Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America with estimated maximum depths of 340 metres (and that’s an estimate because there are parts of the lake that have never been fully explored). It’s a vast lake surrounded by dramatic mountains and Mayan villages, and has become one of Guatemala‘s top sights to see for tourists and backpackers.
The best thing about Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, is how different each of the towns are, and how easy it is to get from one to the other – it’s just a dollar or two and a quick boat ride to travel across the lake between each of these towns. I’ve written guides about things to do in each of the towns I’ve been to around Lake Atitlán (and I’ll link to them below, if you want to read more about each town), but here’s a comprehensive list of the best things to do around the whole lake (including some things you can do at several locations, like swimming, cooking classes and boat tours).
Each town around Lake Atitlan has it’s own distinct personality (and you can click the links for things to do in each one):
- Things to do in San Pedro (known as the party town with lots of energetic backpacker energy)
- Things to do in San Marcos (known as the wellness town – think yoga retreats and gong baths)
- Things to do in San Juan (known as the artisanal centre, where you can learn to cook, weave and dye with locals)
- Things to do in Panajachel (known as the “capital” of Lake Atitlán, offering the best infrastructure and connections)
These are the most visited towns around Lake Atitlán, but there are nine in total!
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to Lake Atitlán
Contents
15 Things to Do at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
1. Take a Boat Tour of the Lake
The best way to get a feel for Lake Atitlán is by taking a boat tour around its shores. Public boats (lanchas) run between villages throughout the day, but you can also hire private boats that will take you exactly where you want to go, at the right time. This is a great option for your first day at the lake, so you can get your bearings. It’s also a great thing to do if you don’t have much time; taking a tour allows you to see a lot in a short amount of time, and discover what else you might be interested in doing whilst you’re there.
2. Climb Volcán San Pedro
There are many volcanos that you can climb in Guatemala, but I love Volcán San Pedro (aka San Pedro Volcano) because you can go up and down in the same day. It is quite a challenging hike, but it’s absolutely worth it for the stunning views over the lake.
It is possible to hike it independently, but I strongly recommend going with a guide. These routes are quite secluded, and tourists do get preyed on by bandits mugging unsuspecting hikers. This is much less likely to happen if you go with a local guide, and they can also make sure you stick to the right route and time schedule.
San Pedro Volcano is best accessed from San Pedro La Laguna.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Full Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike
3. Visit the Weaving Cooperatives
The villages around Lake Atitlán are known for their distinctive textiles, with each community having its own patterns and styles. San Juan La Laguna is especially famous for its weaving cooperatives, where you can watch local women work with natural dyes and traditional back-strap looms. You can do this in a number of places but I’d highly recommend going to San Juan La Laguna for this one!
4. Take a Yoga Class
San Marcos La Laguna is Guatemala’s spiritual centre, offering several different yoga classes, retreats, and specialist hotels and hostels. Even if you’re not staying in San Marcos (to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend staying there unless you’re going specifically for the spiritualism), it’s worth heading over for a class. Many yoga classes have stunning views over the lake.
5. Visit Traditional Markets
Each town around Lake Atitlán has its own market days and they’re all really interesting. They tend to have something in common with what that town is known for, so for example you’ll find a lot of weavings and textiles at the market in San Juan. The biggest market is in Panajachel, of course, because this is sort of Lake Atitlán’s capital.
These markets are fantastic places to experience local culture, try traditional foods, and purchase handmade crafts directly from artisans.
6. Go Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
There are tonnes of options for kayaking and paddle boarding on the lake – the best way to arrange this is to ask at your accommodation for options. I’d recommend going really early in the morning when the sun is low and the lake is really still – it makes for incredible views. Most places will rend equipment by the hour or for a half-day.
P.S. If you’re paddle boarding and you think you might fall of, go to somewhere in the lake that’s safe for swimming (some parts of the lake are too polluted by local towns to be safe for swimming in).
7. Take a Coffee Tour
Did you know that coffee has to be grown at a specific altitude? Well, you will if you’ve ever been travelling in Central or South America before, because doing a coffee tour is a really common thing to do here! The volcanic soil and high altitude around Lake Atitlán create perfect conditions for growing coffee, and several farms offer tours where you can learn about the entire process from bean to cup, particularly in San Pedro and San Juan.
8. Explore Nature Reserves
The Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos offers well-maintained trails, stunning viewpoints, and platforms for cliff jumping into the lake. Even if you’re not brave enough for the jump, it’s worth visiting for the views and swimming spots (you can get into the lake without jumping). Close to Panajachel you’ll also find Atitlán Nature Reserve, where we did one of the short hiking trails and saw the butterfly farm (highly recommend!).
9. Take a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class is a really great way to get to know locals and a local community. It’s something I’ve only started doing recently because I used to be vegetarian and finding vegetarian options for this was quite difficult, but I’m more flexible these days. There are some really great experiences at Lake Atitlán that take you to a market visit to buy ingredients, followed by hands-on preparation of dishes like pepián, tamales, and chiles rellenos.
10. Hike the Ridge Trail
The ridge trail connecting Santa Cruz and Jaibalito offers some of the best views of the lake. This moderate hike takes about two hours and provides a different perspective of the lake and volcanoes. If you time it right you can watch the sunset right over the lake. Lake Atitlán offers some of the most spectacular sunsets in Guatemala – just make sure you don’t end up walking back in the dark alone or without a guide!
🇬🇹 Read more: Best Areas & Places to Stay in Lake Atitlan
FAQs About Things to Do in Lake Atitlán
How many days should I spend at Lake Atitlan?
A minimum of 3-4 days is recommended to explore Lake Atitlan properly. This allows time to visit different towns, take part in activities, and truly experience the lake’s unique atmosphere. Many travellers end up staying for a week or more to fully immerse themselves in the different villages and activities available.
Which town should I stay in at Lake Atitlan?
The best town to stay in depends on your interests. San Pedro is perfect for backpackers and nightlife, San Marcos for wellness and spirituality, San Juan for authentic culture and artisanal crafts, Santa Cruz for diving, and Panajachel for convenience and infrastructure. Many visitors choose to split their time between different towns.
Is Lake Atitlan safe for tourists?
Lake Atitlan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. It’s advisable to avoid hiking alone, especially on volcano trails, and to be cautious when walking between towns after dark. Water taxis are the safest way to travel between villages, and it’s recommended to use official boats and guides.
Can you swim in Lake Atitlan?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Atitlan, but it’s important to choose your swimming spots carefully. Some areas are safer than others due to water quality. The best swimming spots are typically near Santa Cruz and San Marcos, where the water is cleaner. Always check local advice about current conditions before swimming.
What’s the best time of year to visit Lake Atitlan?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. December and January offer particularly pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The rainy season (May to October) can still be enjoyable with morning activities, as rain typically falls in the afternoon.
Conclusion
Lake Atitlán is a destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers to culture enthusiasts to spiritual wanderers. Its unique combination of natural beauty, living Mayan culture, and diverse activities makes it a highlight of any trip to Guatemala. Whether you’re learning Spanish, practicing yoga, exploring traditional markets, or simply soaking in the magnificent views, Lake Atitlán provides an unforgettable experience that often leads visitors to extend their stay far longer than planned.