Lake Atitlan is a unique natural wonder of the world, situated in a crater surrounded by three towering volcanoes.
I spent 10 days exploring around Lake Atitlan and it is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There are so many fun activities and beautiful spots to discover around the lake!
With no shortage of breathtaking views, incredible hikes, local villages, colourful murals, and all kinds of adventures, you are bound to fall in love with the area.
Here are 10 incredible experiences around Lake Atitlan that you won’t want to miss!
Paddle on the Lake
Kayaking on Lake Atitlan was one of my favourite activities I did at the lake! You can enjoy the beauty all around you and explore more of the Lake that you can’t access on foot.
If you are an experienced kayaker and are comfortable on the water, I would definitely recommend renting a kayak on your own. This gives you the flexibility to go where you want at your own pace.
There is a kayak rental right by the main port in Panajachel that costs around $8USD/hour. If you are staying in one of the other villages, I would ask your hostel for recommendations or just head to the main port and look around.
If you are a beginner paddler or are less comfortable in open water, there are many different kayak tours you can choose from. On these tours, you will get a lesson on paddling and you will stick together as a group.
Visit some of the surrounding villages
There are 11 villages situated on the beautiful Lake Atitlan, each with their own unique vibe. Here are a few of the standouts:
- Panajachel – The largest and most developed village that is the “gateway to Lake Atitlan”.
- San Pedro La Laguna – A popular backpacker town with a great variety of bars and restaurants.
- San Marcos – Another popular spot for backpackers. A boho town with a laid-back vibe, well known for its emphasis on health and wellbeing.
- San Juan – Most well known for it’s bright murals and art.
- Santa Catarina Palopo – A more traditional village with colourful houses painted by locals to represent their culture and family.
- San Antonio – Another traditional village with beautiful buildings and well known for its pottery.
All of the villages are accessible by boat, while only some can be accessed by road. To boat to another village, head to the main port wherever you are and ask around to find the best price.
Go for a hike to see spectacular views
Lake Atitlan is famous for it’s breathtaking views and there are so many gorgeous viewpoints from around the lake. If you enjoy hiking, then you will absolutely love the Atitlan region.
The colourful village of San Juan has a mirador painted with a bright mural. It takes around 15-20 minutes to climb the steps to the top, where you are rewarded with these lovely views! There are other miradors in most of the other villages that also offer incredible views.
There are no shortage of hikes around the lake if you are up for more of a challenge. From climbing a volcano, to trekking up the famous Indian Nose to watch the sunrise, to hiking around the lake, there is a tour for everyone.
Visit the beautiful Casa Del Mundo Resort
Casa Del Mundo is a gorgeous resort set on the water in the small village of Jaibalito. It is a great half-day trip from any of the other villages on Lake Atitlan.
You can relax in hammocks, enjoy a healthy meal high on the cliffs, swim or kayak right from the resort, and sunbathe with stunning views.
To get there, you can take a public boat to Jaibalito and walk a short distance to Casa Del Mundo or you can take a private boat directly to the resort’s dock.
Go on an ATV tour
The Lake Atitlan ATV tour was such a fun and unique experience! I spontaneously decided to sign up one afternoon and it turned out to be an incredible day.
Some activities may vary depending on what tour you book, but you will have the chance to visit several of the villages around Lake Atitlan.
My tour started in Panajachel where we got a lesson on driving, practiced in a quiet area, and then began our journey through the city streets.
As you drive up and down winding dirt roads overlooking the lake, you will see more spectacular views.
My tour went to the beautiful villages of Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio.
We got to visit a Cultural Center, learn about the lifestyle of the locals, and visit some historic buildings. There was also a chance to buy food and shop for handwoven goods.
Overall, it was a fantastic adventure with gorgeous views and a lot of culture and history.
Watch the sunset over the Lake
One of the highlights of my time in Lake Atitlan was watching the sunset every night. Panajachel is the best village to stay in to see the sunset.
My favourite spot to watch the sunset is Selina Beach Bar in Panajachel. Since it is connected to Selina Hostel, it is a great spot to meet other travelers. You can also get cheap drinks and delicious pizza there which is a bonus 🙂
The Selina Beach Bar is located right on the water and has lots of seating to enjoy the sunset from. It even has a rooftop balcony that most people don’t know about so make sure to check it out!
The main port in Panajachel is another great place to watch the sunset from. There are lots of areas to sit and relax and it’s close to some lakeside restaurants if you want to grab a bite to eat.
Spend an evening at Chapiteau Circus Bar
An evening at Chapiteau Circus Bar is a unique experience that you won’t forget.
There are two Circus Bars in Panajachel that are directly across the street from each other. While both have live music, great drinks, and amazing wood-fired pizza, Chapiteau Circus Bar also has local circus acts!
It is a family friendly bar and is only open on Friday and Saturday nights so make sure to plan your time in Panajachel accordingly.
I would recommend arriving between 6-7pm so you can secure the best view of the local entertainment.
Go shopping at some of the local markets
The villages around Lake Atitlan are known for their gorgeous textiles which are handmade by the Mayan people.
The colours used in the weaving process reflect the unique culture of each village. If you have the chance to visit multiple villages, it is worth going to a market in each place.
Not only can you find beautiful textiles, but you can also find a wide variety of clothing, souvenirs, treats, and more.
If you spend any time in Panajachel, Calle Santander is the best place to go to find a huge variety of handmade goods and textiles to take home.
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I hope this guide gave you lots of ideas and inspiration for things to do around Lake Atitlan. As always, feel free to drop any questions below 👇
If you are planning to visit Antigua, check out my post on the Top 10 Things To Do in Antigua.
