Guide to Visiting Lake Atitlan + Tips and Must-Visit Destinations

Lake Atitlan is where culture, charm, and scenery meet, and it’s among the most alluring destinations in Guatemala. When you consider how delightful this Latin American country is, you’ll know that this is quite a statement to make, but one that I stand by!

The lake is stunning in its own right, but the 11 unique towns and villages that are dotted around the shores add so much character to the area. If you’re the type of Traveller who enjoys a mix of adventure and downtime, it doesn’t get much better than Lake Atitlan.

I had high hopes for this revered corner of Guatemala, but I had no idea Lake Atitlan would leave such a lasting impression on me. Within days of arriving here, I already knew this wouldn’t be my last time here.

With so many destinations to explore and exciting things to do at the lake, I’ve detailed every aspect of my trip below to give you some inspiration for your own visit.

Getting to Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is well-connected to many of Guatemala’s most frequented destinations, and you’ll typically find shuttles running from the likes of Antigua, Semuc Champey and Guatemala City here.

If you’re visiting from one of the above locations, you can easily pick up a ticket at one of the many tour operators that are found in each area. Another option is to Travel local style and take chicken buses, though this is best reserved for those of you with plenty of time on your hands.

Antigua is around two hours from the lake, while Guatemala City is just under three hours away. I arrived from Semuc Champey, which meant my journey was considerably longer than most. Not only is Lake Atitlan over 300 km from Semuc Champey, but the roads connecting the two are primarily windy and mountainous.

After departing from my accommodation in Semuc Champey at 8.00 a.m., I arrived in San Pedro La Laguna, the first lakeside town on my itinerary, at around 4.30 p.m. I’d heard stories of shuttles on this route taking upwards of ten hours to reach the lake, so I was pleasantly surprised when we pulled up on time.

How to Get Around the Lake

Once you touch down at Lake Atitlan, you’ll have a couple of options to choose from when it comes to getting around.

Most towns here are relatively compact, and you can get around on foot, though you’ll need to prepare for some hills along the way. If your legs need a break, there are usually plenty of tuk-tuks around to take you where you need to go.

Tuk-tuks are also a reliable option when hopping between neighbouring towns, like getting from San Pedro to San Juan, as they can sometimes be slightly faster and cheaper than taking a boat.

This leads me to another popular means of getting around. Boats, known locally as lanchas, are your best options when you move between towns quite far apart. For example, Panajachel is a two-hour drive from San Pedro, yet it’s just 40 minutes away by boat.

Pro Tip: Unless you’re making a particularly short journey, the fare for a boat ride is about 25 Quetzales (€3), while the tuk-tuk prices will vary depending on the distance.

San Pedro la Laguna

I started off my Lake Atitlan adventure in San Pedro la Laguna. Though it may not be as picturesque as some other towns, I fell in love with the rich culture and laid-back vibe.

San Pedro’s population is largely Mayan, and the town has retained many of its old customs. Most residents continue to wear traditional, colourful clothing and primarily communicate using Tz’utujil, an indigenous language.

Parts of the town, most notably down by the waterfront, are lively and bustling, but once you move a few streets back, you’ll find quiet corners and areas that feel very local. One of my favourite things about San Pedro was the striking street art, and I was even lucky enough to catch a glimpse at one of the artists in action during my stay.

There are a bunch of other excellent things to see and do here, including a visit to the lakeside thermal baths, taking a kayak out on the water, and stopping by the Tzunun’ Ya’ museum.

Pro Tip: San Pedro can get a little chilly at night, meaning it’s best to pack a sweatshirt or light cover-up.

San Marcos la Laguna

Around 30 minutes from San Pedro by boat is the hippie capital of Lake Atitlan, San Marcos. This sleepy town is a hub for yoga classes, reiki sessions, and wellness retreats.

I hopped on an early boat to San Marcos and spent some time exploring the trinket-filled souvenir stores and soaking up the chilled-out ambience before making my way to the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. San Marcos is among the best places in Lake Atitlan for swimming, and this nature reserve is where you’ll find some of the clearest waters.

There’s a small entrance fee of 20 Quetzales (€2.40), which gives you access to a handful of walking trails, scenic swimming locations, and the nerve-wracking 12-metre diving platform. While I wasn’t quite daring enough to make the jump myself, I got to witness some adrenaline junkies braving the stomach-turning drop.

As I continued along the rocky walkway, I stumbled upon a few other spots with much shorter jumping points, which were a little less daunting. Even if you aren’t keen on taking a dip, this reserve is worth visiting for its beautiful vistas of the lake and nearby volcanoes alone.

San Juan la Laguna

San Juan was another town I spent some time in during my stay and one which lived up to many rave reviews I’d heard about. Although it’s indisputably quite touristy, I couldn’t help but be endeared by the brightly-coloured streets and vibrant atmosphere.

The town is positioned alongside San Pedro, so I opted for a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk ride rather than taking a lancha. As you stroll towards the main thoroughfare that connects the centre of town to the pier, your senses will go into overload.

Between the smell of traditional chocolate wafting through the air, the vivid colours from the street art, and the traditional music, San Juan is somewhat of an immersive experience!

While you’re here, make sure to venture beyond this main street. Just a few minutes walk away, there are plenty of equally gorgeous but considerably quieter areas.

Pro Tip: Avoid the crowds by getting to San Juan early, as it gets busy around midday.

Hiking the Indian Nose Trail

This is undoubtedly among the most unique names for a hiking trail, but the trek is one you won’t want to miss. Considering the route takes just 45 minutes to complete, the views are astounding.

This trail was given this quirky name as the mountain it runs along is thought by many to resemble the nose of an Indian man lying down!

You’ll start near the town of Santa Clara and make the short but steep climb to the top to enjoy unparalleled vistas of the lake and the nearby towns. If you can face the early start, you won’t regret coming here for sunrise.

You’ll need a guide for the sunrise tour. I booked my excursion from San Pedro for 100 Quetzales (€12), which included transport to and from Santa Clara and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Pro Tip: Are you looking for a more challenging hike? The San Pedro Volcano is a more strenuous option, and it’s recommended you complete it with a guide for your safety.

Attending Spanish School

Many visitors flock to Lake Atitlan to brush up on their Spanish at one of the many language schools in the area.

San Pedro, in particular, is known for its plethora of Spanish schools, and I spent a few days there learning the basics of the language. You can choose from a ton of different options when it comes to how many classes you want to attend. I went for five morning sessions as I had limited time, but many people spend weeks or months here fine-tuning their skills.

Those of you who want to really absorb the language can even stay in a homestay with a local family. Here, you’ll typically get lodging and three meals a day included in your package, and you’ll have an incredible opportunity to practise basic conversations and dive deeper into the culture.

Pro Tip: If you’re eager to learn Spanish, Guatemala is among the best places to do so, as the locals speak slowly and usually without an accent.

Travelling to Antigua

Despite spending over a week at Lake Atitlan, I would have been keen to extend my stay had I the time to spare.

However, the picture-perfect Antigua was up next, and thankfully, it was a pretty short drive away by Guatemalan standards!

Booking shuttles to other destinations in the country from here is super convenient. Tour offices are scattered all over busy towns like San Pedro, San Juan, and Panajachel, which can take you where you need to go.

I departed from San Pedro, and the three-hour journey to Antigua cost around 115 Quetzales (€13.50). The roads linking Lake Atitlan to Antigua can get increasingly congested as the day progresses, so I suggest taking an early shuttle to avoid spending your morning in traffic.

Shuttles to Antigua and Guatemala City are more frequent as the distance is short, while there are usually only one or two departures to the likes of Semcu Champey and El Pardeon each day.