Visiting Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is a perfect getaway if you enjoy nature and the water. The lake is surrounded by stunning volcanoes and small, charming villages, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. While there aren’t many activities, it’s a beautiful place to unwind, take in the breathtaking views, and enjoy the tranquility. This guide will help you make the most of your visit to Lake Atitlan and discover its hidden gems.
My Third Trip to Guatemala
This was my third trip to Guatemala in less than two years, and it was just as amazing as the first two. I fell in love with the country during my first visit in January 2024 with my daughter. We mostly stayed in Antigua, a charming town with cobblestone streets.
Then, in June, I went again with my younger daughter. We stayed in Antigua again and visited the Mayan ruins in Tikal. However, neither of those trips included visiting Lake Atitlan, even though I had heard so much about it.
So, in February of this year, I decided to visit Lake Atitlan alone. And let me tell you, it was just as beautiful as I had heard. Surrounded by volcanoes and small villages, the views were breathtaking. It was the perfect way to complete my Guatemala adventure and experience a new side of the country.
Getting Around Lake Atitlan
If you’re traveling from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, the best option is to take a shuttle bus. I booked mine through Barco Expedition, a local agency, for $13 after shopping around. Some companies charge up to $20-25, so it’s worth comparing prices. The shuttle will drop you off in Panajachel, the largest town by the lake. The town is small enough to walk to your hotel—mine was just 10 minutes away.
Once in town, you can explore by walking or catching a moto-taxi. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hop on the back of a pickup truck with locals for a small fee. If you’re visiting different towns around Lake Atitlan, you’ll need to take a boat taxi. They run about every 15 minutes and are the only way to travel between towns.
The typical boat ride called lanchas costs 25 quetzales ($3.25), but be careful, as some drivers may try to overcharge tourists. Locals pay much less, around 5 quetzales. I saw a situation where tourists paid 50 quetzales instead of 30, without being given change.
When you’re ready to head back, you can buy bus tickets from your hotel or a travel agency in Panajachel. Always buy your bus ticket in Panajachel rather than from other towns to avoid paying higher prices. I paid $28 for a 4-hour bus ride to Guatemala City, which is cheaper than going back to Antigua and then heading to the airport.
Places to Stay
When I travel, I usually stay at hostels, and visiting Lake Atitlan was no exception. I stayed at a place called Socialtel Atitlan, formerly known as Selina’s. I had stayed at Selina’s in Antigua before and loved it. They offer a great breakfast, and the nightly rates are very affordable. The Lake Atitlan location is even nicer than the one in Antigua, with a resort-like feel, a pool, and a bar/restaurant. I paid $27 a night, but their rates tend to go up if you book last minute, so it’s best to book ahead.
In Santa Cruz, I stayed at a hostel called Free Cerveza, which was recommended to me. It’s a cool spot where you can sleep in a tent for about $21 a night if you book a bed, or you can opt for private rooms at a higher price. It feels like camping with a beautiful view of the lake and outdoor showers. The only downside is the noise – it’s mostly young people, so it can get pretty loud during the day. However, once you’re in your room, it’s much quieter.
In San Pedro, I stayed at Hospedaje Lolita, a budget-friendly hostel that only has two people per room, which I liked. It feels like staying at someone’s home, but the neighborhood can get pretty loud at night. Despite that, it’s definitely worth the price—only $9.28 a night if you’re on a budget while visiting Lake Atitlan.
Things to Do
During my trip to Lake Atitlan, I did an ATV tour that took us from Panajachel to Santa Catarina and back. There are many tours in Panajachel, but they can be expensive if you’re on a budget.
You can also take boat rides to visit the three main cities around the lake, but it’s easy to do this on your own and save money. The only tour I recommend is a guided one for safety, especially if it’s your first time. I’ve heard that some tourists were robbed on hiking trails, so it’s safer to go with a guide.
Lake Atitlan has about 11 towns, and most of them are small enough to visit in a few days. Some of the bigger towns also offer Spanish immersion Homestay classes if you want to improve your Spanish. During my 5 days at the lake, I visited Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, San Juan, Santa Cruz, and Santa Catarina. That was more than enough time to see everything.
Visiting Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is very touristy. Things aren’t as cheap as you might expect, and there can be some scams by local people, so always stay cautious. Like anywhere else, it’s a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to stay safe.
My favorite town was San Marcos, a laid-back, hippie town full of yogis, offering a unique vibe. Overall, it’s a great destination to explore, but just make sure you’re prepared and mindful during your trip.
Be sure to check out my first two trips to Guatemala. On my first trip to Central America, I visited El Salvador and Costa Rica before heading to Antigua. On my second trip, I started in Antigua and then traveled to Tikal.
