When it comes to visiting Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by choice. The lake is surrounded by several unique towns and villages, each with its own distinct character and charm. The good news is that you really can’t go wrong – no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be able to easily explore all the other spots around the lake.
Contents
- Getting to Lake Atitlán
- Towns Around Lake Atitlán
- Getting Around Lake Atitlán
- Where to Stay
- Money
- Lake Atitlán FAQs
- Conclusion
Getting to Lake Atitlán
If you’re travelling from Antigua (like most people do), the easiest way to reach Lake Atitlán is to take a bus or shuttle to Panajachel first. From there, you can hop on a boat to reach any of the towns around the lake. Try to avoid taking chicken buses directly to towns on the far side of the lake like San Pedro or San Marcos – the mountain roads can be quite dicey and aren’t really meant for tourists.
(That’s what we tried to do, and we really, really regretted it – you can read that story in How to Take the Chicken Bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlán!)
If you’re arriving from Guatemala City Airport, you’ll want to arrange transport to Panajachel first and then take a boat to your final destination.
🇬🇹 Read more: 5 Ways to Get from Guatemala Airport to Lake Atitlán
Towns Around Lake Atitlán
San Pedro La Laguna
Known as the party spot of Lake Atitlán, San Pedro is actually quite calm during the week, with most of the partying happening on weekends. The famous Mr Mullet’s Party Hostel keeps things lively all week long, but beyond that it’s a bit quiet! Beyond the party scene, San Pedro offers:
- A bustling local market with fresh produce and traditional crafts
- Multiple Spanish schools with accommodation options
- Seriously great views of the lake
- Access to hiking San Pedro Volcano
🇬🇹 Read more about San Pedro La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna
Just a short tuk-tuk ride from San Pedro, San Juan offers a more laid-back, artistic vibe. Here you’ll find:
- Casa Flor Ixcaco, a really cool women-owned weaving cooperative
- Mirador Kaqasiiwaan (Cerro de la Cruz) viewpoint
- Colourful street art and graffiti
- La Calle de las Sombrillas (street of umbrellas)
- Local coffee and chocolate tours
- Spanish schools with a more chilled-out student crowd
🇬🇹 Read more about San Juan La Laguna
San Marcos La Laguna
San Marcos is the spiritual and wellness hub of Lake Atitlán, though it felt a little upmarket to us. Ok, if I’m being really honest (and a bit judgy), it really seemed to cater more towards rich, American digital nomads looking to put hot yoga on their Instagram stories than it is catered to real spiritual experiences.
The main attractions include:
- Holistic retreats and wellness centres
- Yoga classes and meditation sessions
- Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve for cliff jumping (entry around 20 Quetzales)
- Alternative healing practices like Reiki and sound healing
🇬🇹 Read more about San Marcos La Laguna
Getting Around Lake Atitlán
The main mode of transport between towns is by public boat (lancha). These run regularly throughout the day, starting early and stopping around 5-7pm, depending on the company and your destination. A few tips for boat travel:
- If you buy a return ticket, you’ll need to use the same company for your return journey (many different companies offer boat rides)
- Different boat companies have different schedules for their last departure
- Prices are generally quite low
For shorter distances between neighbouring towns (like San Pedro to San Juan), tuk-tuks are a cheap and convenient option.
Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán
Your choice of accommodation really depends on what you’re after:
- For partying: Mr Mullet’s Party Hostel in San Pedro
- For wellness: Eagle’s Nest or Yoga Forest in San Marcos
- For Spanish study: Many schools offer homestays or student accommodation
- For lake views: Hotel Amigos in San Pedro
- For a more local experience: Chirris Hostel in San Juan
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan
Money
Cash machines can be expensive around Lake Atitlán, particularly in smaller towns where they only have 5B machines which charge high fees. It’s worth withdrawing cash in Panajachel where there are more options, or better yet, bring enough cash with you for your stay.
Lake Atitlán Travel FAQs
What’s the best town to stay in at Lake Atitlán?
Each town offers a unique experience: San Pedro for nightlife and Spanish schools, San Marcos for wellness and yoga, and San Juan for local culture and art. Since boats run frequently between towns until early evening, you can easily explore them all regardless of where you stay.
How do I get from Antigua to Lake Atitlán?
The safest and most comfortable option is taking a shuttle bus to Panajachel, then a boat to your final destination. While chicken buses are available, they’re not recommended for the mountain routes around the lake.
How late do the boats run on Lake Atitlán?
Public boats (lanchas) typically run from early morning until 5-7pm, depending on the company and route. It’s important to check the last departure time for your specific route, as different companies have varying schedules.
Is it safe to swim in Lake Atitlán?
While swimming is possible in designated areas, it’s important to be aware that some parts of the lake have water quality issues. The Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos is a popular spot for safe swimming and cliff jumping.
How many days should I spend at Lake Atitlán?
A minimum of 3-4 days is recommended to explore the different towns and experience the lake’s various activities. If you’re planning to take Spanish classes or join a retreat, consider staying for at least a week.
Where can I find reliable ATMs around Lake Atitlán?
Panajachel offers the most reliable and affordable ATM options. Other towns mainly have 5B machines with higher fees, so it’s recommended to withdraw cash in Panajachel or bring enough for your stay.
Conclusion & Final Tips!
- Don’t stress too much about which town to stay in – you can easily visit them all by boat
- Book wellness retreats in advance, especially in San Marcos
- If hiking San Pedro Volcano, always go with a guide for safety
- Many Spanish schools offer accommodation with local families – a great way to practice your Spanish
- Markets tend to be pricier in tourist-heavy areas, but remember this benefits the local economy