Lake Atitlan Travel Itinerary 

 

   Guatemala is fast becoming a hot spot for travelers and tourists alike. In this post, you will find the ultimate solo travel guide for Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. So if you are interested in a lil something completely different from anything you have ever experienced, keep reading.

 There is only ONE rule you must abide by: Bring your camera EVERYWHERE!

Why should you Solo Travel Lake Atitlan?

 The lakes’ unique Maya population, in addition to a mix of budget and luxury stays, make it a unique destination that people of all ages and backgrounds are finding their way to.

Lake Atitlan is a volcanic crater filled with water. It is also surrounded by three massive volcanoes(“the three giants”) and unique forests, perfect for hikers. The Maya people heavily influence the culture here, which is so chill.

How To Get Around Guatemala

 Lake Atitlan is less than two hours from Antigua and just three and four hours from Guatemala’s only International Airport by shuttle. That said, sometimes things happen, and being picked up late or public transport not coming at all CAN HAPPEN. I only had little 30-minute waits here and there. 

Shuttles  

  GuateGo is what I used to book all of my long-haul travel around Guatemala OUTSIDE of booking through my hostels or Spanish school. 

 I never paid more than $23(for more than two hours ride to a different city), and the rides were always air-conditioned and door-to-door. When you are on a time crunch, this is super important. I highly recommend this booking company for shuttles for solo; you can also book private cars through them if you prefer. 

Just so you know: Sometimes, a car will pick you up from your accommodation to take you to your shuttle, so you don’t have to worry. This is normal.

Chicken buses

 Chicken buses and smaller city buses are also great ways to get around. If you are a first-timer, ask locals that you can trust if it is safe.

It would be best if you didn’t carry any valuables out in the open. I have been on my share of chicken buses, and there is nothing to fear. I would not take one from city to city because they can take forever.

You would benefit much more from spending the $20 and taking a hired shuttle for long-distance travel.

 Uber

Uber is a thing in Guatemala, and I was highly encouraged by my Spanish school and my house mom to take them over public transportation. I don’t think I did even one time, but it is good to know that Uber is in Guatemala, if you prefer. 

Getting Around Lake Atitlan 

Once you arrive at Lake Atitlan, you will notice the many villages bordering the lake. While some connect via roadways, most DO NOT. This is where boat taxis and boat buses come in. This is also how locals get from village to village.

How Can You Get to The Villages Around Lake Atitlan?

Ask locals how much a ride should cost before you hop on. For example, when I was there in the shoulder season of 2022, a public boat from Panajachel to San Pedro was 25Q (which is $3) and took almost 1 hour one way. I had not heard of anyone paying more than that on any other trip.

Yes. It is very bumpy, fast-paced, and chilly. Guatemala has cooler temperatures than I was prepared for. It would be best if you were sure to pack layers for the morning-to-night weather changes.

TIP 1: Give the man collecting the money the amount of money that the locals have told you. Asking before handing them the money can sometimes lead to the amount is different than what it should be.

FYI: I didn’t have this problem in Atitlan, but it is a great trick I picked up from a hostel mate there.  

TIP 2: Ask the boat driver when the last boat leaves to return to your accommodation and ensure you are there a little early. Sometimes, the boats can fill up, and the public ships don’t run after sundown. 

  Have no fear. If you miss or can’t fit onto the last public bus, you can hire a private taxi to take you where you need to go, but you need to be able to call them, and they charge over Q150 for a one-way.

How Many Days Do You Need in Lake Atitlan?

As a solo traveler in Lake Atitlan, How long should you plan to stay? I recommend 2-7 days. This all depends on you. A quick getaway is more than possible here. But if you enjoy hiking, you should give yourself a few days to a week to explore.

I met people who were traveling and ended up there for months. It just goes to show the vibe of the area.

Where Should I Stay at Lake Atitlan?

  I stayed at Selena Hostel in Pana. I do not recommend this hostel, it was not horrible. It has a pool, a movie theater, and a yummy restaurant, and it is easy to get to after reaching Panajechal from wherever you are traveling, rather than getting on a boat with your luggage.

  It is a hostel for the younger crowd. If you had to stay here, it would not be the worst thing to happen to you, but I did not feel the welcomed homey vibe from ANYone at this hostel. 

  Hotels/B&B/Hostels at Lake Atitlan:

• El Picnic Atitlan $$$
• Eagles Nest Atitlan $
• Jenna’s River Bed and Breakfast $$
• Free Cerveza $
• La Iguana Perdida $

Which Village Should I Stay at in Lake Atitlan?

•  Panajachel is where the touristy vibes are. The Touristy food and shopping are found here. This is most likely where your bus/shuttle will be dropping you off to make your connecting boat shuttle. Again it is touristy and if you are into party hostels, Banana Boat is located here. 

•   Santa Cruz is very relaxed, away from any bar scene you might find in Pana or San Pedro. Santa Cruz has some of the best views of the volcanoes and lake and there is a boardwalk. Very Quiet.

•   San Pedro has a heavy backpacker culture. Tz’unun’Ya is a museum with all things Tz’unun people. There are plenty of Spanish schools to choose from here.

•   San Marcos, with its cute cafes and shops, this little town is a perfect day trip or a place to make your base camp. There are plenty of meditation and yoga classes here.

• Santiago is a larger town in Atitlan with a heavy Mayan influence and population. 

Must Visit Towns at Lake Atitlan

    I would include all of the above towns to add to your visit list but for a half/full day of enjoyment. 

San Juan

  San Juan is close to San Pedro and about a 45-minute boat ride from Panajachel.

This cute little town is mostly uphill and lined with cafes and restaurants. This place is eclectic, cute, and filled with Maya influence. 

 You can shop for textiles, enjoy coffee, buy chocolate, and visit surrounding towns.

 Climb up the stairs for an unbeatable panoramic view of the lake and town via tuk-tuk to Mirador De La Cruz.

San Marcos

  Visit the hippie town of San Marcos. All of the metaphysical activities such as energy healing, meditation, yoga classes, manifesting, and birth chart stuff are done here. Great for a day trip the cute hippy shops selling unique clothing. 

Reserva Natural del Cerro Tzankujil is also located in San Marcos. 

San Pedro

  San Pedro is ripe with backpackers due to how inexpensive everything there is. The party scene is ample and it is where most people go to do their Spanish immersion programs.

  Visit Solola and its amazing local market.

 Few miles north of the lake, but well worth the visit to Solola and its massive market. There is no tourist attraction here. This is real food, Maya clothing/textiles, and people living. Read all about it HERE

What To Do

    There is an almost endless list of things to do at Lake Atitlan. But I do have a must-do list for you right here:

Get Active in Lake Atitlan

• Hike-There is so much hiking at Lake Atitlan. I can not imagine you being without choices. There are moderate walks for people that want to get out but not kill themselves, and there are also volcano hikes. 

A little something for everyone.

For a detailed guide on 9 hikes around Atitlan, including what to wear and how strenuous each one is, CLICK HERE 

• Hike Indian Nose- Most hostels have tour recommendations for the hikes around Lake Atitlan, so if you are staying at one, just ask your bunkmates or the front desk. Here is a more detailed guide on hiking Indian Nose 

  *Ask around about the many sunrise hikes.*

• Horse Back Riding-There are plenty of horseback riding tours available here. From riding around on trails with great vows of the lake to enjoying tours of coffee farms by horseback. Different styles and times of day, such as sunrise or sunset.

• Kayaking- Head toward the water and rent a kayak. Depending on what town you are in, you can kayak from town to town if you would like. Ask around, but this should cost you 15Q-20Q.
• Paddleboarding- Even with the lovely sunny weather, the water was pretty choppy while I was here. People were still SUPing around. If you want a little workout on the water, get in and go paddle boarding.

Relax In Lake Atitlan

• Thermal Bathing- Looking for a solar-heated hot tub with views of volcanoes and mountains? I have just the place for you!

Perfect for all the uphill walking, Los Thermales in San Pedro is just the spot for you.

The thermal baths cost around 40Q($5), and you can bring drinks if you would like.

There are also soaks in Santa Catarina Palopo and others that are “hidden” around the lake. Ask around

• Chase The Waterfalls- There are multiple waterfalls at Lake Atitlan, one of which is called Tzununa Waterfall. You have to go on a hunt to find them, another thing to ask around about. Word of mouth is the best.
• Just Relax-The hostels, hotels, and Airbnb here have pools that overlook the lake and its volcanoes. There is nothing wrong with coming here and enjoying the scenery and doing little to nothing else. No judgment here

 Learn Something New

• Learn Spanish-Guatemala is the place to be if you want to join a language immersion program.

Lake Atitlan has pretty inexpensive lessons you can take at one of the schools. San Juan is buzzing with Spanish learners. And even if living with a family is not your cup of tea, you can still join a school and go on their activities and make new friends.

• Go On A Quetzal Watch-Go and search for the famous and hard-to-spot national bird, the Quetzal. Rey Tepepul Nature Reserve.
  

Discover The Maya Culture of Lake Atitlan

• Find A Cultural Tour-Atitlan is steeped with Mayan people and their unique culture.
• Day Trip: Chichicastenango-This cute town has a fantastic market with all the colors of Central America. You can go on a guided tour with a group or find your way to Chi-chi. But you would have to get to Panajechal from whichever city you are in and get to the buses.

  **ChiChi is open on Thursdays and Sundays. Check around before you go**

   

 There are online walking tours and information for them at most accommodations. So you should look around when you get there to see what tours are best and book with the locals. Here are a few different cultural tours you can join at Lake Atitlan:

• Take a textile walking tour
• Weave and natural dye class
• Try a Maya cooking class
• Maya ceremony at sacred caves

Action & Adventure in Lake Atitlan

• ATV-As for activities that get the blood pumping, like ATVing, are always fun. Sunrise or sunset ATV ride is just a way to add some extra beauty to your trip.
• Paragliding-Take a 40-minute glide with the best views of the lake for less than $100.
• Ziplining- Take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Panajechal to zip through the nature preserve and over the lake, looking for monkeys, birds, canopy bridges, and discovering waterfalls makes for a great day.
• Diving School-Get a new hobby. Yes, you can dive at Lake Atitlan, and even more…you can take courses.

This is a unique activity, and if you are interested in a divers certificate with a few days on your hand, why not learn something new?