Our Story

Who are we?

We are Ati Adventures, a Guatemala-based adventure company rooted in connection, conservation, and community. Founded by two brothers born and raised on Lake Atitlán with backgrounds in natural sciences, Ati was built on a deep, lifelong relationship with this land.

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.

Meet the Team

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.

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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

Daniel Secaira

Co-Founder - Strategy & Vision Director

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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.

Marcelino Secaira

Co-founder - Systems & Operations Director

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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.

Misty López

Marketing & Communications Director

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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.

Arnoldo Ortiz

Community Coordinator

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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

Kitchen Lead

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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

Transport & Boat Captain

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.

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Reviews from our clients

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 27 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Judy M 
 
 
 
 Verified 1st Time Rock Climbing w/ Child - Santa Cruz La Laguna Lake Atitlan We had an amazing time with Ati Adventures rock climbing in Santa Cruz la Laguna. The best experience for myself and my young daughter! We go to a boulder gym at home but this was our first time ever climbing on rocks way up high in nature. Our guides Marcelino & Serena were fantastic and professional. They were really great with kids, very encouraging. They were also great company. I enjoyed talking with them, practicing Espanol and sharing experiences. My daughter said they were sooo much fun and made her feel really confident. Daniel was fantastic with communications was ahead of time and advice in general. Suggested a beautiful place to have breakfast in Santa Cruz before the climb. Perfect! This experience was well worth the cost considering the safety, knowledge and experience that go into something like this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nico A 
 
 
 
 Verified Rock Climbing with ATI Adventutes We had a great experience rock climbing with ATI Adventures at Lake Atitlán. The communication ahead of time was easy, and everything felt really well organized without being rigid. Our guide was fantastic, super knowledgeable, safety focused, and also flexible in adjusting the experience to what we were looking for. We never felt rushed and were able to enjoy the climbs at our own pace. The setting is incredible , climbing with views over the lake and volcanoes made it really special. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend this if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous while visiting the lake.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cole E 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Adventure! We hiked Atitlan Volcano with ATI. Daniel was a great guide. He was fun and speaks fluent english and was on-time for pick up. An additional local guide from Santiago attended. This hike is not easy, but it is also not technical at all, just a lot of gain. Provided lunch and coffee which was delicious. They allow you to hike at whatever pace you wish and do not rush you. Be aware this is not a popular hike, they guide it ~5x per month, so it is unlikely you will be in a group and likely have to pay the extra charge for only 2 people! Amazing views from the summit and very cool active volcano vents, but unfortunately a LOT of garbage, which the locals are organizing a mission to help clean.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kristine H 
 
 
 
 Verified If you want to see a Quetzal, go with this company! Our guide, Arnoldo , was a consummate professional. Although he spoke very little English and we spoke very little Spanish, we were able to communicate just fine. He traveled with his own scope, which allowed us to carry less equipment. His ability to be in the right place at the right time was absolutely uncanny. The trip was worth the early a.m. start. I would happily go birding with this man anywhere in Guatemala. I understand he does travel to other locations. We were taken care of from beginning to end and communication was clear and accurate. I highly recommend this company!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Betty W 
 
 
 
 Verified Great day on volcan Atitlan Dani was a fantastic guide. We loved the private boat and learned so much. Also the lunch was great! We made good time and it was totally hassle free!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Brittney P 
 
 
 
 Verified Santa Catarina hike with Fernando! This was an INCREDIBLE experience and this is largely due to our wonderful guide, Fernando. He took care of our group of 9 with all different levels of hiking experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and funny, not to mention a great photographer!! I highly suggest going with Ati adventures. They will make sure you are safe, having a great time & seeing the most beautiful views of the lake.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ryan U 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent waterfall day hike in Lake Atitlán area Ati Adventures executed a very solid experience here! The trail was gorgeous, well maintained, and ran through beautiful montane tropical forest. They provided two guides and one really knew is birds well. In fact, he knew them so well that he located a pair of quetzals for us and shared his professional equipment to help see them. The waterfall was pristine and truly a tropical gem. This is a perfect half to 2/3 day activity for a lake-centered trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Erik S 
 
 
 
 Verified Vulcano Atitlán hike We were three experienced Norwegian mountain hikers taking on the summit of Vulcano Atitlán, the tallest of the three local vulcanos. ATI Guatemala arranged our trip including boat pick-up at the hotel and drive from Santiago to the trail-head. It all worked out wonderfully. We were lead by the local guide Arnoldo who had done the trip a few hundred times. He compensated his lack of English with great enthusiasm and uncanny ability to spot birds and other animals. The highlight was a long spotting of the much coveted quetzal in all its colorful glory. Dani and Misty from ATI joined us as well and the team of 6 made a jolly group. It took us 4.5 hours up and 2.5-3 down. Then we walked pretty fast. Started in full sunshine and the last hour in pouring rain. We spent more than an hour at the summit enjoying the view as clouds came sailing in. We saw and heard an eruption at far away El Fuego outside Antigua. It was nice to combine the cool air with the warm mountain surface atop the top. Like having warming cables underneath with some hot steam here and there. A great experience and valuable way to spend a day. We ended the tour with a burger and beer at a hotel restaurant in Santiago. Tasted great after the hike. Super thanks to ATI for a successful day!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   CSirmons 
 
 
 
 Verified 10/10! Great Company! This tour was great! Dani and Arnold both took care of all of the details and was very professional before, during, and after our excursion.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Miguel A 
 
 
 
 Verified Aventura y Naturaleza en Atitlán ¡100 puntos para esta experiencia en el Bosque de Santiago Atitlán! 🌋💚 La caminata fue exigente, sí… pero valió la pena. Los guías son jóvenes locales, apasionados por la conservación y la cultura — se nota que aman lo que hacen. La organización impecable, la comida deliciosa, el grupo alegre, y la cascada refrescante, nivel renacer espiritual. Vimos aves, insectos hermosos y un bosque que parece sacado de otro tiempo. Si buscas aventura, naturaleza y buena vibra, te recomiendo AtiAdventures! 🦜✨