FYI: Some of the posts on this blog include affiliate links. If you are looking for other location options fear not having a couple drinks is one of the more popular activities in Lake Atitlan among visitors and locals alike, there is a wide variety of methods making it possible to find just the perfect alcohol environment for your particular tastes. So read through your amazing options of things to do in Lake Atitlan and pick the one that suits you best or slowly work through them all! We experiences a pretty heavy rainstorm while we were there in late May and our electricity went out from 3pm to 10pm. Make an inquiry. You can combine several of these activities by signing up for the Atitln Bike and Kayak Adventure Tour which gives you a chance to experience the wilder side of the lake away from the tourist shops and restaurants. Source. Check out Atitlan Women Weavers Cooperativa in San Pedro, Tienda Candelaria in San Antonio Palopo or Cojolya Weaving Centre and Museum in Santiago Atitlan. Many people choose the homestay option so they are truly immersed in learning. You can be a yoga person, avid hiker, you can love relaxing on the lake's shore, your main motivation can be to learn Spanish or know more about Maya people, who live in many villages surrounding the lake (and believe us it is hard not to be overwhelmed by the indigenous culture, because every village has the authentic style and authentic handicrafts), or simply if you enjoy taking pictures of beautifully blue lakes with volcanoes on the backdrop or you just want to enjoy a beer with other backpackers - Lake Atitlan is here for everyone. Still, there is nothing like a woman in a bikini swimming in the middle of nowhere to draw a small, tentative crowd of dugout canoes and their shy little fishermen. Lake Atitlan offers a large selection of things to do, and this is the main reason why it is a destination you simply cannot miss. While we usually try to avoid crowds and go during the shoulder months I have to say its worth battling the crowds for the stunning weather. The dry season is from November to the end of April and offers the best weather to enjoy all of the activities around Lake Atitlan. Panajachel is usually the starting point for visiting the area, so you will meet here many people too. As a full-time travel blogger and blogging coach, Folks are always surprised when I tell them Ive, Our last road trip? Los Elementos in Santa Cruz also runs one of the best all-day adventure tours that includes kayaking, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, cliff jumping (optional, obviously), archery, trampolines and, if you behave, even some time to relax with a view. Although a week would be even better to give you the chance to stay in more than one village and try a few of the many activities on offer. It is possible to do the hike on own during the day (you will pay Q50 as an entrance fee because the hike leads via a private land). As is the case in most of Latin America, in Guatemala the next party or fiesta is always just around the corner. The worst months to visit Lake Atitlan are June, July and August! How many days do you need at Lake Atitlan? 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 . The trailhead is located near Santa Clara village. It is definitely the next big thing on Lake Atitlan. Other useful articles you may want to check out: San Pedro la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Most Popular Village, Santa Cruz la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Village With the Best Views, San Lucas Toliman: Guide to Lake Atitlans Secret Village, Santiago Atitlan: Guide to an Authentic Mayan Town, Slow Travel Settling in for the Long Haul. Lake Atitlan is also the deepest lake in Central America at 340m and it gets deep quickly around most of the lake. Every village and town is different, some places are very quiet, some, on the other hand, are buzzing with life and movement. If you are at a private dock you just wave down the boats as they pass and point in the direction you want to go. Canon M50 | Trail Walking Shoes for Him & for Her | Daypack for Him & for Her | Waterproof Jacket for Him & for Her | Fleece Jacket for Him & for Her. If you are not looking for anything in particular, and only prefer to see how the local market looks like, it is a good idea to consider visiting Chichicastenango traditional market which is a bit away from Lake Atitlan, but still, it is within driving distance. No need for heating or air conditioning. Not surprisingly, climbing the old girl has become something of a rite of passage for those intent on mixing a few sweaty exertions into their normal routine of late night Gallo-drinking competitions and lazy mornings spent on the sunny deck of their favourite egg and beans joint. I love to visit this lake. What viewpoints provide the best angles for seeing the volcanoes around Lake Atitln? Best Hotel in San Pedro - Zoola San Pedro Atitlan. Also, a submerged Mayan city was discovered in 1996 in the southeast corner of the lake by Roberto Samayoa. Most of the villages have a single ATM and, if not, there are several in Panajachel, Santiago and San Pedro. This stunning lake is located about 2.5 hours west of Antigua, and it's well worth a stop on your Guatemala itinerary. Be aware, its not quick, a scarf will take 8 hours. If you don't like this option, take a taxi to the bus terminal, from there hop on a chicken bus to Panajachel, where you can base yourselves or take a boat to one of many towns and villages on the Lake Atitlan shore. The dry season is very nice at the lake because it gets pretty warm but its never too hot or humid. Unfortunately, it is still being excavated and is not open to the public. We paid 900Q for 4 people for a boat from 9:30 to 4pm to give an idea. It is one of many popular excursions from Antigua and remains one of Guatemala's most important tourist destinations. San Pedro is probably the most interesting one right on the lake and is best on the weekend. 2. If you have all the camping and cold weather gear you need it is possible to do this overnight hike on your own, although most people choose to go with a guided tour that provides the food, tents, etc. Things to do at Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan is one of my favorite destinations in Guatemala. Lake Atitlan is also one of the worlds best yoga destinations and is considered to have good energy due to the ley lines. If you're short on time, you can always take a tour from Antigua or Guatemala City and visit Lake Atitlan on a day trip. While the common use of Mayan languages means there are times you wont understand whats being said, it provides a big benefit for amateur Spanish speakers like myself in that most people speak very simple Spanish. You will definitely be captivated by this gorgeous destination. San Pedro has the most schools to choose from and they are all quite economical. The most common boats start in Pana and end in San Pedro and there are two options. In This Article: hide Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Visit Lake Atitlan When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Atitlan? Bottom line: Lake Atitlan is an amazing place, maybe our favourite long-term stay location anywhere in the world. April is the warmest month in Lake Atitlan while February is the coolest month. Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and its Semana Santa celebrations last for 6 weeks and are among the most elaborate and fascinating in the world. Having said that, changes in weather and water temperature occasionally lead to some unattractive floating algae so the subject remains in constant flux. There's always a flurry of activity, but you'll also find the best handicrafts shopping and pretty lake views. It is certainly one of the most authentic indigenous villages on the lake. And if you dont believe me, just ask Aldous Huxley. See all. terrific 3-day hike from Xela to Lake Atitlan. RealWorld Paraglidinghas a good reputation and highly skilled pilots. Boats usually run on an infrequent schedule, but you should get an approximate time of departure when asking around. We do all our fruit and veggie shopping at these markets but even if you arent buying anything they are a fascinating look at local life. best time to visit Lake Atitlan during the summer 10 years ago Save Hello, We are planning a 3 week trip to Guatemala during the summer. Panajachel is a transportation hub with all the pros and cons you would expect. Panajachel: Gateway to Stunning Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan sits at an altitude of about 1,400 m. The rainiest month in Lake Atitlan is June followed by September. Even in the wet season (May to October), the rainfall only lasts for a couple of hours per day in the main visitor regions. The temperature stays roughly the same all year round, ranging from around 15C at night to 25C during the day. Narrow streets of the lake villages will be crowded with tourists, Prices will be much higher eg. In case you are interested in this activity, it won't take long, and you will stumble upon a flyer or a person offering a yoga class. It has been hosting tourists longer than any other village on the lake, has a long shopping street, a pretty lakeshore and even some adrenaline options like ziplines and paragliding. However, this trail is mostly exposed, which means you will bake in the sun the entire time unless you are smart/silly enough to start up around 4 am to catch the sunrise. Whether you are perched out over the water with panoramic views or lying quietly in a secluded spot of shade under a large jacaranda tree, stretching out in a hammock with a good book is the essential lake experience. The same would go for any of the houses or hotels located away from the villages. Lots of local tourists from all over Guatemala tend to spend Semana Santa week in Lake Atitlan which can make everything busier and the prices for accommodation increase at least 30%. A faster direct one that cuts across the middle of the lake and the one that goes along the edge past the villages of Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, San Marcos and San Juan before stopping in San Pedro. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities. San Marcos la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Spiritual Village. If you want to stay and explore Guatemala City first, most hostels and hotels can arrange a shuttle bus from there. Often referred to as Land of Eternal Spring, with an elevation of around 1,600 metres above sea level it is much cooler than other parts of Central America. Once you've landed at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, you have a few choices what to do next. Starting in Jaibalito, this 2-day tour includes meals and hotel (plus transportation from Panajachel or Antigua if needed) and involves mountain biking down from the crater rim, hiking between villages, kayaking on the lake and even cliff jumping. You should definitely check it out to decide for yourself. You wont be sweating too much while walking around the beautiful villages which is awesome! Because Lake Atitlan is not a single destination but rather a collection of over a dozen towns. The Best Time To Visit Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan is characterized by two seasons. 4.5 149 Reviews A day trip to Lake Atitlan from Antigua, Guatemala, is easy and worthwhile. The main reason Lake Atitlan is so photogenic are its volcanoes. Everyones wants, needs and preferences are different and thats okay! A big lake with 3 volcanos {atitalan, toliman and San pedro} . This is especially true when it comes to travel to Lake Atitlan. The great thing about Lake Atitlan is, that it easily entertains every type of traveler, and the location close to another popular must-visit place Antigua, makes it an unmissable stop, and it does not matter whether you have a couple of days, or your schedule allows you to visit Lake Atitlan only on a one-day trip without an overnight stay. The annual average temperature in Lake Atitlan is around 19C to 25C (66F to 77F). We opted to rent a car in Guatemala so we could have that extra flexibility to explore this beautiful Central American country at our pace and make stops whenever we wanted. Maybe only sunset. It is a great place to take a tour and learn how each piece is made by hand. Why? San Pedro is the best place to find a little light-hearted competition in the form of poker tournaments, trivia contests, bars with rotating specials or seeing who can craft the most convincing lies to impress that group of encouragingly drunk German girls. Its is obviously our favourite as we have been coming back to it for over a decade. before returning for more lake fun and festive parties. There are a lot of great choices but the ones that come up again and again as the best places for yoga retreats, classes or trainings are Doron Yoga in Tzununa, Yoga Forest and Eagles Nest in San Marcos, Villa Sumaya in Santa Cruz, and Mystical Yoga Farm in Santiago. Warm but not sweltering during the day, sunny but still reasonable for hiking and outdoor activities, and decently cool at night so its actually possible to use a blanket. Make sure to confirm the price before leaving, especially village to village. Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance. It is a must-see when travelling through Central America and well worth visiting on a specific trip as many do. Plus, there tends to be lots of power outages. The main form of transportation around Lake Atitlan are the public boats that go from village to village, known as lanchas. Best Time to Visit Lake Atitlan: Weather in Lake Atitlan The weather in Lake Atitlan is known as eternal spring, with beautiful temperatures all year round. The maximum withdrawal is 2,000 quetzales and all Guatemalan ATMs occasionally run out of money so dont wait until youre completely out of cash to try for a withdrawal. For most of these you will probably need a guide, or at least a knowledgeable British friend willing to show you the way in exchange for slowing him down and bombarding him with stupid questions. 3. Paragliding for the Ultimate View of the Lake. everyone else also wants to visit during this time it makes sense! Mikaso Hotel y Restaurante is a popular choice among travelers who want to spend a night in the town. Most of the hostels and hotels in Santa Cruz are located right next to the water so guests can swim and sunbathe under the Guatemala sun. This helps planning, organizing and booking your trip so much easier! Apr 10, 2022 10 min read Winter is the best time for perfect sunrises over Lake Atitln Chrsitian Hartmann / Shutterstock Guatemala may be called the Land of Eternal Spring, but that doesn't mean the weather is always spring-like all year round. The surroundings are out of this world, and with that many top attractions, you do not have to be worried to get bored easily, plus you will enjoy the destination in a much more relaxed way. Check out our guide to the Best Yoga Retreats on Lake Atitlan for all the details. A lot longer. We have often used chicken buses and they are occasionally uncomfortable (always try to get on early and get a seat on the inside of the row as they put 3 people per row and the 3rd person only really gets one butt cheek on the seat), hectic and slightly dangerous but they are always entertaining and give you a true taste of Guatemalan life. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. In this blog, we'll tell you everything you need to know about Lake Atitlan before you visit including the 23 BEST things to do in Lake Atitlan and where to go (as there are a few different towns to explore all around the perimeter of the lake!) Anyone with a relatively new smartphone can buy them online, download them by scanning a QR code and buy a data package specific to anywhere in the world. Slow-moving expats determined to speed up the aging process via a strict regimen of drinking alone in the morning tend to prefer the sports bars of San Pedro and Pana. Quick Stats on Lake Atitlan Weather & Seasons, Lake Atitlan Weather: Temperature Year-Round, Lake Atitlan Weather: Precipitation Year-Round, Lake Atitlan Weather: Sunshine Year-Round. San Juan la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Artistic Village. It is a great place to wander among the hundreds of brightly painted buildings featuring traditional patterns and symbols and has become a very popular day trip destination (second only to San Juan). Not exactly the Serengeti, but maybe better than watching tourists fawn over all the different colours of Gallo t-shirts for sale. In some villages, though, the older men still wear traditional garb. This one might be first on many peoples list. 6x Reasons Youll Wish You Went. Almost every single travel agency in this area can arrange the hike for travelers. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, central america, travel itinerary, what to see and do, travel guide, central america, day hike, history, ruins, Semuc Champey: Enjoy the Perfect Day in Guatemala, Tikal: The Most Famous Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors, A Complete Guide to Semuc Champey in Guatemala, Monterrico: Travel Guide to the Best Beach in Guatemala. January 6, 2021. There are a couple of rainstorms that come through but nothing as major as a hurricane. Lake Atitlan weather /weather Lake Atitlan. Ready to visit the beautiful Lake Atitlan in Guatemala? The tour starts in Panajachel and the hike will take you past a sacred Mayan site before finishing in the traditional town of Solol with lunch at a local comedor. The scenery with the beautiful lake and looming volcanoes, the long list of things to do, traditional culture and intriguing villages all make it a very unique place to visit. But there are fewer crowds. That trip is 5Q per person. Were Matt and Ashley, the American-Aussie couple behind this blog. Meanwhile, Lush Atitlan is a beautiful, comfortable choice if you would rather stay in the village. Our host said that it depends on which town youre in because we could see lights across the lake in San Marcos but they turned them off in San Pedro. Tzununa: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Holistic Village. The price is $25 per person. If you have a good stomach for heights you should consider this epic Lake Atitlan adventure. Opt to visit Guatemala in the shoulder months of November, March . But it will also give you an appreciation for the work that goes into it when you are haggling for your souvenirs. Jenna's River Bed and Breakfast. The rainfall during these months is around 356mm (14.0in) of rain which is pretty high compared to the driest month that gets a rainfall of 2mm (0.1in). Be aware that Guatemala has strong drug laws and have made examples of tourists in the past. These are also the best places to find night life, which on Atitln is more or less defined as any bartender that will serve you until 11:30 pm. This option will cost about 25Q ($5 US) from Antigua to Panajachel and may require changing buses along the way. Go for a Swim, Maybe Combined with Cliff Jumping, Take a Yoga Class, Training or Stay for a Retreat, Climb for the View at Mirador KiaqAiswaan, Bonus Activity Hiking Volcan Acatenango, Best Lake Atitlan Hotels: Where to Stay in Each Village, Lake Atitlan to San Cristobal de la Casas, Mexico. Rainy season covers the rest of the year, from May to early November, and is rather unfairly underrated. The months with the most hours of sunshine are January, February and March! Thats why its such an important question! On the other hand, to get the most of the area, and of some of the best things the area has to offer, consider allocating at least two to three days near the lake. Santa Cruz is one of the most relaxing places to stay in Lake Atitlan. Weve completely fallen in love with the freedom that comes with this lifestyle and we hope to inspire you to join us on the digital nomad journey! More sunshine means more opportunities to get out and enjoy the lake! You can easily catch a public boat (lancha) back from either end, as it can also be done in reverse, or in sections, or some people even hike all the way back the way they came (you know, those embroiled in intense Fitbit step-counter competitions and such). Can You Swim in Lake Atitlan? The other thing about visiting during the rainy season is that the electricity can go out during a rainstorm. On the other hand, traveling out of season will give you the advantage to enjoy lower rates and have most of the places for yourself. Obviously the more people you have the more economical it is but you may need to haggle at bit. It has most of the cheaper accommodation and the best nightlife. making things up): Another great benefit is how many other interesting destinations there are within easy driving distance. The dry season means its a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful lake activities. His phone number is +502 5091 0433 or +502 5016 2148 but you will need to speak some Spanish to book directly with him. Which month will you choose to visit Lake Atitlan? We have a feeling that yoga has never been more popular than it is now. Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more. Every post has been written by us based on our personal experience (no sponsored posts), and every adventure is our own, even the boring ones. Its just the normal rainy season showers. The sunken city of Samabaj had been located on a small island on the lake and became submerged for an unknown reason. On top of that, everything is green and lush, the dust is gone, there are far fewer tourists around and the multi-coloured cloudy sunsets and evening lightning shows have to be seen to be believed. During this time, it's sunny and the temperatures are at their highest. . However, to get from village to village the price varies e.g. Panajachel, or Pana as it is normally known, is many peoples first stop on Lake Atitlan before they head out to the other towns and villages. Getting to Lake Atitlan Located in the southwest of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is easily accessible by tourist shuttles or buses from the main cities of Antigua, Xela (Quetzaltenango) and Guatemala City. 23 Incredible Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala, Discovering the Traditional Maya Town of Santiago Atitln, The Ultimate Guide to Lisbons Trendy LX Factory, Everything You Need to Know About Landsailing on Bonaire, 9 Amazing Resorts & Hotels in La Fortuna with Hot Springs, Hike the scenic Lower Mayan Trail (here are the, Meditate in the hippie town of San Marcos La Laguna, Shop on Calle Santander in the gateway town of, Climb up to the panoramic viewpoint of Cerro de la Cruz in, Scuba dive at altitude (recommend only if you have one week or more here), Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Take a tuk-tuk tour around the traditional town of.