Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Central America. What’s even better is that it features 11 different towns and villages, each promising its own collection of traditional customs and attractions for a fun and varied exploration within a relatively small area.
However, with each of the area’s villages being so different, choosing where to stay in Lake Atitlan has a much larger impact on your overall experience than in other popular travel destinations.
As such, I have created this guide to Lake Atitlan’s various towns and hotels to help you determine which is the best fit for accommodating your unique travel style on your next holiday.
Where To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: A Neighbourhood Guide
Panajachel
Best Area to Stay in for Brief Visits
Panajachel is the main town in Lake Atitlan. However, I only really suggest staying here if you only have a day or two in the area.
This is because while Panajachel is the largest town and features the greatest selection of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars, it just kind of lacks that authentic small village feel that makes visiting Atitlan such an amazing experience.
Still, if you are working with limited time or simply prefer staying in a larger town with more service options, then Panajachel is still a great place to base and promises easy access to numerous attractions, including the Calle Santander market and the nearby Iximche Mayan Ruins.
Meanwhile, Panajachel also offers the greatest variety of accommodation options, running from the budget-friendly Hotel el Sol to the luxurious Reserva Natural Atitlan.
Panajachel Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Reserva Natural Atitlan | Hotel-Villas Jabel Tinamit | Regis Hotel Spa
Best Hostels: Hotel el Sol | Selina Atitlan
Where to Eat: Guajimbo’s $$ | Mister Jon’s $$ | Atitlan Rest y Cafe $$
Where to Drink: Restaurante Lena’s Atlantis | Simoneta Mixology Cantina | Pana Rock
Top Attractions: Calle Santander | Iximche Mayan Ruins | Lucustre Atitlan Museum
San Pedro la Laguna
Best Area to Stay in for a Vibrant Village and Backpacker Atmosphere
In my opinion, San Pedro La Laguna is the best overall spot to base your visit to Lake Atitlan. It promises an authentic village feel while still being large enough to provide all the comforts you may need during your stay, including a diverse hotel catalogue, numerous bars and restaurants, and several tour operators for exploring every corner of the lake.
Located on the southeastern banks of the lake, San Pedro is particularly popular amongst backpackers thanks to its vibrant nightlife and budget-friendly accommodation options, including Hotel Villa del Lago and Mandala’s Hostel.
However, the village is also a convenient location to explore many of the lake’s most popular attractions, including the adventurous Volcano San Pedro, which offers everything from hiking and horseback riding to its mountainous peak to ziplining through its tree top canopies.
While San Pedro Is popular for its budget-friendly stays, the popular village also offers plenty of luxury options, including Sababa Resort and Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan.
San Pedro la Laguna Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Hotel Adulam | Mikaso Hotel | Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan
Best Hostels: Hotel Villa del Lago | Mandala’s Hostel
Where to Eat: Sababa Restaurant $$ | Zoola San Pedro $$ | The Clover $
Where to Drink: Bar Sublime | Sunset & Freedom
Top Attractions: Tzunun ‘Ya Museum | Volcan San Pedro
San Marcos la Laguna
Best Area to Stay in for Laid-Back Markets and Yoga Retreats
Known as Lake Atitlan’s “Hippie Town,” San Marcos La Laguna sits just across the lake from San Pedro and is known for its new-age atmosphere and its active digital nomad community.
Here, spirituality runs supreme, with popular activities being yoga classes, dance classes, wellness retreats, and cacao ceremonies. Unfortunately, much of the town is operated by ex-pats, which I found largely took away from the authentic village feel.
Still, San Marcos is a great spot to base a spiritual retreat focused on wellness and rejuvenation, while the nearby Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve offers a range of outdoor activities ranging from hiking to cliff jumping.
There are several accommodation options in San Marcos, with Eagle’s Nest Atitlan and Lush Atitlan offering the best full-service retreat centres.
San Marcos la Laguna Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Lush Atitlan | Kula Maya Boutique Hotel & Spa | El Dragon Hotel
Best Hostels: Del Lago Hotel | Eagles Nest Atitlan
Where to Eat: Il Giardino $$ | Moonfish Cafe $ | Samsara’s Garden $$
Where to Drink: Blind Lemons | La Casa Zapote
Top Attractions: Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve | Eagles Nest Yoga & Dance | San Marcos Holistic Cottage
Santa Catarina Palopo
Best Area to Stay in for an Authentic Small Village Setting
Located just south of Panajachel along Lake Atitlan’s eastern banks, Santa Catarina Palopo is the perfect solution for visitors who prefer to stay near the convenient services of the larger town while still enjoying an authentic small village setting.
While tourist services are limited in this charming Mayan village, it does offer unique attractions, including the only natural hot springs found along the lake’s banks. Overall, Santa Catarina’s authenticity largely makes up for its lack of restaurants and bars, which can be found in abundance just a short drive away in Panajachel.
Additionally, while hotel options in the area are also limited, the accommodations that do operate out of the town are among some of the most beautiful anywhere on the lake, including Tzampoc Resort and Villa Santa Catarina.
Santa Catarina Palopo Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Tzampoc Resort | Villa Santa Catarina | Hotel Casa Palopo
Where to Eat: Guadalupana Restaurant $$ | Restaurante Laguna Azul $$
Where to Drink: La Xamana
Top Attractions: Museum Pintando el Cambio | Hot Springs | Mirador Santa Catarina
Santa Cruz la Laguna
Best Area to Stay in for Upscale Resorts
Found along the northern banks of Lake Atitlan, Santa Cruz La Laguna is the perfect spot for those looking for a luxurious stay in an upscale resort-style accommodation.
While the village itself is small and provides a welcoming atmosphere, the community is slightly more developed than some of the other small villages, providing supreme comfort for your exploration of the lake.
The area provides a beautiful natural area to explore, including access to the Jaibalito trail, but the true draw to this town is the hotels themselves. Home to some of the lake’s accommodation options, Santa Cruz’s premium lodging includes Sunset Lodge, Los Elementos, and Lake Front Retreat, along with the popular party hostel La Iguana Perdida.
Santa Cruz la Laguna Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Sunset Lodge | Los Elementos | Lake Front Retreat
Best Hostels: La Iguana Perdida
Where to Eat: Cafe Sabor Cruceño $$ | La Iguana Perdida $$ | Holy Tortillas Restaurant $$
Where to Drink: La Iguana Perdida
Top Attractions: Jaibalito Trail | Los Elementos Day Spa
San Juan La Laguna
Best Area to Stay in for Artists and Cultural Handicrafts
San Juan La Laguna is less than 3 kilometres from San Pedro. Still, despite its close proximity, it offers a completely unique experience that caters to artistic dining and highlights the local culture of the region.
San Juan’s main street features plenty of tourism services. But besides this small area, the village is largely left uncommercialized and maintains much of its traditional authenticity, which includes plenty of weaving co-ops.
As such, San Juan La Laguna is a great place to stop for weaving classes or to simply peruse the markets and textile wares of the community.
Hotel options are limited in San Juan La Laguna, but there are a few accommodation options located in the village or in the area between it and San Pedro, including the beautiful Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan and Posada Mana Hotel.
San Juan la Laguna Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan | Posada Mana | Hotel Posada Lucia
Best Hostels: Eco-Hotel Mayachik | Cabanas Mana
Where to Eat: Cafe y Restaurante Alma de Colores $ | La Farfalla $
Where to Drink: Osadia Disco Bar | Utz Food
Top Attractions: Mirador Cerro de la Cruz | Casa Flor Ixcaco | Indian Nose Hike
San Antonio Palopo
Best Area to Stay in to Escape the Tourism
San Antonio Palopo is a charming yet often ignored village sitting along the lake’s eastern banks, just south of Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopo. Still, despite its lack of tourism, it is still one of the best places to book when deciding where to stay in Lake Atitlan, and it promises a traditional village setting famous for its handcrafted ceramics and pottery.
The village’s primary attractions include its two ceramic factories and Lavanda Guatemala lavender farm, but it also serves as a great place to base many outdoor adventures, including several hikes through the surrounding landscapes.
Unfortunately, as a lesser-touristed area, San Antonio Palopo’s hotel, restaurant, and bar selection is more limited than in other major tourist areas. Still, the hotels found here are among some of the best, with Hotel Terrazas del Lago being one of the most beautiful in all of Lake Atitlan.
San Antonio Palopo Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Tekoa Spaces | Hotel Terrazas del Lago
Where to Eat: Rene’s Pizza & Pollo Campestre $$ | Paulinas’ Restaurant $
Top Attractions: Lavanda Guatemala | Mirador de San Antonio Palopo
Santiago Atitlan
Best Area to Stay in to Explore the History of the Mayan Culture
Once the capital of the Tz’utujil people, Santiago Atitlan is another lesser-tourist village along Lake Atitlan. It promises great immersion into the local culture while offering an exciting exploration of the area’s Mayan history.
The top attractions here include participating in traditional ceremonies of the Mayan people, along with touring the local weaving co-ops, including 13 Batz Weaving Co-io and the Cojolya Waving Center & Museum.
Meanwhile, the village is just a short taxi boat ride from San Pedro La Laguna and offers access to several hiking trails along the lake’s southern shores.
Thanks to its lower tourism volume, Santiago Atitlan offers limited accommodation options at either the Casa Josefa Hotel or Hotel Tiosh Abaj.
Santiago Atitlan Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Casa Josefa Hotel | Hotel Tiosh Abaj
Where to Eat: Restaurant el Mana $$ | Restaurante el Pescador $$ |
Where to Drink: Taco Mar | Germinación Cocina y Bistro
Top Attractions: 13 Batz Weaving Co-op | Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apostol | Cojolya Weaving Center and Museum
Santa Clara la Laguna
Best Area to Stay in for Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Located to the northwest of San Juan, Santa Clara La Laguna is the only village on this list not set along the banks of Lake Atitlan. Instead, it is found in the mountain cliffs to the west of the lake, but it is the best place to stay to explore the natural landscapes along breathtaking hikes, including the famous Indian Nose Hike.
Despite being the best place to stay for hiking, Santa Clara La Laguna is one of the least visited villages and boasts limited accommodation options at Marvelz Hotel. Still, thanks to its close proximity to Indian Nose, Santa Clara is often passed through on the way to the lookout point, and several restaurants, markets, and attractions are scattered throughout the town.
Overall, with no direct access to the lake, Santa Clara may not be the most appealing spot to base, particularly during the dry season, but it does offer a great starting point for hikers.
Santa Clara la Laguna Mini Guide
Best Hotels: Marvelz Hotel
Where to Eat: Restaurante la Cabana | Restaurante Los Olivos
Where to Drink: Elo’s Comidas y Bebidas
Top Attractions: Parque Ecológico Chuiraxamolo
The 15 Best Hotels In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Tzununa | $$$ (Luxury)
El Picnic Atitlan is the premier accommodation option in Lake Atitlan, promising an elevated stay lavished with luxury. This opulent hotel is found in the secluded small village of Tzununa, just a short drive east of San Marco La Laguna.
The hotel boasts an extensive complex that includes an onsite restaurant and bar, a beautiful outdoor terrace with breathtaking views of the lake, private parking, and a spacious garden area for enjoying the natural bliss of the region.
El Picnic Atitlan offers its premium lodging in a selection of superior king rooms that come equipped with private bathrooms with free toiletries, luxury bed linen and towels, and a private balcony promising romantic evenings admiring the sunset.
The hotel also features a 24-hour front desk readily available to facilitate any additional comforts you may need or arrange an excursion to nearby attractions and villages.
Santa Cruz La Laguna | $$$ (Luxury)
With rooms starting at Q240 ($80 CAD) per night, Atitlan Sunset Lodge straddles the line between being a mid-range or luxury hotel in terms of pricing, but the experience it provides is on par with some of the most opulent accommodations.
One of the best-valued stays in Lake Atitlan, the Atitlan Sunset Lodge offers premium accommodation in a selection of studio, one-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, each equipped with a large seating area, a dining table, private bathrooms, and terraces offering a private setting for admiring the surreal views.
Meanwhile, the hotel complex features a great catalogue of onsite facilities, including a bar and restaurant, a private beach area, and free kayak rentals for exploring every corner of the spectacular lake.
Santa Cruz La Laguna (Jaibalito) | $$$ (Luxury)
Set in the small traditional village of Jaibalito near Santa Cruz La Laguna, Hotel la Casa del Mundo is easily the most famous accommodation option along Lake Atitlan, thanks to its feature in numerous TikToks and social media posts.
As such, this luxury hotel in Lake Atitlan is often fully booked, and those hoping to stay in this premier accommodation should plan on reserving their rooms at least a month or two in advance.
Still, Hotel la Casa del Mundo’s fame and exclusivity are thoroughly earned, with the entire complex promising an elevated stay for reasonable rates. Rooms start at around Q240 ($80 CAD) per night for a double room with a shared bathroom., with larger options with private bathrooms available at higher rates.
Regardless of your room choice, all units feature top-of-the-line comforts, including handcrafted Mayan decor, solar-heated water, free toiletries, and stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanic landscape.
Meanwhile, all guests receive access to the hotel’s shared facility, which includes a garden area, a terrace, a private beach area, a full-service spa and wellness center, and a bar serving a variety of delicious cocktails.
The hotel also features a tour desk readily available to plan your excursion to nearby villages and attractions.
Panajachel | $$ (Mid-Range)
Set within Lake Atitlan’s main town of Panajachel , Hotel Villas Jabel Tinamit offers the cozy comforts of home at mid-range prices while being just a short walk from the community’s numerous bars, restaurants, attractions, and markets.
Despite its position in the heart of the village, this charming hotel provides a quiet oasis for enjoying its onsite facility that includes a relaxing garden area, a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, free parking, and a lounge with table tennis.
The hotel offers its fantastic accommodation options in a selection of double queen and triple rooms, all of which include a free breakfast in their nightly rate and feature flatscreen TVs, private bathrooms, a work desk, and a private terrace with city views.
Santa Catarina Palopo | $$$ (Luxury)
Located just south of Panajachel in the traditional small village of Santa Catarina Palopo, Tzampoc Resort is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Lake Atitlan, promising the traditional tropical resort getaway.
The extensive complex boasts a massive variety of onsite facilities, including a firewood sauna, a communal lounge with a fireplace, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with lake views, a hydro-massage hot tub, and an onsite restaurant serving a combination of traditional cuisine and international dishes.
Tzampoc Resort’s luxury comforts further extend to their selection of private rooms, with each unit boasting top-of-the-line modern amenities, such as cable TV, private bathrooms, and a fireplace, the aesthetic of which is accentuated with bright traditional decor.
San Lucas Toliman | $$$ (Luxury)
The Hotel Toliman is a quiet lakeside retreat from the quiet village of San Lucas Toliman along the southeastern banks of Lake Atitlan.
It boasts an exclusive property of facilities that include an onsite restaurant, a large garden with a private orchard, a year-round outdoor pool and plenty of space for embracing the natural beauty of the region.
The hotel offers complimentary canoe rental for exploring the various corners of the lake. Meanwhile, its convenient location along the southern banks provides convenient access to numerous hiking trails for exploring the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Overall, Hotel Toliman is one of the best hotels in Lake Atitlan for enjoying a world of outdoor adventures while having full-service luxury accommodations to come back to.
Santa Catarina Palopo | $$$ (Luxury)
Another resort found in the Santa Catarina Palopo village, Villa Santa Catarina, provides the same upscale getaway experience at a much more affordable nightly rate than the area’s more exclusive Tzampoc Resort.
The entire hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens, accentuating the natural scenery of the region. Meanwhile, the complex boasts all modern facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant serving regional and international cuisine, and an onsite bar with a pool table and board games.
Additional services found at the hotel include a 24-hour front desk and the Tropical Discovery tour company, which is readily available to plan excursions across Lake Atitlan and other areas of Guatemala, including other nearby villages and even the Chichicastenango Market.
Villa Santa Catarina provides top-of-the-line accommodation options in a selection of double and queen rooms, with each unit boasting familiar in-room comforts, such as cable TV, private bathrooms, and beautiful lake views.
Panajachel | $$$ (Luxury)
Tucked away along the northeastern banks of Lake Atitlan just outside of Panajachel, Reserva Natural Atitlan is a tropical retreat promising complete immersion into the natural landscape while providing unparalleled onsite comfort and amenities.
Surrounded by lush tropical jungle, this premium resort boasts plenty of onsite facilities, including an onsite restaurant, a snack bar, a private terrace, and a tour desk. Meanwhile, onsite activities are aplenty and include hiking, kayaking, and ziplining.
While the hotel accentuates the rustic ambiance of the natural area, the private rooms are entirely modern and boast homely comforts, such as a private balcony, seating area, coffee machine, and private bathroom with a shower.
Panajachel | $ – $$ (Backpacker – Mid-Range)
Hotel Utz Jay is a great, budget-friendly hotel located along the main market street of Calle Santander in Panajachel.
Set about two blocks from the lake, this cost-effective accommodation provides great value for your stay and features an onsite garden with fruit trees, a hot tub, and even a Mayan-style sauna with aromatic herbs.
There is no onsite restaurant, but this is more than made up for with the variety of nearby eateries located just steps from the front door.
Hotel Utz Jay offers its budget-friendly rooms in one bed, queen, and triple rooms, each equipped with flatscreen TVs with cable channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
San Juan La Laguna | $ – $$ (Backpacker – Mid-Range)
Found on the other side of the lake, just outside of San Juan La Laguna, is the Eco-Hotel Mayachik.
Surrounded by volcanic jungle, this eco-hotel offers backpacker-friendly lodging in an 8-bed mixed dorm, along with several fantastic mid-range lodgings in private bungalows.
Regardless of your accommodation style, all guests receive access to the complex’s shared facilities, which include an onsite restaurant, a lush outdoor garden, and several hiking trails that start directly on the property.
San Antonio Palopo | $$ (Mid-Range)
For mid-range nightly rates starting at Q365 ($63 CAD) per night, Hotel Terrazas del Lago is arguably the hotel that offers the most value for its budget.
Found in Sant Antonia Palopo, this cozy hotel boasts plenty of onsite comforts, including an onsite restaurant, a lush garden area, and a 24-hour front desk with laundry facilities and tour packages.
Still, the biggest appeal of this hotel is its spacious terrace that offers some of the best views of the lake and Volcan Atitlan on its opposing banks. It is easy to spend an afternoon or evening just lounging along this patio while admiring the lake and the bright stars that light up the evening sky.
Of course, Hotel Terrazas del Lago also offers in-room comforts that rival even the most luxurious hotels in the area, including flatscreen cable TVs, private patios with mountain views, a dining area, and private bathrooms.
San Marcos La Laguna | $$ – $$$ (Mid-Range – Luxury)
Found in the “hippie Town” of San Marcos La Laguna, Lush Atitlan offers some of the best in-room comforts in Lake Atitlan.
Offering a variety of room and suite options, each unit is equipped with modern amenities that include 100% cotton bedding, elegant decor, and either a private or shared bathroom.
Meanwhile, additional onsite services and facilities include a 24-hour front desk, a garden area, and an onsite restaurant serving an international menu.
Panajachel | $$$ (Luxury)
The Regis Hotel Spa is the perfect accommodation option for those looking for a full wellness retreat in the heart of Lake Atitlan’s largest town.
Located in the centre of Panajachel, this welcoming hotel boasts an onsite spa complete with thermal pools, a massage room, and a sauna, which is just a short walk from taking a dip in the cooling waters of the lake.
For added comfort, the property also features a lush garden with palm trees and a children’s playground, making this hotel a great option for visiting families.
Panajachel | $$$ (Luxury)
Porta Hotel del Lago is located directly next to the docks in Panajachel and offers extensive onsite facilities that include a spacious outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and an onsite restaurant serving both local and international fare.
The hotel features a diverse room and suite selection, with each unit boasting premium amenities, such as a private terrace, cable TV, and a private bathroom.
While it is easy to spend a day lounging by the pool or soaking in the natural sulphur cold tub and sauna, the hotel also provides an onsite tour desk for planning excursions to nearby villages and attractions.
San Pedro La Laguna | $$$ (Luxury)
Set between San Pedro and San Juan, Sababa Resort is a 4-star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and an onsite restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean cuisine and a delicious selection of specialty cocktails.
The hotel offers airport transfers, room service, a 24-hour front desk, and a lounge area with a billiards table. Meanwhile, the hotel also offers bike rentals for an additional charge, but they are perfect for exploring the surrounding area.
The hotel offers accommodation in a selection of luxury rooms and a budget-friendly bed in a mixed dorm. However, while the dormitory is a great, cost-effective way to experience this high-end lodging, prices start at around Q240 ($40 CAD) per night, which puts it on par with a private room at a mid-range hotel.
Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Tips & Advice
Getting to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Lake Atitlan is one of the most popular attractions in Guatemala. As such, shuttles regularly leave from the airport in Guatemala City and cost about Q327 ($56.41 CAD) per person for the 6-hour journey in a shared shuttle. Meanwhile, the journey takes about 3 hours and costs about Q200 ($35 CAD) for those coming from Antigua. Private options are also available from both destinations but cost significantly more.
Getting Around Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Once you have arrived in Panajachel, it is extremely easy to get around Lake Atitlan. Water taxis are abundant in the lake, and tickets can be bought directly at the dock. These taxis connect all the villages and hotels along the shores, while most travel along the shoreline can be done either on foot or via a tuk-tuk.
Best Things to Do: From its beautiful natural landscapes to its thriving traditional Mayan culture, there is plenty of exploring to be done in Lake Atitlan. Check out this post for a full list of all the epic things to do in Lake Atitlan.
Budget-Saving Tips When Staying in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: If you avoid luxury resorts, Lake Atitlan can be a very affordable destination in itself. Still, those travelling on a tight budget can spread their travel dollars out further by booking a return water taxi ticket when they arrive and by basing themselves in a spot with plenty of nearby attractions. I particularly suggest San Pedro La Laguna.
Which area in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, is the best place to stay?
- Panajachel: Lake Atitlan’s largest town has plenty of restaurants and services but lacks the traditional village feel.
- San Pedro la Laguna: A vibrant village popular amongst backpackers.
- San Marcos la Laguna: “Hippie Town” catering to new-age services and wellness retreats.
- Santa Cruz la Laguna: A traditional village with luxury hotels.
- Santa Clara la Laguna: This local village is popular among hikers.
- Santiago Atitlán: A traditional town of Tz’utujil Mayan culture.
- San Antonio: Small rustic community for history-lovers
- San Juan la Laguna: An artsy village with a vibrant culture.
- Santa Catarina Palopó: Small village near Panajachel with upscale hotels.
The Average Hotel Prices of Accommodation in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
- Backpacker’s Budget: Q60 to Q240 ($10 CAD to $40 CAD)
- Mid-Range Budget: Q240 to Q480 ($40 CAD to $80 CAD)
- Luxury Budget: Q480+ ($80+ CAD)
