Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

What you should know

Lake Atitlan is a volcanic lake with different villages: Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, and Jaibalito. Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America, 340 meters deep. When you visit Guatemala, I highly recommend you visit Lake Atitlan because the small towns, indigenous communities, and connections to nature are unbearable. I highly suggest staying in Lake Atitlan for more than three days. Lake Atitlan is a magical destination with unique experiences to explore. This gorgeous part of Guatemala is more relaxing and spiritual.

• Transportation 

Our Airbnb host in Lake Atitlan provided a reliable driver, David, to pick us up from Guatemala City and drop us off at the main ferry dock, Panajachel (3hrs) USD100 one-way. I am sure a taxi from Antigua to Lake Atitlan will be cheaper. I can provide David's taxi service number for you as well. David is the best! He drove us safely and stopped if we needed water, food, or the restroom. We requested David to drive us back to GUA airport on our last day in Lake Atitlan. In the main town of Panajachel, you will take a speedboat to get around the different villages. Be aware of which village the speed boat is stopping at next. It is easy to miss your stop! Also, the speedboats have a curfew at night. I suggest double-checking and asking the locals. The speedboats arrive and depart often. Prices for the speedboat vary from USD$1-$3, depending on your stop. For a higher charge, you can ask for a private speedboat. In the villages, you can get around on foot. In certain villages, you can take a tuk-tuk, a 3-wheeler taxi.

Where to Stay!

• Airbnb

Santa Cruz la Laguna   Rate: 10/10 Cost: $$$

This Eco-friendly Airbnb is an unforgettable and breathtaking experience from beginning to end! I did not want to leave!!! The house is around natural beauty and wildlife. Waking up to a volcano and mountains is such a special feeling! The lake sparkles and shines right through the sliding doors. You will hear birds chirping in the morning. You can take a morning dip in the pool and a late-night dip in the jacuzzi. The host spoiled us with a chef who cooked a delicious meal for breakfast and dinner. The chef made fresh pasta for dinner and fluffy buttery pancakes for breakfast. Our host also provided us with a masseuse for 1hr 30mins. The amenities are fantastic: jacuzzi, pool, sauna, paddle boards, kayaks, filter water, and beers in the fridge. The host is very responsive. I am grateful! @arbolsagradoatitlan

To check-out this place, CLICK HERE.

Things to Do - Places to See!

In San Marcos la Laguna

• Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve

Rate: 10/10 Cost: $

I love San Marcos town! In San Marcos, you will see hippies, cute little cafes, fruit stands, tea shops, and restaurants. This town offers experiences like spas, yoga, and reiki. The way to get around is by walking because there are no cars. If you love adventures, you will love Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, where people go cliff jumping 10-15 meters high (30ft). There's a $2 entrance fee. I suggest bringing cash, snacks, sunscreen, and a blanket to relax on the cliffs. It's a great area to meet new people. @sanmarcoslakeatitlan

• Eagle’s Nest Atitlan - Yoga

Beginners Rate: 9/10 Cost: $13

This yoga class is more than what I expected! I booked this 1-hour and 30-minute yoga class on Viator for $13. Yoga mats and water are available before the session begins. The staff is welcoming and helpful. The view is WOW! Doing yoga while overlooking the magnificent volcanoes is an incredible experience. You will feel in tune with nature. The atmosphere is calming and has great vibes. Eagle Nest offers a cafe with healthy meals and a remarkable view, but I did not stay to eat. @eaglesnestatitlan

Yoga: With flexible booking policies that allow you to reserve now and pay later, along with offerings from around the world, booking our experiences through Viator was easy #partnership

RECOMMEND: Eagle's Nest Atitlan - Yoga

Places to Eat 

• La Casa Del Mundo

Jaibalito  Rate: 10/10  Cost: $$$

La Casa Del Mundo is gorgeous! I recommend making reservations. The service was warm with open arms. This restaurant is a romantic place to eat while sitting on a cliff. We ate lunch at La Casa Del Mundo, and the food was beyond delicious. We ordered chips with savory guacamole, perfect quesadillas, and a flavorful avocado sandwich. The food here is the best food I had in Lake Atitlan! Next time, we want to come back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also, you can explore the different beautiful patios that lead into the lake. The speedboat leaves you at the entrance of this restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant when visiting Jaibalito, Lake Atitlan. @casamundojaibalito

• La Iguana Perdida

Santa Cruz la Laguna   Rate: 8/10 Cost: $$$

La Iguana Perdida is a buffet that brings the community together. The staff are super friendly and encourage everyone to engage with one another. Some staff are volunteers from other countries. This restaurant serves a different daily menu, such as springy pasta with fresh green salad. They provide a different menu for vegetarians. You have to reserve your plates in the morning because the food sells out quickly. We chose this restaurant to eat dinner, which was a great decision. The atmosphere is lively, with a dim setting. There's also a pool table by the entrance. It is a great place to meet people in Santa Cruz. @laiguanaperdida

• Chile’s Latina Cafe

San Pedro la Laguna  Rate: 9/10  Cost: $$-$$$

The service at Chile’s Latina Cafe is kind and helpful. The music is what drove me inside because they played bachata lol. It is a rooftop where you can eat and drink with a view of a volcano. You can also watch the boats arrive at the dock and Mayan performances from the rooftop. The pad Thai is yummy! I am not a huge fan of spicy food, but the pad thai has the perfect spice. @chileslatinacafe

Bar

• Sunset & Freedom

San Pedro la Laguna   Rate:9/10 Cost: $$-$$$

As we were walking in the village of San Pedro, we found this cute little hidden gem bar where you can watch the sunset, chat with people, and listen to reggae music. The bartender is attentive and engaging. We met amazing people from the Netherlands and from back home, NY. This bar is known for its Michelada drinks, and the margaritas are strong, which is a good thing right!? lol @sunset_freedombar   -xoxo E.