logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
logo
  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class

855-997-4652LoginTry a Free Class

  • Programs
    • Preschool
    • Elementary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • Adults
    • School Solutions
  • School Solutions
  • Pricing
  • How it Works
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • My Cart
  • Login
  • Try a Free Class
July 1, 2021 by Mar Z. Luna Our Top Picks 0 comments

Top 12 Must-Visit Towns of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. El lago de Atitlán is famous for its unique and mesmerizing beauty. 

Imagine an immense lake with sparkling water, surrounded by three majestic volcanoes in a basin full of trees, lush greenery, and wildflowers. 

The climate is perfect and eternally springlike, so there’s no need for air conditioning or heat. The dry season is from November to April. The rainy season starts in May and keeps the diverse vegetation in full bloom. 

Lake Atitlán, Guatemala features many incredible things to do—and it’s the perfect place for a quiet retreat and to reconnect to nature. It’s home to many indigenous Mayan people. Keep reading to discover the details about 12 amazing Mayan villages at Lake Atitlán.

Download FREE Towns of Lake Atitlán Checklist

Type your name and email below to get your Towns of Lake Atitlán Checklist!

12 Fabulous Villages at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

There are several splendid villages surrounding the lake, and each has its own style and energy. Here are my top 12 recommendations for you to visit when you’re in beautiful Guatemala.

1. Panajachel

Panajachel is known as a tourist town, and many travelers stay here. Pana is popular because it has many accommodations ranging from economical hostels to fancy hotels like Porta Hotel Del Lago which is one of the best hotels with a pool, buffet, and lake views. 

Panajachel is a well-developed town on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala where you’ll find amazing local shopping if you’re looking for souvenirs or unique items from Guatemala. Pana is an easy travel option with a large expat community, a bustling market, and incomparable views of the sunset over the lake each evening. 

Panajachel
Source

2. Santa Cruz La Laguna

Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is at the top of an incredibly steep hill. You can take a tuk-tuk or hike it yourself for a great workout. Santa Cruz is a quaint and traditional Mayan town. Santa Cruz can be nice for a day trip and if you go, check out CECAP, a local nonprofit training center with a lovely gift shop and a restaurant on the top floor. 

Another cool activity Santa Cruz has to offer is scuba diving. If you’re looking for more adventure, that’s it! Diving is exhilarating, and according to some legends, Atlantis could be down there, so why not check it out?

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

3. Jaibalito

Jaibalito is a tiny village only accessible by boat or hiking trails. It’s worth checking out if you like small town churches and traditional Guatemalan music. There isn’t much to do in Jaibalito, but if you like to explore and see a more remote town around the lake, this is it. 

It feels like a well-kept secret that not many visit but those who do are fortunate to experience. Posada Jaibalito is a great place to eat delicious and affordable food like typical breakfasts and fresh salads.

Jaibalito
Source

4. San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos is known as a hippie town but it also has several beautiful hotels such as Lush Atitlan that are adored by more upscale travelers. San Marcos La Laguna is known for its mystical pull, and it’s one of the most popular spots in Central America for yoga and meditation. 

In San Marcos, you can get a massage, have your birth chart read, participate in a cacao ceremony, and much more. If you’re looking for a spiritual experience, San Marcos is for you. San Marcos is also home to Reserva Natural del Cerro Tzankujil, a beautiful reserve with trails that lead to a platform from which you can jump into the lake.  

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

5. San Pedro La Laguna 

San Pedro, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is an affordable backpacker town and a popular spot for long-term travelers. It has a wide variety of accommodations including Hotel Mikaso, a fun nightlife scene, and loads of international restaurants. 

You will see many travelers in the section of San Pedro near the lake shore, and if you walk up the hill, you’ll find the Mayan part of the town with shops and the market. Athletically-inclined visitors love to climb San Pedro volcano or the Indian Nose for a stunning panoramic view of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala at sunrise.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

6. Santiago Atitlán

The largest town on Lake Atitlan Guatemala is Santiago Atitlán. It has a 17th-century church where locals make handmade clothes for their patron saint, among many other interesting traditions. The view of the lake from Santiago is one of the most beautiful ones. 

Even though it is a bit isolated, public boats are available from Panajachel and San Pedro. Some of the activities here include birdwatching, going to local spas, and taking a yoga class across the bay at the Mystical Yoga Farm. There’s also plenty of shopping along the main street in town with stalls full of colorful Mayan textiles, beautiful wooden carvings, paintings, and more.

Santiago Atitlán
Source

7. San Juan La Laguna

Many people are captivated by San Juan La Laguna because of its colorful cooperatives that sell clothing, shawls, handbags, and other products made with cotton and natural dyes, friendly locals and immaculate streets. 

You can learn how to weave from a group of Mayan women at Lema, a collective in town. Everyone who goes falls in love with this picturesque Tzutujil Maya village. 

San Juan is just a three-minute boat ride from San Pedro so it isn’t so difficult to get to and it can be a nice break from a noisier town. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

San Juan la Laguna
Source

8. Santa Catarina Palopó

Santa Catarina Palopó is a pretty town where you can enjoy an easy hike along the shoreline. Outdoor activities are a big attraction at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, and Santa Catarina Palopó is no exception. This town is home to small hot springs in the lake and cute cafes. 

Santa Catarina is easily accessible from Panajachel. You can get there by walking, taking a tuk-tuk, or hopping in the back of a collectivo (pickup truck). 

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

9. San Lucas Tolimán

San Lucas Tolimán is a municipality in the department of Sololá. The population is about 17,000 and it is on the southeastern shore of the lake. About 95% of the population is Maya, which makes it authentically Guatemalan and a great place to visit for a full immersion experience.

San Lucas Tolimán is located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, and it offers a little bit of everything, from nature hikes to luxury hotels. The highlights in San Lucas Tolimán include nature reserves, which are great places to take extraordinary photos. The people are friendly, and it’s a quiet atmosphere if you’re looking to unwind. Another reason why people love to visit San Lucas Tolimán are the epic sunsets. 

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

10. San Pablo La Laguna

San Pablo La Laguna is an ideal spot for walking and hanging out along the lake shore. Las Cristalinas is the go-to spot for all the beach lovers out there. It also has a restaurant so you can grab a bite by the shore.

The town is lovely, and it has a small square with a church. I recommend visiting as many churches as possible because you can find the essence of each town around the churches. 

San Pablo la Laguna
Source

11. San Antonio Palopo

San Antonio Palopó is a quaint and colorful small town with hidden gems. It’s somewhat remote and located past Santa Catarina, about 30 minutes from Panajachel. 

There’s a beautiful church in the main square and if you hike up, the view is astonishing. 

Many travelers enjoy learning how to make pottery, shopping for traditional clothes, and visit ingthe weaving cooperative in San Antonio Palopó, Trama Textiles.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

12.Santa Clara La Laguna

Santa Clara is up the mountain from San Pablo La Laguna and it is perfect for adventure seekers. It’s a great place for a hike, and you can access the Rostro Maya (Indian Nose) from here, as well. 

The Chuiraxamoló Eco-Park is a place for daring travelers and worth checking out. Take a zip-line ride over Chuiraxamoló Eco-Park for an unforgettable thrill. 

Lake Atitlan Guatemala
Source

Map of Lake Atitlán 

Check out this map of Lake Atitlán so you can be sure to visit every location that appeals to you!

Map
Source

Learn Spanish While You Travel

Traveling is the best immersive experience to learn Spanish, which is the fastest-growing language in the U.S. In the United States alone, there are approximately 53 million people who speak Spanish, and this number continues to grow. The U.S. is currently the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. According to CNN, there are 41 million native Spanish speakers in the U.S. who speak Spanish in their homes. 

If you’re a traveler, there are no two better languages to speak than English and Spanish to travel all over America. To learn or brush up on your Spanish before your trip, sign up for a free trial class with one of our friendly, certified teachers from Guatemala!

sign up for a free trial class
Sign up for your FREE TRIAL CLASS today!

Want to learn more about Latin American culture? Check out our latest posts!

  • 9 Free Homeschool Curriculum Options with Daily Lesson Plans
  • The 10 Most Impressive Spanish Books to Read Before College (And Why They Matter)
  • 10 Simple Spanish Words Your Preschooler Can Learn This Week
  • 9 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Engaged in Spanish (Even if They’re Already Fluent)
  • French vs Spanish: 7 Reasons Spanish Could Be a Strong Long-Term Investment
  • 7 Creative Ways to Maintain Spanish Fluency at Home — Perfect for Elementary Kids
  • The Best Spanish Learning Podcasts for Kids
  • Raising a Bilingual Child: 10 Must-Have Resources Every Parent Needs
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Mar Z. Luna
Mar Z. Luna
Freelance Writer at Learn Grow Travel
Mar Z. Luna is a published writer and communicator who loves to explore and educate. She majored in Communications and strives to help others improve their lives. She recently published a book, Inside, and has contributed to different publications such as Que Pasa Magazine. Communicating comes naturally to her and she hopes to simplify what seems complex by using reliable sources and her teaching experience. You can find her at www.learngrowtravel.com
Mar Z. Luna
Latest posts by Mar Z. Luna (see all)
  • Top 20 Guatemalan Words and Slang Expressions You Should Know - January 2, 2025
  • How to Immerse Yourself in Spanish While at Home - December 12, 2024
  • 13 Famous Hispanic Women in History Who Made Enormous Impact - January 23, 2023
curated list
0

Related Posts

Key Benefits of Learning Soanish

3 Key Benefits to Being Bilingual in the Workforce

March 1, 2018
Read More
Storybooks

6 Storybooks in Spanish Your Kids Will Love

March 29, 2018
Read More
common fears

4 Common Fears About Learning a Second Language and How to Overcome Them

April 16, 2018
Read More
Spanish Adaptations

4 of your Child’s Favorite Games that have Spanish Adaptations

May 6, 2018
Read More

Leave a Comment! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Traveler's Guide to La Morisma Festival in MexicoPrevious Post
The Spectacular Laguna Lachuá National Park in Alta Verapaz, GuatemalaNext Post

About Us

With over 10 years of experience, HSA is where your goals merge with our teachers’ passion: to improve your Spanish fluency. Custom-tailored to fit your needs, you choose your program, schedule, favorite teachers, pace of learning, and more.. Learn More

Resources

  • About
  • Get a Transcript
  • FAQs
  • How it Works
  • Partners

Recent Posts

  • 10 Essential Ways to Use “Que” in Spanish
    10 Essential Ways to Use “Que” in Spanish
    June 1, 2025
    Have you ever wondered how to use “que” in...
  • Which Family Language Strategy Works for You?
    Which Family Language Strategy Works for You?
    May 31, 2025
    If you want to help your child learn a new...

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Us© 2022 HSA. All rights reserved.