Lake Atitlán is located in the highlands of Guatemala, 3 hours northeast of Antigua in the country’s Sierre Madre mountain range. It’s a stunning body of water surrounded by lush green mountains, and volcanoes, dotted with small, picturesque towns.
A unique location with clear waters, an abundance of activities, and charming local culture, Atitlán is a must-visit destination for any budget traveler in Guatemala or Central America. Formed inside a massive ancient volcanic crater, it’s often referred to as the Lake Como of Latin America. Having been to Como, the Bros would argue it’s far less pricy.
The lake is home to a dozen or so pueblos (small towns), each with a distinct vibe, unique in its own way. During our time here, we jumped on the opportunity to visit all of the pueblos to observe the differences between each of them and urge other travelers to do the same, even if it is just for a day trip. In this blog, we’ll explore the major towns to visit in Lake Atitlán, what to do, and how you can accomplish it on a budget.
San Pedro La Laguna
Know as a backpacker town, San Pedro La Laguna is popular with budget travelers. It’s got a laid-back vibe with no shortage of activities and some of the most reliable Wi-Fi around the lake. What’s unique about San Pedro is the town’s lively social scene, where you have the ability to mix it up with locals in addition to other travelers.
When it comes to lodging; affordable guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnbs are plentiful here. You may even have the option for a homestay with a local family if you take Spanish lessons at one of the many schools in town. The food options at the budget-friendly eateries around the village are on point and San Pedro was our location of choice to spend a month at the lake. After visiting the other pueblos, we were happy with our selection.
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in San Pedro is its stunning scenery. Nestled between majestic volcanoes and overlooking the lake, the dramatic beauty of the area is awe-inspiring and provides a picturesque backdrop for all of your Guate adventures.
To Do San Pedro
Take Spanish Lessons
One of the best things to do in San Pedro is to take Spanish lessons. The town is known for its numerous Spanish language schools and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to learn and improve their Spanish skills.
We highly recommend enrolling in a language course because it can be a truly enriching experience. It provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture all while developing new language abilities.
hiking opportunities
Two can’t-miss hikes include the sunrise at Indian Nose and the San Pedro Volcano. Though you have to get up super early, experiencing first light at the Indian Nose Peak is an unforgettable experience. And although your day may be shot after that, it’s totally worth it. The San Pedro hike was a doozy and is a vertical climb for around 4 hours or so, but once you get up there, the view is absolutely insane. You’ll feel like you are on top of the world.
feel the culture
The rich culture in San Pedro shines and provides opportunities to learn about the local Mayan culture and traditions. You can visit the Maya Tz’utujil Museum to gain insights into the indigenous heritage of the region, take part in a traditional Mayan ceremony, or even learn to make handicrafts at one of the local cooperatives.
One of our favorite things to do was head to Estadio Bella Vista, one of the coolest stadiums around, to take in some fúbol. You may even be lucky and catch a match with San Pedro FC, the local squad.
In San Pedro travelers can get involved in the community and make an impact by engaging in community projects and volunteering activities with initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
🌎 BROS TIP: In addition to tuk-tuks, lanchas (small boats) are key to getting around Lake Atitlan. Lanchas are essentially Guatemalan water taxis, used to get between the different towns. Though they’re not the most comfortable and can be quite choppy and bumpy on those late-afternoon trips, they’re cheap and efficient and used by both locals and tourists alike. On a sunny day, they provide some killer views with a different perspective of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. The cost of a boat ride varies depending on the distance traveled, but most rides cost between $1-3 USD.
San Marcos La Laguna
The one and only San Marcos La Laguna. Known for its spiritual and alternative vibe with a side dish of gentrification. This pueblo attracts a diverse range of visitors in search of a diverse range of things and some of those visitors may have never left. With a holistic atmosphere, San Marcos has become a popular destination for those seeking relaxation, personal growth, and a connection with nature.
Visitors who make a stop in San Marcos can immerse themselves in various workshops, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and alternative therapies. The serene lake and lush green hills surround the town, providing the perfect setting for these life-altering experiences.
To Do in San Marcos
A highlight of our day trip to San Marcos was the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. This park has several trails, miradors, and a variety of platforms with benches. A short hike from the town center will lead you to the nature reserve offering beautiful trails and stunning lookout points. Explore the lush forest, discover hidden meditation spots, and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. But the main thing to do here is head to the trampolin, a 40-foot cliff jump into the lake. The water is especially clean here and one of the best places to swim around the lake.
San Marcos is also known for its cacao ceremonies, in which participants experience ceremonial-grade cacao’s heart-opening and energizing effects. Meditation, music, and sharing circles often accompany these ceremonies, making them unique and transformative.
Santiago Atitlán
Santiago Atitlán is a small town located on the southwestern shore of the lake. Quite possibly one of the most authentic pueblos, it’s known for its Mayan culture and traditional clothing. The town also has a variety of artisan markets, where you can purchase locally-made textiles and handicrafts. Santiago is a bit off the beaten path, so accommodations can be hard to come by.
To Do in Santiago
Santiago Atitlán is predominantly inhabited by the Tz’utujil Maya people, who have preserved their indigenous traditions and way of life. The town offers a deep immersion into the Mayan culture, providing opportunities to witness traditional ceremonies, visit ancient sacred sites, and learn about the local customs and beliefs.
No trip to the pueblo is complete without paying a visit to Maximón, a deity unlike any other found in the world. Hiring a tour guide will provide you with the historical context of Saint San Simon and take you to his location. Visiting the town offers travelers a unique glimpse into the local way of life and Santiago’s indigenous identity.
Santa Cruz La Laguna
Santa Cruz La Laguna is a small town located on the northern shore of the lake. Perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its tranquil atmosphere. The town is also home to a variety of hiking trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy no cell service and fresh air.
To Do in Santa Cruz
What stands out about Santa Cruz is its hostel atmosphere. You’re pretty secluded here and most hostels are all-inclusive, with restaurants on site. We stayed opted for the glamping experience at the infamous Free Cerveza Hostel. We particularly enjoyed the free standup paddle board and kayak rentals. If you just want to chill, the dock is the place to be located right in front of the hostel. We also heard great things about La Iguana Perdida Hostel which offers scuba diving. Both however offer nightly family dinners to get to know your fellow travelers.
For outdoor fun out of the water, you can hike up to the viewpoint, where you can take in stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The sunsets at San Cruz are known to go off.
Panajachel
As the largest town on Lake Atitlán and a common entry point for visitors, Panajachel has often been dubbed the “gateway to Lake Atitlán”. It is well connected to Antigua, Guatemala City, and other cities in the area by bus, minibus, or private shuttle. You can easily inquire at any local tourism company about how to get there.
Even though it has all the accommodating amenities, we won’t recommend more than one full day here. Some visitors only visit Pana and it’s a shame because there are many more memorable experiences to have around the lake.
As the most developed and commercial town, be on the lookout for traditional Guatemalan dishes at budget-friendly prices. Despite being a tourist hub, it’s still possible to find affordable accommodations and food in Pana.
To Do in Pana
The main attraction here is Calle Santander. A main drag lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and local stalls. The adventurous thing to do in Pana is to experience Lake Atitlán from the sky, via paragliding. A thrilling activity that gives you the experience of soaring through the air over the lake via parachute. A bit less intense than skydiving or bungee jumping, paragliding is actually rather peaceful. Once you are up in the air, far above civilization, it’s quite calming.
🌎 BROS TIP: Visiting the Chichicastenango Market is a popular day trip from Pana. Located in the heart of mystical Chichicastenango, the Market is open every Thursday and Sunday 8 AM – 6 PM. It is the biggest in all of Guatemala, and the most colorful in Central America. Some would argue it is quite possibly the largest handicraft market in the world. Here you will find all types of souvenirs to bring a piece of Guatemala’s traditions back home. You may even experience a Mayan ritual during your visit as locals in Chichi are immensely devoted to their religion
San Juan La Laguna
A short tuk-tuk ride along the lake from San Pedro and you’ll arrive in San Juan La Laguna. The first thing you will observe about San Juan; is the rich art scene and murals that can be admired all over town. They’ve put a huge effort into street art and ‘Insta worthy’ photo spots, especially true at the Mirador.
Due to local law, outsiders cannot purchase land within the municipality, making the town less popular among tourists and ex-pats. Consequently, visitors can experience Tz’utujil culture more “authentically” thanks to this.
To Do San Juan
San Juan has a variety of authentic experiences for you to choose from. This includes chocolate tasting, coffee tours, and weaving classes. The town is also surrounded by coffee plantations, making it one of the best places to head to for coffee tours. Tz’utujil inhabitants, make up 95% of the town’s population and take immense pride in their craft traditions. Particularly, painting and weaving – and have developed their own tourism surrounding the practices.
There is something for everyone in this picturesque village, whether you enjoy diving into the culture or learning traditional practices. Explore the painted streets, eat fresh food, and sip on highland coffee or hike, kayak, and discover a new skill.
San Juan is the best destination on the lake for authentic Mayan art, weaving, and crafts. Additionally, there have been a number of inclusive cooperatives that help the women of San Juan make a living off these projects.
Santa Catarina Palopó
A short 20-minute drive from Panajachel, this town and its community will quickly draw you in. Santa Catarina is still relatively untouched by tourism and is an excellent example of a quaint Maya village. In recent years, Santa Catarina Palopó has launched an innovative community project painting geometric patterns on houses and buildings throughout town.
The project has transformed the town to be an incredibly unique 1 of 1 pueblo. The goal is to preserve their weaving designs, promote tourism in order to increase job opportunities and use art as a tool for social renewal. It is one of the least-visited towns around the lake, but worth a visit if you have the time! The pueblo offers a real authentic, Guatemala experience, as the town is not much developed yet.
Final Thoughts
Lake Atitlán is a beautiful and affordable destination perfect for budget travelers with stunning scenery, charming local culture, and affordable accommodations and food. It’s a must-visit destination in Guatemala and no trip to Altitlán is complete without exploring each of the pueblos around the lake.
The Lake is truly captivating and once you get there you’ll understand why. It’s time to get out there! The magic of Lake Atitlán awaits you!
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