Santa Cruz La Laguna is one of Lake Atitlán’s hidden gems, and whilst it is a little off-piste, it is very welcoming to travellers and you are absolutely safe here. What’s special about Santa Cruz, Guatemala is that it can only be reached either on foot or by boat – there are no roads leading into Santa Cruz, which means it is developing more slowly than its neighbouring visitors on Lake Atitlán.
Santa Cruz is most well known amongst divers, because it is home to the only diving school and dive shop on Lake Atitlán. Diving in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala is quite a unique experience because it is technically an altitude dive (although it’s not massively high up at around 1,500m). This makes it a unique spot for divers and it’s a major reason why people visit Santa Cruz.
We visited here during our trip to Lake Atitlán, despite the fact that I had never dived before and I didn’t have any plans to learn! (Now, one year on, I am kind of coming around to the idea, but I won’t bore you with that story.)
The traditional village of Santa Cruz is also home to some really nice spas, hotels and restaurants, and there are other water sports you can do here besides diving. There are also some great off-the-beaten track hiking trails that go from Santa Cruz.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Complete Travel Guide to Santa Cruz La Laguna
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10 Things to Do in Santa Cruz La Laguna
1. Walk the Lake Trail
The lakeshore path that connects the village of Santa Cruz to neighbouring villages offers some of Lake Atitlán’s best views. You can walk to Jaibalito in about an hour, passing through beautiful scenery and getting glimpses of local life along the way. For a longer, more challenging hike, you can walk to the nearby town of San Marcos in around 5-6 hours.
2. Take a Cooking Class
Several places in Santa Cruz offer cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional Guatemalan dishes. Santa Cruz, as a smaller and less appreciated town on Lake Atitlán, is a great place to take part in an activity like this that gives back to the local community.
3. Go Kayaking
Okay, back to water sports! Santa Cruz is so well known for its water sports that there had to be a few appearances on this list. Santa Cruz’s sheltered position makes it perfect for kayaking, especially in the early morning when the lake is calmest. You can rent kayaks from several places along the waterfront and explore the shoreline at your own pace.
4. Try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Aaand another water sport! Again, the calm waters around Santa Cruz make it ideal for paddle boarding, especially if you’re a beginner or haven’t done much paddle boarding before. Several places rent boards and offer lessons if you need them. Early morning or late afternoon usually offers the best conditions, with lower winds and fewer boats passing by.
5. Visit the Women’s Weaving Cooperative
In the village, you can visit the local women’s cooperative (Women Weavers Santa Cruz Cooperative) where traditional textiles are made using centuries-old techniques. It’s a great place to learn about local crafts and purchase authentic souvenirs directly from the artisans. You can find small women’s weaver cooperatives around Lake Atitlán, the most famous of which is in San Juan, and perhaps even inspired this one in Santa Cruz.
6. Go Swimming
Several spots along the shoreline are perfect for swimming, with some hotels maintaining private beaches for their guests. Again Santa Cruz’s secluded location comes to the rescue, as the water quality here is generally better than in the more developed parts of the lake.
7. Watch the Sunrise
Santa Cruz’s east-facing position makes it perfect for watching the sunrise over the lake and volcanoes. The early morning light creating a perfect reflection on the still water is truly a spectacular sight.
8. Go Diving… of course!
Like I said, I have never been a diver, so I can’t tell you much more than that Santa Cruz is home to Lake Atitlán’s only diving school and shop (ATI Divers) and most people come to Santa Cruz either to dive or to learn how. You don’t have to take a special certificate to dive at altitude but there are a few additional things to consider before you go, which ATI divers can teach you about before you go.
9. Explore by Boat
From Santa Cruz, you can hire a local lancha (small boat) for a private tour of the lake. The captain can take you to secluded spots that you can’t get to on the public boat, and share local knowledge about the area.
10. Visit the CECAP Vocational School
This project provides vocational training to local youth to improve their opportunities in life. You can visit their restaurant, where students practice their culinary skills, or shop for handicrafts made by students in their artisan program.
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in Santa Cruz La Laguna
FAQs About Santa Cruz La Laguna
Is Santa Cruz safe to visit?
Yes, Santa Cruz La Laguna is a safe destination for travellers. The village’s isolated location, accessible only by boat or foot, contributes to its security. The local community is welcoming to visitors, and the lack of road access means there’s very little crime. However, as with any destination, it’s wise to take normal precautions, especially when hiking between villages.
How do I get to Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz La Laguna is only accessible by boat or on foot. The most common way to reach Santa Cruz is by taking a public lancha (boat) from Panajachel, which runs regularly throughout the day. The journey takes about 15 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also hike from neighbouring villages, though this should only be attempted during daylight hours.
Are there ATMs in Santa Cruz?
No, there are no ATMs in Santa Cruz La Laguna. It’s essential to bring enough cash with you from Panajachel or other larger towns. Most small businesses and restaurants in Santa Cruz operate on a cash-only basis, though some larger hotels may accept credit cards.
What’s the best time of year to visit Santa Cruz?
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall and more stable weather conditions, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. However, the shoulder seasons (May and October) can also be pleasant with fewer tourists and lower prices.
What accommodation options are available in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels. Most accommodations are located along the lakeshore rather than in the highland village. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, as options are more limited compared to other Lake Atitlán destinations.
Conclusion
Santa Cruz La Laguna offers a unique Lake Atitlán experience, away from the tourist crowds yet with enough amenities to make for a comfortable stay. The split between the peaceful tourist area by the lake and the traditional village above provides visitors with two distinct perspectives on lake life. While it might not have the extensive facilities of some other lake towns, its authentic atmosphere, stunning views, and peaceful environment make it a special destination for those seeking to experience a more genuine side of Lake Atitlán.