Looking for things to do at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala? This is the guide for you!
In 2024, I spent three days at the lake and I LITERALLY cannot wait to go back. Lake Atitilan is literally one of the most beautiful and serene places I have visited.
The tranquility of the lake paired with scenic hiking and volcanoes at every turn makes for a stunning vacation.
Some of the best things to do at Lake Atitlan include taking the water taxi to local villages around the lake like San Marcos or San Juan.
Each town has its own distinct flair and charm. Or take a guided hiking tour at sunrise to the highest viewpoint at Lake Atitlan for unforgettable views over the clouds.
There are SO many amazing things to do at Lake Atitlan, and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Let’s dive in!
An Apple a Plane contains affiliate links. Clicking on a link in this post and making a purchase may earn the blog a profit at no additional cost to you.
Explore Local Villages
Panajachel
Panajachel is the first village you reach upon arrival to Lake Atitlan. It is a 2-3 hour drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, and Panajachel is always the starting point.
Many travelers base themselves in Panajachel and take day trips to other neighboring towns.
I personally stayed in San Marcos but spent the end of my trip in Panajachel, since I would conveniently need to back to Guatemala City to catch my flight from here.
Some of the best things to do in Panajachel are:
- Shopping in Downtown Panajachel
- Atitlan Nature Preserve
- See more of the best things to do in Panajachel here.
San Marcos
San Marcos is known as a laidback, chill town in Lake Atitlan. My favorite part of the experience was practicing yoga in one of the most beautiful places EVER.
Some of the best things to do in San Marcos are:
- Beach
- Cerro Tzankujuil Nature Preserve
- See more of the best things to do in San Marcos here.
San Juan La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna is known as one of the most colorful towns along Lake Atitlan! I was so glad to take an epic day trip here via lancha, or water ferry, from San Marcos.
Some of the best things to do in San Juan are:
- Mirador Kaqasiiwaan
- Colorful Streets
- See more of the best things to do in San Juan here.
Sunrise Hike to the Highest Point of Lake Atitlan
This was by far one of my absolute favorite activities on Lake Atitlan. The view was absolutely magical.
All tour groups also received sweet bread and a coffee or hot chocolate at the top- as if you needed something else to top this adventure off!
You get picked up at 4:00am from your accommodation in San Juan or San Marcos (or earlier if you are staying Panajachel or somewhere at the start of Lake Atitlan).
From there, you join your guide and group for approximately a 45-60 minute uphill hike to this amazingly, beautiful viewpoint.
Safety note: Due to reported muggings, it is highly encouraged by literally everyone to complete this hike with a guide (during ANY time of day), and not alone.
Casa Del Mundo
Casa Del Mundo is a boutique hotel located in one of the smallest towns along the lake, Jaibalito. It is one of the closest towns to Panajachel, making a convenient day trip location.
I am upset I couldn’t make it to Casa Del Mundo on my last trip, but definitely plan to return.
Jaibalito only features two accommodations and one restaurant in the entire town, and all travelers I have heard from at this point compare it to some type of paradise!
More Lake Atitlan Planning!
Watch Sunrise or Sunset
Sometimes it seems kind of trivial to add watching a sunrise or sunset because it isn’t as simple and doesn’t involve me needing to give as many tips.
But I think that’s OK, and is also part of the beauty of something so simple yet stunning.
The deep, blue waters of Lake Atitlan surrounded by volcanoes are amazing, literally, EVERYwhere.
My favorite sunset was on the boardwalk over the free beach in Panajachel, just outside of the downtown center.
Sunrise, by far, was one of my favorite things to do at the highest viewpoint of Lake Atitlan. But you can experience this beauty from so many places.
Tip: If it’s a cloudy day, the views will be limited. This is one of the (MANY) reasons I recommend at least a few days at Lake Atitlan instead of a one day trip.
Rent a Boat
I love a good kayak encounter. Like, a lot. But I was on a budget on my trip so I opted for no boat rentals.
However, there are tons of locations along Lake Atitlan (I mean tons, and they’re in almost all of the towns) renting kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards.
When I go back, I want to rent a Stand Up Paddleboard in Panajachel. I see this recommended everywhere!
Things to do After Lake Atitlan
Key Takeaways
Honestly, if it wasn’t obvious, I still can’t state enough perfect things about visiting the lake. I literally can’t stop dreaming about it, and I hope you have an AMAZING adventure full of relaxation and adrenaline to your heart’s content!
If there is one thing I can drive home to you about Lake Atitlan, please do not feel like this is the type of place you need to check all of thesem or any, items off a list. It is so relaxing, serene, and tranquil.
If you are loving your time in San Marcos, don’t leave San Marcos! If San Juan is amazing and you only want to take a day trip outside of the island, then do just that.
From the bottom of my heart, there is no wrong way to do this. Just please, purely, enjoy.
I also can’t wait to hear about it- connect with me on it and send me a message!
