San Marcos La Laguna, nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán, has earned a reputation as Guatemala‘s spiritual and wellness hub.
This small lakeside village attracts yogis, spiritual seekers, and those looking to disconnect from the hectic pace of modern life. The town’s nightlife is significantly quieter than many of its neighbouring towns, especially San Pedro which is known as the party town.
I have said it before and I’ll say it again, just in case you haven’t read my other articles… San Marcos, to us, felt very much catered to wealthy digital nomads and Instagrammers. It didn’t feel particularly authentic, and it was full of these kinds of people.
If that’s the kind of vibe you’re going for, then by all means, you’ll love it! But if you’re looking for something quiet and spiritual, San Marcos is probably not the right spot for you.
Accommodation options in San Marcos are a little pricier than many other places in Lake Atitlán, but they often come with more amenities and free activities like yoga or meditation sessions.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to San Marcos La Laguna
Contents
- Hostels in San Marcos La Laguna
- Regular Hotels in San Marcos La Laguna
- Upscale Hotels in San Marcos La Laguna
- Wellness Retreats in San Marcos
- How Long to Stay in San Marcos
- A Note About Location
- San Marcos La Laguna Accommodation FAQs
- Conclusion
Hostels in San Marcos La Laguna
Best for: Budget Travellers & Yoga Fans
The hostels in San Marcos have a distinctly different feel from those you’ll find elsewhere around the lake. Instead of party vibes, expect morning meditation sessions, communal vegetarian kitchens, and plenty of spaces for yoga practice. Many hostels here focus on creating a peaceful environment that aligns with the town’s spiritual atmosphere.
One thing to note is that San Marcos hostels tend to be quieter than those in San Pedro or Panajachel, which might not be the best choice if you’re looking to socialise.
Best Hostels in San Marcos
- Hostal Del Lago – Stunning lake views and vegetarian breakfast
- Maya Moon Lodge – Great views and access to the lake
- ATI Hostel & Beach Club – Free breakfast and beach access
Regular Hotels in San Marcos La Laguna
Best for: Comfortable Mid-Range Stays
The mid-range hotels in San Marcos often blur the line between hotel and retreat centre. Many incorporate elements of wellness and spirituality into their offer, like yoga decks, meditation spaces, and organic gardens.
You’ll find most of these scattered along the hillside, offering beautiful views over the lake. Many are built using natural materials and traditional techniques, helping you feel more connected to the surrounding nature.
Best Regular Hotels in San Marcos
- Hotel La Paz – Peaceful gardens and lake views
- Lush Atitlán – Eco-friendly hostel with permaculture gardens
Upscale Hotels in San Marcos La Laguna
Best for: Luxury Wellness Experience
While San Marcos isn’t known for conventional luxury hotels, it offers some truly exceptional upscale wellness properties. These combine high-end amenities with spiritual and holistic experiences, creating unique stays that you won’t find anywhere else around the lake.
Most luxury properties in San Marcos focus on providing a complete wellness experience rather than just accommodation. Expect features like infinity pools overlooking the lake, high-end spa services, gourmet vegetarian restaurants, and expert-led wellness programming.
Best Upscale Hotels in San Marcos
- Laguna Lodge – Eco-luxury with exceptional service
- Anzan Atitlán – Modern luxury with traditional Mayan influences
Wellness Retreats in San Marcos
Best for: Deep Healing & Spiritual Growth
San Marcos is famous for its wellness retreats, ranging from weekend workshops to month-long immersive experiences. These centres typically offer all-inclusive packages that combine accommodation with various healing modalities, workshops, and spiritual practices.
During my time here, I participated in several retreat programmes, and what stood out was the authenticity and depth of the offerings. Unlike some wellness destinations that feel commercialised, San Marcos maintains a genuine commitment to spiritual growth and healing.
Best Wellness Retreats in San Marcos
- The Yoga Forest – Immersive yoga and meditation retreats
- Las Piramides – Traditional meditation and spiritual studies
- Eagle’s Nest – Luxury wellness programmes and workshops
🇬🇹 Read more: Things to Do in San Marcos La Laguna
How Long to Stay in San Marcos
The ideal length of stay in San Marcos depends largely on what you want to do there. If you’re just visiting to get a feel for the spiritual side of Lake Atitlán, 3-4 days might suffice. However, if you’re planning to participate in workshops or retreats, I’d recommend staying at least a week.
Honestly, we just visited for an afternoon from our base in San Pedro. We took the boat over, wandered around the shops, and then went into a cafe for a hot chocolate that turned out to be a really bad hot chocolate.
One afternoon is perfect if you aren’t planning to participate in a retreat or any kind of wellness treatment.
A Note About Location
San Marcos is relatively small and walkable, but some of the retreat centres and upscale properties are located quite far up the hill. While these offer the best views, they can be a challenging walk, especially at night or during the rainy season. The lakefront area tends to be busier with day visitors, while the higher areas offer more seclusion.
That being said, if you’re participating in a retreat or planning to spend most of your time in one place, the location might be less important than the specific offerings of your chosen accommodation.
San Marcos La Laguna Accommodation FAQs
Is San Marcos La Laguna worth visiting?
If you’re interested in wellness activities, yoga, or spiritual retreats, San Marcos can be worth visiting. However, be aware that the town caters heavily to wealthy digital nomads and Instagram influencers, which may affect its authenticity. For a quick visit, one afternoon might suffice to experience the atmosphere.
How much does accommodation cost in San Marcos La Laguna?
Accommodation in San Marcos tends to be pricier than other Lake Atitlán towns. Hostel dorms start from around £10-15 per night, mid-range hotels range from £40-80, and luxury wellness retreats can cost £150+ per night. Many places include extras like yoga classes or meditation sessions in their rates.
What’s the best area to stay in San Marcos?
The lakefront area is busier but more convenient for amenities and transport. Higher up the hill offers better views and more seclusion but can be challenging to access, especially at night or during rainy season. If you’re joining a retreat, consider staying at your retreat centre regardless of location.
Are there party hostels in San Marcos?
No, San Marcos hostels focus on wellness and spirituality rather than partying. For a more social atmosphere, consider staying in nearby San Pedro La Laguna, known for its vibrant nightlife and backpacker scene.
How far in advance should I book accommodation in San Marcos?
For standard accommodation, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient. However, popular wellness retreats and luxury properties can fill up months in advance, especially during high season (December-February). Book these as early as possible to secure your spot.
Conclusion
San Marcos La Laguna offers a unique blend of accommodation options that cater to wellness-focused travellers, from budget-friendly hostels with meditation spaces to luxurious retreat centres. While the town has become increasingly popular with digital nomads and influencers, it still maintains its reputation as Lake Atitlán’s spiritual hub. Just remember that authenticity might be compromised in favour of Instagram-worthy experiences, so adjust your expectations accordingly.