Another option is to go to the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve on the edge of the village that has a few trails and, more importantly, is a good place to access the lake for swimming. While the bulk of the town is farther up the hill, almost all the buildings along the lake are owned by long-term expats who went looking for someplace beautiful, quiet, and secluded and found all three in Santa Cruz. For this reason, some travellers tend to base themselves in Lake Atitlan and simply take a day trip out to Antigua. It's much faster than taking the winding, bumpy roads, and it gives you a more visceral sense of the enormity of the lake and the height of the volcanoes surrounding you. When I went to Lake Atitlan I went for one reason, to relax by the lake. There are also lots of parties happening in San Pedro, so if you need some excitement then this is the place to visit. (Altitude dehydrates you quicker too). Explore the, Enjoy this beautiful town on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. If Lake Atitlan had a capital, it would be Panajachel. This activity is perfect: 2-3 hours along beautiful shores of the lake, stopping by a series of towns, and exploring different ecosystems. Most day trips from Antigua to Lake Atitlan will visit Panajachel, San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago. However, I can imagine the views you get whilst paragliding over the lake are insane so its probably worth it! As of April 2021, official guidance from the CDC states that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk, though safety precautions are still required. You can 100% book a Lake Atitlan tour, especially if you're staying in Antigua or Guatemala City!. During your time in Lake Atitlan you'll want to do this if you're looking to get involved with the local culture. The latter option will also be the quickest! Its the tourist hub and the central hub from getting to and from the towns of the lake. Guide Carmen was knowledgeable and addressed any questions posed. The paddle boarding was included in our stay, but you can rent paddles boards from lots of different towns for either a couple of hours or a day. The best way to see Guatemalas jaw-dropping lake is to get on it. Should you need to travel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the CDC's. Although were certain you already know this, remember that the pandemic is an unpredictable beast. Discover Antigua & Lake Atitln - 4 Days | kimkim Take a jacket as it can be cold at the top and it is best to go early as clouds often gather around the top of the volcano by late morning, reducing your chance of perfect views. As you can see from this article, there are plenty of Lake Atitlan attractions to include on your Lake Atitlan itinerary! Plus the hotel was super clean, offered breakfast and the WiFi was great! Very kind and well spoken. Boats: Public boats tend to run like this Panajachel-Santa Cruz-Jaibalito-Tzununa-San Marcos-San Juan-San Pedro and vice versa. This experience is something that you'll remember for a lifetime, and you can also weave your own souvenir which is always a bonus! Book the best day trips from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Here's some more information on how to find the hot springs in Santa Catarina Palopo. I can honestly say that thats exactly what I got! He went out and I managed to get this cool shot of him between the volcanoes, so as you can see the views are pretty epic in this area. On your walk back to the boat dock, pop into artists galleries and theLicor Marrnchocolate shop. But first, culture: Get a crash course in the history of the native Tz'utujil people atMuseo Tz'unun 'Ya. Locals call it Pana. People often underestimate the power of high altitude, it can make you feel sick and tired, so keep hydrated. With a few key differences: Theres no George Clooney. Shuttle buses from . For lunch, take a short tuk-tuk ride to 6.8 Palop, located at the swanky hotel,Casa Palop. US$ 40 per person Day trip Guatemala or Antigua Guatemala: Lake Atitln Boat Cruise 12 hours Pickup available 4.3 (15 reviews) From US$ 110 per person Day trip Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan Tour From Antigua 10 hours Small group Pickup available 4.1 (42 reviews) From US$ 80 This 3-hour cooking class is a fantastic option that will show you how to prepare three authentic Guatemalan dishes. I wouldn't recommend spending all your time here though, but I would stay here the night before you are leaving the lake. It only cost us 250 Q for our transfer, so be wary of people charging 300-400 for it. There are plenty of awesome things to do in Lake Atitlan but if you're heading there to relax then it's likely you won't get around to doing many. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. That means some of the restaurants and recommended sites we mention below might be subject to unexpected closures, so make sure to do your research before heading out. There are only a couple restaurants and hotels in Santa Cruz la Laguna which makes sense as this is a nice, quiet place to relax for your first two nights. Chichicastenango is just a 1.5-2 hour drive from Lake Atitlan and is home to one of the largest markets in not just Guatemala, but Central America. Movies, sports, poker tourneys, weekly BBQs, trivia nights there is no reason to be bored in San Pedro. time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. However, you'll want to keep in mind that some parts of the lake are cleaner than others. You could easily stay a couple of nights on each of the different areas, or stick to one place. Once your at the top you'll get spectacular views over Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanoes so don't forget your camera. Some recommended restaurants are Idea Connection for Italian food, The Fifth Dimension for vegetarian, El Barrios weekend brunch, and Smoking Joes Sunday BBQ. Got dropped off early enough to grab breakfast and meet with my guide. Its got the cheapest prices on food and drink, so if you want to stick to a budget, then this is a good choice too. If youre feeling ill or think youve been exposed to the virus, be sure to play it safe and stay home to avoid potential transmission in a community thats often hit harder than those in urban areas. 9 ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Boundless Roads If youve visited and youve got other recommendations to add to the list, then please comment below! However, these are definitely worth the visit too!. Ive been to Lake Como and knew of the comparison between the two, but I wasn't expecting the scale of Lake Atitln. Getting to see a traditional Mayan ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is something truly special. Then, explore a sculpture park inside Santo Domingo del Cerro thats dedicated to the work of Efran Recinos, dubbed the Guatemalan Picasso.. There are lots of hotels in San Pedro to choose from. The guide was tremendous. It was a somewhat challenging hike, but they made it so enjoyable. The lake hasnt always looked this beautiful. Youll also have recommendations for great restaurants and hotels in Lake Atitlan, as well as costs so that you can better prepare for your trip! What are the best places for day trips in Lake Atitlan? Then this should be on your list of things to do in Lake Atitlan!. After 2 nights in Santa Cruz it is time to move on to San Marcos for the 3 nights of your 7 days at Lake Atitlan. It was such a pleasure meeting him and having him as our guide. For dinner, walk past the swinging doors to Circus Bar for dinner and live music. Currently, both indigenous and non. Luckily, if you're fit then you can complete the hike in half the time. It was a little way from the tourist hub, but we enjoyed the walk. In fact, there are many reasons why you should visit Guatemala! There is cheap accommodation, lots of souvenir shops, lots of restaurants serving cheap cocktails and a really cool chocolate museum. In my opinion, there's no better way to get around Lake Atitlan than by kayaking as you get to take your time and appreciate the epic views all around you. Review of: Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua, Review of: Shared Tour to Lake Atitlan: Boat Ride + Panajachel + 1 Town, Review of: Lake Atitln Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Antigua, Review of: Guatemala city Personalized Private Tour, Review of: Lake Atitln Sightseeing Cruise with Transport from Guatemala City, Review of: Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Guatemala City, Review of: Lake Atitln and Chichicastenango market tour, Review of: Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua, Review of: Visit 3 Cultural Towns Around Lake Atitlan - Private Tour from Panajachel, Review of: Lake Atitlan: Upper Mayan Trail from Antigua or Panajachel, Review of: Lake Atitln, Three Mayan Villages Tour, Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Atitlan. I appreciated our candid convos and learning about his family. In general, San Juan is a clean, friendly place that many repeat visitors describe as their favourite on the lake. (Think highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.) Others just come to lie in s hammock. The inside temperature of 72 degrees is constant all year. ATi DiVERS is the company that offers the diving courses, and there are several to choose from! There is a weekly market and Santa Cruz is the only place on the lake where you can scuba dive (although the sites are considered fairly mediocre). During the tour, stop by Centro Cultural Santa Catarina Palop to see weaving and cooking demonstrations and buy crafts, coffee, and chocolate in the attached caf. You can also check out this Atitlan volcano guided hike which includes a professional guide, pick-up and drop-off. Id say all-in-all 4-5 nights at the lake is good. From there, you can take a 2.5-mile hike on a ridgeline trail to Santa Cruz La Laguna, a cool little Mayan town situated on a ridiculously steep hill, or take the 3.7-mile trail to San Marcos, another tiny outpost with beautiful scenery and a hippie-dippie vibe. Should you need to travel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the CDC's latest guidance as well as local requirements/protocols/restrictions for both your destination and home city upon your return. The local Mayan women take pride in their traditionally embroidered skirts, tops, and belts, and each village has its own specific colours and patterns. These experiences are best for tours in Lake Atitlan: Lake Atitlan Villages Tour; Lake Atitln Sunset Tour; Lake Atitlan Day Tour From Antigua; Lake Atitlan One Day Tour; Shared Tour to Lake Atitlan: Boat Ride + Panajachel + 1 Town; See more tours in Lake Atitlan on Tripadvisor Lake Atitln Vacation Planner: 7-Day Trip Itinerary & Travel Guide Entrance to the trail is 100Q and this includes an optional guide, which I'd definitely recommend. The first element on this Lake Atitlan guide is the best time to visit the place. It's free to enter and you should also explore the courtyard during your visit. He allowed everyone to introduce themselves and then gave fun facts about Antigua and our destinations. There you must pay a 100Q entry fee (roughly $US13), which sounds a bit pricey for Guatemala but does include a guide provided by the park. It really is too much of a good thing., Its true that this crater lake could easily be mistaken for one of northern Italys, . View Map Just under 50 miles (80 km) from Antigua in the Sierra Madre highlands, lies Lake Atitln, Central America's deepest lake. With a few key differences: Theres no George Clooney. Transportation from Guatemala City was smooth and very comfortable. Panajachel is kind of the capital of the lake as it is where you first arrive after the three hour winding trip from Antigua. Set in the extinct crater of a volcano, and surrounded by yet more volcanoes, Lake Atitlan measures 130.1 square km. San Marco de la Laguna is hippy heaven as we discovered when we walked into the annual harvest festival. Not only that but if the staff are free, they'll happily tell you your animal counterpart based on the Mayan calendar and your date of birth. It is a good idea to get the phone number of a tuk-tuk to call when you get back to the trailhead or you might find yourself having to walk back down into town as well. And if you want to stay longer they offer excellent monthly rates. You'll also get to admire rare colour photographs of San Pedro in its former days. Tomaremos un autobs que nos llevar a Panajachel. Spend a day on Lake Atitln, the deepest lake in Central America, on a full-day trip from Guatemala City. December 31, 2022 Here's a rundown of the absolute BEST things Lake Atitlan has to offer; and discover how to make the most of your time in this wonderful place . Your submission has been received! Panajachel is your backpacker base if you're looking for easy access around the lake, a bustling hub in the heart of all the action. Not only that, but some of them offer the chance for you to see an epic sunset whilst you party away!. (San Pedro will probably be fine). Do a sunrise hike up to Indian Nose Hike the scenic Lower Mayan Trail (here are the best hikes around Lake Atitlan) Meaning I live my life working and travelling all over the world and am here to help you achieve your dreams as well in any way I can. The hotel feels like staying at your artsy rich aunt's house. It depends on what you want. In a few short years, Atitln bounced back from the brink of ecological disaster thanks to a ban on single-use plastics in 2016 and a massive cleanup on the part of local fishermen and volunteers. It is not a good idea to swim near the docks of any of the villages as the water isnt as clean and there are boats constantly coming and going with drivers who may not see you in the water. Guatemala is open to tourismyoull just need to fill out a health pass, and provide proof of full vaccination completed at least two weeks prior to travel, or proof of recovery from Covid-19 within three months of travel. Although this catholic church as been damaged over the years by fires and earthquakes, it's been re-built and now sits proudly in the centre of town. Alex, Antonio, and Diego had us laughing all the way up the trail. The village of San Marcos is renowned for its hippie culture but the overall vibe remains very friendly and welcoming, with people of all spiritual and hygienic persuasions co-existing comfortably. No spam, we promise, unsubscribe at any time. Another good excursion is a village boat tour. That being said, I felt safe, loved the pace and the guides were very helpful. After spending a couple of weeks exploring Central America, we were both in need of a rest and we couldn't have picked anywhere better. Highly recommend! suggestions for two days in Weimar - Rick Steves Travel Forum If you are coming by boat from Santa Cruz you can be let off at their private dock for 15Q. there are many reasons why you should visit Guatemala, Food in Singapore: 8 tasty Singaporean dishes to try. The Italian restaurant was opened by former circus performers, and it has a boisterous, cabaret atmosphere. None of us were dressed appropriately for the muddy trek: One friend was wearing flimsy sandals, I was in an enormous sundress, and someone else was in a heavy sweater. Also, use a Revolut card for the best exchange rate and no ATM fees or charges. Its the smaller of the towns, but its cheap and has some really nice lakefront restaurants. It's also one of the most well-known markets in this area and you'll find plenty of quirky items here. However, if you're travelling then it's likely you won't be staying for this length of time. Now, it's important to note that the hike up to Volcano Atitlan is far from easy. Its surrounded by three colossal volcanoes and Mayan artisan towns made more vibrant by friendly locals and the bright colors of their traditional, hand-woven clothing. The rainy season runs from April to November and brings colourful flowers and amazing sunsets, while the more popular dry season is from December to March and features consistently sunny days. Maridels work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Bloomberg Businessweek, New York Magazine, Architectural Digest, Forbes, BBC Travel, USA Today, The Boston Globe, and The New York Post. What better way to get to know the local culture than by eating their food and learning how to make it! We also got to visit a market, have a traditional lunch, and visit a sacred cave. In practice, the plastics ban in Atitln means you must plan ahead. as well as local requirements/protocols/restrictions for both your destination and home city upon your return. I will remember this trip for a long time and the unforgettable views and experiences like the lake views, the colour in the towns, and seeing Maximon! 3. Her dream is to watch the sunset in Olia in Santorini on her big day. But Atitln is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. You can opt for a yoga retreat, or even meditation classes if you wish and there are plenty of opportunities for this. With its striking white colour, it won't be hard to find as it stands out against the rest of the town. During the drive we will make a brief stop in Katok, a very famous restaurant where you can have a hot chocolate or a nice cup of coffee. After Lake Atitlan you can spend a few days in Antigua (if you havent already been or don't visit as a day trip), although you may find you love Antigua too much and dont want to leave! This is the busiest and most well-traveled of the lakeside towns, making it the perfect launching point for exploring the area. How to get to San Marcos: Head to the pier in Panajachel and ask for the public boat to San Marcos. You won't find roads alongside the North of the lake, so hopping on a boat is the easiest way to get from place to place. Read more. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Before you decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan, you should probably work out how long you want to be there. COVID Edition, Tips for making car rental an easy experience. I'd say this is one of the more unique things to do in Lake Atitlan and it will create an everlasting memory! Get exclusive weekly travel tips. THE TOP 10 BEST Day Trips from Antigua to Lake Atitlan (Lago - Viator Thank you! As of April 2021, official guidance from the CDC states that fully vaccinated people can travel at low risk, though safety precautions are still required. There are three different Mayan languages spoken around the lake, while everyone also learns Spanish in school as their second language. Your email address will not be published. Well, first of all Weimar is a beautiful town, with a nice, mostly preserved centre surrounded by castles and parks.Even if you don't visit museums it's a very pleasant place just to walk around. If you are up for a physical challenge, the most popular thing to do in San Pedro is to climb Volcan San Pedro, which stands sentinel directly above the town. The views from Santa Cruzs picturesque bay are among the best on the entire lake, with unobscured looks at all three volcanoes looming on the far side (San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan). There are also ziplines here if you're looking for an exhilarating experience, and a unique way to admire the views.
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