Ultimate Guide: San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

San Marcos La Laguna was my home base at Lake Atitlán, the little village where I stayed for a month as a digital nomad and solo female traveler. I didn’t just pass through for a couple of nights. I worked here, walked the same paths every day, shared smiles with the villagers, and my favorite restaurant knew my order before I even had time to sit down.

The main local language here is Kaqchikel, one of the main Mayan languages spoken around Lake Atitlán, so as you wander the streets you’ll hear this alongside Spanish.

San Marcos is known as the “hippie” or “spiritual” village on Lake Atitlán, but it’s more than a label. It’s early-morning yoga classes with volcano views, evenings in tiny cafés, fire ceremonies, cliff jumps, spa days and those rare “do-nothing” days where you finally feel your own life again.

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Why stay in San Marcos La Laguna?

San Marcos La Laguna isn’t quiet in the literal sense – this is still Guatemala. There’s loud music, barking dogs, roosters with no sense of time, firecrackers for every possible celebration, and random fireworks just because… it’s Tuesday.

The heart of it all is the basketball court in the middle of town. It turns into a gathering spot for locals: games, events, announcements, parties. When something’s happening there, you’ll hear it from almost anywhere in the village -music, cheering, kids running around. It’s chaotic and loud… and also one of the places where you really feel village life happening in real time.

But compared to busier towns like Panajachel or San Pedro, San Marcos has a softer, more intentional energy. The village is small, walkable and close to the lake, with most guesthouses tucked into gardens or perched above the water. You trade bars and clubs for yoga platforms, cacao circles, lake swims and early nights under the stars (with a background track of village music, roosters and whatever’s going on at the basketball court).

If you’re looking for a base on Lake Atitlán where you can mix rituals, rest, good food and a bit of joyful chaos, San Marcos is a beautiful place to land.

Best things to do in San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos might be small, but there’s a lot packed into this little village. You can jump, swim and sunbathe at Cerro Tzank’ujil, climb up to Eagle’s Nest for yoga with volcano views, or join a Mayan fire ceremony and learn about your nahual. On slower days, book a massage or spa day at Kula Maya, have a “digital nomad day” by the lake at El Dragón, sweat it out in a temazcal or sauna, sip cacao in a ceremonial circle, or simply wander the cafés, paths and lakeshore with no plan at all. And if you want even more ideas for what to do in San Marcos and around the rest of the lake, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Lake Atitlán.

From here, you’ve also got an easy launchpad by lancha to other villages around Lake Atitlán and a soft place to land when you come back.

Best cafés & restaurants in San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos is heaven if you love simple, good food: lots of veggie options, homemade sauces, lake views and cozy gardens. These are the spots I kept going back to.

Konojel

Konojel means “All Together” in Kaqchikel, and that’s exactly how it feels. It’s a community-focused restaurant serving delicious, home-style Guatemalan food at very fair prices. My favorite plates were their pupusas, thick corn masa bases stuffed with beans and piled high with colorful toppings, full of flavor. Honestly, the best pupusas I had in San Marcos. Eating here also supports local nutrition and education projects, which makes every bite feel even better.

La Fe

When I needed a break from tortillas and craved comfort food, I went to La Fe. Think lots of pasta options and a cozy atmosphere. I loved their homemade pesto, generous bowls that feel like someone cooked for you.

Il Giardino

Samsara’s Garden

Tul y Sol

Tul y Sol is a French-style restaurant set right by the water, so you’re eating with the lake at your feet. This is where you go for a slightly more special meal: good wine, nicely plated dishes, and that soft evening light over the water. Perfect for a date night with someone else or… a date night with yourself.

Circles Café & Bakery

If you’re a coffee person, Circles Café & Bakery is a must. It’s a hip little spot with a cozy garden, great coffee and tempting baked goods. Come here for breakfast, a mid-morning pastry, or a laptop-and-latte session. It’s also a nice place to meet other travelers without feeling like you’re in a bar.

Navigating San Marcos from the Hills to the Lake

When you look at a map of San Marcos, you’ll see it’s basically built in layers. Barrio 3 is the true center of the village. This is where you’ll find the basketball court and the main little plaza. From there, the road and paths climb uphill into Barrio 1 and Barrio 2, where most of the local life happens: family homes, tiny shops, kids in school uniforms, and dogs guarding “their” corner of the street. If you walk downhill from the basketball court in Barrio 3 toward the lake, you reach the main traveler strip and dock area, where most of the cafés, yoga studios, hotels and wellness centers are, along with the main dock to catch the lanchas (taxi-boats).

Once you understand those three pieces : upper Barrios 1 & 2, central Barrio 3, and the lakeshore strip, the whole village suddenly feels a lot easier to navigate.

Where to stay in San Marcos La Laguna

San Marcos is small, but where you stay changes how you experience all the beautiful noise – dogs, roosters, music, village life, fireworks at random hours. You’re not escaping it; you’re just choosing how you meet it.

Airbnb up the hill (my choice as a digital nomad – in Barrio 1)

I stayed in an Airbnb up the hill above the center of the village, with a private veranda looking straight at San Pedro volcano. Mornings were coffee + volcano views, evenings were stars and the sound of the village floating up from below.

If you’re planning to work like I did and actually need some privacy to take calls without half the hostel listening in, here’s what to look for when you book a place:

• Mention of high-speed internet or Starlink in the listing
• Recent reviews specifically talking about Wi-Fi quality
• A real spot to work (table, chair – not just balancing your laptop on the bed)
• Some kind of private or quiet space for calls

Budget & backpacker stays in the center

If you want something more social or budget-friendly, there are several hostels and guesthouses closer to the main path and center of San Marcos. Expect simple rooms, shared bathrooms and communal areas where it’s easy to meet other travelers.

These are great if:

• you want to be just a short walk from cafés, the dock and restaurants
• you care more about connection and convenience than fancy rooms

Boutique & spa stays: Kula Maya

If you’re coming to really treat yourself, Kula Maya is the boutique/spa option that stands out in San Marcos. Think:

• beautiful rooms and suites
• on-site spa, massages and treatments
• pools and relaxation areas
• a setting that makes it very easy to slow all the way down

It’s a splurge, yes, but if your San Marcos vision includes spa days, long baths, comfy beds and wandering from your room to a massage table and back… this is the place.

Practical tips for visiting San Marcos La Laguna

Getting to San Marcos

The easiest way to get to San Marcos La Laguna is by boat (lancha):

• From Panajachel: take a public boat heading towards San Marcos / San Pedro and tell them you’re getting off at San Marcos La Laguna.
• From San Pedro: regular lanchas run along the lake, stopping at villages like San Juan, San Marcos, etc.

Boats generally run from early morning to early evening. I wouldn’t plan my first arrival into San Marcos in the dark if I could avoid it, it’s much easier to find your accommodation and get your bearings in daylight.

Getting around

San Marcos is small and walkable, but it’s also very hilly. Most places are either “up the hill” or “down to the lake,” and your legs will feel it, especially in the first few days.

You’ll mostly move by:

• On foot: along the main path and up the hills to guesthouses, Airbnbs and viewpoints. The hills can be intimidating at first. Do what the locals do: walk up in a zigzag, not straight up, take your time and go slow. There’s no rush.
• Lancha: this is your main transport for visiting other villages on Lake Atitlán. Just head to the dock, say where you’re going and hop on the next boat.
• Tuk-tuk: perfect for getting up and down the big hills, especially with luggage, groceries or after dark when you don’t want to walk narrow jungle paths.

There is a rough road between villages, but for most travelers, boats + tuk-tuks + walking cover everything you need.

Money, ATMs & power cuts

There is only one ATM in San Marcos (inside a small shop by the bridge), and:

• sometimes it doesn’t work
• sometimes it’s out of cash
• and during power cuts, it’s useless

During my month in San Marcos, the electricity went out twice. Most of the village went out with it, cafés, shops, card machines and the ATM.

My advice:

• Arrive with enough cash (quetzales) to cover at least a few days.
• Top up in Panajachel or San Pedro whenever you pass through.
• Always keep a bit of “emergency cash” for food and water if the power goes out and nothing electronic works.

Power cuts are usually short, but if you’re prepared, they’re just a mild inconvenience, not a crisis.

Working online & Wi-Fi

If you pick the right place, San Marcos can be great for digital nomads.

• Look for stays that mention high-speed internet or Starlink.
• Read recent reviews and see if anyone talks about working online.

I stayed in an Airbnb up the hill and honestly had better Wi-Fi than at home in Canada. That said, this is still Guatemala: have a local SIM as backup for basics, and keep a few offline tasks ready for when the power blips.

Noise & sleep

Let’s be real: San Marcos is not quiet.

You’ll probably hear:

• dogs
• roosters (at all hours)
• music
• kids playing
• firecrackers and fireworks
• gatherings and events at the basketball court in the middle of town

That’s village life. If you’re a light sleeper, bring good earplugs and maybe a white-noise app. Don’t come here expecting silence, come expecting life.

Safety

I felt comfortable here as a solo female traveler, but I still used common sense:

• Avoid walking alone on dark, isolated paths late at night.
• Take a tuk-tuk after dark, especially if you’re going up or down the hill.
• Use local guides for hikes like Indian Nose or longer trails.
• On boats, keep your valuables on you and not just loosely in an open bag.

San Marcos felt friendly and familiar after a while, but staying aware is part of traveling well.

Weather & what to pack

Lake Atitlán sits at around 1,600 m altitude, which means:

• Days: usually warm and pleasant, especially in the sun.
• Evenings/mornings: can be cool or chilly, especially in the windy months or rainy season.

Pack:

• a warm layer (sweater/hoodie or light jacket)
• a rain jacket if you’re here in rainy season
• comfortable walking shoes (for hills and hikes)
• sandals for easy village/lake days
• swimwear for the lake, spas and hot springs

Culture & respect

San Marcos is part of a Mayan Kaqchikel community, and you’ll hear Kaqchikel spoken all around you alongside Spanish. You’re not just in a “hippie yoga village” — you’re in a living Mayan town.

A few simple ways to be respectful:

• Dress a bit more modestly when walking through the village (save bikinis for the reserve, docks or water, not the main paths).
• Always ask before taking photos of people.
• Support local businesses and cooperatives when you can – textiles, food, crafts, tours.
• Learn a couple of words or greetings – even just trying goes a long way. It happened a few times that locals stopped me on my way to town just to connect and chat, so it’s always good to know a few words.

You’re not only visiting a pretty place. You’re stepping into someone’s home. Travel like you understand that.

Is San Marcos La Laguna right for you?

San Marcos isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why it feels special. Here’s a quick reality check.

San Marcos La Laguna is for you if…

• You want slow mornings, lake swims, yoga, good food and early nights.
• You’re curious about ceremony, cacao, Mayan traditions, spirituality, even if you’re not “woo-woo”.
• You’re okay with noise that comes from life: kids, dogs, music, fireworks, roosters.
• You like walking, even uphill, and don’t mind getting a little sweaty moving around the village.
• You’re happy to spend time in cafés, gardens and small spaces, not big resorts or malls.
• You’re an intentional traveler: you care how you show up, where your money goes, and how a place feels, not just how it looks on Instagram.

You might prefer another base if…

• You want party hostels, bars and nightlife that go late every night.
• You hate hills, don’t like walking and want everything flat and driveable.
• You need silence to sleep and know that even with earplugs, village noise will drive you crazy.
• You get impatient with slower rhythms – things taking time, boats not being right on schedule, power cutting for a bit.
• You prefer big, busy towns with lots of shops, supermarkets and constant stimulation (you’ll probably like Panajachel or San Pedro more).

If you read this and felt a little yes in your chest, even with the chaos, hills and roosters, San Marcos La Laguna will probably feel like home, at least for a while.

Planning the rest of your time at Lake Atitlán

San Marcos can absolutely be your little bubble on the lake, but it’s also just one piece of the bigger picture. If you’re still figuring out the logistics of actually getting here – shuttles, boats, timing, what makes sense from Guatemala City – you can dive deeper into all of that in “How to Get to Lake Atitlán from Guatemala City”.

And once you’re here and San Marcos starts to feel like home, you’ll probably want to explore more of the lake without turning your trip into a frantic checklist. That’s where “15 Best Things to Do in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala” comes in, a wider look at the experiences worth crossing the water for, so you can build your days around the lake with intention, not FOMO.