This underlines how poor Guatemala still is. Depending on the distance of your journey the cost of a ride should be between Q5 to Q25 max. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you want to buy incense sticks and and get your palms read, this is your spot. Just west of San Pedro, you can take a tuk tuk, walk, or take a boat from San Pedro. This is where most of the hotels, hostels and restaurants can be found. Stay at: Hotel Toliman. If youre looking to swim in the lake, this is the place to do it. I share my experiences, and provide tips and knowledge to make it possible for you too. We hope this guide helps you decide which town around Lake Atitln to visit and stay in. Save this guide to the best towns in Lake Atitlan on Pinterest for later! . Stunning views at Cerro Tzankujil. Two of the most popular Lake Atitlan towns to visit, both are connected via road with other cities in Guatemala. Before you head back down, pay a visit to Caf Sabor Cruceno for good food and more amazing views. Sometimes people ask us why we feature so many pics of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The longest journey I took was from Panajachel to San Pedro which cost Q25. Pana is the thriving tourist hub of Lake Atitlan, and offers the most in terms of amenities, dining options (with a range of international cuisine), and facilities.Because of this, it is also known as a hub for digital nomads and expats. Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely, Where to go in Guatemala: the ultimate bucketlist, 21 amazing things to do in Antigua Guatemala, If we only had 2 weeks: Guatemala itinerary, Latin Americas most popular places to study Spanish, Colombia to Panama: How to book a San Blas Islands boat tour, The 10 Safest Countries in Latin America in 2023, 12 Best Party Destinations in South America, Top spots for nightlife in Bogot, Colombia; whether chilled beers or a crazy night out. How RSA Training Enhances Customer Service In the Hospitality Industry, Adventure Travel: Inspiring Tales and Practical Advice for Adrenaline-Pumping Activities, The Future of Adventure Travel: Exciting Trends and Activities for Thrill-Seekers, Travel Security Strategies: Unveiling the Layers of Protection Against Financial Risks. Lake Atitlan is all about town-hopping. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Related Read: 48 Hours in Lake Atitlan: Things to Do, Places to Visit and More. Enjoy! If you plan to hike in between the villages, be extra vigilant and carry nothing of value with you. A hippie town focused on wellness and getting in touch with your spiritual side? Keep on reading to find out all about the best Lake Atitlan villages and the best things to do in them to help you plan the perfect trip. There is no road that connects all the towns around Lake Atitlan. Required fields are marked *. Lake Atitlan isnt a single location, as mentioned, it is surrounded by many different and interesting towns. This is known locally as Rostro Maya Nariz del Indio. It features a sandy beach that overlooks the Adirondack's Seward Mountain Range. It's also the place for getting business done around the lake. per adult (price varies by group size) Bicycle Tour Around Lake Atitlan with Weaving Coops and Coffee Plantations. San Marcos la Laguna in a nutshell: The hippie town and wellness hub of Lake Atitlan, with clear lake waters. Shopkeepers seem happier to barter aggressively here (sometimes dropping their price in half as you are walking out the door), so itll be among the cheapest souvenirs. Learn about the harvesting, roasting and production process. This is one of the largest Lake Atitlan towns and is the only place that has local chicken buses. Bird watchers would enjoy this spot. Mornings are the best time to travel via boat as the waters tend to be the calmest. Harbor in Put-in-bay, Ohio. Its the village of choice for those looking to get in touch with their spiritual sides, and youll find plenty of yoga studios and meditation centers lining the streets here. Beside Casa del Mundo is a calm, sheltered bay that almost never sees any boat traffic, making this one of the safest Lake Atitlan swimming spots. Youll find all this and more in Lake Atitlan. Besides this, you can find some accommodation scattered around the town. Water taxis go from one end of the lake to the other (San Pedro to Panajachel and back), looping around the lake to the different towns along the way. The Lake Atitlan towns are inhabited by indigenous Mayan communities, predominantly Tzutujil and Kaqchikel. Youll find vegan restaurants, spiritual massages, drug dealers and social enterprises. To summarise, Lake Atitlan is a cheap destination to travel. There are several viewpoints in the villages where you can see exactly why Lake Atitlan draws so many comparisons to Lake Como. Recommended: The Chuiraxamol Eco-Park is the place for daring souls looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do not leave shoes out at night, as they tend to crawl into them. Santa Catarina has breathtaking views and boasts some of Atitlns best hotels. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It's the largest of all the towns and where the majority of tourists and expats make their base. Well provide you with invaluable info, insights, tips, and resources for an unforgettable Central American experience. Its down to you to decide which of those vibes gels best with you. Unfortunately I cant recommend any hostels as I stayed with a local family via the Spanish School. San Lucas Toliman is a mystery. Another great option to immerse in the Mayan culture is since not many tourists get to Santa Catarica, leaving it really unspoiled. Santa Cruz might be your place. Once you leave the main street next to the lake shore the town feels a lot more local with fewer tourists. My favorite memories of Atitlan are of savoring my morning coffee, enjoying the sunset over a glass of wine, and hanging out in the hot tub. You have a few options for getting to Lake Atitlan: Whichever of the above options you choose to get to Lake Atitlan, you will likely get dropped off in Panajachel (or San Pedro la Laguna). The BEST 6 Towns Around Lake Atitlan | Beyond my Border There are a total of 11 towns around Lake Atitlan and each is unique in its own way! San Pedro is the most popular of the Lake Atitlan towns for backpackers and for good reason. Therefore, I would recommend staying at least a week here to experience a few different towns and ultimately enjoy the beautiful tranquil setting. The Cons: Can be noisy on weekends, only the owner Francisco speaks limited English, the pool isn't very inviting. Expect ultra-local vibes; the town is not a wealthy one, and tourists only tend to pass through its muddy streets on their way to or from the Jaibalito hike from Santa Cruz. One of the most epic hikes is San Pedro Volcano. Aside from being the hippie village, San Marcos is known for having some of the cleanest waters around the lake. For those new to the lake, dont fall for this scam, only pay the driver once you are on the boat. This colorful town in Lake Atitlan is located 3 miles away from the south-southeast of Panajachel. As an island town, Put-In-Bay is a fantastic summer vacation destination. My favourite activity was just walking among the narrow streets and appreciating the elevated views across the lake. Make sure you dont take up any more space than you need to when the boat gets busy. I advise to go in the mornings when the water is calm as the waves do pick up a little in the afternoon. When you arrive by boat, youll be surrounded on either side by souvenir shops, with little Guatemalan ladies calling out to you and telling you all the colores diferentes they stock. You can find tons of bars, restaurants and cafes visited both by locals and tourists. Liked this post? You will witness Mayan women wearing their colourful traditional clothes. A post shared by Isla Verde Atitlan (@islaverdeatitlan). But it is close enough to San Pedro so you can go and explore its colorful streets and enjoy the restaurants during the day without having to take a bus, just a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride will be enough. One of my favourite things to do in any new place is walk around and explore. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You will mainly speak Spanish in Lake Atitlan. A post shared by Hotel Tolimn (@hoteltoliman). Hike Up to Indian Nose Summit. Popular Reads Always be aware of what is behind you and stick to the sides of the streets to avoid any toes getting run over! There are also hiking trails, eco-parks, and museums. (formerly caroekg.com), COPYRIGHT 2023 - PICTURES & WORDS. Copyright 2023 Powered by Walkabout Wes, Chicken Bus from Lake Atitlan to Antigua How To Guide, Where To Stay In Antigua Guatemala: Best Hostel Choices, Costa Rica Waterfalls: 12 of the Best to Visit, Subscribe to Walkabout Wes Monthly Newsletter. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Be sure to account for travel time when traveling in between villages. Firstly, walk up the steep hill opposite the Alegre Pub, and then head in the direction towards the Parque Purta Hermosa. Give it a cheeky pin on Pinterest to be able to easily find again later! Youll likely encounter spiders at some point during your stay in Lake Atitlan. The small town of San Juan is by far the most photogenic of the Lake Atitlan Towns. On the main street, called Calle Santander, there are many stalls made by locals to sell their handicrafts and textiles. This was my personal favorite of the villages around Lake Atitlan. Local women continue washing their laundry in the lake as they have done for generations. In Lake Atitlan you will find street food in every town and therefore very cheap. Panajachel to Santa Catarina). Stay at: There are tons of places here, its backpacker central. While there, the staff who serve you will all be students of the social enterprise. If there is a place you should not be missing during a trip across Central America, that's Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. This area of town gives a great insight into how the locals live their daily lives. That ish is life-changing. As soon as I exited the pier at Santiago I was harassed by multiple men to take a walking or tuk tuk tour. Last Updated on 1 March 2022 by Cuppa to Copa Travels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 1. from $590 per adult. There is always young kids running around, so dont be shy to say hello. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dont miss out on other amazing places to visit in Guatemala Click on the links below for more details: Semuc Champey: Everything you need to know, How to get to Semuc Champey Best Routes, Hiking Acatenango Volcano All you need to Know, The Best Guatemala Travel Itinerary 7 Amazing Destinations, Is Flores Guatemala worth visiting Discover Tikal and much more, Ultimate Rio Dulce Guatemala Guide: Is it worth visiting. Make Every Day an Adventure Pick up any guide book or go onto Lonely Planet or wherever travelers go nowadays, and youll see every cliche in the book written about Atitln. Muelle (Pier) San Pedro is the main pier in town where you can take a boat to most of the other towns. At the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lake Atitlan region. I have mentioned the main street that runs adjacent to the lake, well that is just the touristy part of town. Santa Catarina Palopo is one of the smaller Lake Atitlan towns, but it is one of the most charming and beautiful. And Start Living them NOW! Cluster 3: Santiago, San Pedro, San Juan. You can travel to Santa Catarina by road from Panajachel which is often quicker as there is not many boats making this journey. It was the dirtiest place on the lake and I would only stay here for onward transportation reasons. LIke with San Juan, I not only loved all the color in Santa Catarina, but also that it had more of a local, traditional feel. Sometimes the ATMs run out of money, so dont wait until you are desperately low on cash! San Pedro La Laguna We were lucky enough to have lived in San Pedro La Laguna the popular backpacker town on the lake for two months, which is why it's at the top of my list! There are a few different piers in Santiago, so I needed to find out which pier went back to San Pedro. My Spanish teacher recommended this place to me, and this was the best place in town for coffee and cake. Plus some great stories and strong opinions! Besides the friendly people, the quiet atmosphere makes it a great place to take a break and unwind. per group (up to 5) Private Lake Atitlan Tour in Town of Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa and San Juan. Its also the place for getting business done around the lake. Pebbly trails wind through the undergrowth, leading to stunning vistas and secluded swimming spots. In my experience, I have found that they constantly offer the best prices when compared to other sites. There are also a few places to eat and drink, the further away you walk from the piers, usually the prices get cheaper. I studied with Lake Atitlan Spanish School and highly recommend. Like most of the villages in Lake Atitlan the majority of the population are Mayan descendants. We stayed in Santa Cruz, and loved it so much! The beauty of Lake Atitlan is that it's so easy to get around and discover the allure of each one village. What we didnt realise at first was that most of these shops are owned and run by womens cooperatives, who cut out the middleman to give the poor Mayan women at the bottom of the supply chain a chance at financial independence. It is a great place to take cool photos. The Maya Moon food isnt expensive per se, but its not as cheap as it could be in Guatemala. If youre wondering which are the best towns in Lake Atitlan, then this guide is for you! Your email address will not be published. Panajachel. Plus the background is amazing to watch while checking out the best sa online casinos. Also, Cerro Tzankujil is a great place from which to dive straight into the lake and go for a swim. This is the best place for relaxation of the area, there are all sorts of activities for spiritual enlightenment like yoga retreats and any number of new age activities. A night here will cost you a pretty penny, but for those looking for just that, you can't find better. The town has this serene vibe that goes well for people that want to de-stress. In it, you will find a high ex-pat population, but as you can imagine the Mayan population is even larger. Discover The Mayan Towns Around Lake Atitlan On a 2-Days Tour From Antigua. The Indian Nose mountain summit (also known as Rostro Maya or El Nariz del Indio) is a popular sunrise hike activity to do while in Lake Atitln! Atitlan Lake is situated at an altitude of 1,560 metres and the top of Tolimn volcano, which is the highest volcano is 3,158 metres. As soon as I got near to the piers, I had numerous people offering help, so I told them where I was going. In towns such as Pana and San Pedro there is a multitude of street food and cheap tasty restaurants to eat at. If you are unsure of the situation, ask the locals. Because of this, Lake Atitlan is a good place to practice your Spanish language skills, as people tend to speak more slowly and simply than in other regions. This is the best place to swim in Lake Atitln as the waters here are cleaner than everywhere else. A post shared by Casa Palop Relais Chateaux (@casapalopo). This is the only place in Guatemala this kind of thing happened, so immediately my back was up as they dont give you time to think or breathe. Santa Cruz La Laguna offers to lay back atmosphere with relaxing places to stay, cafes, and restaurants. A washing machine is a luxury that many cannot afford. Despite this, the town offers a few accommodations options, some great restaurants with good food, and tons of activities to do on the lake like paddle boarding or swimming, it also offers outdoor activities like hiking, buying traditional handicrafts made by the Mayan people, and checking out the street art. After this guide to the towns around Lake Atitlan, dont miss: blogherads.adq.push(['banner', 'skm-ad-banner-1']); The majority of the towns of Lake Atitln are accessible by road, so shuttles from Antigua or Semuc Champey should drop you off to your hostel door when we went to San Marco, we had to get off the shuttle onto the hectic dusty streets of San Pablo and get a tuktuk (which the shuttle company paid for) the rest of the way. 1. It takes about 45 minutes to get from one end of the lake to the other (Panajachel to San Pedro). And it is named after one of the three huge Lake Atitln volcanoes, so that always gave us a pretty good idea where to find it. As a result, Pana is the most well-connected town to other parts of Guatemala. However, do note that the fees are high something like 60Q, so try to limit usage to save money. Each of the towns has a main dock, where the boats make regular stops. Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, known for its insanely blue waters and the three majestic volcanoes that surround it. Interesting And Fun Facts About Belize Welcome to the Caribbean! One of the best activities to do from San Pedro is the sunrise Indian Nose hike. As a result, you will find these in most of the Lake Atitlan towns. You can have an enjoyable weekend visit, a week away from it all, or several weeks to learn Spanish. From as little as 9 a night, with a private jetty, free kayak use and no one else around, this lodge is the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the larger towns of Lake Atitln. For me, the weather is almost perfect, with highs of about 25c and lows of 15c. Moreover, cheaper hostels are found here more than other towns. Things to do in Lake Atitlan and a guide to all the cute little Lake Atitlan towns - Which ones to visit and which Lake Atitlan villages to skip? It really allowed us to embrace the slow life that Lake Atitlan is known for. A guide to the bustling main airports in Central America that serve as vital connections, linking travelers from around the world to this vibrant region and beyond. A staple on the gringo backpacker trail, San Pedro is the most visited town on Lake Atitln with a bohemian vibe that attracts travelers from everywhere. A walk around San Pedro will reveal shops, murals and old colonial architecture. Especially in the town of San Marcos, a welcoming and friendly 'hippie' community has formed, creating a place to try new things. You can swim in Lake Atitlan but not everywhere. Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua. The highlight of the town for me was to walk along the lakeside promenade. 3. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I had a lot of . Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you. You can book a coffee tour here too, which lasts for 2-3 hours. Photo credit to @hastalavistaexports #centralamericaliving, A post shared by Central America Living (@centralamericaliving) on Aug 30, 2018 at 6:59am PDT. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. At night, definitely go to get street food along the main street inland (sol-4), and for an afternoon coffee head down to the white caf you can see to the left as you take the boat in. The last boats leave each town usually no later than 6.30pm every evening. Whether youre traveling, living, or planning to explore any of the captivating countries in Central America, this website, crafted by knowledgeable expat and local writers, is your ultimate companion. 3. Panajachel Panajachel is known as a tourist town, and many travelers stay here. Pana is the thriving tourist hub of Lake Atitlan, and offers the most in terms of amenities, dining options (with a range of international cuisine), and facilities.Because of this, it is also known as a hub for digital nomads and expats. I will start with San Pedro as this is my favourite town on the lake and where I spent most of my time. Which was your favorite town? There is no time schedule, once the boat is full it will depart. None of the other Lake Atitlan villages will give you an insider view of how the indigenous of this region live better than this one. My favourite activity was just walking among the narrow streets and appreciating the elevated views across the lake. 1. That said, I spent almost 2 weeks in Guatemala, with a week in Lake Atitlan. So now, I'm here to show you all the ridiculously incredible things that this region has to offer, and hey, I might even make you chuckle from time to time. You can also take local chicken buses from each location. Classes are held in gardens overlooking the lake and its also a great place to meet fellow travellers. It's rare to visit a place where you can hop on a boat, and in five minutes, be in a new town that has a completely different feel and look to it than your previous town. Everywhere you look, youll see color and art from an Instagram-worthy umbrella street, vibrant murals, and countless galleries. Recommended: Charming beachfront hotels with local cuisine. Like in most of the towns around Atitlan Lake, people are super friendly. You can also try to catch a boat from the dock in front of your accommodations simply wave one down when you see one but this has mixed success. There are the various communities youll find all around the lake. Insider Monkey Score: 1.85. I paid 170 per week for 20 hours private tuition, accommodation (private room) and 3 meals per day. Check some of our recommendations here: Now youve reached the end of this guide to the towns around Lake Atitlan, dont forget to check out our top places to quench your thirst: For those still in the preliminary planning stages of a trip to Guatemala, we have an ideal 2-week Guatemala itinerary to help sort out where to spend your time for a shorter stint of travel. Recommended: Its variety of handicrafts makes it the best stop for souvenirs, and dont forget to visit Maximon. ), 31 Unforgettable Things to Do in Lake Atitlan | A Complete Lake Atitlan Travel Guide, Always let someone at home know where youll be at all times and give them a copy of your itinerary, Keep a close watch on your belongings and dont flash any valuables (jewelry, expensive electronics, etc). A particular thing about those communities is that each town has its own distinctive style of traditional clothing. I love the main street, full of colour and decoration. Cerro Tzankujil. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that Ive recommended. Lake Atitlan is one of the safest places in Guatemala but always use common sense. Santiago Atitlan: 2023 Guide to an Authentic Mayan Town. I also loved seeing all the Mayan culture around Santa Catarina it truly made it such a fascinating village to visit and made it one of the best towns in Lake Atitlan! Overall, Lake Atitlan is a top tourist destination with lots of great hotels, restaurants, and activities. Discover Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. You will bump into locals wearing their traditional clothing as they pass by. Keep in mind that Lake Atitlan is a relatively rural area. You will get dropped off in the main square, and this is also where you need to go for the return journey. From the pier, the town is a steep 25-minute walk up hill. Recommended: This is the place for nightlife. and then head in the direction towards the Parque Purta Hermosa. Not all the streets in Lake Atitln are named so I have mentioned landmarks to follow on google maps. Which is fine, it deserves them. Youll see women dressed in their traditional outfits, with intricately woven tops and bottoms. There are numerous vendors selling food and drink along the path, and some of the best views of the lake and volcanoes is here in Pana. Smile and say hello and it will always be returned. You will witness Mayan women wearing their colourful traditional clothes. The handicraft market is a great stop for souvenirs shopping. To really experience San Pedro, you need to walk a little further. Obviously, I loved all the color and photo ops around town, but beyond that I loved all the culture and the fact that people were so open and enthusiastic about sharing their traditions here. In my experience the Mayans are very friendly kind people. Stay at: Hotel Nuestro Sueo. You can find 11 villages and towns around Lake Atitlan, but only 6 stand out a lot from the rest, including Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, and San Marcos. Your email address will not be published. Along with Panajachel, it is one of the main towns on the lake. So as you can imagine, Lake Atitlan is a sacred and popular Guatemala destination for both nationals and foreigners coming to explore its lakeside towns, trek on its volcano slopes, birdwatch in its tropical forests, or go scuba diving in its high-altitude, temperate waters. In many towns around the lake you will see women washing their clothes in the lake, using hard boards to scrub them clean as they have done for many years. This has all sorts of positive effects on the prevalence of domestic abuse, illiteracy among children (especially girls) and preventable health issues, to list but a few. Itinerary, 2 Days in Porto Itinerary: How to Have a Magical Weekend in Porto, 16 Magical Banff Photo Spots (that you shouldnt miss! The town is known as the blue village as all of the buildings in town are painted in varying shades of blue, adorned with traditional Mayan motifs picked out by each individual family. Read my full blog post with useful information and things to do in Panajachel, here. Its one of the best towns around Lake Atitln to see daily life go by. A post shared by #chapin_traveler_gt (@chapin_traveler_gt). You can find tacos or something similar for Q15. When we first got to Guatemala, we had no idea there would be so many different towns at Lake Atitln to choose from. Kayaking is a great activity to do early in the morning when the waters are calm. For me, the only reason to visit San Marcos is the Cerro Tzankuji Nature Reserve. Most of the time, this wont take more than 10 minutes or so, but there was one time that we waited almost an hour before departing (and then the driver went at full speed to make up for it lol). This gorgeous 5-star hotel in Lake Atitlan rivals the top hotels in the world. The lake was created over 84,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption. In 2021, three people died from the virus in Utah out of 21 neuroinvasive cases. Santa Cruz is pretty small and quiet. There is a different pricing structure for locals, expats, and tourists. The different shades of yellow and orange are amazing. You can only pay with cash, no cards are accepted. I tried to go with an open mind, but it just was too over-the-top for me. Thats all for now, folks! The kids will laugh at your gringo-ness, but theyll also probably slip you a friendly buenas or even an excited hellooohhh!.