Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Searching for the best place to stay in Lake Atitlán? I’ve detailed everything you need to know about the major destinations in Lake Atitlán and the best hotels and hostels.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Atitlán, you’ve come to the right place. I was once a confused traveler attempting to find the best place to stay around the Guatemalan lakeshore. And, while you can hop on a public ferry and boat between the villages, picking the right place to stay will positively impact your time in Lake Atitlán. After spending a glorious week bouncing between towns, I’ve detailed everything you need to know about the major destinations in Lake Atitlán and the best hotels and hostels.
When Luke and I started planning our month in Guatemala, one of the hardest decisions was figuring out where to base ourselves during our week in Lake Atitlán. We read conflicting articles that had us oscillating between basing ourselves in backpacker-ridden San Pedro, wellness-centric San Marcos, and ever-popular Panajachel. None of these articles gave us clear guidance, so we gambled and made our bookings. It paid off, however, as we eventually settled on splitting our time between San Pedro and Panajachel, giving us a well-rounded experience.
This guide outlines every detail of each of the main Lake Atitlán towns, including each’s drawbacks and benefits. And, as a cheeky bonus, I’ve listed the best luxury stays and budget bunks at the bottom of this post to help you book the best place!
how long to spend in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala ↴
Before deciding where to stay in Lake Atitlán, you must determine how long you’ll spend in the area. I recommend splitting your time between San Pedro and Panajachel. Anywhere from 5-7 days can be filled in Lake Atitlán.
Three days in San Pedro will allow you enough time to complete the sunrise hike up Indian Nose (also called Mayan Nose), and still leave you with time to enjoy San Pedro and its nearby towns. Two or three days in Panajachel will, similarly, give you ample time to leisurely tick everything off your Atitlán bucket list.
San Pedro - 3 days
Day 1 | Arrive in San Pedro by shuttle or chicken bus, peep the colorful street murals, shop around the town’s central market, get lunch from one of the town’s many terraced restaurants, rent a kayak to paddle the water, and finish the day with dinner with a lakefront view.
Day 2 | Hike Indian Nose with a guide early in the morning, grab a cheeky pastry from Idea Connection, head via ferry boat to San Juan to learn about Indigenous textile traditions, get lunch at one of San Marcos’ vegan eateries, try cliff jumping at the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve before picking a sunset spot for dinner (Sublime in San Pedro is right on the water).
Day 3 | After breakfast at Sababa, dart off in a ferry boat to Santiago! Spend the morning walking through the market en route to the town’s Catholic church. Here, take the time to learn about Father Stanley Rother and how his assassination led to the locals banning government militia presence. In line with this, I recommend visiting Parque de la Paz, where memorials for the December 1990 massacre victims stand. Visit 13 Batz Weaving Coop, where young men and women learn weaving techniques and are paid a fair living wage for their efforts. Spend your last night in San Pedro.
Panajachel - 2 days
Day 1 | Catch a morning ferry boat from San Pedro to Panajachel, enjoy breakfast at The Little Spoon, work up a sweat stand-up paddleboarding with GuateSup, grab lunch from Deli Jasmin, wander the central market, indulge in a curry from Delhi 6. Watch the sunset from one of Panajachel’s public docks or Flor de Café if you’d like a nightcap.
Day 2 | Spend the morning soaking up the magic of Santa Catarina, pop into Centro Cultural, and grab coffee at either Café Tuk or at the café at the top level of Centro Cultural. Don’t miss a dip in the natural thermal springs! If you have time, participate in a local weaving workshop before traveling to the next destination on your Guatemalan itinerary.
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala FAQs ↴
There are 11 Atitlán towns
Lake Atitlán is much larger than I originally thought. In fact, I kind of thought we could see them “all” in a few short days. However, there are 11 unique towns set around the massive lake. Each has its own identity markers. Among these 11, four are the most popular with visitors: Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, and San Juan. I cover all of these in-depth further in this post.
how to get around Lake Atitlán
Every little town around the lake has an army of tuk-tuks like you might have seen in cities like Bangkok. Negotiate before you ride, and be prepared to pay cash. Around San Pedro, tuk-tuk rides never set us back more than 20 QTZL. Our tuk-tuk ride from Panajachel to Santa Catarina cost 40 QTZL (20 QTZL each).
Ferrying between the towns and villages around the lake is easy, though it can get tiring. With that in mind, San Marcos, Santa Catarina, and San Juan are all villages. What I mean is, that while they are all unique and well worth seeing, many of these places are very small with a limited number of things to do, and require no more than a half day to visit. From San Pedro to Panajachel (opposite sides of the lake), our ferry ride cost us 25 QTZL each. From San Pedro to San Marcos, we paid 15 QTZL each.
cash is king
Almost nowhere throughout our week in Lake Atitlán accepted credit or debit cards. If they did, there was a high surcharge. San Pedro and Panajachel are the only two towns with ATMS (cash points). If you wish to exchange currency, you need to bring US Dollars or Mexican Pesos. None of the many currency exchanges we looked at would exchange GBP.
use the regulated boats (ferries)
There are a lot of boat trips for sale outside of the regulated ferry rides between the villages. You may even be approached by old men asking you if you want to go to “San Pedro, San Juan", Pana” etc. Anything that isn’t ticketed from the main dock is a private boat “tour.” You will be charged an unnecessarily high rate for this boat ride. If you’d like to hire a private boat driver, by all means, be my guest! But don’t be fooled into paying more for a ride if you’re just looking to get from point A to point B. As of December 2023, the maximum ferry boat price (from San Pedro to Panajachel) should cost 25 QTZL per person.
where to stay in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala ↴
San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro seems to be every backpacker’s favorite town along the Lake Atitlán shoreline. San Pedro is spattered with Spanish schools, lively dive bars, and affordable accommodation. It’s also riddled with long-term international stayers, which many locals have mixed feelings about. However, a single stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets, dodging the zooming tuk-tuks as they zip around will envelop you in the charm of this lakeside town. After five days in San Pedro, I can absolutely understand why so many people carve out a space for it in their hearts.
Unfortunately, the partying, loud music at all hours, and readily available recreational drugs make it a place I wouldn’t want to live long-term. I would stay in San Pedro if I were a solo traveler looking to socialize, a budget traveler seeking more affordable accommodation, or eager to hike up nearby Indian Nose lookout point.
Where to stay in San Pedro:
Casa Lobo | We booked Casa Lobo so we could enjoy San Pedro without the noise of hostel pub crawls, and it’s one of the best choices we made. The eco-hotel property includes a pool, co-working space, art gallery, and on-site kitchen. The rooms are designed with natural elements.
Where to eat + drink in San Pedro:
Indian Express | Not your traditional Indian food, but served in large portions with a tree-filled view of the lake perfect for golden hour
TacoMex | Budget-friendly street tacos
Sababa | Mediterranean food served in an airy lakeside café
Fifth Dimension | Fantastic vegan food with a view of the lake just steps from San Pedro’s main ferry dock.
Idea Connection | When I tell you that I am still thinking about the cinnamon roll from this place, I mean it. The heartbreak I feel over knowing every morning that someone who isn’t me gets a delicious bun from here is neverending.
Orbe | Great coffee and simple food located in the quieter part of San Pedro near Casa Lobo.
San Marcos
I have a very unpopular opinion of San Marcos. It took me only minutes walking around the hippie-clad haven of San Marcos to know for certain it was not a place for me. Gentrified to within an inch of its life, this “hippie haven” is laden with sound healing workshops, sex therapy coaches, and smoothie bars (almost all owned and operated by foreigners at a significant upcharge). It rubbed me the wrong way seeing almost no local Guatemalans but seeing no shortage of stoned tourists (we saw someone who was actually passed out, face down in front of a café toilet).
However, San Marcos isn’t totally lacking in appeal. It has a wealth of beautiful (and delicious) vegan eateries, and staying here would mean your hardest daily decision would be the choice between practicing yoga or Reiki. San Marcos is also the home of the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, an ideal spot for swimming that’s usually rife with cliff jumpers. Overall, I can imagine it being a very relaxed place to stay.
Where to stay in San Marcos:
Eagle’s Nest | Those centering their stay in Lake Atitlán around yoga and wellness might jump at the chance to stay at Eagle’s Nest. The eco-resort is environmentally minded, making it a dreamy stay for responsible travelers. Here, guests can partake in a bevy of group workshops and yoga classes.
Lush Atitlan | Lush is San Marcos epitomized in a hotel stay. Volcano views, an onsite restaurant serving “conscious cuisine”, and communal spaces for “intentional connection” are just some of the many earthy amenities you can expect when you book a stay here. It’s worth noting that Lush has an incredibly strict cancellation policy, so if you are on the fence about staying here or want flexibility with your stay dates, think hard!
Where to eat + drink in San Marcos:
Ambrosia Café | You can expect delicious vegan-friendly food, including smoothie bowls, served in a garden courtyard.
Samsara’s Garden | Plant-based foods are served in a shaded garden area right along the main alleyway.
Circles Café + Bakery | A gorgeous café with WiFi and fantastic barista coffee, as well as bread loaves, smoothie bowls, and pastries galore!
Panajachel
Panajachel, commonly called “Pana”, is most tourists’ introduction to Lake Atitlán. It’s the most built up of the lakeside communities, with plenty of pharmacies, supermarkets, and restaurants to keep every traveler comfortable and supplied. The farther you walk from the public docks, the greater taste of local life you gain. Strolling around, you’ll stumble upon the central market, artisan chocolate shops, Pana’s main church, and a beautiful library. I would base myself here for a few days to wander the local areas, gather my bearings, visit nearby Santa Catarina Palopó, and stock up on necessities.
Where to stay in Panajachel:
Hotel Regis | A clean, comfortable stay with private thermal pools and an on-site restaurant. This is where Luke and I spent four nights in Pana, and we loved the convenient location. It was close to the town’s public docks and to the main street, but was quiet at night.
Selina Atitlán | Budget travelers and those traveling solo should consider a stay with Selina! This hostel has both private and dormitory-style rooms and a co-working space for remote workers and digital nomads.
Where to eat + drink in Panajachel:
Crossroads Coffee | An establishment of Pana! No trip to this Atitlán town would be complete without a pilgrimage to Crossroads, where the art of coffee has been carefully mastered.
The Little Spoon | Possibly my favorite little café in Pana! The Little Spoon has window seats that allow you to watch the town wake up as you delight in breakfast options like waffles, toasts, smoothie bowls, and eggs. Despite Guatemala’s high-caliber coffee being served at every café throughout the country, the coffee at The Little Spoon still stood out to me.
Delhi 6 | The best curry I’ve had in Central America!
Deli Jasmin | The open-air garden setting adds to the relaxed atmosphere of Deli Jasmin. There is a reason it makes almost every Pana blog post— both the food and service here are 10/10 every visit (and we made multiple).
Circus Bar | The wood-fired pizza here is so good that you’ll probably have someone recommend it before your ferry boat docks in Pana.
Nativo Coffee | Coffee lovers will rejoice at the quiet haven that is Nativo Coffee, a locally-owned café serving Guatemalan coffee in manual brewing and barista coffee styles.
Santa Catarina Palopó
Whether you choose to stay in Santa Catarina or not, a visit while you’re in Lake Atitlán is a must. As one of the less-touristy towns along the lakeside, Santa Catarina is one of the lake’s quietest towns located just 3 miles southeast of Panajachel. Santa Catarina is the center of a cultural revival where 800 of the town’s homes have been painted in traditional patterns and colors representative of the Kaqchikel Mayan culture. One of Santa Catarina’s gems is its natural hot springs. The springs are free to enjoy and open to the public. You’ll find the springs along the lakeshore (follow the signs). You’ll want to stop by the Centro de Culture, a multi-level cultural museum that details the region’s history of textiles, coffee, and chocolate. While you’re here, you can discover your “nawal”, which are Mayan symbols based on your birthdate.
Unfortunately, while Santa Catarina is a vibrant town, it is a tiny one. Its small size means its hotel and hostel options are very limited. The language barrier here is also steeper than in Pana or San Pedro. I would base myself here only if my main objectives in Lake Atitlán were to shop for handicrafts and learn about Mayan culture.
Where to stay in Santa Catarina Palopó:
Tzampoc Resort | A wildly luxurious stay just outside of Santa Catarina, famed for its infinity pool, in perfect view of the lake and its volcanos.
Where to eat in Santa Catarina Palopó:
Café Tuk | A small café opposite the town’s church serving Guatemalan coffee with views of Santa Catarina’s main square.
Centro de Culture top-level café | After a tour of the Culture Center, make your way to the top level for a cheeky cocktail, locally-grown coffee, or refreshing fruit juice.
other towns in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala ↴
San Juan
If peace is what you seek, then San Juan might be the right Atitlán town for you. San Juan is a short boat ride from San Pedro, but they are worlds apart. While San Pedro is known for its nightlife and cheap rooms, San Juan is marked by traditional Mayan culture and art. Staying in San Juan is ideal for travelers keen to catch a glimpse of local life, but there isn’t much accommodation to choose from. You’ll likely be one of the only foreigners staying in San Juan, as most visit from San Pedro. San Juan boasts lots of original artwork and handcrafted souvenirs for sale, so make sure to do your shopping here!
Santiago
Santiago is a perfect blend of old and new. Here, 95% of all women in Santiago still wear their traditional trajes (clothing), while only a small percentage of men wear traditional garb. Look closely, and you can observe the blending of Catholic religion with Indigenous Mayan beliefs. Peppered with cafés centered around the main municipal market, and home to a never ending line of souvenir shops, Santiago is well-worth visiting.
However, as wonderful as the uniquely local vibe is, Santiago isn’t the easiest for tourists to stay in. Hotel options are limited, and Santiago isn’t the most well-connected of the towns. For instance, there is a direct 30-40 minute ferry ride to Panajachel, and a quick ferry ride to San Pedro, but in order to get to any of the other towns, you have to ferry from Santiago to Pana or San Pedro and then onward yet again.
best luxury hotels in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala ↴
One thing to note before you book a luxury hotel in Lake Atitlán is that almost all the resorts and bougie accommodation sit outside of the main towns. When we were looking at booking, we were worried we wouldn’t be able to stay at these places and see the nearby villages. However, we found out that all the private luxury hotels have their own docks and that the public ferry will pick you up and take you where you need to go, just as it would if you walked up to the public town docks.
La Fortuna | La Fortuna is the reigning Instagram champion of Lake Atitlán. Sitting between Santa Cruz and Pana, La Fortuna is a luxury stay for those willing to pay for ultimate privacy and unadulterated volcano views.
Tzampoc Resort | Santa Catarina is home to this wildly luxurious stay. The resort is best known for its infinity pool, which sits in perfect view of the lake and its volcanos.
Hotel La Casa del Mundo |19 private rooms sit on the side of Lake Atitlán’s cliffside. Each is thoughtfully decorated with local textiles and natural wood and stone components. Views of the lake are sublime, making every sunrise and sunset a stunning photo opportunity.
Villas B’alam Ya | This hidden gem sits quietly between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopó. Guests can make use of the private docks, serene gardens, and secluded beach access.
Lush Atitlán | Tempted to stay in San Marcos, but keen for something other than a hostel dorm? Lush Atitlán is an eco-luxury hotel designed with earthy elements and decorated in the local textile tradition.
best hostels in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala ↴
Hostel facilities throughout Lake Atitlán vary widely. Some offer bare minimum amenities and the kind of basic dorm rooms you might expect. Others are a bit elevated (like Selina Atitlán) and have private rooms available.
Selina Atitlán | Selina is a global chain of hostels beloved by digital nomads and remote workers for its reliable co-working spaces. The stylish design elements of Selina hostels make them feel a far cry from the basic, bare minimum hostels I stayed in when I backpacked in my early twenties. They have an onsite restaurant that we stopped by for breakfast one morning in Panajachel, which I would recommend.
Sababa Resort | Sababa Resort sits at the crossroads of luxury and affordability. This newly opened hostel in San Pedro offers dorm-style rooms with resort-style amenities that include a swimming pool, wellness spa, and a range of stylish dining options. Also, free breakfast buffet? Say less.
Mr. Mullets | Mr Mullets is a Mecca for the party crowd of San Pedro. The hostel sits just steps away from the town’s public docks, on the same road as many of the top-rated vegan eateries. Guests rave about the high-speed WiFi, plentiful power sockets, and the multiple onsite bars. At Mr. Mullets, you can expect themed parties and pub crawls, beer pong tournaments, and all-night raves. It’s well-regarded as one of the ultimate party hostels in the Lake Atitlán area.
Free Cerveza | Free Cerveza is known throughout Central America as one of the “it” party hostels. Though Free Cerveza is located in Santa Cruz, one of the smaller, quieter villages in Lake Atitlán, it provides travelers with a wealth of activities to keep busy. The hostel is regularly described as “summer camp for adults,” and, as far as I can tell, that is pretty much spot on. Kayaking, hikes, and yoga classes are just a few of the social activities guests can participate in. The dorm rooms here are actually canvas tents with epic views of the lakefront. The hostel gets its name from its free beer happy hour, which takes place every night from 5 PM to 7 PM. One thing to note is that the guest lockers aren’t in the tents (rooms), but are instead located in the shower hall.
