Are you looking for the best things to do in San Marcos at Lake Atitlan? This is the guide for you!
San Marcos is one of the 13 towns located along the infamous Lake Atitlan.
Honestly, Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful natural wonders I ever have seen. I decided to base myself in San Marcos for my trip, and I am so, SO glad that I did. More on that later!
There are so many amazing things to do in San Marcos.
Some of the best things to do include exploring the laidback town, enjoying incomparable volcano views from the beach, world-class yoga centers, and hiking to the highest point in Lake Atitlan.
Let’s explore San Marcos La Laguna!
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Best Things to Do in San Marcos
1. Beach
I think that San Marcos has one of the best beaches at Lake Atitlan. I visited three of the towns, and San Marcos just feels so ridiculously close to the volcanoes that the views are unlike any other.
If I had to choose any beach in the world to lounge on for a long time, it would be San Marcos.
Don’t expect soft, white sand, though. It’s not that kind of beach.
The pebbly shores give it a rugged feel amidst the vibrant, blue water and volcanic views. Grab a book, find a dock, or just lay your towel out and enjoy.
2. Yoga
Yoga is one of the top reasons people go to San Marcos, or choose San Marcos as their accommodation along Lake Atitlan.
I have never practiced yoga in a more beautiful place, and I absolutely can’t wait to come back.
Doing a quick search of the most scenic places to do yoga in the world reveals San Marcos La Laguna in Guatemala as one of the top locations time and time again. I could not possibly agree more with this!
Del Lago Hostel and Cafe has a beautifully renovated yoga deck overlooking Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes.
As of 2024, they run two classes each morning 5 days per week. The classes cost 50Q each, or about $6 US Dollars for a 90-minute class- what a deal! This was one of my very favorite things during my ENTIRE Stay in Lake Atitlan.
Where to go for yoga:
- Del Lago Hostel
- Yoga Forest
3. Sunrise Hike: Highest Point in Lake Atitlan
Hiking to the highest point in Lake Atitlan is by far one of the best things to do in the area.
San Marcos and San Pedro are the easiest towns to get here from. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. The starting point for the hike is located in Santa Clara
All tours from San Marcos or San Juan La Laguna begin with a 4:00am pickup. If you are staying in Panajachel, the pickup time is around 2:30am, and it’s substantially more expensive due to a longer drive to the starting point.
Even so, I recommend it as one of the best things to do in Panajachel, because I think the experience is that amazing.
4. Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
I didn’t get a chance to visit Cerro Tzankujil… honestly, I was busy relaxing! And knew that I had other nature reserves planned on my trip.
Travelers recommend it for the views and exploration. The lowkey trails feature the amazing views you have along the Lake Atitlan docks and beach.
It is highly recommended for views and swimming. The reserve also has boat rentals and a public bathroom. As of March 2024, it has a small 20Q entrance fee. This is approximately $3 USD.
5. Day Trip to local towns
Take a day trip to any of the 13 towns along Lake Atitlan! I recommend San Juan La Laguna because it’s one of the next towns over and less than 10 minutes by Lancha boat.
The Lanchas arrive every 15 minutes (more or less) and leave as soon as they are filled enough.
The longest I had to wait on a lancha to leave was about 5 minutes, so it’s really not much of a wait and is no biggie.
6. Main Street
Expats and travelers refer to the main street the lancha dock is attached to as the “Hippie Highway”.
This main street of town features restaurants, bakeries, a lavanderia (or laundry washing services), a tattoo shop, and more. Basically, it’s like a one-stop street for what you might need when in town.
There is also a giant bulletin board located outside of the Circles Cafe on this street, where independent freelancers post all of the happenings they are hosting in town.
Signs I noticed ranged from “Mindful Tea Party” to yoga gatherings, and so much more.
7. Mindfulness Classes and Workshops
Speaking of that bulletin board outside of Circles Cafe on the main street, find some sort of mindfulness class if this is what you are interested in!
Meditation classes may be led by certified licensed therapists, Shamens, or someone who has practiced meditation for a long time and loves it.
There is a huge community of expats, and they like to share their relaxation practices with others. Discover the latest happenings of town here or on the Facebook page.
I highly recommend this page for the most up-to-date information about town!
8. Relax
This is one of the main reasons people come to San Marcos. They come to chill. And I entirely, totally get that.
I’m usually a completely on the move, “always needing to be doing something”, traveler. But something changed when I got to San Marcos.
Maybe it was the immaculate views from the Del Lago deck that I could admire for hours on end. It didn’t seem like there was another matter in the world.
This laidback pace brings travelers from all over the world. Maybe it’s relaxing at a yoga center, at a coffee shop in town, or on a dock at the beach admiring the views. Pick an activity from this list, and spend a while doing it.
I met another traveler who was shocked that she had finished an entire book while visiting San Marcos. It’s a place to recharge!
San Marcos Accommodation
Safety Tip
As of 2024, it is not recommended to walk around San Marcos after dark. It is also not recommended to complete any of the hikes on your own.
Hike with a guide, and arrange for transportation if you will be out at night. I recommend arranging transportation with your hostel or someone you know and not finding a driver on the street after dark. These were the recommendations passed along to me by my hostel.
San Marcos is a beautiful and safe down during the day, but make sure you follow these safety precautions when hiking any time of day or if you will be out at night.
FAQ
Q: How do you get to San Marcos?
A: Fly into the Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. From here, book a transfer shuttle directly to Panajachel. Alternatively, you can book a direct transfer from Antigua.
As of March 2024, no shuttles run directly to San Marcos. You must arrive to Lake Atitlan at Panajachel and take a Lancha from there.
You can alternatively book private transportation from Panajachel to San Marcos, but I absolutely recommend taking the lancha for price, convenience, and for the experience!
Q: What is the best time of year to visit San Marcos La Laguna?
A: The best time to visit San Marcos La Laguna is during the dry season, from November to April. During this period, the weather is more predictable, offering sunny days that are ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
Q: Are there any ATMs in San Marcos?
A: As of 2024, there is one operating ATM in San Marcos. Plan accordingly! Cash is by far the most common and reliable option for money along Lake Atitlan, and I highly recommend carrying cash with you if this is possible.
Most travelers recommend taking out cash from an ATM in another city there are more ATM machines, and it seems more reliable.
Q: How do I get around San Marcos?
A: San Marcos La Laguna is a small town that can be easily navigated on foot. For longer distances or exploring surrounding areas, tuk-tuks are readily available for hire. For excursions across Lake Atitlán, public boats (lanchas) connect San Marcos to other lakeside villages.
Q: Are there any health clinics in San Marcos La Laguna?
A: There is a small health clinic in San Marcos La Laguna for basic medical needs. For more severe health issues, it’s recommended to go to a larger town or city with more extensive medical facilities.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect in San Marcos La Laguna?
A: San Marcos La Laguna offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences, from hostels and budget rooms to luxury lakeside retreats. Many places focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, providing a unique and immersive experience.
Q: Is vegetarian or vegan food available in San Marcos?
A: Yes, San Marcos La Laguna is known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly cuisine. Many cafes and restaurants offer a variety of plant-based options that cater to health-conscious travelers.
Lake Atitlan Planning
Sustainable Tourism Note
While San Marcos La Laguna is a tranquil and idyllic destination, it’s important to respect local customs and follow safety advice for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
It has increased as a popular expat destination, with approximately 25% of its residents being foreigners. Following local customs is extremely important.
This is a Mayan village with Mayan culture. Respect this accordingly.
Conclusion
San Marcos La Laguna offers a unique blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it a must-visit destination on Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
First-time visitors will delight in the serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes through a visit to the local nature reserve, yoga center, or simply walking along the beach.
I highly recommend San Marcos if you plan for yoga, the nature reserve, and/or scenic views. If you are going to just walk around town, I recommend neighboring San Juan instead because the town is bigger and there is more to do. You can walk across the town of San Marcos in 10 minutes.
This picturesque village is a GEM for travelers looking to unwind and immerse themselves in nature and peace!
