Like all of the towns around Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, Santa Cruz La Laguna has its own unique character. It’s one of the more peaceful and traditional villages around the lake, known for its stunning views and local Kaqchikel Maya community.
Although boats are frequently used to travel around Lake Atitlán, what makes Santa Cruz particularly special is that it’s only accessible by boat – there are no roads connecting it to other towns, which has helped preserve its charm. It’s not as well-known or touristy as other towns around Lake Atitlán, which makes it all the more special.
Public boats (lanchas) run regularly throughout the day from Santa Cruz la Laguna to Panajachel, and to other towns around Lake Atitlán. Of course it depends on where you’re going to or from, but it’s usually just a 10-15 minute ride across the lake.
If Lake Atitlán is going to be the first stop on your trip, find out how to get to Lake Atitlán from Guatemala City Airport in this article.
🇬🇹 Read more: How to Get from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
Contents
- About Santa Cruz La Laguna
- Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
- Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz
- FAQs About Santa Cruz
- Conclusion
About Santa Cruz La Laguna
Santa Cruz is actually split into two distinct parts – the lakeside area where most tourists stay, and the local village up in the hills. The lakeside strip is where you’ll find most of the hotels, restaurants and dive shops, while the traditional village sits about 100 metres above the lake, connected by a steep concrete path.
The village has managed to maintain much of its traditional way of life, with local women still wearing traditional dress and a lot of families working in agriculture or weaving. Unlike some of the more touristy spots around Lake Atitlán, Santa Cruz doesn’t have the party scene of San Pedro or the expensive wellness retreats of San Marcos. It’s much more laid-back and genuine, and it’s important to be mindful of that if you visit.
One thing to note is that there aren’t any cash machines in Santa Cruz, so make sure you bring enough cash with you from Panajachel or wherever you are before you come here. There are also fewer shops than in the bigger towns, though you can find basic supplies.
The local village of Santa Cruz sits high above the lake and offers some of the best views you’ll find anywhere around Lake Atitlán. The walk up is steep but totally worth it – you’ll get amazing views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. In the village itself, you can find small local shops, a beautiful church, and get a real glimpse of daily life in a traditional Maya community.
Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
Most accommodation in Santa Cruz is concentrated along the lakeshore, and this is the best place to stay. To be respectful to the locals, I’d recommend only staying in the village if you’re sure you’re welcome and contributing to a local business or family.
La Iguana Perdida is probably the most famous hostel in town, known for its social atmosphere and family dinners. It’s a great place to meet other travellers and they offer both dorm beds and private rooms.
For those looking for something a bit more upmarket, Arca de Noé and Hotel Isla Verde both offer beautiful rooms with stunning lake views. These places tend to be quieter than the hostels but still have that laid-back Lake Atitlán vibe.
🇬🇹 Read more: Where to Stay in Santa Cruz
Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz doesn’t have as many organised activities as some of the other lake towns, but it makes up for it with authenticity and natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do:
Scuba Diving
Santa Cruz is actually the main hub for scuba diving in Lake Atitlán. The lake is at quite a high altitude which makes for a really unique diving experience, and you can see underwater volcanic formations and hot springs. ATI Divers is the main dive shop in town and they offer both introductory dives and PADI certification courses. Lake Atitlán is also the deepest lake in Central America!
Hiking
The hills around Santa Cruz offer some fantastic hiking opportunities. You can walk to neighbouring villages like Jaibalito (about an hour along the lakeshore), or tackle some of the higher trails for incredible views. Just make sure to ask locally about current trail conditions and safety. I’d always recommend taking a local guide; it doesn’t cost much, and they can keep you safe and take you places you might not get the chance to see otherwise.
Traditional Cooking Classes
Amigos de Santa Cruz, a local non-profit organisation, runs excellent cooking classes where you can learn to make traditional Guatemalan dishes. It’s a great way to support the local community while learning something new and trying the local cuisine.
Of course, like anywhere on Lake Atitlán, one of the best things you can do is to visit some of the other unique towns and villages around the lake. All you have to do is go down to the dock and hop onto a public boat that will take you to various other towns surrounding Lake Atitlan.
🇬🇹 Read more: The Best Things to Do in Santa Cruz
FAQs About Santa Cruz
How do I get to Santa Cruz La Laguna?
Santa Cruz is only accessible by boat, with regular public lanchas running from Panajachel and other Lake Atitlán towns throughout the day. The journey from Panajachel typically takes 10-15 minutes.
Are there ATMs in Santa Cruz?
No, there are no ATMs in Santa Cruz. Make sure to bring enough cash with you from Panajachel or other larger towns around the lake before arriving.
What makes Santa Cruz different from other Lake Atitlán towns?
Santa Cruz uniquely preserves its traditional character as it’s only accessible by boat. It’s split between a tourist-friendly lakeside area and an authentic highland village, offering a more genuine glimpse of Maya culture than some of the lake’s more developed towns.
Is it safe to walk up to the village of Santa Cruz?
Yes, the walk up to the village is safe, though steep. The concrete path is well-maintained, and the views are worth the climb. However, it’s always wise to ask locally about current conditions and consider hiring a guide for longer hikes.
Can I scuba dive in Lake Atitlán if I’m a beginner?
Yes, ATI Divers in Santa Cruz offers both introductory dives and PADI certification courses. The high-altitude lake provides a unique diving experience suitable for various skill levels.
What’s the best way to experience local culture in Santa Cruz?
Consider taking a traditional cooking class with Amigos de Santa Cruz, visiting the highland village, and respecting local customs. The town offers a more authentic experience of Maya culture compared to some of the lake’s more touristy areas.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful base to explore Lake Atitlán from, or just fancy a day trip to somewhere more traditional, Santa Cruz offers a glimpse of authentic Guatemalan life that’s becoming harder to find in some of the lake’s more developed towns.