Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake in the Guatemalan highlands that should be part of your trip to Guatemala. It is a beautiful place, with shimmering waters and a volcanic backdrop, making it a unique location in this world. Around the lake, you will find several villages with unique vibes offering a wide range of experiences. Before travelling there, I couldn’t figure out the main differences between the villages of Lake Atitlan, where to stay and how to plan our 3 days at Lake Atitlan. With this travel blog, I provide you with an overview of the charming villages of Lake Atitlan.
Full Guatemala itinerary coming soon!
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.
Panajachel, often referred to as “Pana,” is the main gateway to Lake Atitlan. It’s a hub filled with small market stands and a bunch of restaurants. Stroll down Calle Santander to shop for local handicrafts, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and visit a restaurant. Generally, Panajachel is skipped (like we did) and mainly used as the point of entry. However, if you have some time to spare, don’t skip it.
In case you are planning to stay the night in Panajachel – which can be slightly cheaper in peak season than more popular villages – I would recommend Selina Atitlan (with a great pool) or Casa Amaranto.
San Pedro is one of the largest towns around the lake and is known for its lively nightlife. Therefore, it’s a favourite among (younger) backpackers. Next to that, San Pedro is full of Spanish language schools. One of the main reasons to visit San Pedro is to hike up Indian Nose for breathtaking sunrise views, especially on a clear day. Because of our early trip to Indian Nose (starting at 4 am), we stayed 1 night in San Pedro. A must-try restaurant in San Pedro is Sababa Restaurant, where you can try their famous shakshuka (tasting even better after a hike), including great views over the lake. Alternatively, Pita Sabij offers delicious pitas.
Mikaso Hotel is a great hotel option in San Pedro, offering a mix of charm and comfort.
San Marcos is the spiritual village of Lake Atitlan, mainly attracting travellers who seek experiences to relax, such as yoga and meditation. When in San Marcos, you should stroll through the main street with the little shops. However, my favourite thing to do in San Marcos was to visit Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, ideal for a short hike but mainly for a swim in the lake and a relaxed afternoon. If you seek a place to eat, Konojel is an authentic eatery.
If you want to treat yourself, Lush Atitlan is the perfect location.
Santa Cruz is a smaller town. However, many travellers settle down here as it locates two of the most popular accommodations on the island for travellers: La Iguana Perdida and Free Cerveza. Furthermore, Santa Cruz offers some of the best diving opportunities around the lake. Furthermore, you can hike from Santa Cruz to Santa Marcos! As the town is small (and uphill), it’s a quieter and more relaxed town, perfect for unwinding. A great place for lunch is Cafe Sabor Cruceno, serving great local dishes with amazing views. As mentioned, definitely stay at La Iguana Perdida, known for its vibrant community and stunning lakefront location.
! This is the village where I stayed during my visit to Lake Atitlan, excluding the 1 night in San Pedro for the Indian Nose sunrise.
San Juan La Laguna is the village of Lake Atitlan that is known for its vibrant art scene and dedication to maintaining the traditional Mayan culture. The village is home to a couple of famous art streets, such as Calle de los Sombreros and Calle de las Artes. Especially at the last one, you can find many art galleries where you can watch local artists at work. San Juan is the perfect place to visit local weaving cooperatives. For a local dining experience, you can try Comedor Alma de Colores. Seeking some cheese and wine? Visit El Artesano Queso y Vino.
Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan combines comfort and sustainability, including amazing lake views.
Beyond the five main villages, Lake Atitlan is dotted with smaller and less-visited gems. If you have longer to spare around Lake Atitlan, these villages could be a great addition to your travel plan. Alternatively, there are beautiful resorts available to enhance your stay. Villages to visit are, for example, Jaibalito, Tzunana and Santa Catarina Palopo. The last one is known for its brightly painted houses!
Hotel La Casa del Mundo, build on the cliffs of Jaibalito is one of the most beautiful accommodations around the lake.
When visiting Lake Atitlan, I would recommend staying for 3 nights to have sufficient time to explore the main sights while also enjoying the tranquillity of the lake. Therewith, you have around three days to explore Lake Atitlan.
