Lake Atitlan is located in a massive volcanic crater in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands with steep hills, beautiful and friendly Mayan villages, and volcanoes with striking pointed cones. Lake Atitlan should be part of any Guatemalan itinerary as it is ideal for all types of travelers, those trying to do nothing, relax and enjoy the views, or those visiting the Mayan city centers and getting up to all kinds of activities. Read our Getting to Lake Atitlan guide for detailed information on navigating to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala city.

Best Places to Stay in Lake Atitlan

Whether your Lake Atitlan travel itinerary takes you to San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro, Santa Cruz, Santa Catarina Palopo, Jaibalito, Santiago Atitlan, or Tzununa, there is an abundance of Airbnb and Hotel stays to enjoy. Here are our top picks:

• Baba Yaga Atitlan Loft $$$ – Luxury 1-bedroom, 3-bed with outdoor shower and amazing views. (San Marcos)
• Baba Yaga Atitlan Cabin $$ – Spectacular 1-bedroom, 1-bed treehouse-style cabin surrounded by beautiful gardens. (San Marcos)
• Lush Atitlan $ – $$$ – Tropical jungle feels hotel with a wide range of room options from standard rooms with shared showers to a luxury honeymoon suite. (San Marcos)
• Eagle’s Nest $$ – $$$ – All-inclusive hotel with shared bathroom and garden showers. You get 3 daily meals, yoga classes, sauna access, and other event access also. (San Marcos)
• Hotel La Casa Del Mundo $ – $$ – Mayan decor hotel with private and shared bathroom stays with stunning views of Lake Atitlan and volcano peaks and offering numerous activities such as skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, etc. (Jaibalito)
• Glass House Lakefront Studio $$$ –  Beautiful open-plan cottage house with a private dock and a beautiful accordion-style glass door that opens fully to bring the stunning outside in. (Tzununa)
• Villa Onix $$$ – Amazing Airbnb listing with wonderful hosts, great views, and a heated jacuzzi on the balcony. Very private 1-bedroom with a full kitchen, grill, and great internet service. (Panajachel)
• Casa Colibri $$$ – Private house with 5 bedrooms, a pool, and a sauna. (Santa Catarina)
• Garuda’s Nest – Private 1-bedroom apartment on a cliff 90m above water with a 180° panoramic view of the lake and volcanoes. (Santa Catarina)
• Villas Santa Catarina $ – $$ – Hotel stays with a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, and free wifi. Also offer tours and transfers for guests. (Santa Catarina)
• Lake Atitlan Lofts $$ – 2-bedroom 2-story loft with great balcony views of Lake Atitlan. (Santa Catarina)
• Tzampoc Resort $$$ – $$$$ – Luxury hotel with panoramic lake and volcano views. The restaurant is amazing with a private chef choice available on request. Highlight is an utterly stunning infinity pool (day access pass available). (Santa Catarina)
• Casa Prana Resort Hotel $$$$ – $$$$$ – Luxury resort hotel with free boat transportation to and from Panajachel. Offer a huge outdoor pool, yoga classes, a variety of water sports, and Lake Atitlan views from all rooms. (Santa Cruz)
• Arca de Noe Hotel $ – Serene hotel with tropical gardens, shady trees, and hammocks and with beautiful Lake Atitlan views. Choose from beautiful beachfront bungalows or standard hotel suites. (Santa Cruz)

Our more detailed guide to Santa Catarina Polopo is here.

Best Places to Eat in Lake Atitlan

This beautiful lake region is known for its fresh ingredients and traditional Mayan cuisine. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, here are some of the best places to eat around Lake Atitlan.

• La Iguana Perdida – Located in the village of Santa Cruz, La Iguana Perdida is a popular hostel with a great restaurant. The menu features a mix of international and traditional Mayan dishes, and the rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the lake.
• El Bistro – Located in the town of Panajachel, El Bistro is a modern restaurant serving a mix of Guatemalan and international cuisine. The menu features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.
• El Barrio – This cozy restaurant in San Pedro la Laguna is known for its delicious tacos and margaritas. The menu also features traditional Guatemalan dishes like pepian and chiles rellenos.
• Cafe Atitlan – Located in the village of San Marcos, Cafe Atitlan is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. The menu features fresh juices, smoothie bowls, and eggs benedict.
• Hotel Atitlan Restaurant – This upscale restaurant in Panajachel offers guests stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The menu features a mix of Guatemalan and international cuisine, and the wine list is extensive.
• Sababa Kitchen – Located in San Marcos, Sababa Kitchen is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant serving up delicious plant-based meals. The menu features falafel, hummus, and fresh salads.
• Cafe Sabor Cruceno – Located in Santa Cruz, Cafe Sabor Cruceno is a small cafe serving up delicious Guatemalan food. The menu features traditional dishes like chiles rellenos, tamales, and pepian.
• Cafe la Parada – This popular spot in Panajachel is known for its delicious coffee and breakfast items. The menu features eggs, toast, pancakes, and smoothies.
• CECAP Tortilleria – If you’re looking for an authentic street food experience, head to CECAP Tortilleria in Panajachel. This small stall sells fresh tortillas and tamales, made right in front of you.
• El Pescador – Located in San Pedro, El Pescador is a seafood restaurant serving up fresh fish and ceviche. The restaurant also offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes.

Activities to do around Lake Atitlan

• Hike Indian Nose – This popular hike offers stunning views of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located in the village of San Juan la Laguna and takes about 2-3 hours roundtrip. Be sure to take a guide on this hike. Ours cost $45 per person for 2 guides, a tuk-tuk ride to the trailhead, and a bottomless cup of hot coffee or cocoa at the viewing point.
• Visit Santiago Atitlan – This traditional Mayan village is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Atitlan. Visitors can explore the local market, visit the Catholic church, and learn about the history and culture of the Tz’utujil Maya people.
• Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard – Lake Atitlan is the perfect place to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops located around the lake, including in Panajachel and San Marcos.
• Visit Chichicastenango – This small town is famous for its colorful market, which takes place every Thursday and Sunday. Visitors can explore the stalls selling everything from textiles to handicrafts.
• Take a Boat Tour – One of the best ways to see Lake Atitlan is by boat. There are several boat tours available, including a tour of the three main villages (Panajachel, San Pedro, and Santiago) and a sunset tour.
• Visit San Pedro Volcano – This active volcano offers a challenging hike to the summit. The trailhead is located in the town of San Pedro la Laguna and takes about 3-4 hours roundtrip.
• Learn to Cook Traditional Mayan Cuisine – Several cooking classes are available around Lake Atitlan, where visitors can learn to make traditional Mayan dishes like tamales and pepian.
• Visit the Atitlan Nature Reserve – This nature reserve is located in the village of Panajachel and offers visitors the chance to explore the local flora and fauna. The reserve features several hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a zipline.
• Explore the Caves of San Marcos – This unique activity offers visitors the chance to explore the caves located in the village of San Marcos. Visitors can hike to the entrance of the caves and then explore the underground chambers with a guide.
• Relax on the Beach – Lake Atitlan has several small beaches where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the best beaches are located in Santa Cruz la Laguna and San Marcos la Laguna.