A complete guide to the 10 towns of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala!
Last updated on June 10th, 2026 at 02:02 am
Lake Atitlan – picturesque to a fault!
Its a big beautiful lake surrounded by green hills and volcanos dotted with unique townships – each with their own distinct personality. The sunsets are gorgeous and there is a wealth of local culture, arts, and colorful textiles alongside some great outdoorsy things to do. You don’t want to miss it!
All this makes it hard to know where to go, and what to do at lake Atitlan. I will cover each of the main towns and villages around the lake to give you an idea of what you can do and where to stay to help you plan your time around Lake Atitlan. Tips and answers to your questions at the end as well. The villages are highlighted in my very inexpertly marked map below!
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are some highly recommended options around Lake Atitlan:
- Lake Atitlan Villages Tour on ATV
- From Panajachel Browse and Discover Towns of Lake Atitlan
- Santa Cruz La Laguna: 6-Hour Solola Hike & Market Visit
- Climb Volcan Atitlan
- Sunrise Hike Tour on Indian’s Nose Mountain
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
How to get to the 10 villages on Lake Atitlan
There are some roads in the area but none around the whole lake, so the way to go is on a public lancha – a local small ferry. They are cheap and well run. Try and go on one of the morning runs as it can get pretty choppy in the afternoon.
If you are short on time or just want to stay in one town, then there are plenty of tour boat and walking options e.g. From Panajachel Browse and Discover Towns of Lake Atitlan.
The other option is to go on an ATV tour of the villages e.g. Lake Atitlan Villages Tour on ATV. I cover this more in the details of the Lake Atitlan villages in each section below – but Panajachel is a key place to do these tours from.
1. Panajachel – the gateway town
Panajachel is where you are most likely to arrive at the lake – its the transport hub and a big town. There are buses and water taxis leaving from Panajachel all the time. You can base yourself here for the whole time, and it is fun for a short stop, but I do recommend you spend some time in other towns as well as Panajachel.
Calle Santender is the main “tourist” street – colorful and buzzing it leads down to the lake. Its also useful for the most ATMs and banks you’re going to find around the lake.
Things to do in Panajachel
- Walk and shop on Calle Santender
Shop or browse on this main street. Then enjoy the excellent view from the Mirador del Lago Atitlán at the end of Calle Santender. You can also take the boardwalk around the lake from here. It’s a very pleasant little walk! - Enjoy some local culture
There are a few options to immerrse yourself in some local Mayan culture from Panajachel:- Take a Mayan cooking class
- Attend a Mayan ceremony at the sacred caves.
- Visit the small but interesting Museo Lacustre de Atitlan and learn about the underwater Mayan city in the lake itself!
- If your time is short or you want an introduction to the villages around the lake, take a day tour on the lake if your time is short and see the various village highlights with a helpful and informative guide! There are a few great options by boat, ATV or walking:
And some other easy things to do near Panajachel – that you don’t want to miss, are:
- Walk or take a tuk tuk to the Atitlan Nature Reserve
This was my favourite thing in the area. At the reserve, there is a hiking trail which takes you to a waterfall, and later to a very quiet beach for swimming. Its not spectacular, yet somehow it was still a wonderful day. Monkeys and coati roam freely in the park, and there is a butterfly house dedicated to preserving the native butterfly species.
The butterfly house is a place you can just sit and enjoy easily for an hour or two (if you’re a wildlife nut like me). This is a great tour if the sound of this place appeals:
Atitlán Reserve: an eco-adventure with butterflies, bridges, and viewpoints - Hike the Indian Nose trail for sunrise
Similar to above, if you are short on time, do the famous Indian Nose hike from Panajachel on this Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel. Most people walk Indian Nose for sunrise from San Pedro La Laguna (see no but this is a great options as well. - Hike the Lower Mayan Trail and cliff jump!
Again its a way of seeing some other towns if you are short of time or before you go stay at some of the other towns. Leave from Panajachel and visit the towns on the Lower Mayan Trail. On the way, swim and jump from Tzankujil’s iconic 12m platform. You also meet Maya artisans and get some chocolate & cacao rum tasting to top the day off! This is a great mixed tour – Panajachel: Hike, Cliff Jump & Mayan Villages Lake Atitlán. The trail is something I think everyone should do – its got some of the best views. - Visit Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopó
Make it a day trip (or stay the night) These two towns are really overlooked but have enough interesting things to do. Santa Catarina Palopo is Guatemala’s blue town and has an interesting cooperative and natural hot pools on the lake. San Antonio Palopó is known for pottery and its lavender farm. Both have walks and great views over the lake. A ferry or tuk tuk is the best way to go. - Take the bus to Sololá on market day (Tuesday and Friday)
Enjoy the local life and people going about their business in traditional clothing. You probably wont see other tourists and that makes it all the better and real. I had people in the park outside the market come and just chat to me – curious to see me there! This was another favorite thing I did in the whole area.
Or take a day tour to the very colorful Chichicastenango Market which is a famous indigenous market with lots of handicrafts, produce, herbal medicines and more.
(Even better add the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna to your plan – and go on the organised hike to Solola and its market from there!)
Where to stay in Panajachel
There are plenty of options in Panajachel I wish I had stayed somewhere different from where I did! I’m not going to recommend it. However, these are all highly rated options on booking.com and Hostelworld:
Higher End – Hotel Atitlan or Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Panajachel
2 -3 bed villas – Villa de las aves with Lake Access or Villas Jucanya Super Higienizadas
Mid Range – Villa Santa Catarina or Chalet La Llovizna
Budget – Hotel El Sol or Socialtel Atitlan
2. Santa Catarina Palopo – a town full of color!
The most colorful town of them all – its very brightly colored blue buildings with traditional Mayan symbols are wonderful fun to be in. This place is totally overlooked and yet its right by Panajachel and is worth at least a morning visit imho. Put it this way – I almost skipped Santa Catarina Palopo, but am glad I didn’t – it was much better than I expected!
Things to do in Santa Catarina Palopo
- For a small donation (although you don’t have to) visit the Central Culturo and watch the women in this cooperative weave, and let them tell you about their local clothing and culture – you may even be able to try on some lovely handmade Mayan clothing. Oh and there is a small cafe above that has great views – good for a break and my top tip for that is – definitely have a juice!
- Walk around the small town and take photos of the blue buildings! Enjoy being out of the madding crowds and in a quieter small village. Another tip from me is to visit Pintando el Cambio (who started the whole blue thing) to learn about all the different colors, shapes, and signs that you see here before you go walking! Its by the main plaza. What you will find out is how the designs you are about to see are based on the traditional huipiles (textiles) of the Kaqchikel Maya culture.
- Enjoy seeing local Maya women in their hand woven clothes as you wander the streets. You might also see them weaving on the street while selling their wares.
- Soak in the hot pools on the lake.
They are not so much pools but an area you can lie in and soak in the natural hot water. Its definitely worth it for a bit of relaxation – as long as you are not expecting commercial pools! The pools are here on the lakefront. One thing to note is that the water can be very hot – but there is enough space to find a warm not boiling spot. What’s great is being able to dip in and out of the colder lake – good fun! I advise you to bring water shoes / crocs etc if you have them so you don’t burn your feet if you accidentally step on a boiling vent! - Walk to the Mirador De Santa Catarina for a stunning view over the lake and volcanos. Its about 15 mins steep uphill (or cheat and take a tuk tuk). If you want a bit of exercise – apart from walking from Panajachel, this is a good bonus! Note that the mirador on Google maps is not in the right place (at the time of sriting) so use the ALlTrails map I have linked you to but turn off to the right on the path that goes straight up the hill – don’t follow the whole path marked.
- This Tour of Scenic Villages: Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó leaves from Guatemala City or Antigua and if you are just going to visit for a day, it would be perfect with lots of interest and beautiful lake views!
Where to stay in Santa Catarina Palopo
Its only about 10 mins from Panajachel by tuktuk so I recommend just popping over from there one morning or afternoon for a wander if you are on a budget. If you have a higher budget then its a great spot to get away from the bustling Panajachel.
For a high-end to mid range stay – Hotel Casa Palopo.
For a mid range stay – Tzampoc Re
3. San Antonio Palopó – the pottery town
San Antonio Palopó is another small Mayan village about 15 minutes drive from Santa Catarina Palopo. It’s known for its traditional pottery, which has been produced here – literally for centuries! This is another overlooked village and so it is quite authentic.
Things to do in San Antonio Palopó
- Walk the waterfront
This is an unvisited place to stroll in comparison to the rest of Lake Atitlan. The boardwalk path along the waterfront has been upgraded and is a lovely 10 minute-ish walk. If you are visiting from Panajachel, take the pick-up truck (Q10) and get off in front of the San Antonio Palopo Market(Mercado), then walk down for about 5 minutes. - Watch the pottery / ceramics making process at a local workshop
And of course shop for some pottery souvenirs if you are heading home soon! These are some good workshops to visit – Ceramica Palopo Multicolor; Fábrica y Tienda Ceramica Mayana; and Cerramica Mayan-Ke. But walking around you will see plenty more! Whats cool about this is that it is all hand painted and you can watch the artists doing this – you will see everything from the lovely geometric Maya designs, to local birds and animals, flowers, and volcanoes – a lot of relevance. - See the Church of San Antonio de Padua
This is a landmark as well as lovely church with views! (Its also where you can get a pick up back to Panajachel.) - Walk to the mirador
Above the town is another mirador with more lovely views. What you can do, or what I did, is a bit of a loop – along the waterfront, to the church and on to the mirador, then back down. You don’t need to go to the mirador for great views, but if you want a bit of exercise – why not! - Visit the 7-acre lavender farm ‘Lavanda Guatemala.’
Its at the top of the town and has stunning views and the entry cost includes lavender tea and a croissant. (French ex-pats!) Read reviews here!
Where to stay in San Antonio Palopó
The town lacks the backpacker budget options but if you want a lovely two-bed apt with lovely views and a hot tub the Casa El Viajero Palopo is perfect! A cheaper option also with the views is the Hotel Terrazas Del Lago
if you are on more of a budget, it is better to visit during the day from Panajachel.
4. Santa Cruz la Laguna – the cruisey village
Santa Cruz is like its name – cruisey and quiet. Its not an action packed place but that is part of the charm. It probably has the best views over the lake and is great for a bit of kayaking or SUPping – and possibly some hiking!
Things to do in Santa Cruz
- Relax on the water
Hire a kayak or SUP or just go swimming. Enjoy the gorgeous views. If you want an adventure on the water try one of these: - Hike the Lower Mayan Trail
This is a well-marked trail and paved path from Santa Cruz la Laguna walking to Jaibalito, then Tzununá, and San Marcos. The trail is on AllTrails here. You can get a boat back.
Bridges, streams, ravines, pine forests, fields and of course the lake views make this a great little walk. It may be best to do this as a group due to the possibility of robberies but check with your accommodation if there are any current issues. If you are concerned about your safety, go on this Lower Mayan Trail walking tour in 4 Different Towns. - Hike to hidden waterfalls
Walk to Las Cascadas Perdidas / Hidden Waterfalls – ask for directions at your accommodation. Note that this is best in the wet season and there may not be much of a fall in the dry season. - Hike and visit the market at Solola
This hike to Solola and visit to the market is something I highly recommend for an authentic local experience! I’ve written about it above in Panajachel. - Tour a NGO non profit Vocational Training Center and explore the Mayan village
Visit the Amigos de Santa Cruz training center with classes in cooking, beading, sewing, and carpentry. This is real local life and as authentic as you will get. - Unwind with a traditional Temazcal sauna and dinner with a local family on this Spanish speaking tour. A Temazcal sauna is a centuries old Mayan cleansing ritual. Its a great relaxation and cultural experience. I did a few relaxation / healing things in the area – sound healing, yoga, massage and this – I was hoping for something deeper but it is a good intro.
- Take a local Traditional Cooking Class – this class is with a local chef who specialises in local traditional cuisine. You use fresh ingredients and eat what you produce after! Very yummy.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
These are all highly rated options on booking.com and Hostelworld at different price ranges:
Higher End – Lakefront bungalow
2 -3 bed villas – Lake Front Retreat at Los Elementos or
Casa Paxanax
Mid Range – Atitlan Sunset Lodge or La Bonita at Los Elementos
Budget – Posada Del Viajero – Mayan Travelers Inn or
La Iguana Perdida hostel
5. Jaibalito – the most isolated village (no. 1 on the map above)
You might come for a day or half day by walking from Santa Cruz. Its very very quiet and chill – and a great alternative to Santa Cruz if you want a place that is away from it all – there are no roads or cars and only about 700 locals – it is the smallest, most isolated, and least developed major village on Lake Atitlán.
I was gutted I didn’t know how much I would like this town, which I found out when I did the Lower Mayan trail. Hopefully you will learn from my mistake. I wasn’t able to extend my time in the area or I would have spent a few days here as well as the other towns I stayed at – this one to really chill in.
Things to do in Jaibalito
- SUP, kayak or swim. Enjoy the natural surrounds and peace.
- If you haven’t been to Santa Cruz – take the 30 min walk there on the Lower Mayan trail and explore the town. Or go the other way to explore San Marcos!
- Hike the Mirador (La Cruz) – see the Jaibalito – Mirador trail on AllTrails.
- Enjoy the amazing food at Posada Jaibalito – run by a long term German expat! This will be the best meal you get on the lake!! You can also stay here!
Where to stay in Jaibalito
If you look on the map you will see the gorgeous La Casa del Mundo marked. Its a destination in itself with gardens linked by stairways and views to die for, spa treatments, swimming…..
Hans Hostel or Posada Jaibalito is a great backpacker spot – with fantastic food.
You can also try this stunning hosted apartment, or, a little further out, for a real away from it all retreat is this Luxury Casa Árbol Amazing View!
6. Tzununa – the sustainability town
Tzununa is starting to rival nearby San Marcos for the yoga scene, but is more focussed on the sustainability, fermentation, mushroom cultivation, and herbalism scene. Its a small and relatively unknown town, but gives you a more authentic experience in a Mayan village not yet overrun by tourism. This would have been my other choice to add to the places I stayed, but I think I would have taken Hans Hostel in Jaibalito as first preference.
Things to do in Tzununa
- Relax with some yoga
Either at the Saasil Retreat, which offers daily yoga classes, retreats, and workshops, or go on a retreat at Saasil or The Seed Habitat. - Hike to the Tzununa Waterfall
Hike to the falls and get a cold shower (well – cold is relative)! Don’t expect anything grand – especially in the dry season, but it is a pleasant walk. - Try the local Kombucha
Visit Love Probiotics, a small-batch fermenter that produces specialty kombucha, krauts, bliss balls, kimchi etc – and also run 1-day fermentation courses!
Where to stay in Tzununa
Many people will stay in San Marcos, but if you want to really be away from it all and stay in Tzununa, the following are highly rated on :
Higher end – Aviva Hotel or El Picnic Atitlan
Mid Range – Casa Awänímä – Ecological Wellness Sanctuary
Budget – Granja Tzikin or Red Tent of Hostel Xeabaj
7. San Marcos La Laguna – the hip New Age town
San Marcos is known for its spiritual and healing centers, yoga centers, vegetarian and vegan food and all things New Age and spiritually inclined. Full of ex-pats and with slightly higher prices than the norm, I loved the vibe – but its definitely mine but not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea. I must admit it has probably become a bit touristed but, to me, not in a bad way!! Rather than bustling streets and markets, you’ll find winding laneways full of meditation centers, boho hip cafes, healing retreats, and plenty of quiet places to sit and ‘just be’ overlooking the water.
Things to do in San Marcos
- Walk the local wandering footpaths
You will come across colors, handcrafts, all things healing, yoga and wonderful hip cafes and smoothie bars with great food. One of the nicest things to do here is just wander! - Enjoy the local yoga, workshops and all things healing
There is literally everything you might think of in the spiritual realm. Just wander and you will see. I was lucky enough to come across a man doing sound healing as I was walking by the lake – and just joined him. That is quite normal here. Wander and enjoy. - Cliff jump (12 meters) into the lake and go swimming
This is close by in the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve – a short and lovely walk from the town.
There is a small entrance fee but it is a great spot to spend the day indulging in the views and jumping and swimming in a very clear and clean part of the lake.
Walk up to the Tzankujil lookout before or after your swim! I recommend before swimming so you can cool off afterwards. The views are worth it!
Allow time to enjoy this place – a lot of people didn’t go because they didn’t want to pay when they only had an hour to spare etc. I think it was well worth the day I spent there (but I do love to swim and read a book)! - Watch sunset over the lake
Find a lakeside dock, café terrace, viewpoint or space by the water and just sit and watch the changing colors of the sky reflect across the water and volcanoes. Its what this place is about at its simplest. Its also a very good sunset! - Walk the Lower Mayan Trail
This hike takes you from San Marcos to Santa Cruz via Tzununa along the cliffs overlooking the lake with stunning views. You can find the map for the Lower Mayan trail on AllTrails, but this guided hike is great for those that want local info on the different villages on the way Lower Mayan Trail: San Marcos to Santa Cruz 4-Hour Hike
Where to stay in San Marcos
There is every kind of accommodation you might like in San Marcos. These are all highly rated options on booking.com and Hostelworld:
Higher End – Casa de Los Angeles Lakefront Retreat or Kula Maya Boutique Hotel and Spa
2 -3 bed villas – Casa Cielo at Casa Floresta Retreats or Casa Cielo at Casa Floresta Retreats
Mid Range – The Hidden Garden Apartments or Fuego Atitlan Eco-Hotel or Casa Diamante Atitlan
Budget – Casa Ahau or Maya Moon Lodge (on the lake but 20 mins walk to San Marcos) or EB5 Escape-Contemporary Stay
8. San Juan La Laguna – the arty town
Its all about coffee, chocolate, color and art in San Juan. This is a much more laid back ‘au naturel’ town than its neighboring party / backpacker town of San Pedro. Choose which one suits your mood and style best – its easy to visit the other on a lancha. For me this was the choice – but I would have liked longer to spend more time in all the villages.
Things to do in San Juan
- Wander the colourful town
Take in the detailed and beautiful murals, paintings, and art covering the streets, walls, and store fronts.
To learn all about San Juan and neighboring San Pedro you can join this San Juan and San Pedro Tour: The Heart of Mayan Art in Atitlán walking tour.
Or, for a focus on just San Juan you can take either this San Juan La Laguna Magic Town Walking Tour or this Tour of San Juan Lake Atitlan. Whichever way you will get an explanation of the art work as well as visit local artisans with products like chocolate and honey! - Browse the art galleries – after all it is the artists town.
You literally just have to walk around and you will see plenty of art in galleries as well as on the walls etc!
I have also seen this San Juan La Laguna Painting Workshop with Local Artists which could be fun! - Go birdwatching!
The national bird – the Resplendent Quetzal – lives in the area. There is no guarantee you will see it but you will have a much better chance with this 5-Hour Private Birdwatching Experience in San Juan La Laguna. Even if you don’t see the quetzal, you are likely to see toucans and will see lots of other birds. I’m a wildlife nut – not a birder but to see just the toucans made it worthwhile to me. - Swim
Playa las cristalinas is one of the best places to swim in Lake Atitlan – if you dont mind sharing with some others! It is only a short tuktuk ride away from town. I do recommend you take a tuktuk because the road has no footpath and its dodgy – and not much in the way of shade either. - Climb to the Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint
The Kaqasiiwaan Viewpoint walk above the town is a nice short little walk to do while you are staying here. Not only is it a nice walk, with great town and lake views when you get there, but it also follows the towns arty vibes – with painted stairs and a painted mural mirador when you get there! Tip – Go early before it gets too hot. I think its worth it just for the artwork at the top! - See the Mayan weavers
You can see these industrious weavers making their hand-made clothes, textiles, and other fabrics all over the town. But its great to actually visit one of the co-ops to see and learn how they dye their cotton with natural materials (herbs, fruits, vegetables) then make the clothes by hand. You can watch the weaving in action which is pretty cool.
This Coffee, Chocolate and Textile Tour is also a good option to combine a couple of the key things going on here – weaving and chocolate!
Some great coops you can visit on your own are the: - Coffee and chocolate!
Learn all about the coffee grown and processed around San Juan on that Coffee, Chocolate and Textile Tour!
Or just spend some time visiting and tasting the handcrafted and delicioso chocolate at Xocolatl Guatemala – think dark chocolate, milk chocolate, truffles, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts…….. - Hike the Indian Nose!
This is easy to do from either San Juan or San Pedro. Whatever you decide with your itinerary – do do it – especially at sunrise! Most tours leave around 3am for an amazing sunrise view. The walk up only takes about 30-45 mins.
You can go up on your own, but there is still an entrance fee and its quite steep and can be slippery – remembering it is dark if you go for sunrise. Also don’t be surprised by lots of other people on the trail with you!
You can go at any time of day, but I would go at sunrise if I were to go back. (I regret not doing that!)
Pick one of these top rated tours if you want to go with a guide: - Check out the town and other nearby Lake Atitlan villages on an ATV.
You visit San Juan, San Pedro, and San Marcos La Laguna on this San Juan La Laguna ATV tour! Great fun! Do check first if its for you – it is not an off-roading mud-churning ATV fix – you drive along local roads, but still a fun way to go.
Where to stay in San Juan
There is plenty of accommodation in San Juan. These are all great options on booking.com and Hostelworld:
Higher End – Principitos Universe or Hotel Taa’ Tiin
2 -3 bed villas – Beautiful 2-Bedroom Cottage with Garden Near Lake
Mid Range – Casa Lolita’s or Casa Andres or Mundo Abu San Juan La laguna
Budget – Honestly there are so many good options on Hostelworld – pick one of the 9+ ones! We stayed at Eco-Hostel Mayachik and loved it!
9. San Pedro La Laguna – the party place
The party backpacker town! I didn’t stay here but actually wish I had and gone to language school here – but I ran out of time! There are plenty of Spanish language schools, hikes, and other activities including just soaking in the thermal pools, Los Termales, overlooking the lake which would be perfect for me! Next time…..
Things to do in San Pedro
- Hike the Indian Nose!
This is easy to do from either San Juan or San Pedro, but ‘the’ thing to do from San Pedro. Whatever you decide with your itinerary – do do it – especially at sunrise! Most tours leave around 3am for an amazing sunrise view. The walk up only takes about 30-45 mins.
You can go up on your own, but there is still an entrance fee and its quite steep and can be slippery – remembering it is dark if you go for sunrise. Also don’t be surprised by lots of other people on the trail with you!
You can go at any time of day, but I would go at sunrise if I were to go back. (I regret not doing that!)
Pick one of these top rated tours if you want to go with a guide: - Hike the hike San Pedro Volcano
You can also hike San Pedro Volcano – a much longer full day but apparently a good trip! Check this Lake Atitlán: San Pedro Volcano Hike and see if its for you. And if you are fit and experienced, you can follow this AllTrails path and do it on your own. Note that there is an entrance fee and it takes about 6-7 steep hours from the entrance! Make sure you download the AllTrails map before you leave! - Go kayaking!
For an hour or a few!! Its easy to rent a kayak along the waterfront. If you do hire a kayak my best tip is to do it in the morning! You need to know about the Xocomil. This is when high winds roll in around 1pm creating choppy / wavy water. Its pretty common so plan around that.
And if you want a guided tour then try this Kayaking on Lake Atitlan tour that also takes you to Playa Cristalina where you can swim. - Relax in hot pools
At Los Thermales you can soak in solar heated pools, taking in the views of the lake as you soak. You can have massages and a sauna too – book ahead as they heat the saunas by fire!
To be very clear – these are not natural thermal pools! - Visit the Iximché archaeological site
This is not very close by (1.5-2 hours) but if you are interested in Maya history and pre-Colombian cities, then its worth thinking about. You can visit and learn about the history of Iximché, the last capital of the Mayan Kaqchiquel Kingdom on this Visiting the archaeological site of Iximche tour. The site is not huge but it is well cared for. There is a small museum with artifacts and you can see how the city once was. The coolest thing is that the grounds are still being used by Mayans for their rituals today. You might get to see this if you’re lucky. - Learn Spanish!
There are plenty of Spanish language schools here and its a great place to stop and explore all the lake villages around your lessons. The Orbita Spanish School gets high recommendations consistently as does the Semilla Spanish School. There are other options but these are a good place to start. - Go horseback riding
This is not for me, but it might be fore you. If you have no or not much experience then this Horseback Riding Tour in San Pedro La Laguna could be perfect and the reviews are great.
But if you are experienced you might be able to find a local wrangler that will let you go at your own pace (check near the ferry docks), or try Rancho Moises San Pedro (@trailrideatitlan)
Where to stay in San Pedro
There is plenty of accommodation in San Pedro – especially budget / backpacker places. These are all great options on booking.com and Hostelworld:
Higher End – TOKIO – Apartamentos by Luxury Atitlan
2 -3 bed villas / apts – Lakefront Villa with Beach Access & Infinity Pool or Casa Rosita!
Mid Range – Nicolas House #2 or Mandalas Hideout
Budget – Hospedaje Gonzales or Mandalas Hideout (dorms)
10. Santiago Atitlán – the big town! (no 2 on the map)
Santiago Atitlan is the largest of all the towns on the lake and the first of the overlooked towns! (Two more coming up.) The town is traditional Mayan so its good way to see local daily life and you wont see too many tourists. You can stay here or take a day trip using the lanchas (ferries).
Because it is quite a big town you will probably want a tuk tuk! You have the choice of tuk tuk only, or guide plus tuk tuk if you ant to learn more. This is the one place over all the others I thought a ‘city guide’ was really worth it! (My experience is that if you walk away from the pier, you will get less pushy people and a better price! At the ferry you get totally swamped – its like a swarm of bees!)
If you want to walk one of the volcanos from here its best to stay the night. Otherwise there are a few things to see and do in your day.
Things to do in Santiago Atitlán
- Visit Maximón!
Maximón represents light and dark and those seeking miracles, health or love make offerings at his shrine. Moonshine, hand-rolled cigarettes, and money are his vices of choice!!! He is the result of a mix of indigenous Maya and Spanish Catholic tradition. Traditionally he was only brought out only during Holy Week in May, but because of high demand from pilgrims, tourists, and shamans, he now ‘lives’ in a different family’s home every year which you can visit – with a guide! (You will have to pay to go in – and there is another small fee for photos.)
So this is why you get a tuk tuk or guide to take you to the current home! Its a very local and unique cultural experience. You should be dressed modestly – cover knees and shoulders – aldies and gentlemen! Also you should take an offering – but you can buy them outside the shrine. - See the “lavados” washing the clothes in the lake
Its not great environmentally but not uncommon and it is interesting to see it on this scale. Walk along from the main Santiago Atitlán public docks and Cofradía docks. You will find the concrete washing stations and groups of women washing on the rocky shores of the lake. Definitely its best to go early in the morning. I did a day trip on my own and this was the first thing I did – I recommend you do it first too. - Visit the Parque de la Paz / Peace Park
Find out about the total ban on the Guatemalan army in the town at the Parque de la Paz! There is a reason. This is the place the military simply gunned down people for no reason in 1990. There are tombstones at each place a victim fell – with the name of the victims – the youngest being 5! Warning – it will make you feel sad. - Visit the ‘ordinary looking on the outside’ church – Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apóstol
First see the unique statues of the saints dressed in indigenous clothes – a fusion of Catholicism and Mayan motifs. Then see the memorial to the American priest Father Stanley Rother. He stood up for the Mayan people against the authorities during the civil war here. He paid for that with his life and is considered a true martyr. - Go hiking – on a long hike
From Santiago Atitlan you can climb Volcan Atitlan. It is a 5–6 hours up, 3 hours down kind of hike and you want to set off early and bring lots of water – lots! This is the tallest of the three volcanoes – its 3537m (11,600 feet). - Go hiking – on a short hike!
This half day Waterfall Hike might be more up your alley if climbing a volcano is a bit more than you want!!
Where to stay in Santiago Atitlán
Higher End – Hotel Bambu
2 bedroom chalet – Paradise of Atitlan
Mid Range – Lakeview Villa Santiago
Budget – Casa Rebeca or Casa Belinda
Mini itinerary ideas for your visit to Lake Atitlan
3 or 4-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panajachel and explore. Visit Santa Catarina Palopo and the thermal pools. Stay in Panajachel.
Day 2: Take the lancha to San Marcos, explore the lanes. Swim and cliff jump at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. Sunset on the lake. Stay in San Marcos.
Day 3: Indian Nose hike, walk or take the lancha to San Juan or to Santiago Atitlan to explore. Stay in San Marcos.
Day 4: Take the lancha to San Pedro, explore. Stay the night in San Pedro.
or
Walk the Lower Mayan trail to the other towns. Stay in San Marcos.
7-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panajachel and explore. Take a sunset tour on the lake or ATV tour. Stay in Panajachel.
Day 2: Explore Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó. Stay in Panajachel.
Day 3: Take the lancha to Santa Cruz, explore and hike or go kayaking. Stay in Santa Cruz.
Day 4: Take the lancha to San Marcos, explore the lanes. Swim and cliff jump at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. Sunset on the lake. Stay in San Marcos.
Day 5: Walk or take the lancha to San Juan and / or to Santiago Atitlan to explore. Stay in San Marcos.
Day 6: Switch to San Pedro and explore, swim and kayak. Stay in San Pedro.
Day 7: Hike Indian Nose, swim or kayak or horse ride. Stay in San Pedro.
Frequently asked questions about travel to Lake Atitlan
Q: Which Lake Atitlán village is best to stay in?
A: Hopefully this ppost will have helped you decide, but there isn’t really one “best” village – it depends on your travel style and what you want – these are generalised views of the key villages:
- Panajachel = best for arrival and first-time visitors, transport, restaurants, and convenience.
- San Pedro La Laguna = backpackers, nightlife, Spanish schools.
- San Juan La Laguna = art, coffee, culture, and a quieter atmosphere.
- San Marcos La Laguna = yoga, wellness, and spiritual retreats.
- Jaibalito and Tzununa = to get away from it all, retreat.
- Santa Cruz La Laguna = peaceful lake views and nature.
- San Antonio Palopó = authentic town with pottery
- Santa Catarina Palopo = authentic town painted blue with thermal area
Q: How many days should I spend at Lake Atitlán?
A: At least 3-5, but many stay longer and explore more. I recommend a week or more.
Q: Is Lake Atitlán safe?
A: Generally yes – there is petty theft so lock your valuables, avoid walking alone a night – especially females.
Q: Can you swim in Lake Atitlán?
A: Usually yes, but check before you swim as there are sometimes algae blooms in parts of the lake.
Q: What is the best time to visit Lake Atitlán?
A: The dry season from November to April is good for clearer skies and better hiking conditions. But the rainy season has greener landscapes and fewer tourists.
Q: Can you visit multiple villages in one day?
A: Yes you can village hop in a day!
Q: What are the best things to do at Lake Atitlán?
A: Village hopping by boat; hiking Indian Nose; hiking Volcano San Pedro; kayaking and paddleboarding; coffee tours; textile workshops; local Maya cultural experiences; sunset and sunrise viewpoints.
Travel Tips for Lake Atitlan
- Don’t stay in just one village – and check which villages you think will suit you most as they are all quite different! Its great to mix them up a bit
- Allow time to chill and slow down – its that kind of place! You will probably want to stay longer than you planned – like I did!
- Travel on the lake in the morning whenever possible – it often gets windy and choppy in the afternoons after about 1pm. The same applies to volcano walking etc as the cloud can often come in in the afternoon.
- Carry cash for small shops and restaurants.
- Don’t assume boats run late into the evening. Check with your accommodation first. And only use the official boats for safety.
- Bring layers and a light fleece. Evenings get cool and mornings can be too. Also bring good walking shoes – for hikes but also some of the streets!
- Hike Indian Nose for sunrise – rather than during the day – if you can! Make sure you take some warm clothing, good hiking shoes, money for the entrance fee, and water!
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