Looking for the best things to do at San Juan La Laguna at Lake Atitlan? This is the guide for you!
San Juan is known to be the incredibly colorful village of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. There are 13 towns along the lake in total.
San Juan La Laguna is particularly colorful thanks to its streets filled with tons of colorful umbrellas, the ginormous, colorful platform overlooking the lake, and the beautiful artisan crafts.
Some of the best things to do at San Juan include visiting the incredibly colorful Mirador viewpoint, exploring the colorful umbrella streets, and hiking to the highest viewpoint in Lake Atitlan.
Colorful Streets
San Juan is famous for its colorful streets.
As soon as you arrive in the town by lancha, or water taxi, at the San Juan dock, you are immediately greeted by a dock that is different than other docks along Lake Atitlan! This one is painted in vibrant colors and only begins the entrance into the colorful town.
As soon as you exit the dock onto the main street, visitors are greeted with colorful umbrellas overhead everywhere.
This reminded me of streets in Cartagena, Guatape, and Puerto Rico as well! I love a colorful umbrella street. Always.
Mirador Kaqasiiwaan
Mirador Kaqasiiwaan is perhaps the most famous thing to do at San Juan La Laguna.
When visitors search for the best things to do in San Juan, this is always one of the first things that comes up. And I highly recommend a visit!
Once you arrive at the boat dock, you have to walk approximately 15 minutes up the main street (located on a hill) in town to arrive at the starting point to hike the Mirador. I opted to take a Tuktuk.. but the Tuktuk does not take you up to the Mirador.
It drops you off at the starting point. This is because the walk up to the mirador is by walking in a swirl of stairs built into the mountain.
And yes… it is a small hike. It took me about 15 minutes to walk up to the top of the Mirador, with a couple of breaks in between.
There are tons of local shops the entire way up selling refreshments and local souvenirs. There are also plenty at the top!
I fully enjoyed my mango loco at the top.
Visit other towns along the lake
This is always one of the top things to do on any Lake Atitlan itinerary. Every town along the lake is unique and has its own character and charm.
I was lucky enough to be able to visit three towns on my Guatemala Itinerary.
San Marcos is one of the towns next door, and is located less than 10 minutes by ferry. It is one of the closest villages, and I highly recommend visiting for a yoga class or time on the beach.
Panajachel is alternatively located on the opposite side of the lake and is the main entry town onto Lake Atitlan. I recommend exploring the best things to do in Panajachel at the beginning or end of your Lake Atitlan trip!
Some of the most popular towns to visit on Lak Atitlan include:
- San Marcos
- San Pedro
- Panajachel
- San Diego
Sunrise Hike to Rostra
Joining a guided tour to hike the highest viewpoint at Lake Atitlan was one of my favorite things I did on my entire Guatemala trip.
San Marcos and San Juan are two of the best towns to complete the hike from because they are close to the start of the trailhead.
Most guided hiking tours complete the Rostra hike at sunset. And yes, it is extremely important to complete this hike with a guide.
There have been several recent muggings reported along the trail, and both locals and tourists recommend completing the hike with a tour guide and group.
My tour from San Marcos cost $20 USD and was well worth the price. We also received pan dulce, or sweet bread, and our choice of coffee or hot chocolate at the top while we watched the sun slowly rise over the mountains and clouds.
We even watched Volcan de Agua erupt from Antigua in the far distance. Truly a magical experience, to say at the very least!
There are tons of other hiking groups completing the sunrise hike at this time, so plan for some crowds. Your guide will help you find an open space for a brilliant sunrise view.
Seriously, I can’t get enough of this hike!
Visit a Traditional Textile Shop
Learn the art of weaving and dyeing fabrics at a traditional textile shop! I met a woman on my lancha on the way from San Marcos who was visiting San Juan to learn about this unique art.
The textiles here are beautifully vibrant and intricate, making them perfect souvenirs to bring home. I didn’t visit a textile shop during my trip, but this activity comes highly recommended by many travelers.
Local Shopping
There are tons of market vendors selling colorful, traditional textile goods in San Juan La Laguna.
I found the prices here cheaper than in San Marcos! But Panajachel had the lowest prices of all the lake towns I visited.
FAQ
Q: How do you get to San Juan?
A: The most popular ways to get to San Juan are from Antigua to Panajachel or from Guatemala City to Panajachel.
Most visitors take a shuttle to Panajachel, and then a lancha, or water ferry, to San Juan. This is the most common mode of transportation to get between towns on the lake.
Q: Is there an airport in Lake Atitlan?
A: No. The closest airport to Lake Atitlan is La Arora International Airport in Guatemala City. You must fly into Guatemala City, and book a shuttle or private transfer service to get to Panajachel first.
Panajachel is the first of the 13 towns along Lake Atitlan, and serves as the gateway to the town.
Q: How do you get around San Juan?
A: You can get around San Juan La Laguna by walking or by Tuk Tuk.
There are tons of Tuk Tuks greeting you as soon as you arrive from the boat dock, and when you get to the top of the main street. I took a TukTuk to the starting point for the famous mirador.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit San Juan La Laguna?
A: Like the rest of Lake Atitlan, the most commonly recommended time to visit San Juan La Laguna is during the dry season, from November to April.
During these months, the weather is generally clearer and warmer, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the town. I visited in March and loved my visit!
Q: Are there any cultural events or festivals in San Juan La Laguna that I should know about?
A: Yes, San Juan La Laguna hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the town’s patron saint festival in June and the Coffee Harvest Festival.
These events are a fantastic way to experience the local culture, traditions, and cuisine.
Q: Can I find accommodation easily in San Juan La Laguna?
A: Yes, there is a variety of accommodation options available in San Juan La Laguna, ranging from hostels and B&Bs to more luxurious hotels.
It’s advisable to book in advance if you’re visiting during the peak season or if there’s a local festival happening.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian or vegan food options in San Juan La Laguna?
A: San Juan La Laguna is accommodating to different dietary preferences. Many restaurants and cafes now offer vegetarian and vegan options, utilizing fresh, local ingredients.
Q: What is the main language spoken in San Juan La Laguna, and will I encounter language barriers?
A: The primary language spoken in San Juan La Laguna is Tz’utujil, a Mayan language, though many locals also speak Spanish.
Visitors who speak some Spanish may find it easier to communicate, but language barriers are generally not a significant issue, especially in tourist-oriented businesses where English may also be spoken.
Safety Tips
Locals and tourists do not recommend walking between the towns.
It is important to go with a guide or take a lancha when exploring different towns along Lake Atitlan. Taking the water taxis is easy and I highly recommend this form of transportation when at the lake!
Conclusion
San Juan La Laguna is a picturesque town that offers visitors an array of unforgettable experiences.
From the breathtaking beauty observed during a sunrise rostra hike to the vibrant hues and panoramic views at the colorful mirador viewpoint, there’s no shortage of natural spectacle.
Strolling down the streets adorned with colorful umbrellas adds a whimsical charm to your exploration, creating perfect photo opportunities.
Additionally, shopping for local goods allows travelers to take a piece of San Juan La Laguna’s rich culture and artistry home with them.
Together, these activities form the heart of what makes San Juan La Laguna an exceptional destination for those looking to immerse themselves in natural beauty and cultural richness.
