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In June 2022, my husband and I spent one month visiting all the villages around Lake Atitlan Guatemala. So I have created an ultimate guide to visiting the villages around Lake Atitlán, just for you!
Panajachel
Panajachel is typically a visitor's first stop when visiting Lake Atitlán. As the main town and center for trade in the surrounding municipality, Panajachel has become one of the busiest tourist spots in Guatemala. The lake's beauty, fairly reliable power, and internet connection have attracted digital nomads from around the world. With easy access to restaurants, bars, laundry services, grocery stores, and tourism agencies, it is no wonder that Panajachel's popularity has only increased over time.
The main tourist strip, Calle Santander, can be found lined with stands selling survivors and local crafts. Restaurants, cafes, and businesses catering to tourists are plentiful on Calle Santander. Grocery stores, ATMs, laundry services, and medical care are readily available in Panajachel and can be found throughout the town.
The main docks provide tourists and locals access to public and private boat service, which transports people to and from the villages around Lake Atitlán. Tour and cruise agencies also depart from the docks and can be booked in advance in town.
From high-end to cheap eats, Panajachel has it all! Whether it is stopping into Dolce Gelato for a cool treat, enjoying a delicious and affordable meal at Churrascon Tejano, or splurging on Indian food at Amaranto, there is something for everyone. Many cafes serve fresh Guatemalan coffee and traditional Mayan hot chocolate, or if you prefer Chai Tea.
For activities, the Nature Reserve is only a 20 to 30-minute walk from Panajachel and is fantastic for families, couples, or individuals. With a butterfly sanctuary, restaurant, hiking trails, ziplines, beach, and plenty of suspension bridges, the Nature Reserve is a great way to spend a day at Lake Atitlán.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is located on a steep incline and is known for having some of the best views around Lake Atitlán. A bit quieter than other villages around the lake, Santa Cruz is visited due to its excellent location for paddle boarding, kayaking, and scuba diving. Yoga retreats and Spanish schools can also be found in the village and are known to attract visitors. Overall, Santa Cruz is a bit more on the quiet side, but a great place to visit for water sports enthusiasts.
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to Santa Cruz Q10.
Jaibalito
Jaibalito is a small Mayan village that is known as a quiet oasis. With no road access, Jaibalito is only accessible by boat or walking trail and is only a short 15 to 20-minute boat ride from Panajachel.
Although Jaibalito is small, it does have a few restaurants. Posada Jaibalito is a popular hangout for locals and visitors. They sell freshly baked bread daily and often have ripe avocados for sale. The meals are OK, but nothing special. El Indigo is known for having an excellent curry dish and is located right by the dock.
The weekly market occurs at the basketball court in the town center and runs on Tuesdays from approximately 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Produce is very affordable in Jaibalito in comparison to the larger villages.
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to Jaibalito Q15
San Marcos
San Marcos is a popular tourist hot spot and hippie central. Yoga retreats, vegan cuisine, and crystal healing are popular attractions, making for a unique experience. Whether you are starting your hike from San Marcos to Santa Cruz or ending it, San Marcos is the perfect location to grab a bite and recenter. Not only is it the cleanest and most popular spot for a swim, it is a great place to make new friends and connections. If you are looking for a healing experience or to dig into some plant-based cuisines, San Marcos is right for you!
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to San Marcos Q20
San Pedro
Affordable accommodations and a party atmosphere make San Pedro popular with energetic and budget travelers. With tour agencies departing from San Pedro for the most popular volcano hikes, “Indian Nose” and “Volcan San Pedro”, you have the potential to save money and time when it comes to transportation. San Pedro has also become known for having many excellent and affordable Spanish schools for those trying to brush up. If learning Spanish, hiking a volcano, and pub crawls excite you, San Pedro might be right for you!
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to San Pedro Q25
San Juan
Right beside San Pedro is San Juan, a stark contrast to the party city San Juan has become known for its beautiful Mayan art exhibits, ceramics, and craft displays. With many different activities to participate in and explore, such as cocoa workshops, coffee tours, art exhibits, street art, honey bee farms, and weaving demonstrations, there is no lack of activities. Photo ops are plentiful, with a colorful hanging umbrella display being a first stop for many visitors. A popular activity and excellent view of the village and lake can seen from "Cerro Kiaq’Aiswaan", a lookout high above the city. Only a short but steep hike from the village is a must when visiting San Juan.
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to San Juan Q25
Santa Catarina
The colorful Santa Caterina is a traditional Kaqchikel Mayan village and only a 7-minute ride from Panajachel. Over 850 brightly painted buildings can be found and were originally decorated to increase tourism. Art galleries are a popular stop in Santa Caterina, with Artesanía Maria Magdalena and the Gallery of Art of Alejandria being the most popular. The Centro Cultural Santa Catarina is a great place to learn about the history, customs, and culture of Santa Caterina. Many tourists and locals just come to enjoy the “hot springs” or warm waters near the edge of the lake, which are unique to this village.
Transportation: Pick-up trucks or "Colectivos", found in front of La Dispensa in Pana Q3. Tuk-Tuk from Pana to Santa Caterina Q15 per person. Walking - 1 hour each way.
Tzununa
Tzununa or “Humming Bird Valley” is a village filled with natural beauty. Often visited by tourists while hiking from Santa Cruz to San Marcos, Tzununa has slowly grown over the years. Yoga retreats, nature walks, organic farms, holistic healing, and waterfalls make Tuzununa a great place to relax and enjoy nature; while healing the body and mind.
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to Tuzununa Q20.
Santiago
Santiago Atitlán (translated to “At the Water”) is the largest town around Lake Atitlán, with over 70,0000 inhabitants. Previously the capital of the Tz'utujil people, the majority of residents are Indigenous Mayan. Due to the tragic yet powerful history of Santiago, it is best to explore the large Colonial Church and other historical and religious sites with a guide to appreciate their significance. The top 6 hiking trails in Santiago are less popular than other trails around the Lake but are great for those who have the time and are adventurous. Bird watching is also popular in Santiago, as many visitors try to catch a glimpse of the famous “Resplendent Quetzal”.
Transportation: Public Boat from Panajachel to Santiago Q25
Bonus: Solola
Technically not a village around Lake Atitlán, Solola city center is located only a short 16-minute drive from Panajachel. Partially due to lower tourism, you can enjoy lower prices when shopping and dining at restaurants. In the center of town, a large two-story indoor market, “Mercado Municipal de Sololá'' can be found selling a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, ceramics, traditional Mayan clothing, jewelry, and other goods. Just across the street, you can also visit Centro America de Sololá Park, a popular park surrounded by historical buildings and churches.
Transportation: Tuk-tuk from Panajachel Q25 per person.
