Travel Guide - Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

January 23, 2020

Hey guys!! I hope that you loved the Travel Guide to Antigua that I posted last week. January 9th marked the 1 year anniversary of Ebb & Flow’s 1st sourcing trip to Guatemala so I wanted to do something fun to celebrate. That experience was so special to me and I always encourage other people to get Guatemala on their bucket lists so I decided that the best way to mark the occasion was to put together tourist guides for my 2 favourite spots in Guatemala: Antigua and Lake Atitlan.

With stunning Lake views to rival some of the most famous in the world, writer Aldous Huxley said of Lake Atitlan: "Atitlan is Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing”. He couldn't have been more right.

Located about 3 hours outside of Antigua, you will find one of Central America’s most serene hidden gems. The lake was created about 85,000 years ago when a volcano exploded leaving behind a crater that eventually filled with water. Today, 12 tiny Maya villages surround the lake, all with their own unique culture, feel and offerings. Public Transit takes the form of speed boats to shuttle tourists and locals across the water. On land, tuk-tuks whisk riders to and from villages with road access, adding to the unique charm and pace of life on Lake Atitlan.

Where To Stay:

From luxury hotels to hostels, Airbnb’s and everything in between, there is no shortage of accommodation in Lake Atitlan’s villages of varying sizes. The trick to finding the right accommodation to suit your needs is to first take a look at what’s on offer locally. Want a bit of nightlife? Panajachel and San Predro La Laguna offer a variety of bars and restaurants open late. If a little luxury eco-seclusion is more up your street, accommodation in San Marcos may be more preferable.

AIR BNB: There are toooooons of beautiful Airbnb’s dotted all over the lake - the hard part is picking one! We wanted access to bars and restaurants but didn’t want to give up the jungle feel, so we stayed at the stunning Casa MotMot, located just outside of San Pedro La Laguna. I could go on for days about this place - it exceeded even our highest expectations.

JUNGLE BUNGALOWS: feel like taking a walk on the wild side? Tucked away in a quiet cove between Panajachel and Santa Cruz, La Fortuna Atitlan is an off-grid, eco hotel offering private, luxury, Balines-style bungalows nestled in the jungle. A lake front wood-fired hot tub, exceptional dining, floating dock and complimentary wi-fi are just some of the amenities found here.

BOUTIQUE RESORT: located a short distance from San Marcos La Laguna, Anzan Resort is a luxury boutique hotel that pulls out all the stops to create a peaceful paradise for its guests. Unique contemporary architecture, breath-taking lake views and a holistic approach to wellness make Anzan an easy favourite for travellers looking for supreme relaxation. Also on offer here are daily lakeside meditation practices, massage treatments, and seasonal, organic food served in their restaurant.

What To See / Where To Shop:

WOMEN’S WEAVING CO-OPERATIVES: jump in a tuk-tuk and head to San Juan La Laguna to shop the incredible women’s weaving co-ops found there. Independent shops founded by female Maya artisans to sell their handcrafted textiles, clothing and accessories, offer an opportunity to learn more about their centuries old craft. Many of the co-operatives also offer visitors weaving and natural dying workshops (San Juan is one of the last places in Guatemala where natural dying is still being practiced).

CHICHICASTENANGO: on Thursday’s and Sunday’s you can take a bus or shuttle to Central America’s largest open-air market located about 1.5 hrs drive from the lake. It’s not for the faint of heart, but offers the most bountiful selection of handcrafted goods from the region.

VOCANO HIKE: the best views of the lake are found at the top of Volcán San Pedro. Hire a guide in San Pedro La Lauguna to take you to the top. The trail is tough on the legs but well maintained and entrance to the ecological park where its located is very affordable.

COFFEE TOURS: take a tour of one of Lake Atitlan’s coffee plantations to learn about the growing process and how they produce some of the highest regarded coffee in the world.

SPANISH SCHOOL: San Pedro is a hot spot for folks looking for an immersive Spanish language experience. Day schools as well as home stays with a local Guatemalan family offer unique learning opportunities.

Where To Sip/Eat: San Pedro

NICKS PLACE: located on the “Pana dock” (the boat dock where you catch the ferry across the lake to Panajachel), this San Pedro institution is a favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. Great food, great prices and one of the hippest patios overlooking the lake.

SUBLIME: beautiful views, great burgers, beach, live music, djs, happy hour…need I say more?

BLUE PARROT: if you’re craving a little taste of North Americana, head to the Blue Parrot for some respite. The stunning craft beer selection is matched by the equally impressive menu filled with familiar pub-style favourites. It’s the best place to join a crowd when there’s a big match on.

PINOCCHIOS: this hostel/bar/restaurant is cheap and cheerful (which is not always easy to find in San Pedro) and a great meeting place to mix with other travellers. The menu is comprised of international classics, but don’t be surprised when they arrive at your table with a Guatemalan take. It’s a taste adventure for those who are up for it!