The perfect Lake Atitlan itinerary
I’m just going to say it: Lake Atitlán was my favorite stop in all of Guatemala. Hands down, no competition. If you only have a few days in the country, you must carve out time for this magical lake. Between the jaw-dropping views, the numerous villages that all have distinctly different personalities, opportunities to either swim or hike, party, or learn Spanish, or go on a yoga retreat - it’s somewhere I would recommend to any type of traveler, no matter their budget or the vibe of their trip. There are so many stunning little pockets along the lake that having a perfect Lake Atitlán Itinerary locked in is ESSENTIAL. And you’ve come to the right place.
Lake Atitlán didn’t always exist. It was formed by a massive volcanic eruption, and the lake itself actually sits in the crater that was created as a result. And as if a volcanic crater lake isn’t enough for you - it’s also surrounded by three ~separate~ volcanoes - so no matter where you choose to stay on the lake, just know your views are going to be epic.
The fun thing about the lake is that there’s quite a few destinations to choose from. One doesn’t simply go to “Lake Atitlan” - you have to choose how to divvy up your time between the different towns that are nestled around the perimeter, such as San Marcos La Laguna, San Pedro, or Santa Cruz. Luckily for you, this Lake Atitlan Itinerary covers all 3!
Here’s a few things that will help orient you during your stay on the lake:
The main “hub” city where a lot of transportation comes in and out of is called Panajachel - but I wouldn’t recommend staying here. The town itself is lacking compared to the others, the lake water in this section isn’t very clean, and it’s just not worth your time - especially when there are so many other amazing locations!
The easiest way to get to Lake Atitlan is by taking a shuttle from Antigua and going through Panajachel. Once you arrive, head down to the dock and get on any old boat, tell them where you’re staying, and they’ll whisk you away. It was fairly direct, easy, and within a few hours, I was on the rooftop deck of my hostel, staring out at a deep blue lake surrounded by volcanoes, wondering if I’d ever actually leave.
Spoiler: I didn’t want to.
One last thing - the transportation on the lake seems slightly daunting at first, but is actually very simple! If you’re traveling from one town to the next - and they’re adjacent to each other, take a tuktuk. If you’re trying to get to a town across the lake from you, simply go down to the pier and hail a boat. DON’T - I repeat - ~don’t~ buy tickets from the people selling them in front of the pier - it’s either a scam or simply not smart.
For instance, if you’re trying to go to San Pedro for just the day, the ticket salesman will try to sell you a round trip ticket. While this might be a dollar or two cheaper than simply paying as you go, the catch is that the round trip ticket is only good for that ONE ferry company, and there are so many. AKA on your way back from San Pedro, you’ll have to watch ferry after ferry leave the pier on your way home while you wait for one that belongs the specific company you bought the ticket for. One time this took my friend two hours. Just get on the boat, tell them where you’re going, and they’ll get you there. Pay when you get off.
I planned my three stops in Lake Atitlán around meeting up with a few friends, but feel free to switch up the order of where you go first! My only suggestion is to end in San Pedro, as that’s where a lot of the shuttles head back to Antigua from (otherwise you’ll probably have to spend a night in Panajachel before you leave, so that you can be up early to catch the bus). I learned that the hard way.
OKAY! now that we have some logistics out of the way, here’s my perfect Lake Atitlan Itinerary: a little bit of zen in a yoga town with the best views of the lake, a little socializing in a backpacker town with Spanish schools and bar crawls, and a little bit of rotting - and by rotting I mean choosing one of the epic hotels or hostels on the lake to simply ~enjoy~ before heading back or continuing on your journey. I stayed in Lake Atitlan a week, and if you have the time to spare, I highly recommend spending at least that. If not, read to the end of this post and decide which stop suits your fancy the best.
Lake Atitlan Itinerary:
First Stop: San Marcos – yoga, Swimming, and cliff jumping
Like I previously mentioned, I started my Lake Atitlan Itinerary in San Marcos. If you’ve heard anything about San Marcos, this either sounds like your vibe or it sounds so opposite of your vibe - and regardless of what you’ve heard, I urge you to spend a few nights here!
For what it’s worth, the rumors are true. I’m convinced San Marcos La Laguna is home to more hippies than it is native Guatemalans. Everywhere you look, it’s yoga mats, vegan cafés, and dreadlocked, barefooted people. HOWEVER - it is so worth your time.
For one, it has the best views of any town you’ll visit on the lake, the cafes are actually to die for (I swear the Circles Cafe brownie will change your life)(and I feel the need to clarify it’s just a normal brownie), and it’s one of the few places around the lake where the water is actually clean enough to swim.
I came here first for a few days to myself before I started a long stint of my Central America backpacking trip with girls that I had met along the way, and it was the perfect place to relax, reset, and reflect on my journey so far.
Where to Stay in san marcos la laguna
While there are so many gorgeous options of places to stay in San Marcos La Laguna, I highly recommend staying in Eagle’s Nest.
Yogi or not - you cannot beat the views here. They have so many different decks and platforms, the rooms are straight out of a fairy tale, it’s all inclusive - meaning 3 meals a day, two or more yoga classes, and access to their sauna, and even if you’re not into the hippie vibes - it’s worth coming for at least a night or two.
One thing to note is that they don’t open bookings very far in advance at all - I believe you can only book about a month or two in advance, just in case you’re having a hard time with finding availability.
Unfortunately for me - it was a little bit out of my backpacker’s budget! But I managed to be in San Marcos La Laguna during a community day they had on their calendar, so I hiked all the way up and spent the day doing my own thing on their yoga platforms, enjoying their cafe, and making new friends.
Best things to do in San Marcos La Laguna:
A short walk from town takes you to the Reserva Natural and the legendary jumping platform. If you’re coming into San Marcos from the pier, take a hard left, and the trail will take you straight there. The entire reserve is just perfect, but the jumping platform really is the star of the show.
I mean - just look at it. That is not for the faint of heart.
While there are other smaller walls to jump off, the main event is about 10 meters high - and ABSOLUTELY worth the tiny heart attack. My friends and I spent the day tanning, cooling off in the water, taking turns jumping, and simply having the best day ever.
Second stop: Hotel focused stay in santa cruz la laguna
Normally I’m not one to prioritize hotels over locations and things to do, but the best thing to do in Lake Atitlan is, well, to enjoy the lake! And a gorgeous place to stay makes that oh-so-easy. There are so many incredible, unique stays to choose from on all sides of the lake, but the two that I have to recommend are both located near the small town of Santa Cruz.
Now while this would make a logical third stop - sandwiching the more social San Pedro with the more relaxing stops (which is what I did in reality) - like I mentioned previously, most transport back to Antigua leaves from San Pedro. And one of the best parts of this blog is that you can learn from all my mistakes and inefficiencies in my own itinerary - so Santa Cruz is now stop #2.
Quick Tip: you can typically just name your hotel to a ferry company and they’ll drop you off right at the hotels private dock.
I have two options for you: one more classic hotel I’d recommend for a romantic getaway or if you’re simply on vacation, and one hostel that’s fun, social, perfect for solo backpackers, but still postcard worthy. Both of these stays are located just outside of the small village of Santa Cruz, which is worth taking a few hours to explore while you’re there! That is, if you ever decide to leave the hotel (really - these places are just that good).
Casa del Mundo
First up, we have Casa del Mundo. Casa Del Mundo is a boutique hotel with only 19 rooms, family style dinners, a hot tub overhanging the lake, balconies you can jump off of, and the environment is simply enchanted garden, magical fairy, and medieval castle all packed into one. Built into the cliffs with private terraces hidden corners draped in flowers - it’s arguably the most beautiful place to stay on Lake Atitlán.
There’s no party scene here—just quiet, tranquility, and banana pancakes with a view. If I ever return to Lake Atitlan when I’m not on a 40 dollar per day budget, this is the first stop on my list - definitely a bucket list hotel for me. It literally looks like a luxury travel magazine for REAL.
They offer Spanish lessons, kayaking, boat tours, volcano hikes, and visits to Mayan villages. Whatever extra activity you’re looking to do while on Lake Atitlan - the concierge here can arrange it for you.
Just LOOK at this hotel. I’m deceased.
Free Cerveza
If you're on a budget (me 100% of the time), check into Free Cerveza. Free Cerveza is a backpacker classic—with tent-style beds, nightly bonfires, communal dinners, and if you speak a little Spanish, just know that the name does not lie. Two free hours of beer each night to go along with the family style dinners - does life get any better?
The vibe is super friendly, and it’s the kind of place where you come for one night and end up staying four (which is exactly what happened to me). We used their complementary paddle boards each morning after sunrise yoga, jumped from the dock when we got too hot from suntanning, ate way too many of their homemade brownies, and made friends with just about everyone.
Each night there are cooking classes, pong tournaments, trivia, and I was even there to witness a staff wedding (which was just a silly staged event, but so much fun). This place books up WELL in advance, so be sure to book a few nights as soon as you decide that you’re going.
Third and final stop: San Pedro – Hike, Party, or Learn Spanish
While I wouldn’t say we’ve saved the best for last with San Pedro La Laguna, it’s still an essential stop in all Lake Atitlan itineraries. San Pedro is basically the lake’s backpacker basecamp - It’s a bit louder, a bit rowdier, and a lot more lively than San Marcos or Santa Cruz. It’s also a little more built up, so finding coffee shops, restaurants, or joining a bar crawl is as simple as taking a little walk down the main street and scouting something out.
Where to stay in San Pedro La Laguna
The offerings in San Pedro are extremely basic - so don’t expect anything crazy! You’ll definitely be feeling spoiled after staying at either Free Cerveza or Casa Del Mundo, so maybe lower your expectations with this one - lol.
Luxury:
Sababa Resort: If you’re here on vacation or traveling with a significant other (or even if you’re simply a boujee backpacker - there are actually dorm rooms in this resort!), Sababa resort is probably the place for you! It’s located about a ten minute walk from the main street, but the pool with the views of the lake more than make up for it. I came here for the day once and loved it!
Mid Range:
Amigos, San Pedro: While still fairly bare bones and extremely affordable, Amigos is a good option if you’re on a budget but not looking to stay in a crazy hostel. They have nice, clean private rooms, and the balconies with the view of the lake are gorgeous. I stayed here in a dorm room the night before I left Lake Atitlan, and it was very chill, quiet, and the staff was friendly!
Budget:
Mr. Mullet’s: If you’re a backpacker in San Pedro, staying at Mr. Mullet’s is an unfortunate right of passage. While not very clean, it is VERY fun, and I really enjoyed my stay here. They have a massive boat party every Thursday, they offer free breakfast every morning, and there’s an activity for every day of the week. If you’re looking to be social, this is the place to do it. If you’re a backpacker and not looking for a party, try staying at Mandalas!
Things to do in San Pedro La Laguna
No matter who you are or what you enjoy, San Pedro has something for everyone! A very necessary stop on any Lake Atitlan Itinerary.
Take a Spanish Class
San Pedro is one of the cheapest and best places to learn Spanish in Central America. Schools like Cooperativa Spanish School or San Pedro Spanish School offer one-on-one classes with local teachers—often with lake views and optional homestays for full immersion. I know so many backpackers who stayed in Lake Atitlan for 3+ weeks attending Spanish school and said it was the best thing they did on their whole Central America Backpacking trip ! It’s a super popular thing to do here, so if you’re long-term backpacking and have the time to spare, consider staying a few weeks.
No trip to San Pedro is complete without waking up at an ungodly hour for the Indian Nose sunrise hike. I KNOW - after hiking Acatenango, the last thing I wanted to do was to wake up at 3:30 to hop in a shuttle to be brought to the base of yet another volcano - but it’s worth it, I promise.
The hike was short but steep, and we only walked for about an hour before reaching a panoramic ridge just in time to watch the sun peek over the volcanoes and light up the lake.There, we all huddled on the benches set up specifically to watch the gorgeous show that was the sunrise (bring a sweatshirt or something - it’s COLD up on these volcanoes), and a local man was passing out homemade Guatemalan hot chocolate in single use clay mugs that he sculpts daily?? So precious.
The views were utterly unreal, and while I may moan and groan about all these volcano hikes, I was reminded yet again why they’re always worth the effort.
3. Visit Chichicastenango Market
One of my favorite things that I did on my Lake Atitlan Itinerary was a day trip to Chichicastenango market. It happens every Sunday and Thursday, so be sure to plan your schedule around that! Tours typically leave from Panajachel (and it is a little bit of a drive tbh), so I woke up early one morning at Free Cerveza hostel and took a boat to Panajachel in time to catch the shuttle.
It’s an hour and a half drive, but WELL worth it. The market is vibrant and bustling, and I loved wandering around and getting lost, immersing myself in the sights and smells. I picked up a few souvenirs, and we had a lovely lunch before heading down the hill to the cemetery.
I know what you’re thinking - “a cemetery?” - and I KNOW - not exactly your typical tourist destination, am i right? But this one is different.
The culture in many parts of Central America is to celebrate and honor the dead, and not treat it as a sad ending, but rather a joyous new journey for their beloved. In this part of Guatemala, that means decorating their graves and painting their tombs in fun, lively colors. We were worried about our presence seeming disrespectful, but there were many other groups admiring the cemetery as well.
We kept our voices down and stayed respectful, and it was my favorite part of the whole trip!
That wraps up our perfect Lake Atitlan Itinerary!
Lake Atitlán is one of those rare places that caters to absolutely everyone. Whether you stay for a week, a month, or forever (don’t tempt me), this lake alter your brain chemistry.
I absolutely loved my time here, it was my favorite place in all of Guatemala! I’d go back in a heartbeat.
