Top 18 Activities Around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

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Around Lake Atitlán you will find many fun, challenging, and relaxing activities. Whether you want to explore nature, learn about the local culture, try something new, or put on your swimsuit, I’ve got you covered!

1. Nature Reserve (Atitlán Nature Reserve)

Location: Panajachel

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: Q80 per adult, Q45 per minor (under 12 yrs)

Payment Method: Visa, Mastercard, Cash

The Atitlán Nature Reserve is an excellent activity for families, couples, and individuals. Located only a 20-minute walk from downtown Panajachel, or a short Tuk-Tuk ride, Atitlán Nature Reserve is easy to access. When you arrive, you will find a large wooden front desk and will be required to pay an entry fee. The tickets include access to the nature trails, the hanging bridges, the monkey observation deck, the butterfly preserve, the playgrounds, and the private lake shore. The zip lines and BiciCable are available at an additional cost. Once inside, you can purchase a meal or snacks at the restaurant. Water bottles are not for sale but a free filtered water station is available. On the hiking trails, you will experience gorgeous views, Guatemalan’s unique vegetation, and an epic waterfall. 

2. Climb a Volcano

Climbing a volcano is a popular activity in Guatemala and is often on a tourist’s bucket list. Indian Nose and Volcan San Pedro are the most well-liked volcano hikes around Lake Atitlán. Tour companies typically meet in San Pedro before heading to the trailhead of Indian Nose and Volcan San Pedro, so it is best to book accommodations in San Pedro the night before.

Indian Nose 

Location: San Pedro

Hours: 4:00 AM Start

Cost: Q225 ($30 USD) per person

A popular volcano hike around Lake Atitlán, at only 40 minutes to the top, this hike is great for those pressed on time! Booking with a tour company is typically safer, as robberies are known to occur on the trail. Tour companies start their journey in San Pedro, leaving at 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise. Please note that if you do not want to go with a tour company, Tuk-Tuks are not typically available at 4:00 AM, and you would have to prearrange your transportation. A 30-minute drive brings you to the trailhead, and a 40-minute climb up a steep dirt path takes you to the top. The best part of this hike is the view. At sunrise the multicolored sky and calm waters are a great photo opportunity. Tour prices vary but are typically around Q225 ($30 USD) per person. Pro tip, book a hotel in San Pedro the night before to save on an expensive boat ride from another village at 3:30 AM. 

Volcan San Pedro

Location: San Pedro

Cost: Q100 per entry

Payment method: Cash

Volcan San Pedro is a popular hiking trail for those looking for a more challenging route. At 6.4 km, the hiking trail takes 5.5 hours to traverse. The hike is strenuous but provides a gorgeous view of the lake and surrounding mountains at the top. Unfortunately, even if you have a guide, there is still the possibility of being robbed. Robbers often climb the opposite side of the mountain and ambush hikers close to the viewpoint, where the trail narrows, it is difficult to escape. Although the police presence has increased, please be cautious and do not take any valuables with you. The entrance fee is Q100, and hiking poles are suggested.

3. Take a Sunset Tour

Private Boat: Readily available at the docks in Panajachel, private boats are an affordable option for viewing the sunset on the lake. Prices will vary, and you may have to negotiate, but a private boat ride typically costs anywhere from Q125 to Q200. If you time it right, you may be able to view the sunset and catch a ride back to your village in one fell swoop. 

Horseback Sunset Tour: A horseback sunset tour is a good option for those looking to have a more calm and relaxing ride while learning about the local terrain. Some tour companies also offer appetizers and cocktails, adding to the luxury. Horseback Sunset tours typically run from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, at a rate of $65 USD per person.  

ATV Sunset Tour: ATV Sunset tours are a great option for those looking for a bit more adventure and prefer a higher vantage point. ATV sunset tours typically run for 3 ½ hours, at a rate of $60 USD per person. 

4. Visit a Honeybee Farm

Location: San Juan

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: Q50

Payment Method: Visa, Mastercard, Cash

In San Juan, the honey bee farm, Xunah Kaab, is a fantastic place for the whole family. Discover and witness the different types of Mayan honey bees firsthand. Learn about how Xunah Kaab is helping to protect the honey bee population while tasting the unique varieties of honey and hearing about their healing properties. Browse the various Mayan honey-based products, including shampoos, lotions, lip balms, and candies. They also provide informational workshops available in both English and Spanish. 

5. Visit Local Churches

Location: Every village

Cost: Free

 Most of the villages have large catholic churches that are open to the public. Typically located by the main squares, these churches are filled with historical and religious significance and are a meeting place for the local community. 

In Panajachel, the Church of Saint Francis is located at the top of the town by the daily market. A 16th-century church built during the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. It has survived several earthquakes and still services the community today. 

Located in San Juan, the Atrium of the Catholic Church, is a small church situated by a quiet park. In front of the church is a large statue of St. Peter and a rooster, decorated with Mayan indigenous artwork. 

In Santiago, you will find Saint James the Apostle Church. There you will see a memorial to the assassination of 46-year-old Pastor Rother, who was killed in 1981 during the Guatemalan civil war. On December 2, 1990, a massacre occurred in Santiago when the Guatemalan army opened fire on an unarmed crowd, killing at least 14 people and injuring 21. This event has also been memorialized at the church and is a dark time in this community’s history. 

6. Visit all the Villages

Cost: Free (transportation cost varies)

There are 11 villages around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. The most popular villages to visit are Panajachel, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Juan, and San Pedro. Please see Guide to Villages Around Lake Atitlán, 2022 for more information.

7. Swim in the Hot Springs

Cost: Free

Although not your typical hot spring, warm waters are located on the shore of Santa Catarina. The lake water is warmed by underground fishers, creating warm pockets of water along the shoreline. To find the hot spring you will first need to head towards the dock. Just before the dock, you turn right onto a dirt path, which will lead you to the hot springs. Please keep in mind that the hot springs are directly in the lake and not in pools. They are also popular with the locals, so it may be busy when you visit.  

8. Visit a Weaving Co-Operative

Visiting a weaving co-operative is a great activity that anyone can enjoy. Learn how traditional Mayan clothing, handbags, shawls, and other goods, are made. Then give it a try yourself by participating in a workshop. Around Lake Atitlán, there are a few weaving co-operatives you can visit. Including Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative in San Juan and Atitlán Women Weavers in San Pedro. These co-operatives support local indigenous women and help improve the lives of those living in their communities. 

9. Visit Cerro Kiaq’ Aiswaan

Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: San Juan

Cost: Q10 per person

In San Juan, you will find Cerro Kiaq’Aiswaan. A circular outdoor structure covered in murals painted by local artists. Soak up the beautiful view of Lake Atitlán and San Juan from their panoramic viewpoint, but the intricate and colorful artwork and statues are playful and fun. It takes approximately 45 minutes to hike to the lookout, and the entry fee is Q10 per person. 

10. Look At Street Art

Cost: Free

Many of the villages have beautiful street art that is photography-worthy. The villages known for the most impressive street art are Panajachel, San Juan, San Pedro, and Santa Caterina. 

11. Go on a Coffee Tour

Location: San Juan, San Pedro

If you are interested in learning how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and processed, a Coffee Farm Tour may be for you! You can find tour companies in San Juan or San Pedro that would be glad to provide you with transportation and a local guide. Some tour companies have English and Spanish-speaking guides, so please ask before purchasing. Typically a sample cup of coffee is included, and many farms are even organic! 

12. Visit an Organic Farm

Located in Tzununa, Atitlán Organics allows visitors to experience permaculture farming and Mayan culture with all five senses. Depending on the season, you will meet chickens, pigs, and/or goats. Try freshly picked fruit from the garden, or if you are interested in starting your garden, there are plants available for purchase in the nursery. If you start to get hungry, just down the road, you will find Bambu Guest House, a farm-to-table restaurant that provides delicious and fresh vegetarian meals. 

13. Try Traditional Guatemalan Hot Chocolate

Location: San Marcos (Nectar Art Cafe)

Cost: Q25

Payment Method: Bitcoin, Cash 

Traditional ceremonial Mayan hot chocolate is served with no sugar and may be too bitter for the average visitor. If you are so inclined and would like to experience this tradition, there are many local cafes that will provide you with the opportunity. Nectar Art Cafe in San Marcos is the cafe where I tried traditional ceremonial Mayan hot chocolate myself. Served in a small metal teapot, the bitter hot cocoa is rich and creamy. Sugar is provided on the side, just in case. 

14. Paragliding

Location: Santa Clara, Santa Catarina Palopo

Cost: Q700 

 An exhilarating and daring activity, Paragliding provides you with a unique and panoramic view of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding mountains. As long as you are OK with heights and running off a cliff, visit Paragliding Panajachel. They are highly recommended; due to their excellent customer service and safety regulations. 

15. Paddle Boarding

Location: Santa Cruz

Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Cost: Q270 – Q920 ($35 – $120 USD) per person

Santa Cruz is known for being an excellent location for Paddle Boarding due to the protected bay. Stand Up Paddle Atitlán, located in Santa Cruz, provides the gear, lessons, and tours and is highly recommended. From beginners to experts, everyone is welcome, but please keep in mind that the waters are the best in the morning, so make sure to get there, first thing. Prices vary due to group size, experience level, and tour type. 

16. Kayaking

Location: Santa Cruz, San Pedro

Hours: Vary

Cost: Q20 – Q70 per hour, per person

Kayaking is a great way to explore Lake Atitlán. In Santa Cruz, you can find Los Elementos Activity Center, which rents kayaks and paddle boards by the hour. At only Q70 per hour, this is an affordable option and allows you to explore the calm, clean waters around Santa Cruz. If you are in San Pedro, you can check out Kayaks Hito, which offers kayaks and canoeing. At only Q20 an hour, they are the most affordable option.  

17. Hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos

Cost: Free

Popular and less strenuous than hiking up a volcano, the hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos connects you with nature and allows you to visit 4 villages in one go! Whether you start in San Marcos or Santa Cruz is up to you! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water for the journey. The hike typically takes 5.5 hours, but people often stop at the villages for breaks. The road from Tzununa to San Marcos can be dusty due to traffic, so if you prefer, you can opt for a Tuk-Tuk for the last leg (or beginning) of the journey, which only takes 12 minutes at Q15 per person. 

18. Visit the Local Markets

Location: Every village

Hours: Vary

Cost: Free

Every village around Lake Atitlán has a local market, where you can purchase fruits, vegetables, clothing, souvenirs, and other goods. Each village’s market occurs on a different day but typically starts early in the morning at the main square (usually beside the main church). They are the best place to purchase affordable fruits and vegetables, as prices are typically much higher in grocery stores.