Lake Atitlan is widely known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world! In addition to being the deepest lake in all of Central America, it is also surrounded by 3 volcanoes. There are 11 villages nestled around Lake Atitlan, each with its unique Mayan culture and traditions. Lake Atitlan is definitely a must visit location in Guatemala and this post covers how to spend 2 days there.
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Table of Contents
As I mentioned Lake Atitlan has 11 villages around it but with only 2 days in Lake Atitlan, you will only have time to explore 2-3 villages a day.
Day 1
You should explore the villages on the west side of the lake on one day and the east on day two or vice verse so that you don’t waste time going back and forth. In this itinerary we will explore the east on day 1. Whether you explore 2 or 3 will depend on how much time you spend at each village. If you are traveling by public boat, you will need to get to the dock by 5 pm.
San Juan la Laguna
Start day 1 of your 2 days in Lake Atitlan in the beautiful town of San Juan la Laguna. To me, San Juan (for short) is the most colorful and also the most interesting! There is a lot you can do in San Juan and it’s probably where you will spend most of your time. Here are some things you can do in San Juan:
- Wander La Calle de las Sombrillas and Calle de las Artes
- Explore Calle de los Sombreros
- Learn all about chocolate at Licor Marron
- Learn about Mayan textile weaving methods with a live demo at Casa Del Tejido y Tours. Their shop has some beautiful household and clothing items!
- Check out XUNAH KAAB and their honey bees. I learned so much about honey and got to taste some really great products
- Grab a bite or something to drink at Caffe La Cabaña
Once you are done exploring San Juan, take a tuk-tuk to Mirador Kaqasiiwaan. This short hike up steps gives you stunning views of the entire lake! You can ask the tuk-tuk driver to wait for you or you can hail another tuk-tuk from Mirador Kaqasiiwaan to San Pedro. On the way to San Pedro, stop at Mirador Kayibal for a quick photo opp.
San Pedro la Laguna
Once at San Pedro check out Vista de Pájaro, Parque Puerta Hermosa and wander around the area near the boat dock. There are lots of restaurants and bars with lake views if you want to grab a cocktail or a late lunch.
Santiago
If you have at least 2 hours to go before 5 pm, you could hop over to Santiago from San Pedro. You can do this via boat. Once at Santiago, check out the following:
- St. James the apostle church
- Mirador Del valle
- Art galleries
Remember to make it to the boat by 5 PM.
Day 2
Panajachel
Spend day 2 of your 2 days in Lake Atitlan on the east side of the lake. Once again start early and explore Panajachel first. Go to Mirador del Lago Atitlán (even better at sunrise) and walk down Calle Santander. Wander around Panajachel a bit before taking a tuk-tuk to Santa Catarina Palopo.
Santa Catarina Palopo
At Santa Catarina Palopo, you can check out the main square with the small church and take the steps to Pintando Santa Catarina Palopó. From here climb higher for views of the village. The road leading to the boat dock has textile cooperatives operated by woman. Textiles are a specialty of Santa Catarina. Mirador De Santa Catarina has amazing views of the volcanoes.
San Marco
Next , take a tuk-tuk back to Panajachel and then a boat ride to either San Marco or you can spend the rest of your time at La Casa del Mundo close to Santa Cruz (see the “With More Time” section below for more on this).
If you chose to go to Marco, the village is small and not a lot to do but you can still explore the main drag. San Marco is a very hippie town but my favorite thing about it was a boutique hotel called Kula Maya. I spend the rest of my 2 days in Lake Atitlan relaxing in front of the pool at Kula Maya with the volcanoes in the foreground.
Tips for Lake Atitlan
- Start your day at least by 9 am if you want to see 3 villages in one day and also since you only have 2 days in Lake Atitlan
- If you have the means, get a private boat or lancha to take you across the lake as public boats don’t leave until they have enough passengers which can take forever and is a time waster in my opinion.
- Keep some cash on you for tuk-tuks and the boats and ask the price before you get in
- If you book accommodation where public boats don’t go to, see if your accommodation provider can help you get a boat to bring you there
- Sometimes even public boats stop at private docks and piers, you just have to stand out on the dock and wave
- The best views are from the villages on the east side of the lake (Panajachel, San Marco, Santa Cruz). This is because they face all 3 volcanoes
- Public boats stop running around 5 pm typically. You should definitely ask so that you know what time to make it back
How to Get to Lake Atitlan
There are a few recommended ways of getting to Lake Atitlan:
- Private shuttle
- Shared shuttle
- Self-drive
Private shuttles while expensive can give you the flexibility on arrival and departure times. It also maybe a good option if you have a group of people so that you can split the cost. Shared shuttles are the most cost effective, however, most drop you off at Panajachel and you will need to get to your accommodation from there. I drove myself to Lake Atitlan. I rented an SUV for 6 days and it only cost me $120. Considering how much I would have paid for shuttles from the airport to Antigua, Antigua to Lake Atitlan and back and then from Antigua back to the airport, I think the car rental came to be much cheaper. One call out is that the road is winding but it’s not a bad drive.
Check rental car options HERE.
I do not recommend catching a chicken bus, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. They are cheap but they can be unsafe at times.
See options below for private shuttles:
How to Get Around Lake Atitlan
Lanchas
The best way to get around Lake Atitlan is by local boats also known as lanchas. These commuter boats zip you across the lake for a small fee. One thing to note is that the fee for locals is a lot lower than it is for tourists so don’t get offended by this.
To catch a lancha, you will need to go to the main dock at each village. If you are in a hotel that has a pier or dock, just stand at the end and wave. Lanchas can be private or public. Private boats of course are more expensive, but you have the boat to yourself. Definitely negotiate before you get in. Public lanchas have a set price but one thing to note about them is that they will stop at every dock and pier and wait for a certain number of passengers before they take off. This can be a bit of a time waster if you have a busy schedule!
Here are some sample prices for public boats but keep in mind that this could change.
- Panajachel to Santa Cruz La Laguna: Q10
- Panajachel to San Pedro: Q25
- Panajachel to Santiago: Q25
- San Pedro to Santiago: Q10P
Public boats start early morning and stop running around 5 pm. You should definitely ask so that you know what time to get back.
Tuk-tuks
Tuk-tuks are a great way to travel between two close by villages like San Juan and San Pedro la Laguna or Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopo for example. Make sure you ask how much it is before you get in and you can negotiate too.
Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan
When in doubt, Panajachel is always a good idea! Why Pana? Because it is well connected boat wise and is also bigger and has more accommodation options.
I stayed at Porta Hotel del Lago and had a good stay. They have a pool and a hot tub and buffet style restaurant. It’s definitely one of the bigger hotels around Lake Atitlan and is a resort hotel. The views from the hotel were also fantastic! Check it out HERE.
Another cute location is Socialtel Atitlan. It get’s good reviews and is great if you are looking to make friends! They also have free yoga classes. See HERE.
Atitlan Sunset Lodge gets very high reviews and it located in a more secluded area in Santa Cruz. Ideal if you are looking to get away from it all! See HERE.
If you are looking for a slightly more elevated experience, then Kula Maya in San Marco is just perfect. This boutique hotel is very dreamy with a pool and hot tub overlooking the lake. The food here is also fantastic and they had massages for a reasonable price. Check it out HERE.
La Casa del Mundo offers Instagram worthy views not just because of Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes but also has a beautiful property. Relax in the garden, enjoy their hot tub or eat some of their yummy food. See HERE. They book up fast so you need to make a reservation in advance if you want to stay here.
What to Wear
Given that villages around lake Atitlan is home to the Mayan people who wear their traditional attire, clothing can be a little on the conservative side. Shorts and tanks are fine but save anything lighter for water related activities or the hotels and hostels you are staying at. Bring a jacket! It can get cold on the lanchas in the evening especially as they speed through the water.
With More Time in Lake Atitlan
As I mentioned, instead of 2 days, you could easily spend at least a week in Lake Atitlan as there is so much to do here. Below I have listed a few things that you can do if you have more time in and around the lake.
Visit the Other Villages
Visit the villages you couldn’t get to with just 2 days in Lake Atitlan if you have more time there. You can easily take things slow and enjoy the vibe of each village.
Indian Nose Hike
Do the Indian Nose hike – This is a short but steep hike that offers stunning vistas of the lake and volcanoes. The hike is usually done during sunrise. Don’t attempt to do this hike on your own. Instead, join a tour like the one below for your safety. The tours below offer pick up from San Juan, San Pedro la Laguna or Panajachel.
Sip and Paint
Selina Beach Bar in Panajachel offers a sip and paint that is in a great location, especially during sunset.
Practice Yoga
Hone in on your yoga practice. Lake Atitlan is well known among the yoga community and there are several places that offer yoga classes. Eagles Nest in San Marco is very poplar and Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz gets good reviews. As I mentioned, Socialtel Atitlan even offers yoga classes to their guests!
Enjoy a Thermal bath
You can check out Los Termales in San Pedro la Laguna for athermal bath or go to The Aguas Termales Natural at Santa Catarina Palopó where there is a natural pool made of rocks just by the lake.
Learn Spanish
There are several immersive Spanish learning classes that you can take around the lake. If you have always wanted to learn Spanish then this is a good opportunity to do so.
Paddleboard or Kayak on the Lake
The water on the lake is so calm that it makes for ideal kayaking or paddleboarding conditions! Check out Kayak Guatemala Los Elementos Adventure Center, Stand Up Paddle Atitlan or guateSUP in Santa Cruz or there are several locations in San Pedro la Laguna.
Spend a Day at La Casa del Mundo
This Instagram favorite hotel is actually a very popular spot to spend the day. It’s perfectly located facing the volcanoes and is big enough to just relax and watch the clouds go by on its beautifully manicured lawn. They have hammocks, various balconies and sitting areas and even a hot tub. Highly recommend a day pass if you are not staying here.
Tours
From a Mayan cooking class to AVT tours, there are so many things you could do in Lake Atitaln if you have the time! Check out more options below!
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