Lake Atitlan is famous for its breathtaking volcanoes, lakes, and villages, and it is known worldwide for its stunning natural beauty. Because of all this, this lake attracts many tourists every year. Tourists from around the globe come to Lake Atitlan to find peace and relax in this beautiful place. In this post, we will find the best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
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Lake Atitlan: The volcanic wonder of Guatemala
Lake Atitlan has earned its reputation as one of the best spots in Guatemala. Whether you plan on relaxing on the shore in the surrounding mountains or visiting famous Mayan ruins, there are some great spots for lodging. This blog post will look at some of Lake Atitlan’s top-rated hotels and backpacking camp spots. Continue reading to discover more!
Where to stay around Lake Atitlan?
Lake Atitlan is Guatemala’s largest lake, surrounded by three volcanoes, creating a fabulous backdrop for outdoor activities. The lake is surrounded by the Guatemalan highlands, which are home to several Mayan villages.
It is the perfect spot for adventurers who want to spend a few days relaxing or backpacking through the Mayan villages.
The area around Lake Atitlan is densely populated. In fact, there are many villages around the lake. Each village is unique and has its own attractions. Tourists can pick a village and stay for a few days or even a week of exploration. Below are some of the more interesting villages.
7 Best Place to stay Lake Atitlan 2022
01: Panajachel
Located about 9 miles west of Antigua, Panajachel, Guatemala, is a charming village on the Rio Dulce that features colonial-era Spanish architecture, almond trees, and cobblestone streets.
A haven for artists and writers, Panajachel is filled with small restaurants, hotels, art galleries, and shops. Strolling along its cobblestone streets can be a great place to spend an afternoon.
Panajachel is popular with tourists, so expect to find many hotels, restaurants, and shops with English menus and signs. According to our list this is the 1st best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
02: San Pedro La Laguna
San Pedro La Laguna is a small town located in the southern part of Guatemala, nestled between the magnificent volcanoes of Fuego and Acatenango.
The town is known for its rich Mayan history and tradition. San Pedro La Laguna is also known for being the best place in Guatemala to experience traditional Mayan culture.
The region’s Mayan ancestors lived in Mayan palaces and temples. Some Mayan ruins are still standing and can be found just a short distance from the city.
Despite its small size, San Pedro La Laguna boasts many attractive tourist attractions, such as San Pedro La Laguna is located close to several volcanoes. Several volcanoes surround San Pedro La Laguna, including the impressive Volcan Fuego.
One of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, Fuego, is 5,723 meters (18,641 ft) high and 11 km (7 mi.) from San Pedro La Laguna. San Pedro La Laguna is close to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala’s largest freshwater lake.
The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes – Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro. The lake’s waters are known for their intense blue color. According to our list, this is the 2nd best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
03: San Juan del Lago
San Juan del Lago is located in San Juan and Leon provinces in Guanajuato, México. It is considered the Garden City of Mexico. This is the best place to stay in Guanajuato.
San Juan del Lago has many tourist attractions, such as:
- El Mirador: El Mirador is one of the most famous lookouts in San Juan del Lago.
- The Cathedral: The Cathedral of San Juan del Lago is a magnificent building. It has three naves; on each side, there are 18 pillars and two towers.
- The Municipal Palace: It was built in 1889, and Andres Quintana Roo designed it.
According to our list, this is the 3rd best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
04: San Marcos La Laguna
A little village nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlan, San Marcos La Laguna is a place of stunning natural beauty and a haven for those seeking a simpler, alternative lifestyle.
Although often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, San Marcos is a hidden gem slowly gaining a reputation as a top destination for eco-tourism and alternative living.
San Marcos is surrounded by three towering volcanoes, making it one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala. The village is also home to several natural hot springs, which are said to have healing properties.
The people of San Marcos are known for their welcoming nature and traditional Maya lifestyle. In recent years, the village has become a popular spot for digital nomads and other alternative travelers, attracted by the slower pace of life and the opportunity to connect with nature.
There is no shortage of things to do in San Marcos. Visitors can explore the nearby lakeshore and participate in water-based activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area.
In the evenings, the village comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. There are several bars and restaurants, as well as live music and dancing.
San Marcos La Laguna is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. According to our list, this is the 4th best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
05: Santiago Atitlán
Santiago Atitlán is a town in Guatemala that is rich in culture and history. The town is located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Santiago Atitlán is home to the Tz’utujil people, who are known for their vibrant culture and beautiful handcrafted textiles.
The town of Santiago Atitlán is a great place to experience Guatemalan culture. There are many traditional Guatemalan restaurants, shops, and markets to explore. The town is also home to many traditional Guatemalan artisans, who sell wares in the town’s markets.
There are many great options if you’re looking for a place to stay in Santiago Atitlán. There are many hotels and guesthouses in the town and many vacation rentals. Santiago Atitlán is a great place to stay if you want to experience Guatemalan culture and history. According to our list, this is the 5th best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
06: Santa Cruz
Looking for a place to relax and unwind? Look no further than Santa Cruz, one of Lake Atitlan’s most relaxing places to stay. With its tranquil setting and stunning views, Santa Cruz is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Situated on the shores of the lake, Santa Cruz offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained. Take a dip in the refreshing waters, hike in the surrounding mountains, or relax in one of the many hammocks dotted around the town.
As night falls, the town comes alive with vibrant nightlife. Head to one of the many bars and clubs for a night of dancing and drinking, or enjoy a quieter evening with a few drinks on one of the many rooftop bars.
Whatever you’re looking for, Santa Cruz is sure to have it. So come and see for yourself why this place is so special. According to our list, this is the 6th best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
07: Santa Catarina Palopó
In the highlands of Guatemala, near the shores of Lake Atitlán, lies the small town of Santa Catarina Palopó. The town is home to about 5,000 people, most of whom are of Maya descent. The town is renowned for its beautiful textiles, which are handwoven on traditional looms.
The town is situated at an altitude of 2,560 meters (8,400 feet), making it one of the highest towns in Guatemala. The climate is cool and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 12-24°C (54-75°F). Santa Catarina Palopó is one of the best places in Guatemala to see the country’s stunning natural scenery.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Santa Catarina Palopó is the Procession of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which takes place on February 2nd. The procession is a colorful display of traditional costumes and dance and culminates with the burning of an effigy of the Devil.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Fiesta de Santa Catarina, which is held on December 12th. The festival celebrates the town’s patron saint and includes a parade, music, and traditional food and drink.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Guatemala, Santa Catarina Palopó is the perfect destination. According to our list this is the 7th best place to stay at Lake Atitlan.
How to choose a hotel on Lake Atitlan?
Lake Atitlan is located in the Guatemalan Highlands and is an incredible place to see many beautiful natural wonders. The area’s natural beauty is matched by its pleasant weather and laid-back lifestyle, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. But with so many hotels to choose from, finding the right place to stay can be challenging!
Many hotels around the lake offer great views of the lake, but if this is what’s most important to you, you may want to choose your hotel based on where it is relative to the lake. For example, staying closer to the town may be your best bet if you are looking for budget accommodation. On the other hand, if you want to stay in a beautiful location, you may want to stay a little farther away from town.
Another thing to consider when choosing a hotel is:
Location:
- How far is your hotel from the lake?
- How accessible is your hotel to town?
- Is your hotel close to hiking trails?
- How safe is your hotel at night?
- Does your hotel have nearby public transportation?
- Is your hotel near any shops, restaurants, or other attractions?
Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan
The best hotels in Lake Atitlan are places that put you close to the beautiful lake. The villages and small towns around the lake are filled with hotels that cater to different budgets and tastes. The hotels on the lake offer great views of the lake and mountains.
Some are right on the lake, while others are within walking distance of the lake. Consider what amenities your hotel has to offer before booking it. Does the staff speak basic English? Is there Wi-Fi? Is there secure parking? If you are travelling alone, you may want to choose hotels that offer restaurants so that you can eat at the hotel if you wish to or don’t need to leave the grounds. If you want to visit Lake Atitlan, there are many hotels in Lake Atitlan to choose from
The nearby town of San Marcos has several hotels, including Hotel :
- Genova
- Hotel Posada
- Hotel Villa Atitlan
- Hotel Los Amigos
Things to do in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a volcano lake. It is located on the northwest side of Guatemala, in the highlands and west of Guatemala City.
Atitlan means “place of a rainbow” in the Mayan language. Lake Atitlan is 40 miles long and 13 miles wide and is located in the highlands of Guatemala.
Its waters are famous for being clean and fresh, and mountains, volcanoes, and jungles surround the lake. There are many things to do around the lake, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing.
1. Visiting San Pedro Market: The market is bustling with vendors selling local products and crafts.
2. Chichicastenango Market: In Guatemala, the Chichicastenango Market is the world’s largest outdoor market for indigenous goods and one of the most important markets in the Americas.
The market opens on Thursdays and Sundays and is vast and sprawling, taking up 12 blocks, with more than 250 streets and 9000 stalls.
The market contains more than 50,000 indigenous Mayans haggling and trading products for international customers. The entire market is a tourist site, so the market’s sellers have traditional clothing, jewellery, and crafts for tourists to purchase, as well as trinkets and souvenirs.
3. Holy Sunday: Holy Sunday is a tradition where Guatemalans celebrate their devotion and love for the mother, Mary. The people dress in their finest clothing and attend mass at the Iglesia de Santo Tomás.
4. Volcan San Pedro: The active volcano San Pedro is the largest mountain in Guatemala. In 1541, it erupted, destroying the city of Santiago Atitlan; however, the town was rebuilt shortly after that.
FAQ:
1. What’s the best way to see Lake Atitlan?
You can arrange a tour with a travel agency, but this may be costly, especially if you travel in a group. You can rent a car to travel around Lake Atitlan, but traffic can be heavy in the rainy season in June and July. However, a GPS makes it easy to find many of Atitlan’s highlights. One of Atitlan’s most famous sights is the bustling town of Panajachel, where you can walk through the village to the Church of the Lady of the Lake. You shouldn’t be intimidated by the steep terrain; the islanders are helpful, cheerful, and always happy to guide you to your destination.
2. Where should I eat on Lake Atitlan?
The Lake Atitlan area offers a variety of options. There are plenty of restaurants in town, ranging from simple hamburgers to higher-end eateries in the hotels on the lake. If you want something casual: Go to the bars on the shores of the lake or to the restaurant on Hotel Luna’s boat. Take a stroll through the market, and you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, cheeses, and cold cuts from local producers. Head to one of the restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan dishes such as chicken or beef with beans and tortillas.
3. Where should I stay in Lake Atitlan?
If you want a quiet, simple place to stay in Lake Atitlan, try Casa Don Carmelo. It’s a hostel-style accommodation with clean, basic rooms, comfortable beds, and good showers. You’ll find that Casa Don Carmelo is one of the best budget accommodations in all of Guatemala. Las Flores: Another fantastic place to stay in Hostel Parador, which has beautiful, clean rooms and a cute courtyard with a bar and sitting area.
Conclusion
Lake Atitlan has become quite popular for backpackers. However, if you prefer more luxury than adventure, you’ll also find top-class hotels near the lake. There may not be an exact one-size-fits-all lodging option. Still, this article has highlighted some of Lake Atitlan’s most popular and exciting places and hotels.
Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you in the comments below!
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