15 Best Things to Do in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
I spent a full month in San Marcos La Laguna at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, as a digital nomad and solo female traveler. I didn’t come here to tick off a checklist. I came to feel the place, to find the best things to do in Lake Atitlán that not only fill your camera roll, but actually shift something inside you. This lake holds space for both your love of adventure and your need for deep rest.
In this guide, I’m sharing 15 of the best things to do in Lake Atitlán, the exact experiences I’d recommend to a friend coming here for the first time. Whether you’re staying three days or three weeks, use this as your hub to plan your days around the lake with intention, not FOMO.
Core lake experiences
These are the experiences that define Lake Atitlán: boats, sunrises and views you’ll keep replaying in your mind long after you’ve left.
1. Town-hop by lancha around the lake
If you spend any time at Lake Atitlán, you’ll end up on a lancha. These public taxi boats are the easiest (and honestly, the most fun) way to get between villages. They’re basically the local bus system, just on water.
Some lanchas run more “express,” but most will stop village by village along the shore. Morning rides are usually smoother, with calmer water. For example, the ride from San Marcos to Panajachel takes around 30–35 minutes in the morning and can stretch to 40–45 minutes later in the day when the lake gets choppier.
Boats generally run from around 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. When you arrive at your village dock, just say the name of the town you’re heading to and someone will point you to the right boat. From my experience, the standard fare has been around 20 quetzales per ride, whether I was going to the next village or a bit further. You pay when you get off, and having exact change ready keeps things simple.
2. Catch sunrise on a paddle board
This was one of my absolute highlights at Lake Atitlán. If you do just one thing here, let it be this.
I strongly recommend going with a guide, not only for safety in the dark, but because you don’t want to accidentally drift into the lancha routes. I went with GuateSUP, which you can contact via their website, WhatsApp, or through Dreamboat Hostel in Panajachel. As a solo traveler, I loved that they didn’t require a minimum of two people.
The sunrise tour meant a 4:00 am wake-up and being on the water around 5:00 am, but it was worth every yawn. No camera can really capture the feeling of paddling out in the dark as the first colors start to spill over the mountains and the three volcanoes slowly light up. If you’re not experienced, don’t stress – your guide can even tie your board to theirs and help you paddle.
My guide, David, was incredible and even went the extra mile by taking me all the way to Santa Catarina Palopó afterwards so I could soak in the aguas termales (hot springs) – more on that in a later section.
3. Hike Indian Nose / Nariz Rostro Maya for a volcano sunrise
Sunrises are a big thing at Lake Atitlán, and hiking Indian Nose (also called Nariz del Indio or Rostro Maya) for sunrise is one of those experiences that really stays with you. From the top, you watch the sky slowly light up over the lake and the volcanoes, and it genuinely feels like the whole world is waking up in front of you.
I did this hike with a local guide, Luis Tuy Tuy (+502 5888 1258), and I’m so glad I didn’t go alone. On the way up, he shared stories about the land, the Mayan communities around the lake, and how grateful he feels every time he guides this sunrise, it’s actually where he felt his own calling to become a guide. After the hike, he even took me for lunch in Santa Clara La Laguna, a town with almost no tourists, where I got to sit in the middle of the Saturday market and enjoy a traditional meal surrounded by locals.
For the Mayan communities, the Indian Nose area is a sacred place with very strong energies. Experiencing it with a local guide completely changed it for me: it stopped being “just another viewpoint” and became a moment of real connection with the land, the culture, and the stories behind it.
Hike details: approx. 3 km out-and-back, ~235 m elevation gain, around 1.5 hours hiking time. Much easier than the San Pedro Volcano hike.
Nature & Adventure
Here’s where you hike, jump, soak and explore some of the most beautiful corners around Lake Atitlán.
4. Cerro Tzank’ujil in San Marcos La Laguna
Cerro Tzank’ujil is a small nature reserve in San Marcos La Laguna and one of the easiest ways to spend a perfect lake day. There’s a 20 quetzales entrance fee, which gives you access to walking trails, swimming spots and its famous 12 m jump platform for the brave ones.
A short trail winds up the hill with beautiful views over San Marcos, the lake and the volcanoes. You can hike, jump, swim… or do what I did: find a warm rock, lie down, and sunbathe for the afternoon. The water was perfect, the sun was warm, and it felt like the simplest kind of luxury.
5. Casa del Mundo
I’d heard about Casa del Mundo but didn’t really get what it was until I stumbled on it during the hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos. As if Lake Atitlán wasn’t dreamy enough already, this iconic cliffside hotel near Jaibalito and Santa Cruz takes it to another level.
You can walk there from nearby villages or arrive by boat and get a day pass (I paid 50 quetzales, and it was worth every cent). You can relax in different hidden corners with hammocks, soak up the sun on the terraces, and swim in the small bay below the hotel. I spent an afternoon here and it honestly felt magical, like a little lakeside sanctuary.
6. Hike Santa Cruz La Laguna – San Marcos La Laguna
This is one of the most beautiful lakeside hikes at Lake Atitlán, following an old trail that connects the villages along the shore. I actually did it solo without a guide, but I’d still recommend going with someone or at least using AllTrails like I did, it was really helpful in a few spots where the path wasn’t super clear.
I hiked from Santa Cruz to Tzununa, with a little detour to Casa del Mundo for a swim. It was about 7 km, around 320 m of elevation gain, and took me roughly 2.5 hours (not counting swim and photo stops). The views along the way are incredible: cliffs dropping into the lake, small farms, local life, and constant volcano scenery.
A few things to know:
- You’re often walking right along the cliff edge, with no railing or protection.
- Some sections are rocky and a bit technical.
- Bring water and proper footwear.
- At any village along the way, you can always “tap out” and grab a lancha back to your base.
It’s a stunning trail, but not the place to push your limits on a tired day – respect the terrain and take your time.
7. Scuba diving with La Iguana Perdida (Santa Cruz)
If you’re a diver (or want to become one), Lake Atitlán is a pretty unique place to get underwater. At La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz, you can either do fun dives or get your altitude diving certification, a quick add-on that lets you dive safely at higher elevations.
Dives here are suitable for most levels, including beginners, but the lake gets very deep in some areas, so it’s important to be honest about your experience and certification level when you book. That way, the shop can match you with the right depth and conditions.
This is your chance to dive in a crater lake, with underwater volcanic formations, strange rock landscapes and that surreal feeling of knowing you’re surrounded by volcanoes above and below the surface.
8. Soak in the aguas termales of Santa Catarina Palopó
I visited the aguas termales in Santa Catarina Palopó as part of my sunrise paddle board tour, and it felt like such a treat after being out on the lake. The hot springs are a small natural area, with rocks forming the edge of the pools right by the water. It’s not a big space at all, so if you want a spot to sit and really soak, it’s worth getting there early.
I had the privilege of having it all to myself with my guide, which made it even more special. Depending on the water level, when the lake water isn’t flowing as much over the rocks and mixing in, the pools can get very hot – hot enough that you actually need to get out for a bit. It’s one of those simple, quiet experiences that feels incredibly grounding.
9. Reserva Natural Atitlán in Panajachel
From the main dock in Panajachel, it’s either a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride or about a 25-minute uphill walk to Reserva Natural Atitlán. There isn’t much of a sidewalk on the way, so I’d strongly recommend taking a tuk-tuk.
The entrance fee is 80 quetzales, and you can easily spend half a day to a full day here. I started at the butterfly garden, then continued along the trails and hanging bridges through the forest, with peekaboo views of the lake as you go.
Around noon, I headed down to the small beach area for a picnic, swim and some sunbathing by the water, such a nice break from the busier streets of Pana.
There’s also the option to go ziplining. I didn’t try it myself, but the views from the platforms over the lake and surrounding cliffs are absolutely beautiful.
Cultural & Local life
If you want more than just views, this is where you start to really meet Lake Atitlán – its people, crafts and daily life.
10. Spend a full day in San Juan La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna is one of the most creative and community-focused villages around Lake Atitlán. It’s known for its women’s weaving cooperatives, natural dyes, murals, coffee and plant medicine, basically, if you want culture and craftsmanship, this is where you go.
I did a 3-hour guided tour, which I loved because I got to hear more about the culture and stories behind everything I was seeing. We visited a small honey producer, a cacao workshop, a textile and natural dye cooperative, a natural medicine shop and a local artist’s gallery. It’s a beautiful way to understand how much of life here is still rooted in the land and traditional knowledge.
You can absolutely explore on your own if you prefer more time to wander, shop and revisit your favorite spots. Just walk up from the dock and follow the main street – co-ops, galleries and workshops line the way, and most are happy to explain their process.
Remember: spending money here isn’t just “shopping”; it’s one of the most tangible ways to encourage the local community. Buy pieces you truly love, pay fair prices, and remember there’s a whole family and tradition behind each textile, painting or jar of honey you take home.
Wellness & Spirituality
Lake Atitlán has a strong spiritual and wellness scene – from yoga platforms to fire ceremonies.
11. Yoga class at Eagle’s Nest
Eagle’s Nest is a whole energy on its own. They host yoga classes, workshops and retreats, all centered around a main platform that overlooks the lake and volcanoes, it’s one of those views you don’t forget. I went to three different yoga classes there, and every single one felt special in its own way. I genuinely recommend it.
Getting there is also part of the experience. This was one of the only times I couldn’t rely on Google Maps – you end up following tiny, narrow paths through the jungle. Eagle’s Nest is located in Barrio 2 in San Marcos La Laguna.
From the center of town, you can:
- Ask a tuk-tuk to bring you to Eagle’s Nest. The tuk-tuk will usually drop you right before Shangri-La, and from there you just follow the yellow signs/arrows up to Eagle’s Nest.
- Or walk up toward Barrio 2 yourself and follow the same arrows.
Just know: it’s not a casual little stroll. It’s a steep climb, and you will feel it in your legs, especially if you’re heading up for an early-morning class. But the moment you step onto that platform and see the view, it’s one of those “okay, totally worth it” moments.
12. Experience a traditional Mayan fire ceremony
I did my Mayan fire ceremony at Eagle’s Nest. Guided by a Mayan spiritual guide, we stood in a circle around the fire as he prepared the offerings (candles, flowers, herbs, copal) each color and element carrying its own meaning. During the ceremony, you also get to learn a little about your nahual (your Mayan energy/guardian sign), which adds a very personal layer to the experience.
You’re invited to set intentions, release what you’re ready to let go of, and speak (or silently offer) your prayers into the flames. It’s not a show or a performance; it’s a living tradition and a sacred space, so arrive with respect, an open heart, and your phone put away.
13. Spend a slow spa day at Kula Maya (San Marcos)
Kula Maya is the perfect spot to rest and reset, because these slow days are just as important as any of the more active ones you’ll have around the lake.
I ended up going twice – two massages and a facial – and each visit felt like a full recharge. You can get a day pass to enjoy the pools and relax, or book treatments if you really want to sink into the experience.
Slow Living & Integration
This is where you stop “visiting” Lake Atitlán and actually start living with it.
14. Have a “digital nomad day” in a lakefront café
Lake Atitlán is an easy place to slow down and get work done, especially if you claim a spot in a lakefront café for the day. My favorite place to do this was Hotel & Restaurant El Dragón, with its little “beach” area right on the edge of the lake.
This is actually where I started writing this blog. I’d sit by the water with my laptop, good Wi-Fi and a coffee. Between tasks, I could dip my feet in the lake, lie down in the sun, then come back to my screen feeling refreshed instead of drained.
If you’re a digital nomad, or just need to catch up on life admin, plan at least one “work day” like this. It’s a reminder that work doesn’t always have to pull you away from the places you love, sometimes it can exist right in the middle of them.
15. Have a slow “do-nothing” day by the lake
One of the reasons I love staying a month or more in one place is for exactly this: the “do-nothing” days. No plan, no checklist – just waking up, noticing how I feel, and letting the day unfold on its own.
These days can look like wandering into a new coffee shop, taking a path I’ve never tried before, actually stopping to talk with someone from the village and learning something new… or simply sharing a smile with a stranger. Sometimes it’s just me, a book and a hammock, or a long, lazy afternoon by the water.
They don’t look impressive on Instagram, but they’re often the moments where I feel the closest to a place and to myself.
Map of the best things to do in Lake Atitlán
- Hike Indian Nose / Nariz Rostro Maya
- Cerro Tzank’ujil in San Marcos La Laguna
- Casa del Mundo
- Scuba diving with La Iguana Perdida
- Soak in the aguas termales of Santa Catarina Palopó
- Reserva Natural Atitlán in Panajachel
- Yoga class at Eagle’s Nest
Practical tips for visiting Lake Atitlán
To keep this guide focused on things to do, I’ll keep this part short and link out to more detailed posts.
- Getting there: I’ve written a full guide on How to get to Lake Atitlán from Guatemala City – including shuttles, private transfers and timing.
- Base villages: Popular bases include San Marcos, San Pedro, San Juan, Santa Cruz and Panajachel. Choose depending on whether you want more nightlife, more quiet, or more local life.
- Cash & ATMs: Bring enough quetzales, especially if you’re staying in smaller villages. ATMs are more reliable in Panajachel and San Pedro.
- Safety: I felt comfortable as a solo female traveler, but still used common sense – no drunk late-night boat rides, watch your belongings on lanchas, and listen to local advice about hiking with guides.
- Respect: Remember you’re in living Mayan communities. Dress modestly outside touristy areas, ask before taking photos, and support local businesses when you can.
From here, you can jump into more detailed posts like:
