I stayed two nights in Guatemala City, but I only visited the center once. Did you enjoy reading this Lake Atitlan travel guide? Watch the sunrise or sunset over the lake. Take the main street up hill, and walk towards the central square. Do you want to read more about beautiful Guatemala? I also stayed three nights in San Marcos, at Eagles Nest, which I recommend if you have the budget for it. One of the top things to do at Lake Atitlan and something that cant be missed in this Lake Atitlan travel guide, is a hike to the Indian nose. Another reason why people love to visit San Lucas Tolimn are the epic sunsets. Let me explain. Theres a fee to access the park from the official entrance, but you can also access from the other side. Your email address will not be published. We stopped for great coffee and cake at Cafe San Juan, where you can also buy local ground coffee. There are a total of 11 villages surrounding the lake and they all are ve. If you had any doubts about visiting Lake Atitln and these picturesque villages, I hope I gave you a few reasons to discover this wonderful place. They're quite unique. Alive. You can find 11 villages and towns around Lake Atitlan, but only 6 stand out a lot from the rest, including Panajachel, Santiago, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, and San Marcos. If youre looking for more adventure, thats it! Im not going to advise you against staying there, but I can tell you that your time is better spent in other parts of the country, like Antigua, Lake Atitln, Flores, and Semuc Champey. However, in recent years, locals have been trying to attract more tourists. Lake Atitlan villages. The Most Charming Villages on Lake Atitln, Guatemala I arrived full of expectations, having heard about San Marcos being an alternative, New-Agey place with yoga and meditation centers, lots of expats, and gorgeous restaurants and cafs. Santa Catarina is easily accessible from Panajachel. Keep reading to discover the details about 12 amazing Mayan villages at Lake Atitln. Via de la Plata Stages: From Sevilla to Plitvice Lakes or Krka? There are a few other villages you could visit around Lake Atitln. They say Lake Atitln is the most beautiful lake in the world and that it has magical properties. This colorful town in Lake Atitlan is located 3 miles away from the south-southeast of Panajachel. Pin it Share Headed to Guatemala and planning to visit the different Lake Atitlan towns? Santa Catarina Palop is not much of a tourist place compared to San Pedro or San Marcos. There are 11 towns and villages around Lake Atitlan. One US dollar equals roughly 7.8 quetzales. This town is located less than five kilometers away from San Pedro, the main party town around the lake. You could opt to do the short version in the morning and walk your way back. 751 Village Lk, Brea, CA 92821 | MLS# PW21215652 | Redfin A traditional Mayan town, unspoiled and almost not visited by foreigners, its located between San Juan and San Marcos. This is the typical setup of all villages around Lake Atitln. It is best to go on this hike from San Juan or San Pedro la Laguna. Just chat with some locals on the lancha. If youre short on time, joining guided tours may help you optimize. You can enjoy yourself for days around the lake. Santa Clara is up the mountain from San Pablo La Laguna and it is perfect for adventure seekers. Close to the cathedral of Panajachel, at the corner of the street, youll notice pick-up trucks accommodating people on two benches in the back. I was not disappointed. Im sure many lakes in the world are just as scenic, if not more, but I agree with the magic thing. In this article Im taking you to theMaya ruins of TikalandQuirigu, a smaller and less visited Maya site with beautiful Maya stelae. It was a random house, and I could see a colorful shrine with lit candles through the open door. Keep in mind that you have to pay for your visit as a tourist and even more if you want to take pictures. People here still wear colorful traditional costumes and live according to their own indigenous beliefs and customs. 11 AWESOME Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala [2023] - Jonny Melon The volcano-ringed Lake Atitln is approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) long and 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide and has a maximum depth of more than 1,000 feet (305 meters). 34 Homes For Sale in Brea, CA. San Pedro La Laguna on a previous journey, http://www.neverendingvoyage.com/temporary-home-lake-atitlan-guatemala/, A Guide to Living in San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitln. Panajachel wouldnt be my choice for a base around Lake Atitln, I prefer much quainter places. Panajachel Panajachel is known as a tourist town, and many travelers stay here. Outdoor activities are a big attraction at Lake Atitln, Guatemala, and Santa Catarina Palop is no exception. The southernmost reg, Hope you are doing well. My shuttle departed nearly one hour late from Antigua, and I got to San Pedro around 8 PM. Lake Atitlan is dotted with villages named after the 12 apostles. The rainy season starts in May and keeps the diverse vegetation in full bloom. Even locals would tell you not to go there. You also have to be a bit lucky. Insider tip: Head to EL Mirador de Santa Cataria and enjoy stunning views of the lake. . Always drink that to be safe. There are 11 towns and villages around Lake Atitlan. . They are Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, and Jaibalito. With the short option, you will depart by bus or taxi to Santa Clara, around 4am and walk to the top within 30 minutes. Another way to get a feel of Guatemala is visiting a cemetery. Have a drink or lunch at the Casa del Mundo or Isla Verde, both have a nice terrace with views. It takes about 45 minutes to reach San Juan from the center of San Pedro, walking along the main road. Lake Atitlan restaurant tips: El Pescador, with a nice view over Santiago. I was truly surprised by the number of great accommodations and fantastic restaurants that I found here. Lake Atitlan in Guatemala was formed many years ago, in fact, it is right on top of the crater of an old massive volcano. Good luck and safe travels! This is also a great stopover with volcanoes surrounding it. Being Santiago one of the largest towns on Lake Atitlan. "Pintando Santa Catarina" has been a wonderful success thanks to the work of so many people and the generosity of so many donors. Make sure to spend some time exploring all the small streets of San Juans center, youll find some beautiful spots. Tuk tuks drive between some villages, but the roads are not always good. Let me know in your comments if youve already been to Guatemala and Lake Atitln and what are your favorite places. Its also home to a small natural reserve and Lake Atitlansiconic 8 meter high cliff jump. Lake Atitln and its villages are a winning combination of scenic beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, easily accessible Mayan culture, and a good tourist infrastructure. They are Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, andJaibalito. This huge serpent or dragon-like creature bears the name of Chakona or Arcoiris and is said to be responsible for many sunken boats over the years. San Marcos Lake Atitlan restaurant guide: El Camino, Vida, Tul y Sol,Circles Bakery and Comedor Konojel with tasty pupusas. I personally love to mingle and be part of it! The seven best villages at Lake Atitlan Panajachel - Buy souvenirs and eat Gringo food Thank you, Vasudha! MLS# PW21215652. However, the village appears to be slowly welcoming more visitors. Plitvice Lakes or Krka? Ultimate Guide to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan Guatemala - A Taste for Travel Your email address will not be published. Ill let you know the rates for the places where I used the tuk-tuk. See how ancient technology is used for textile manufacture as you visit three Mayan villages around Lake Atitlan. 12. Just walking and wandering around the town is an amazing experience, youll find incredible street art, a church and the local market is amazing. You can also reach it by lancha from San Marcos, San Pedro, and Panajachel. If youre looking for a spiritual experience, San Marcos is for you. Depending on the traffic, it can take anywhere between 2.5 and 4 hours from Antigua to Panajachel and even 5 hours to San Pedro. Required fields are marked *. You get three daily meals, two daily yoga lessons, and at least one daily activity included in the price. San Pedro is a chaotic little village, in the best way. While he is worshipped in many places across Guatemala, he is particularly celebrated in Santiago Atitln, where his effigy is moved to a different household every year during the Holy Week. There are three volcanos around Lake Atitln, all in the south. The lake is the deepest in Central America, reaching a maximum depth of 340 meters. San Marcos is hippie heaven. The transport costs from Guatemala City are $24 and Antigua $12. They all have some contact with an agency. Yes, I visit a lot of really popular places, but I also try to find those hidden gems and take the unbeaten path as much as I can. What a beautiful area! Which Croatian Park to Day Trip to the Enchanting Town of Drbak, Norway. A long, narrow street lined with shops, cafs, restaurants, and the occasional yoga and meditation center will welcome you to the spiritual and hippy village of Lake Atitln. Get your 365 days of Adventure List FREE Every village is different, San Marcos is a hippy village, San Pedro is very popular among . Wow How beautiful! And it is named after one of the three huge Lake Atitln volcanoes, so that always gave us a pretty good idea where to find it. The lake is the big highlight of all Lake Atitlan villages so you should definitely take the chance to get out on the water. It feels like a well-kept secret that not many visit but those who do are fortunate to experience. San Pedro la Laguna: 2023 Guide to Lake Atitlan's Best Backpacker Village Regardless of your bank, all ATMs charge a fee of roughly 30 quetzales per withdrawal. Your photos are stunning! Required fields are marked *. Including a special section about photography, the best time to visit and how to get to Lake Atitlan from Antigua or Guatemala City. because you also wouldnt like it when you are in your own country and tourists try to take a close up of you. Local people, often dressed in traditional costumes, come from far to sell their goods. The view from your bed when you wake up in the morning, the view from the bathroom when you shower or take a bath, or when you enjoy a meal on your terrace. Scary! It has a few excellent restaurants and cafes serving delicious Indian curries and herbal teas. The lake is the deepest in Central America, reaching a maximum depth of 340 meters. Santiago de Atitlan is probably the most indigenous village of Lake Atitlan. There are few hotels and almost no tourist infrastructure. In the rainy season, that runs from May to October, it will be raining in the afternoon for sure. The property is surrounded 9 acres of beautiful lush gardens, with walking paths, buddha statues and little seating areas all over. Theres a beautiful church in the main square and if you hike up, the view is astonishing. Lake Atitln, Guatemala is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. During the Covid shutdown, "Pintando Santa Catarina" employed 10-12 full-time villagers to keep the project moving forward and help the village throughout the crisis. Santa Catarina Palop is a pretty town where you can enjoy an easy hike along the shoreline. It has the reputation of being a place to relax, but it also offers some fun stuff. Just avoid walking there at night. There is another lower trail, running along the mountain, taking you past a canoe rental company and the famous cliffs, where you can join the locals and jump off. The village was never open to receiving tourists, so there isnt much to do. Top 10 Things To Do & See On Lake Atitlan - Atitlan Living These small boats transport around 20 people (though youll often find them more crowded) and have regular departures from most villages on the lake. Great Post. Check out this map of Lake Atitln so you can be sure to visit every location that appeals to you! This town is home to small hot springs in the lake and cute cafes. San Pablo La Laguna is an ideal spot for walking and hanging out along the lake shore. San Marcos is also home to Reserva Natural del Cerro Tzankujil, a beautiful reserve with trails that lead to a platform from which you can jump into the lake. The town is lovely, and it has a small square with a church. If youre looking for personalized transport, accommodations, tours, or just need help moving to Lake Atitlan, please send us a message through our Contact Form or email us at Team@AtitlanLiving.com. And with a bit of luck you can even see the smoke of the always active and erupting Fuego volcano. After taking a boat from Panajachel to the small Mayan village of . Terrazas del Lago in San Antonio Palop is a simple but affordable hotel. San Pedro is a Gringo Trail hotspot and the backpacker mecca of Lake Atitlan. Interested in hiking a volcano? These pick-up colectivos take locals to and from Santa Catarina Palop for just 5Q. Dont forget to enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes in the restaurant. There's just something about Lake Atitln that gets under your skin, and ultimately makes it very difficult to leave. Whatsapp: +1 845 653 6247 or email at Team@RideAtitlan.com. Diving is exhilarating, and according to some legends, Atlantis could be down there, so why not check it out? Lake Atitlan Guatemala Villages - Guatemala Tours and Travel Services Thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler and I love reading your posts as usual! The town offers some activities to do like just walking around the town and seeing the houses, taking a bath in a natural hot spring or swimming pool, and going to one of the art galleries. Lake Atitln - Wikipedia From Antigua or Guatemala City you can easily travel with an uber (50 to 60 euros) to Panajachel. The U.S. is currently the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. Where to stay at Lake Atitlan: best villages and hotels Theres also plenty of shopping along the main street in town with stalls full of colorful Mayan textiles, beautiful wooden carvings, paintings, and more. The inhabitants of the towns around Lake Atitlan are mostly indigenous, coming directly from Mayans. Really wonderful this area, and the itineraries you provide sound lots of fun! Last modified May 2, 2014. The entire area is known for the presence of many volcanos, some active and others dormant. And thats especially when Im talking about suite number 5. And, after living on the lake for two months in early 2015, we can definitely see why! I want to tell you all about the villages you can discover on the shores of Guatemalas or the worlds most beautiful lake. Once at the top, it is nice to put on something warm, so you can take your time and enjoy. 1 Panajachel - Lake Atitlan's most-visited town; 2 San Pedro La Laguna - a laid-back small town with established backpacker reputation; 3 San Marcos La Laguna - "less party, more meditation" than San Pedro; 4 Santiago Atitln, small town on south side of Lake Atitln, famous for a shrine to Maximn; 5 Santa Cruz la Laguna - small village on . You can take a tuk-tuk or hike it yourself for a great workout. Thiss really the least visited town in Lake Atitlan. Most travelers choose to go straight to Antigua from the airport. This is a private two-floor little house, located onthe lake with its own infinity pool and terrace. Two-bedroom, two bathroom villas with balconies offer full kitchens, washers and dryers, and complimentary wireless Internet access. You can book different types of rooms with corresponding price categories but all are very affordable. She recently published a book, Inside, and has contributed to different publications such as Que Pasa Magazine. Lake Atitlan surrounded by 12 villages named after the 12 apostles is heavenly. I am a travel writer trying to see as much of the world as possible and share with you my stories and travel tips. Its beauty, though, lies in everything surrounding it, from the villages to the people, the stories, the communities, the traditions, and the legends. Here are my top 12 recommendations for you to visit when youre in beautiful Guatemala. I have heard such wonderful things about Guatemala and this area. The dry season is from November to April. HA! Most shuttles go to either Panajachel or San Pedro, passing through San Pablo, where you can take a tuk-tuk to San Marcos. This is personally my favorite place to stay. The lake gets toxic algae blooms, so I wouldn't bet on swimming there. San Pedro la Laguna Atitlan is the perfect starting point for a trip to the San Pedro volcano. Your email address will not be published. Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is at the top of an incredibly steep hill. Most of the rooms have amazing views. However, I would recommend spending upwards of five days to truly get a feel of the local culture, visit more villages, try some activities, and enjoy the magic of the lake. Bring a clean t-shirt or sweater. Because its the most accessible place on the lake for those coming from Antigua, Panajachel is also pretty crowded and chaotic. Many hotels offer tours, but you will also find offers from tour operators in San Juan la Laguna and San Pedro de Atitlan. @2020 - All Rights Reserved | Passport the World, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Lake Atitlan photography tips. [] villages The Globetrotter Girls and Lunaguava have written about the [], Your email address will not be published. Don't miss this beautiful fully remodeled large. Good luck and safe travels! There are more than a dozen villages dotted around the edges of Lago de Atitlan and you can spend an entire day boat-hopping from one to the other. Can You Swim In Lake Atitlan? How To Avoid Getting Sick While youll see some foreigners around, the town has little to offer visitors, except for the ever-present souvenir shops and a few restaurants. 1. In it, you will find a high ex-pat population, but as you can imagine the Mayan population is even larger. Inside you will find an interesting mix of Catholic statues and indigenous religious images. In the next article youll read everything you want to know about a stay at Casa Prana. For example, the cultural center Pintando Santa Catarina Palop offers, in addition to guided tours where you learn about the history of the village, local weaving tours. Following your adventures around Lake Atitln, I might even start believing Ive actually been there. Lake Atitln is a volcanic lake that originated in the caldera of a supervolcano following an eruption roughly 84.000 years ago. Among these 11, there are 5 destination that trulystand out from the rest. Not to the people who live there, they seem to have a pretty good handle on what's going on. The most popular destination in Guatemala and this area is the town of Panajachel with its funky cafes, delicious restaurants, and fun markets, so we wont mention it, it is already popular enough. They served an amazing breakfast, and the garden was adorable. Happy travels! I spent one week in San Pedro, which probably is why this village is my favorite. The village is so close to San Pedro that you can easily reach it on foot, and thats what we did. I recommend checking it out on a short day trip if you have time, but dont go out of your way to get there, unless you want to pay a visit to Maximn. Get Your 365 Days of Adventure LIST FREE and Start Living TODAY. The contrast between the lush green and the patch of colors on the side of the hill that is Santa Catarina Palop is a weird and wonderful sight. Wich is great for picture! You can only do this hike with a Lake Atitlan travel guide and you will understand why. Make Every Day an Adventure 5) Take A Yoga Class Over The Lake. It has a wide variety of accommodations including Hotel Mikaso, a fun nightlife scene, and loads of international restaurants. Backpacking Essentials You Probably Wont Have Thought Of, Essentials Things to Pack for a Family Road Trip, How to Make Sure Your Car Is Road Trip Ready, 29 Beginner Camping Tips for Families With Kids, Camping Checklist And Essentials for Family Trips, How to Go Camping With Teens Without Losing Your Mind, 7 Tips for Your First Experience Hiking with Kids, Hiking Essentials That You Should Have on Your Next Adventure, Best Bucket List of Hikes in the USA You Need to Know. 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