The Towns Around Lake Atitlan

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Lake Atitlan isn’t merely a single destination but rather a collection of quaint villages and towns. They pepper the crater’s cliffs and hide in majestic fjord like valleys. Each town is unique. The atmosphere, energy, expat presence, Maya clothing pattern and even language varies, and sometimes significantly so.

There are 11 towns and villages around Lake Atitlan. Among these 11, there are 5 destination that truly stand out from the rest. They are Panajachel, San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, and Jaibalito.

To help you decide which town to visit, below you’ll find a brief overview of Lake Atitlan’s most popular towns and what makes each of them unique.

Panajachel (Pana)

Panajachel or Pana as the locals and expats call it is one of the largest towns along the lake. The reason for this is two fold. First, a major road connects Pana with the city of Solola and further to the outside world. Second, the city is home to a large number of US and European expats.

As a result Pana is arguably the most convenient town on the lake. It hosts multiple humanitarian NGO’s, Spanish schools, real estate offices, mormon missionaries, high-end hotels and restaurants, and even a western grocery store.

For more information, check out Panajachel Travel Guides.

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San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro is a “Gringo Trail” hotspot and the backpacker mecca of Lake Atitlan. Everyday countless backpackers arrive from either San Cristobal, Mexico in the north or Antigua, Guatemala in the south. As a result, the city is a serious party town. There are loads of hostels, hotels, clubs, and bars along the lagoon.

However, San Pedro is also home to thousands of locals. A short walk up the hill reveals a thriving city. There’s a wondering little market, a grand white Cathedral, and the hiking entrance to Volcan San Pedro.

For more information, check out San Pedro Travel Guides.

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San Marcos

San Marcos is hippie heaven. This town is all about yoga, grunge, dreds, psychedelics, Reiki, massages, and lots of free love.

But even if you’re not a hippie or spiritually inclined, San Marcos is definitely worth a visit. It has a few excellent restaurants and cafes serving delicious Indian curries and herbal teas. It’s also home to a small natural reserve and Lake Atitlan’s iconic 8 meter high cliff jump.

For more information, check out San Marcos Travel Guides.

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Jaibalito

Jaibalito is one of the smallest villages on the lake. It’s home to a few hundred Maya and 40-50 expats. There are two hotels, one hostel, and one lake side club with hot tub and infinity pool.

If you’re looking for a unique hideout among local Maya and eccentric expats, this is the spot.

For more information, check out Jaibalito Travel Guides.

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Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a medium sized town located just 15 minutes from Panajachel. It’s characterized by expat owned lake front homes, a few hotels, a tiny culinary school, and one hostel with a diving program.

If you’re looking for tourist-less swimming coves to discover, an isolated Maya town to explore, and a quiet hammock to relax in, Santa Cruz is hard to beat.

For more information, check out Santa Cruz Travel Guides.

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