One of the most famous tourist destinations in Guatemala, next to Antigua and the Acatenango volcano, is Lake Atitlan. Nestle, in the heart of Guatemala, you can find this beautiful lake surrounded by majestic volcanoes offering the most amazing views. Moreover, the lake is surrounded by villages with its unique vibe, offering a wide range of diverse activities. On top of that, Lake Atitlan is easy to include in a short trip to Guatemala (e.g. a 1-week visit) as done by countries nearby, such as the United States. Here’s a concise Lake Atitlan Travel Guide to make the most of your trip, from the best sights to the best bars, restaurants and accommodations.
3-week Guatemala & Belize itinerary coming soon!
To properly enjoy the vibe of Lake Atitlan and experience the best things to do around the lake, it is recommended to spend at least 3 nights. This allows sufficient time to explore the various towns, partake in hikes, and relax at the beautiful lake. Next to that, you have to account for travel time. Many travellers choose to stay even longer, often enrolling in Spanish classes to enhance their experience and immerse themselves further in the local culture.
The easiest way to reach Lake Atitlan is by flying into Guatemala City and then taking a shuttle or private transfer to Panajachel, the main gateway to the lake. Alternatively, many travellers travel to Lake Atitlan from Antigua.
Shuttles can be booked through, for example, Itamati Travels. You can request their latest schedule and book specific shuttles through Whatsapp (+502 3974 2484). The journey from Antigua takes between 2 and 3 hours.
When you arrive at Panajachel, you can jump on a boat and inform them where you want to get off. The boat ticket costs around Q30, which is approximately 3 euros.
The best way to explore Lake Atitlan is by boat. The public boats (lanchas) regularly travel between all the towns, and even to some more remote resorts, offering a scenic and efficient mode of transportation. Every boat ride costs ~3 euros as mentioned. Furthermore, tuk-tuks are available for short trips within or between towns. However, this is only relevant between San Pedro and San Juan, otherwise, the boats are easier to use.
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The stunning views of Lake Atitlan, with the volcanoes Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro as the backdrop, are unbelievable. While we experienced haziness during the days we visited, which obscured the scenery, on our final day, the amazing vistas were revealed. You can understand that we were beyond happy to experience a clear day. Because of the beautiful views, it’s more than worth booking a hotel that rewards you with views, making it a perfect place to chill during your holiday.
You can also book your Indian Nose hike in advance!
Explore the lake by taking boat rides to various towns like San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos and Santiago Atitlán. Each town offers unique experiences, from vibrant markets to local arts and crafts. Thereby, taking the boat is an experience in itself and the best way to get around.
If you are in for some activity, this scenic trail between Santa Cruz and San Marcos is a must-do. Especially the track between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito is described as the most scenic stretch. Upon arrival in Jaibalito, you can stop for a coffee at El Indigo before continuing to San Marcos. The trail offers stunning lake views and a chance to explore charming villages. In the end, we decided to cut our hike short and take the boat from Jaibalito to San Marcos. Unfortunately, the trail encountered some robberies. Therefore, it is advised to walk with a minimum of 2 persons and during daylight. This blog provides more information on the exact trail and walking directions.
Known for its bohemian vibe, San Marcos is the place to be when you are seeking wellness and spiritual experiences. The town is home to many yoga studios, meditation centres and other retreats. The laid-back atmosphere, artistic community and markets make it a unique stop at Lake Atitlan.
Located in San Marcos, the nature reserve Cerro Tzankujil is the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon. You can go swimming, relax in nature and go cliff jumping. Cerro Tzankujil is home to the so-called “trampoline”, a place where you can cliff jump from 10 meters! The serene environment is the ideal spot to unwind. The entry fee is around Q20.
San Juan was my favourite village around Lake Atitlan. Especially Clle de los Sombreros and Calle de las Artes were amazing and picturesque streets, lined with shops selling traditional textiles and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to buy your souvenirs and support the locals.
Especially if you choose to stay longer at Lake Atitlan, it is well worth it to spend a day at La Casa Del Mundo. Located between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito, you will find a lovely hotel La Casa Del Mundo. However, what makes it even better is that for ~€10 you can buy a day pass to enjoy their pool area. A perfect day to relax. Alternatively, you can of course stay the night at La Casa Del Mundo.
There are plenty of nice restaurants in the different villages around Lake Atitlan. Furthermore, there are also several hostels and hotels – such as La Iguana Perdida – where they serve dinner on the property, as the boats stop running in the evening. Below is an overview of some great restaurants to visit!
Sababa: Located in San Pedro, Sababa is famous for its delicious shakshuka that can be enjoyed with an amazing lake view. A recommendation and perfect to fill up your reserves after the Indian Nose hike.
Safe Sabor Cruceno: This restaurant in Santa Cruz offers a delightful experience with local ingredients and an amazing view over the lake. It is a great spot for lunch and dinner. It’s quite a walk uphill from the boats, so it is no luxury to take a tuk-tuk.
Konojel: In San Marcos, Konojel is a great place for lunch, focusing on burritos. The restaurant supports the local community, so you can enjoy your meal knowing you’re contributing to the town.
Pita Sabij: This place offers great pitas in San Marcos. We enjoyed a pita the evening before our Indian Nose hike. A real gem in San Marcos with flavorful dishes.
El Indigo: This cosy cafe in Jaibalito is an excellent stop for coffee during your hike. The tasty beverages and amazing views make it a favourite among hikers.
El Artesano Queso y Vino: If you enjoy some good wine and cheese, this restaurant/bar in San Juan is the place to be. Check out their opening hours, as they are quite limited (12-15). However, the beautiful platters and garden are well worth it.
La Casa Zapote: Another place for cheese and wine, close to San Marcos. A tuk-tuk can bring you close, however, you have to take a short hike to arrive at La Casa Zapote. This place was recommended to us, however, was unfortunately closed when we arrived despite the opening hours mentioned on Google Maps. I would advise giving them a call before starting your journey to get to La Casa Zapote.
Cafe Clavandier: One of the most famous places for brunch and breakfast in San Marcos is this beautiful cafe.
The Fifth Dimension: An all-vegetarian restaurant in San Pedro serving clean and healthy meals. There is a beautiful ‘rooftop terrace’ offering great views over the lake.
When at Lake Atitlan, there are plenty of hotels and hostels to enrich your travel experience. As boats don’t run in the evening, it is important to keep in mind that you will be bound to the town of your accommodation for dinner and your evening program. Hence, many younger travellers settle down in San Pedro, the party village. However, in my opinion, there are way better and more beautiful places to stay. My top recommendation is La Iguana Perdida, a hostel that also offers private rooms with a great location and lake views. Please find below some top tips regarding accommodation in the different towns.
One of the most famous hostels around Lake Atitlan (next to Free Cerveza, catering to the younger crowd) is La Iguana Perdida. The place offers a friendly atmosphere and stunning lake views, including a lovely communal dinner that is served daily at shared tables. It’s a great base for exploring the area, with comfortable rooms and a vibrant social scene. A hostel bed costs around €15 a night, whereas a small double room with shared bathroom costs €30.
Located in the artsy village of San Juan, Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan combines sustainability with comfort. You can enjoy eco-friendly amenities combined with breathtaking lake views, and of course, you’ll be closely located to the local art galleries and markets. The price for a night starts at €45.
Located in San Pedro, Mikaso Hotel offers a mix of charm and comfort. The rooms are cosy and the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the lake and the volcanoes The perfect location if you want to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, while being close to the bubbly San Pedro. Rooms start at €30 a night.
Built on the cliffs of Jaibailito, Hotel La Casa del Mundo is known for its amazing location and spectacular views. The hotel is often used for weddings, which summarizes the property. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, terraces, gardens, a swimming pool and multiple decks. A real treat! Rooms start at €55 a night.
Lastly, Lush Atitlan in San Marcos, is an eco-friendly accommodation with stunning views. If you are seeking real luxury, a serene environment and a retreat-like hotel, this is the place to be. The hotel is beyond stunning, a real boutique hotel. Rooms start at €150 a night.