Along the Way

See Why

We take our mission seriously, but joy is part of the journey. Expect laughter, camaraderie, and moments that stay with you long after you’ve left the trail

Adventure That Nourishes
Adventure That Nourishes

See Why

We believe personal, environmental, and social well-being go hand-in-hand. Our adventures are designed to leave you energized, inspired, and connected — to nature, to others, and to yourself.

Reviews from our clients

Looking for a Trusted Partner?

Whether you're a travel company, retreat host, or hospitality manager we’ll design an unforgettable experience for your clients.

Connect with Us

Check our FAQs or fill out the form and we’ll get back to you.


This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.