Hello everyone! Thinking of visiting Lake Atitlan, Guatemala? You definitely should! Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful, unique destinations in Latin America and one that I think should be on everyone’s bucket list. Welcome to your Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Guide!
Lake Atitlan is one of my all time favorite destinations and one I keep dreaming of visiting again and again. In this post you will find essential tips and advice for your trip, as well as all of the information you need for planning your Lake Atitlan adventure.
Lake Atitlan is located in the Sierra Madre mountain range of Guatemala, about 3 hours by car from the airport in Guatemala City. Most travelers fly into Guatemala City and make their way to the lake from there.
The lake itself is actually the deepest lake in Central America – it is also huge, with an area of more than 50 miles. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to be surrounded by nature, Lake Atitlan is for you!
Does Lake Atitlan, Guatemala sound like your kind of trip? Keep reading for everything you need to know when planning your trip!
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Guide
Money
1: Exchange some money before your trip – or pull some from an airport ATM
This is one of my top recommendations for all foreign travel. Arriving at a destination with local currency makes things so much easier.
I use CitiBank and I’m able to order foreign currency in advance of my trips. You may not get the absolute best exchange rate, but it’s usually pretty good.
If you exchange money in advance you can also avoid long exchange lines upon arrival at the airport. Additionally, you avoid ATM fees, which can be high at the airport or stand-alone ATMs.
I’m not sure why, but I almost always have problems with ATMs abroad – even if I alert my bank that I’m traveling. I’m shocked by this every time, as I travel internationally 12+ times per year. Guatemala was no exception (every time I have visited), and there were multiple ATMs that I was unable to use. Luckily, I had brought extra cash to exchange.
Usually, I don’t recommend pulling money out of airport ATMs as the fees can be high. However, unless your transportation driver is willing to stop a bank, you’ll want to have some cash when you arrive to the lake and the airport ATM may be the best option.
The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 8 Guatemalan Quetzals.This exchange rate is pretty stable and has stayed the same for several years.
2: Don’t rely on credit cards
Many locations on the lake will accept credit cards, but not all.
While credit card payments are becoming a lot more common on the lake, especially in restaurants and coffee shops, you will still definitely need cash for shopping for souvenirs in small shops, leaving tips, buying street food, etc.
There are ATMs all over the lake, especially in the larger towns, so (as long as your debit card is working), you’ll be able to take out cash easily.
Transportation
3: Arrange transportation to the lake in advance
Due to the fact that the lake is located about 3 hours away from the airport in Guatemala City, you should have transportation waiting for you upon arrival.
Some hotels on the lake will arrange airport pick ups/drop offs, however, this can be pricey. Instead, I recommend booking your own transportation in advance. There are great private and shared options that will pick you up at the airport in Guatemala City and bring you to either Panajachel or San Pedro.
Transfers from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan:
Some people choose to spend a few days in Antigua before or after visiting the lake. I definitely recommend this as Antigua is a stunning colonial city with a ton to do and see. From Antigua, the trip to Lake Atitlan is about 2.5 – 3 hours.
There are both private and shared transfers to Lake Atitlan from Antigua that are very affordable. Of course, there are also transfers back to Antigua as well.
Transfers from Antigua to Lake Atitlan:
- Shared Transportation from Lake Atitlan to Antigua
- Private Transportation from Lake Atitlan to Antigua
4: Be cautious with public buses
All around Lake Atitlan you will see local, public buses. These buses are commonly referred to as chicken buses and are, usually, secondhand, decorated school buses imported from the U.S.
They are very popular with locals, and they travel to many destinations, such as Antigua, Guatemala City and Chichi Market.They are also very affordable!
Although these buses are relatively convenient, I was urged by many locals and travelers not to take the chicken buses. It was expressed to me that they would likely not be safe for young, foreign female travelers. If you feel comfortable taking these buses, they’re a cheap option, but please keep safety in mind.
Note: I have taken these buses around Central America and never had any issues, but I’ve never taken them alone.
5: Travel by boat around the lake
The fastest and best way to get between towns on Lake Atitlan is by boat.
You can flag down public boats on most major docking areas and from hotels. These boats run regularly throughout the day, although the timing isn’t the most reliable. A public boat trip should cost $1-2 for transportation between towns/hotels. Just be sure to let the driver know where you’re heading when you get on the boat. These boats are very safe for tourists.
You can also hire private boats for trips between towns. These are more expensive, but work well for groups. These private boats can be arranged by staff at your hotel. On average, these trips will cost at least $10/$15 each way, sometimes more.
Keep in mind that public boats do not operate on the lake at night. Usually after dark, services end. If you’re staying in a remote hotel you will need to get back before dark to avoid high private boat fees (the prices go way up at night).
Also keep in mind that the lake is extremely dark at night and the water often gets much rougher in the afternoon. These are not ideal boat-travel conditions.
Where to Stay: Hotels & Towns
6: Pick your hotel location wisely
There are 11 towns located around Lake Atitlan and each one is unique. Some of the towns are much larger than others and there are a few that are major tourist destinations.
Two of the most popular, larger towns to stay in are Panajachel and San Pedro. Both of these towns are major tourist destinations and there is a lot to see and do. Although they aren’t considered to be the “cutest” towns on the lake, they still have a lot to offer.
Notably, these towns are also accessible by car, so your transfer can drop you off directly at your accommodation. Both towns are also very walkable!
Panajachel and San Pedro offer a great selection of accommodations at a variety of price points.
- Selina Atitlan – Panajachel
- Hotel Atitlan – Panajachel
- Dreamboat Hostel – Panajachel
- Shanti Shanti Hotel – San Pedro
- Sababa Resort – San Pedro
From these towns, you can access tons of great activities like ATVing, hiking Indian Nose and kayaking.
Read my post all about where to stay in Lake Atitlan HERE!
Remote + Relaxing Hotel Options:
If you are looking for a relaxing experience, away from other tourists, I recommend staying at either Laguna Lodge located in Santa Cruz, or La Casa del Mundo Hotel located in Jaibalito.
Both of these hotels are accessible mainly by boat, and once you arrive it is more difficult to spontaneously leave. However, they are true oases and lovely locations to spend time in nature.
If you do choose to stay at one of these hotels, or a hotel in a small town in general, I do recommend only doing it for part of your trip. This is because these accommodations are often far from towns and only accessible to restaurants, cafes and activities by boat.
This can make it hard to explore the lake and take in all it has to offer, as there is more planning involved every time you want to leave your hotel.
For a relaxing night or two, they’re great, but I would also recommend spending a few days in a larger town.
7: Stay in San Pedro, at least for one night
Even if you’re staying in other towns for part of your trip, I recommend staying in San Pedro for at least one night.
San Pedro is the town with the majority of the nightlife and it is definitely one the most fun parts of the lake.
Additionally, it is one of the largest towns on Lake Atitlan and it is accessible by car. In San Pedro there are tons of restaurants and shops – and it is a major hub for activities and day trips.
San Pedro is a fun location for any age, but it is especially popular with younger travelers.
Fun activities in San Pedro:
- Coffee Tour in Lake Atitlán
- Free pick up offered in San Pedro, the tour takes place in San Juan
- Teixchel Weaving Workshop
- Horseback Riding Tour in San Pedro La Laguna
Packing for Lake Atitlan
8: Pack warm clothes
I’ve visited Lake Atitlan in both Spring and Fall. In both seasons, the temperature varied quite a bit throughout the day.
While it can get warm during the daytime, as soon as the sun sets it does get chilly. You’ll definitely want to bring sweaters and maybe even a light jacket. Depending on the time of year, there can also be a lot of wind on the lake. Finally, rain and thunderstorms are common in the afternoon, so pack a raincoat with a hood!
9: Pack light
Lake Atitlan is a very casual destination. You won’t need any fancy clothes, heels or elegant attire. This is great for those of us who like to travel in carry ons or backpacks!
If you’re planning to be at Lake Atitlan for an extended period of time, there are also laundromats in many of the large towns like Panajachel or San Pedro. Many hotels also offer laundry service.
Packing light is also great for taking boats and transfers. Smaller suitcases are definitely easier to maneuver.
Tours, Activities and Things To Do
10: Take a boat tour of the lake + towns
No matter which town you choose to stay in, I recommend taking a day-long tour of the lake and its many towns. There are 11 towns in total, and each one is unique.
If you’re staying in Panajachel, there are tourist centers where you can book day long tours of the lake. However, I recommend booking a tour in advance where you can read reviews and see an itinerary. If you book a private tour, your guide will also (almost always) be able to tailor the tour to your interests.
When thinking about which villages to visit on the lake, two must visit towns are San Juan la Laguna and Santa Catarina! Most tours will stop at San Juan la Laguna, but not all go to Santa Catarina. Santa Catarina is small, but it’s very colorful and a beautiful place to have a coffee and walk around.
The majority of tours will also visit Santiago, which is known for its Mayan traditions.
11: Hike Indian Nose at sunrise
Indian Nose hike is a must-do when visiting Lake Atitlan. The views are absolutely incredible and it is such an amazing experience to see the sunrise over the lake.
For this hike I highly, highly recommend having a guide. In fact, I don’t think this hike would be manageable without one. While this hike is totally safe with a guide, I would not have felt safe embarking on this hike on my own. In addition to the risk of being robbed on the path (this almost exclusively happens when you don’t have a guide), without a local guide you could very easily get lost on the trail in the dark.
When you book a guided sunrise hike up Indian Nose, your guide will meet you at your hotel around 4am, and in the dark hours of the morning you will hike up the mountain to see the sunrise over the lake. The hike is only about 30 minutes each way, so it’s definitely doable for most travelers. However, keep in mind that it is very steep.
In total, this hike lasts around 5 hours. You’re picked up around 3:45/4am, and you’ll return to your hotel around 9am – just in time to have breakfast and enjoy a day of exploring!
There are tons of Indian Nose guided hikes available, but these are a few of the best rated:
- Indian Nose Hiking Adventure (Custom and Private Tour)
- Sunrise Hike Tour on Indian’s Nose Mountain
- Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel
- Most tours pick up from San Pedro, San Juan La Laguna and/or San Marcos – so this is a great option for those staying in Panajachel
12: Take day trips
There are tons of day trips you can take from Lake Atitlan. Personally, I highly recommend visiting Chichicastenango Market, one of the largest markets in Central America.
Chichi is a little bit of a drive from Lake Atitlan, about 2.5 hours. However, it is totally worth it! It was amazing to visit the market and I found so many beautiful items from talented, local artisans. My house is filled with embroidered, decorative pillows I brought back with me.
There are public buses that go from Lake Atitlan, mostly from the town of San Pedro, to Chichi – however, I do not recommend this method of travel because of safety concerns.
I hired a private driver, and although this is a more expensive option, it was totally worth it. You’ll be picked up directly at your hotel and, often, the driver will also show you around the market. When you’re ready to leave, you won’t have to wait for other travelers and your driver will bring you right back to your hotel.
PRIVATE tours of Chichicastenango:
There are also shuttle buses and group trips that are usually less expensive, but they can vary in price depending on day and time.
Keep in mind that the market is open on Thursdays and Sundays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
13: Visit Antigua on your way to/from the lake
Antigua is a beautiful colonial city and the former capital of the country. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited.
On my first trip to Lake Atitlan, I made the mistake of doing a day trip from Lake Atitlan to Antigua and back. This was a really bad idea.
Antigua is about an hour (without traffic) away from the airport in Guatemala City, and about 2.5 hours away from Lake Atitlan. I recommend visiting Antigua on your way to/from to Guatemala City and spending a day or two in the adorable colonial city.
When you’re in Antigua, hiking Acatenango Volcano is also a must-do – however, transparently, I’ve never done it. It’s on my list and every time I go to Guatemala I try to convince myself to do it and end up doing something else instead.
However, all of my friends who have hiked it say it’s one of their favorite travel experiences. This is an overnight hike and it’s pretty intense. You’ll camp at the top and wake up to watch the sunrise and, if you’re lucky, a volcano erupting.
This is the kind of hike that you need to prepare for and know what you’re getting yourself into before you go, but it’s really a bucket list activity in Guatemala!
Safety
Overall, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is very safe and is considered one of the safest destinations in the entire country. However, like when traveling anywhere, use common sense to avoid getting into dangerous situations.
Be careful going out at night in unpopulated areas, don’t wear flashy jewelry and keep an eye on your phone. At night, especially if you’re a female traveler, try to stay in busy areas or with a group/buddy and take a TukTuk if you’re walking long distances.
14: When in doubt, get a guide
Guided tours are great. Not only are they fantastic from a safety standpoint, but they’re also a great way to spend time with a local and learn more about a destination.
While sometimes it’s just nice to have a guide, for some activities, like hiking Indian Nose, it’s a necessity.
Guided Activities in Lake Atitlan:
- Lake Atitlan Villages ATV Tour
- Maya Cooking Class from Panajachel
- Kayak and Hike Adventure Tour from Panajachel
FAQ: Visiting Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
- What is so special about Lake Atitlan?
- Lake Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes and picturesque towns. Its natural beauty is unmatched and the towns all showcase Mayan culture and traditions. The food is wonderful, the activities are plentiful and it’s a very relaxing location.
- Why can’t you swim in Lake Atitlan?
- You can, in general, swim in Lake Atitlan and many people do. However, some parts of the lake are more polluted than others and it’s recommended to swim in the smaller towns where there is less runoff and pollution.
- Is Lake Atitlan safe for tourists?
- Yes, Lake Atitlan is safe for tourists and is one of the safest, and most touristy, parts of Guatemala.
- Is Lake Atitlan expensive?
- In general, no. Lake Atitlan is an affordable destination and you can find very inexpensive hotels, restaurants and activities. Of course, there are also luxury hotels and it’s possible to have a more expensive, more luxurious experience on the lake as well.
- Lake Atitlan is especially popular with young backpackers, as there are very affordable hostels and food options.
So there you have it! I hope you found my Lake Atitlan, Guatemala travel guide with my best tips and advice to be helpful.
If you have any questions, or would like to add anything to this post, let me know in the comments below! For photo inspiration and mini guides, make sure you’re following us on Instagram: @twosistersabroad.
Keep planning your trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala with these posts:
- Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan for the Best Experience!
- The Best Things to do in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
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♡Kate
Note: This Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Guide includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
Seems like such a great trip, and I love that you include safety tips especially for young women like me. Relying on boats to travel seems so fun, and all your pics are so cute! Love your blog!
I’ve never been to Guatemala, but Lake Atitlan looks so amazing that now I hope to visit one day. I had no idea it was the deepest lake in Central America! The Indian Nose hike at sunrise must be such an epic experience!
What an experience! This looks like such a lovely place to visit. Guatemala has never been on my radar but these photos are so alluring.
I’m so agree with your tip number 1. It gives peace of mind for sure. Is the chicken bus the one that carries chicken like in the movie?
Oooh this sounda likr a fabulous destination. Staying at San Pedro sounds fun, but I love that you can take boat tours as well as use boats to get around wherever you stay.
Hiking Indian Nose with a guide sounds like a highlight.
I have always wanted to go to Guatemala so this post is super useful! Thank you!
I love how much information you provided here! Travelling on the boats seems so fun! Also the hike looks gorgeous.
Thank you! I’m heading to San Marcos La Laguna in a couple weeks for a month long trip – this was super helpful!