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Planning a trip to Guatemala’s most magical lake is hard work. One lake, 11 different towns, countless places to stay and SO many things to do in Lake Atitlan.
Do you plan out things to do town by town? Choose your activities based on where you’re staying? Or create a bucket list of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan and plan your itinerary around them?
I did all of these things, and it helped my brain to understand the lake town by town, but also write a list of the top experiences we wanted to have, as some of the activities fall outside of a specific town or can be done in multiple places.
That’s what this post is designed to be – your Lake Atitlan bucket list.
This isn’t going to be a list of every town on the lake (I’ve already got one of those), it’s a refined list of the top things to do, so when you’re making plans for your time at Lake Atitlan, you can be sure you’ve covered the best of the best!
These are the 21 best things to do in Lake Atitlan.
Planning a trip to Lake Atitlan
STOP! Before you keep reading this list of things to do in Lake Atitlan, I’d recommend reading our Lake Atitlan travel guide first. It covers all the other important info you need to know about the lake, like getting there, all the different towns, getting around via the lancha boats or by land, and handy tips about the area.
OUR LAKE ATITLAN TRAVEL GUIDES 💙🌋
Best things to do in Lake Atitlan
1. Explore the towns around the lake
One of the most unique things about Lake Atitlan is that it is not one homogenous destination. Lake Atitlan is a collection of almost a dozen different towns scattered around the shores of the lake, each with its own identity and personality.
The entire region has a strong Maya identity, and the different towns are populated by different Maya cultures, like the Tz´utujil and Kaqchikel. This means you can see different traditional dress, hear different languages and learn more about different crafts and trades.
You’ll be staying in at least one or two of these towns, and other activities on this list will bring you to a few more of them. But my best advice for your time on Lake Atitlan is to visit as many of the different towns as possible!
It’s very easy to get between the towns via the public lancha boats and I’ve got more info on how to navigate the lake’s water taxis in my Lake Atitlan travel guide.
There are countless day tours you can take, most departing from Panajachel, if you’d prefer to explore some of the towns with a guide. This tour is a good option.
Some of the towns don’t really have any activities as such, but simply spending a few hours strolling around, seeing local life or grabbing a coffee or drink overlooking the lake is one of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan.
🌈 I’ll specifically call out some of my favourite towns throughout the rest of this list, but check out my post for a full overview of the 11 towns around Lake Atitlan
2. Indian Nose sunrise hike
This hike was number 1 on our list of things to do in Lake Atitlan (besides staring at volcanoes by the lake of course!).
The Nariz de Indio (Indian Nose) or Rostro Maya (Maya Face) is a stunning viewpoint in the mountains above Lake Atitlan.
Most commonly tackled as a guided sunrise hike, tours depart in the early hours of the morning from the towns of San Pedro, San Juan and San Marcos.
You get gorgeous views over the lake, the twinkling lights of San Juan and San Pedro and the volcanoes, including Volcan Fuego way off in the distance, which we were lucky enough to see erupt.
Watching the sky slowly light up as the sun crept up above the surrounding mountains was a very special experience and a highlight of our time in Lake Atitlan.
🌞 Book our recommended tour or read our complete guide to the Indian Nose hike
3. Go kayaking on the lake
I can’t imagine a better kayaking view than three huge volcanoes surrounding a gorgeous turquoise lake!
If you’re staying at a lakeside accommodation, chances are you’ll have free kayaks included. This is most common at hotels and hostels in Santa Cruz or Jaibalito, which have the best vantage point of the volcanoes and not as much boat traffic as some of the bigger towns.
We stayed at Atitlan Sunset Lodge and had access to kayaks and SUPs for free.
If you’re not staying at a lakeside accommodation where you can easily borrow a kayak, it’s pretty easy to find rentals. Kayaks are easier to find than SUPs, and pretty much anywhere along the lake in the bigger towns, you should be able to find rentals. Depending on where you’re staying you can look into:
- Los Elementos Adventure Centre (aka Kayak Guatemala) 📍 Santa Cruz
- Kayaks & Adventures Hito 📍 San Pedro
Kayaking is more stable than stand-up paddleboarding, so you can get a little further and actually use the kayak as a form of transport to paddle between neighbouring towns if you rent for multiple hours.
If you’re looking for a guided tour, this kayak and hiking combo tour by Los Elementos looks fantastic.
4. Sunrise stand-up paddleboarding
Paddleboarding has also become super popular at Lake Atitlan, and there are tons of places where you can rent and do SUP tours.
If you’re staying at a lakeside accommodation, chances are you’ll have free rentals included although SUPs are less common than kayaks at hotels.
If you don’t have access to a SUP, there are a few fantastic companies that offer tours and rentals.
I’d highly recommend joining a sunrise SUP tour. It’s a magical way to start the day, and the lake is often covered in a light mist before the sun peaks over the mountains. The water is calm before the wind picks up and there are hardly any boats out that early in the morning.
Depending on where you’re staying, check out:
- GuateSUP 📍 Panajachel
- Stand Up Paddle Atitlan 📍 Santa Cruz
- San Pedro Paddle 📍 San Pedro
- Atitlan Zup 📍 Panajachel
5. Climb Mirador Kaqasiiwaan
There are miradors and beautiful lookout points all over the lake, but none more spectacular than Mirador Kaqasiiwaan in San Juan la Laguna. Not necessarily because the view is the best, but because the lookout is so beautifully decorated!
The wooden observation deck is a rainbow of painted murals, depicting Maya culture and traditions. The vibrant colours of the paintings against the bright blue of the lake were so pretty, it made the short, but steep climb worth it.
It’s 30Q for foreign adults, and it takes about 20 – 30 minutes to climb up. The trail is a well-made gravel path with over 300 steps. It’s nothing too challenging, just a long, slow incline that had me huffing and puffing! There are some vendors along the way selling drinks, and some more food stalls at the top.
To make the walk shorter, get a tuk-tuk from the dock in San Juan to the trailhead of the mirador where you buy your ticket.
6. Explore the colourful town of San Juan la Laguna
After you visit the Mirador Kaqasiiwaan, spend a few more hours wandering around the town of San Juan la Laguna.
This is by far the prettiest town on the lake, everywhere you look is like a rainbow! From the second you step off the boat, you’ll see vibrant and colourful decorations hanging overhead. The further you walk, the better it gets.
Don’t miss Calle de las Sombrillas (Umbrella Street), which is the first street you walk up when you get off the dock, and it’s lined with colourful umbrellas. Calle de los Sombreros (Hat Street) was another one of our favourites with some incredible murals (including the famous picture of the old man with his traditional hat on) and colourful hats hung overhead.
Just get lost and wander down as many streets as you can. There are murals and street art everywhere, streets and sidewalks painted with bright geometric shapes and patterns and all kinds of fun decorations swaying in the breeze.
The Tz’utujil Maya of San Juan are creative dynamites, and known as excellent painters. Decorating the town was their idea to increase tourism to their village and showcase their skills, culture and history. It’s worked! Exploring this vibrant village is now one of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan.
7. Swimming and cliff jumping at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
The Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil is a small nature preserve on the shores of the lake, and one of the best things to do in San Marcos. Hugging a cliff above the lake, this small green space is one of the best places to go swimming on the lake, with clear blue waters.
There’s also a diving platform where you can go cliff jumping if you’re brave! I’m not entirely sure how high it is, I’ve seen it listed as 7 m, 8 m, 10 m and even 12 m tall. It looks high, put it that way!
It’s a nice place to spend a few hours relaxing by the lake. Bring some drinks and snacks and find a rock to perch on in the sun for the afternoon.
The reserve is open every day from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Entry is 40Q for foreigners.
8. Take a yoga class in San Marcos
San Marcos is the hippie hub of Lake Atitlan, and while I really didn’t find the town that endearing (you can read more about my opinions on it here), it’s the best place to take a yoga class, or any wellness experience for that matter.
While some people specifically come to San Marcos for extended retreats or spiritual enlightenment, it’s possible to join a casual, one-off class. There are dozens of studios, but Eagle’s Nest is one of the most popular, specifically because of its spectacular view!
It’s one of the more expensive yoga classes we’ve taken, and I don’t really buy into the vibe of San Marcos, but I’m glad we did it. If for nothing besides sitting on their elevated yoga deck and gazing out at the volcanoes for 90 minutes!
Eagle’s Nest is very popular, so it’s a good idea to book your space in a class online in advance.
Another popular alternative is Kawoq Forest, but as I said, there are dozens if you’re looking for something less popular. Most of the studios are perched on the hill above the town, so unless you want a very steep walk, it’s a good idea to get a tuk-tuk.
9. Hike a volcano
If you haven’t had enough of volcano hiking in Guatemala, Atitlan has three volcanoes you can tackle!
It’s possible to hike all three of the volcanoes surrounding the lake:
- 🌋 Volcán Atitlán: the tallest of the three at 3,537 m (11,604 ft) Atitlan is the least hiked volcano. It’s a gruelling 5 – 8 hour trek to the summit, through maize fields and coffee plantations. It’s best done as an overnight experience so you can enjoy a beautiful sunset and sunrise from the summit. Local guide Salvador is highly recommended.
- 🌋 Volcán Tolimán: sitting at 3,158 m (10,361 ft), Toliman is doable as a day hike taking about 3 – 5 hours to reach the summit. It’s also possible to spend the night camping at the summit. This volcano has two peaks, the north and the south, one with an imploded crater. The trail passes through some nice cloud forest but views of the other volcanoes are limited. Salvador also offers day and overnight hikes to Toliman.
- 🌋 Volcán San Pedro: this is the easiest and most popular of the volcanoes to hike. Sitting at 3,020 m (9,908 ft), it only takes around 2 – 4 hours to summit, and the trailhead is a short tuk-tuk drive from San Pedro town. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow without a guide. There used to be frequent robberies on the trail, but this seems to have stopped now. There is a 100Q entry fee and staff at the trailhead where you can check the current security situation and hire a guide if you wish. Police are stationed at sections of the trail each day which I think has deterred any banditos.
After a bout of dengue fever and a short hospital stay in Xela, I wasn’t up for hiking any volcanoes in Lake Atitlan, so unfortunately I don’t have any personal experience to share about these.
10. Stroll the painted town of Santa Catarina Palopo
Thanks to a local initiative Pintando el Cambio (Painting the Change), Santa Catarina Palopo is another gorgeous rainbow town!
The initiative was designed to encourage more tourism to the village, and the locals banded together to paint all 850 houses and buildings. The local families chose the colours and traditional Maya symbols they wanted on their houses, and today the town is a beautiful collection of living art.
Your first port of call in town should be the Pintando el Cambio museum where you can get some background on the project and the symbols before you start exploring the town! You only need a few hours here, but it’s a gorgeous place to stroll and we happily got lost in the colourful streets and alleyways.
I’d also recommend popping into the Centro Cultural. It’s a small but interesting cultural centre staffed by the local community, and you can get a brief intro to the town, its history and the culture of the local Maya.
Don’t forget to check out the waterfront area in Santa Catarina too. It has a really good vantage point of Volcanes Toliman and Atitlan, and there is a section of warm, thermal waters on the lakeshore here.
You can take a boat or pickup truck from Panajachel to get here. Otherwise, there is a really cool ATV tour that departs from Panajachel and visits Santa Catarina Palapo and neighbouring San Antonio Palopo.
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11. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset
The lake is surrounded by giant volcanoes and tall mountain ranges, so you don’t get the chance to see the sun rising or setting exactly on the horizon. But taking a peaceful moment first thing in the morning and last thing in the afternoon to watch the light change and the golden sun create reflections on the lake’s surface is the essence of Lake Atitlan’s magic.
The best sunset views are from the northern shore of the lake like Panajachel, Santa Cruz and Santa Catarina. For sunrise, you can get a decent view from San Pedro, San Juan and San Marcos (but hiking Indian Nose is the best vantage point!).
For an adventurous sunset, you can join this ATV tour from Panajachel.
12. Do nothing
Which leads me to my next point… take time to relax and do nothing.
You mightn’t think so before you arrive, but honestly, you can spend hours just sitting and staring at the volcanoes. It is one of the most beautiful vistas I’ve ever seen, and the huge conical towers looming over the blue lake are totally captivating.
You don’t want to cram your itinerary so full that you can’t spend at least a few hours every day just soaking up the views and taking it easy. Read, swing in a hammock, do yoga or meditate, enjoy a sunset beer – whatever relaxing looks like to you, leave time to do it at Lake Atitlan!
One of the best decisions we made was dividing our time at the lake into two different towns. We chose one spot that was purely to relax and chose a lakefront accommodation with epic volcano views in Santa Cruz. Looking at volcanoes is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz La Laguna! Then, we moved on to San Pedro which is a busier hub and has more activities to do, and we explored the rest of the lake from there.
😴 Check out my guide on where to stay in Lake Atitlan for more detailed recommendations of which towns to stay around the lake
13. Forest and wildlife at the Atitlan Nature Reserve
Most activities at Lake Atitlan centre around the lake and its volcanoes, not the rich forest lining its shores. Reserva Natural Atitlan is the perfect place to explore the green side of Lake Atitlan and have a good chance to see some wildlife too.
This privately owned nature reserve is just outside Panajachel and offers various trails, a waterfall, suspension bridges, a butterfly preserve and a resident population of spider monkeys and coatis who were once kept as pets, but now live free in the reserve.
If you want to, you can pay more to do a zipline course.
The reserve is open daily from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Standard entry is 80Q per person, the zipline course is 310Q for the basic package, which also includes the standard entry to the park. It’s a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Pana.
14. Go paragliding
If hiking a volcano sounds like too much work for some epic views of the lake, you can paraglide over it instead!
Realworld Paragliding in Panajachel is the most popular and reputable. They offer tandem flights for 800Q (just over $100 USD). You’ll gear up with a skilled and experienced pilot and spend 20 – 45 minutes soaring over the lake, with incredible views of the volcanoes and all the towns dotted around the shore.
15. Soak in hot springs in San Pedro
Most travellers use Lake Atitlan as the slow-paced, relaxing part of their Guatemala itinerary where you can rest after hiking volcanoes and trekking around ancient Maya cities.
Los Termales in San Pedro is a super laidback ‘spa’ with a handful of hot tubs where you can spend a few hours soaking. The pools overlook the lake, and you can BYO drinks. It’s especially lovely just before sunset, where you can watch the golden light change over the lake.
Make sure to reserve your pool with at least 30 minutes’ notice (if not longer) so the owners can heat up your pool. You can contact them via WhatsApp (+502 4242 1494).
They also offer a package with a massage at a very reasonable price, 200Q, if you want to extend the pampering!
Psst… we stayed at Atitlan Sunset Lodge where they have an on-site hot tub that gets fired up at sunset each day! A great alternative to Los Termales.
16. Hike the Lower Mayan Trail
It’s not possible to walk all the way around the lake (there isn’t a trail, plus it’s huge!), but there is one popular trail that connects a string of towns on the western shore of the lake.
The Lower Mayan Trail runs from Santa Cruz – Jaibalito – Tzununa – San Marcos. It’s 9.25 km (5.75 mi) one way, skirting along the lake for much of the time. You can hike back the way you came, or return by boat.
The prettiest part is between Santa Cruz and Tzununa, and you walk along a path on the shoreline most of the way with some stunning views of the volcanoes and picturesque coastal scenery.
From Tzununa, the trail switches to a gravel road that is often dusty from passing cars and tuk-tuks, and the scenery isn’t as nice. If you’re short on time or energy, you can end the hike in Tzununa and take a boat back to your starting point, or a tuk-tuk on to San Marcos to explore the town and grab a bite to eat.
There have been reports of robberies and banditos on this trail in the past. Most recent reviews on AllTrails indicate that it is safe, and there are no mentions of any recent incidents. However it’s safest to hike with at least one other person, in daylight hours.
If you’re going to feel anxious and on edge, it’s best to go with a guide. Los Elementos offers a guided hike, otherwise, a lot of hikers recommend local guide Mingo Tuch who is fluent in English. You can contact him on WhatsApp at +502 4840 0663.
17. Learn about the local culture
Lake Atitlan is such a special destination not only for its impressive landscape but also for its rich culture. Simply exploring the towns gives you the opportunity to observe daily life, but you can go a step further and engage even more with the local Maya communities.
There are so many different options to choose from, depending on what interests you most.
- 👩🏽🍳 Take a Maya cooking class: learn to cook three local dishes in the traditional methods inside a local’s home, and share a meal together.
- ☕️ Coffee plantation tour: coffee is an important product all over Guatemala, and there are plantations all over the shores of Lake Atitlan. Taking a coffee tour to learn more about the process of growing, harvesting, processing and roasting coffee is a must-do at some point during your Guatemala trip! You can take tours all over the lake, but El Tata Cafe in San Juan is an excellent option.
- 👭🏽 Spend the day with local women from Mujeres de la Luna: engage with local women in Santa Cruz and spend the day cooking, learning crafts and enjoying a traditional temazcal sauna.
- 🌋 Tour Amigos de Santa Cruz: one of the most well-known and successful NGOs on the lake, learn more about the great work they do at their vocational training centre and cafe, CECAP. If you don’t want to join a tour, simply go for a meal at their cafe, more commonly known as Cafe Sabor Cruceño in Santa Cruz. It’s got one of the best views on the lake!
- 🧵 Weaving demonstration: weaving is a major industry around Lake Atitlan and you’ll no doubt see the beautiful and intricate embroidery on clothing and for sale as souvenirs. The traditional backstrap loom method is interesting to learn and see in action. Casa Flor Ixcaco Weaving Cooperative in San Juan is a great place.
- 🏺 Pottery demonstrations: for all things ceramics and pottery, head to the village of San Antonio Palopo. Crafting some of the best ceramics in the country, you can see the potters at work and browse their beautiful and intricately decorated pieces. Ceramica Palopo Multicolor is a great place to visit.
- 🔥 Mayan Ceremony at the Sacred Caves: if you are interested in learning more about the Maya religion and beliefs, you can participate in a ceremony in some local caves that have been used for generations. I am hesitant to recommend such activities as the authenticity is hard to guarantee, but the reviews are fantastic and even if the experience is staged for tourists, it seems to be done in a controlled way that is beneficial to the community and allows them to showcase their traditions and beliefs in a positive way.
18. Visit Chichicastenango Market
The largest market in Guatemala, Chichicastenango is an overload for the senses. Every Thursday and Sunday the town is flooded with locals from the surrounding villages, who come to sell their produce and wares and do their shopping.
There are just as many tourists, but it’s a wonderful experience to walk amongst thousands of stalls and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the market.
The market isn’t located at Lake Atitlan, but it’s a common jump-off point, and much closer than coming from Antigua or Xela. From Panajachel, it takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to drive to Chichicastenango.
You can jump on a chicken bus, or if you’d prefer something a bit quicker and easier, you can organise a tourist shuttle from Pana that will take you there and back, with plenty of free time to explore the market.
19. Spend the day at a resort
If you’re not staying right by the lake and don’t have the budget for a fancy hotel, never fear!
A handful of beautiful resorts around the lake offer day passes for visitors to enjoy their facilities, laze by the pool and soak up views of the volcanoes.
Some of the best options are:
- Sababa Resort 📍 San Pedro
- Sociatel 📍 Panajachel
- La Casa del Mundo Hotel 📍 Jaibalito (*the hotel no longer offers full day passes, just a reservation in their restaurant for breakfast or lunch, for 3 hours max. You must pre-book via WhatsApp +502 5204 5558)
🛏️ Struggling to decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan? It’s a tough choice! Check out my post for a breakdown of the best towns to stay in, the pros and cons of each and our top hotel and hostel recommendations!
20. Shop till you drop in Panajachel
There are amazing handicrafts and textiles for sale in villages all over the lake, but nowhere is better for shopping than Panajachel!
The main street, Calle Santander, is lined with market stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs and trinkets. Anything you might want to take home, you’ll find here! Expect to haggle with the vendors, but remember to always be fair and remind yourself how much you’re arguing over.
While you’re in Pana, spend some time wandering along the waterfront area too. It’s got amazing views of the volcanoes and some cute lookouts and photo stops, with lots of local life to soak up.
21. Hike from Xela to Lake Atitlan
Not exactly one of the things to do in Lake Atitlan but worth mentioning nonetheless! Quetzaltrekkers is an amazing local NGO that runs a 3-day hike from Xela to Lake Atitlan. Any profits contribute to their community project in Xela to help underprivileged kids.
You’ll stay with remote Maya communities for 2 nights and explore untouched corners of Guatemala’s Western Highlands, hiking through cloud forests, coffee plantations and amongst volcanoes. The hike ends with sunrise over the lake at Indian Nose.
We travelled to Xela with a booking to do the hike, but I ended up in hospital with dengue fever instead. I was absolutely shattered we couldn’t do this, as it was one of the things I was most excited about in Guatemala.
Things to do in Lake Atitlan: Final thoughts
As you can see, there are SO many great things to do in Lake Atitlan. It can be overwhelming to work out how to tackle this beautiful lake and see and do everything you want to.
I’ve got a Lake Atitlan itinerary with my suggestions for how to fit most of these amazing things to do into a short stay if your head is spinning.
I hope this bucket list is helpful in working out what activities are most important to you. I’d suggest choosing your top 5 must-do experiences and building your plans around that. Unless you’ve got a month, chances are you won’t be able to do everything.
Make sure you check out my guide to the 11 towns of Lake Atitlan to further understand the area. It might add even more things to your to-do list – sorry!
MORE LAKE ATITLAN POSTS
- Lake Atitlan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Lake Atitlan Itinerary: How to Spend 7, 5 or 3 Nights
- The Towns of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: 11 Villages to Explore
- Indian Nose Hike: The Best Sunrise in Lake Atitlan
- Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan: Best Towns and Hotels
