Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Are you wondering where to stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala?
Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala. This lake in the Guatemalan Highlands is known for its surrounding volcanoes, dramatic scenery, and quaint towns.
Since there are many towns around the lake, you may be wondering exactly where to stay. Different towns are suitable for different types of travelers, so I have provided an overview of the most popular towns and my recommendations for where to stay in each one of them below.
Getting to Lake Atitlan
Getting to Lake Atitlan is a pretty simple process. Most travelers will be coming from Antigua, and there are many shared shuttle services that will take you to the lake. If you are coming from Xela, you can also find shared shuttles. These typically cost around $15 to $25 depending on where you’re going.
Antigua to Panajachel, the second-largest town on the lake, takes a little over two hours. Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna takes about 3.5 hours. If you’re coming from Xela, San Pedro La Laguna is the closest town and it takes a little over two hours. Most shuttles will drop you off in one of these two towns.
If you’re planning to stay in another town, you will need to check with your shuttle company to see if you can be dropped off there. Otherwise, you’ll have to take a lancha (local boat) across the lake. These run frequently during the day (but stop in the late afternoon) and cost no more than $2 to $3.
Some hotels on the lake will also be able to arrange transportation for you.
How many days do you need at Lake Atitlan?
I spent one week in Lake Atitlan and found it to be plenty of time for enjoying the lake. You could see many of the highlights of the lake in around three full days if you are pressed for time.
Of course, many people spend much longer at Lake Atitlan.
The lake is a popular place to learn Spanish, with several extremely affordable Spanish schools to choose from. Some people also come to get their yoga teacher certification, volunteer or work at a hostel, or live the digital nomad life. Lake Atitlan is a great laidback destination for a long-term stay.
⏰ Short on time? If you only have one day, try this full-day Lake Atitlan tour from Antigua.
The Towns of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
As I mentioned, there are a number of towns around Lake Atitlan.
You can easily base yourself in one town for the duration of your visit and take day trips to other towns around the lake by lancha. This is what I did and I found it to be a great way to see the lake.
Here are the most popular towns around the lake:
- Panajachel: The second-largest town on the lake that is the most easily accessible from Antigua. A great place to base yourself for taking day trips to other towns around the lake.
- San Pedro La Laguna: The backpacker-friendly paradise of Lake Atitlan. You’ll find lots of budget accommodation options, cheap restaurants, activities, and nightlife.
- San Marcos La Laguna: Known for being the “hippie” town on Lake Atitlan. If you’re into yoga, holistic medicine, meditation, and so on then this is the place to stay for you.
- Santa Cruz La Laguna: A relaxed town known for having great views of the lake and scenic hiking and walking trails. Not too much going on in town so it’s good for a tranquil getaway.
- Jaibalito: Even smaller and quieter than Santa Cruz, and only accessible by walking path or boat! This is a good place to stay if you’re really looking to get away from it all.
- Santa Catarina Palopó: A more traditional Mayan village on the lake, Santa Catarina is known for its beautiful colorful buildings and streets, and luxury resorts if you want to splurge.
- Santiago Atitlan: Another traditional Mayan town that happens to be the largest town on the lake. A good place to stay if you want to be somewhere authentic and not as touristy.
And here are my top picks for the best places to stay in each town around the lake.
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Where to Stay in Panajachel
Selina Atitlan
Selina Atitlan is where I stayed on my visit to Lake Atitlan and I would recommend it. It’s very conveniently located, and Panajachel (or Pana to the locals) is a great base for exploring the lake.
This Selina location has a swimming pool, a nice coworking space, and a restaurant and bar. You can book affordable dorm rooms or stay in a private room, which is what I did. This is a good option for travelers on a budget who still want to stay somewhere nice and comfortable in Lake Atitlan.
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Hotel Atitlan
Hotel Atitlan is a great luxury option in Panajachel. Set in an elegant property with colonial-style architecture, this hotel offers panoramic views of Lake Atitlan and sprawling, lush gardens on the property.
Guests will be able to enjoy a swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. The property is in a secluded area and is about a twenty-minute walk or a short five-minute drive into the main town.
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Where to Stay in San Pedro La Laguna
Sababa Resort
Sababa Resort is one of the best places to stay in San Pedro. It is right on the lake, and many of the rooms offer lakefront views. You can choose from affordable dorms and private rooms.
The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake and a restaurant where the included breakfast is served every day. This is a great place to stay for stunning views in San Pedro.
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Mikaso Hotel
Another one of the best places to stay in San Pedro is Mikaso Hotel. It offers budget-friendly accommodations in including dorm rooms and private rooms. While the property does not have a swimming pool, it does have a large terrace overlooking the lake where you can sunbathe.
Mikaso Hotel is centrally located in San Pedro and makes the perfect base for exploring the lake and trying activities like kayaking or paddle boarding, or hiking up Volcan San Pedro.
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Where to Stay in San Marcos La Laguna
Lush Atitlan
Lush Atitlan is a great boutique hotel in San Marcos with jaw-dropping views of the lake. You’ll feel like you’ve entered your own personal paradise when staying at this beautiful hotel on the lake.
Some rooms even include private patios and terraces with tranquil views over the blue water of the lake. This hotel is located close to all that San Marcos has to offer, from vegan cafes to yoga studios.
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Eagle’s Nest Atitlan
Eagle’s Nest is a really unique and unforgettable place to stay in San Marcos. It’s a popular yoga studio and event space that also has private rooms and dorms. Your stay includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and free yoga classes, plus access to all events like ecstatic dance parties, sound healing, and more.
While this experience will not be for everyone, it is highly rated by those who have stayed here. The property offers incredible views of the lake and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a total getaway.
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Where to Stay in Santa Cruz La Laguna
La Iguana Perdida
La Iguana Perdida is a laidback hostel right on the shores of the lake in Santa Cruz La Laguna. While I did not stay here, I spent an afternoon here and really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place!
The hostel offers dorms and private rooms, and has an on-site restaurant. There are many places to go hiking nearby, and the hostel can also arrange scuba diving for you if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Free Cerveza
Free Cerveza is another popular hostel in Santa Catarina that is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a glamping experience where you can get away from it all and enjoy nature. You can stay in one of their glamping tents, all of which are fully equipped with electricity and comfortable bedding.
Guests have free access to kayaks, paddle boards, yoga mats, and the sauna. The “free cerveza” is offered for two hours before dinner every night as long as you pay for dinner, which is reasonably priced.
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Where to Stay in Jaibalito
Hotel La Casa del Mundo
La Casa del Mundo is the perfect place to stay if you are looking to get away from it all! Located in the small village of Jaibalito, the property is only accessible on foot or by boat. I did not stay here, but visited one morning after taking a pleasant hike from nearby Santa Catarina and ate at the restaurant.
The hotel has incredible views of the lake, and offers cozy rooms and suites with Mayan-inspired decor. You can relax on the terrace or take a dip in the lake from the hotel’s private beach.
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Where to Stay in Santa Catarina Palopó
Villa Santa Catarina
Villa Santa Catarina is a lovely hotel located on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Santa Catarina. This picturesque hotel is set on a beautiful property with lush gardens and breathtaking views of the lake.
Guests will enjoy luxurious rooms, many with their own private balconies. The hotel, conveniently located right in town, also has an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake and an on-site restaurant.
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Hotel Casa Palopo
Hotel Casa Palopo is by far one of the most luxurious hotels in Lake Atitlan. If you are looking to splurge on your visit to the lake, this is the best place to stay although it is on the pricier side for Guatemala.
However, guests rave about the beautiful and spacious rooms, all of which have private balconies, and the top-notch service. You can also enjoy an outdoor swimming pool with stunning views of the lake. If you want a truly unforgettable stay, this is the perfect place to base yourself at Lake Atitlan.
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Where to Stay in Santiago Atitlan
Hotel Los Olivos
Hotel Los Olivos Santiago Atitlan is one of the best hotels in Santiago Atitlan, the largest town on the lake which is known for its strong Mayan heritage. This hotel has tastefully appointed, comfortable rooms.
There’s also a swimming pool with great views over the lake, and an on-site restaurant. This hotel makes the perfect base for your trip if you want to experience a less touristy part of Lake Atitlan.
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Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
This guide showed you where to stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Lake Atitlan!
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