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.

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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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Map of Lake Atitlán

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

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!

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Mar Z. Luna

Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

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.