Nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, Lake Atitlán is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Central America. Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with charming Mayan villages, this stunning lake offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. If you're planning a Guatemala travel itinerary, spending three days at Lake Atitlán should be at the top of your list!

I spend two weeks in Guatemala earlier this year, and the three days in Lake Atitlán was definitely the highlight of my trip. While I would advocate for staying even longer if you have the time, you can absolutely make a fine trip out of three days.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Panajachel

Most likely, your trip to Guatemala will start in Guatemala City at La Aurora International Airport, and from there, you'll get to Lake Atitlán via a 3ish-hour shuttle (mine was arranged by my hotel.) The shuttles are generally large passenger vans with air conditioning. It is a comfortable ride, and you get to see stunning views for a good portion of the trip.

Your first stop at the lake will be Panajachel, or as the locals call it, Pana. It's the main gateway to Atitlán. A few hours is sufficient for exploring Pana — it is very touristy. Shopping, restaurants, and tuk-tuks abound!

If you choose to stay in Panajachel, Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo is a good choice. It is a luxurious lakeside retreat with lush gardens, stunning views, and a full-service spa. For a mid-range option with private lake access, try Hotel Panajachel Oasis.

Take some time to explore Panajachel’s main street, Calle Santander. It is lined with shops selling textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and make sure to stop by the local market to see traditional Mayan goods.

By dinner time, you should be all shopped out and ready for a cocktail or orange aid. Head to the lakeside restaurants for some pepián (a rich meat stew), tamales, or rellenitos (sweet plantain stuffed with beans). Dinner includes an excellent view of the sunset over the lake with volcanoes rising above the waves.

Day 2: Village Hopping and Cultural Immersion

Wake up bright and early and hop on a boat to San Juan La Laguna. You can opt for the public ferry, which costs about 25Q, or a private boat for a negotiated price...probably 45-75Q. San Juan La Laguna is a vibrant Mayan village known for its art galleries, weaving cooperatives, and coffee farms.

In San Juan, you can visit Café La Voz for an organic coffee tour and explore the women-led textile cooperatives to learn about traditional weaving.

Once you've had your fill of San Juan, you can hop on a boat and explore another village. San Pedro La Laguna is a backpacker-friendly town with a lively atmosphere (my favorite!). Santa Cruz La Laguna, is known for its upscale eco-lodges and is a good spot to rent a kayak or SUP and paddle around the lake. You can also head to Jaibalito, a sleepy little town great for soaking up views and vibes. Lunch can be found in any of these towns, and I recommend trying chuchitos, a Guatemalan tamale.

You can absolutely choose to stay in one of the smaller towns instead of booking a hotel in Pana. I actually stayed in Santa Cruz La Laguna in a private room at a lovely hostel called La Iguana Perdida. It is right off the dock and has gorgeous landscaping. Dinner is a group event each night with a set menu that is very vegetarian-friendly.

Day 3: Adventure and Nature

One of the most loved experiences at Lake Atitlán is hiking Indian Nose (Rostro Maya) for sunrise. The moderate 1-hour hike rewards you with panoramic views of the lake and volcanoes, and you can book a guided tour with local insights for around $30. Unfortunately, I partially tore my ACL before my trip to Guatemala, so I wasn't able to do the hike, but I am definitely planning a redo in the near future!

After your hike, you should hop on a boat for another fantastic lakeside town: Santiago Atitlán! Known for its Mayan traditions and Maximón cult, Santiago is the largest of the lakeside towns.

While there, you need to visit the shrine of Maximón, a folk saint worshipped with cigars and alcohol. Then, if you haven't shopped out already, explore the local market for handmade crafts.

After your hike and Santiago exploration, you may be ready to just unwind with a drink at a lakeside restaurant. But if you still have some stamina left, you could add one of these activities to your itinerary:

• Learning Spanish

• Booking a cooking class

• Visiting a temazcal (Mayan sauna)

• Scuba diving

Is Guatemala Safer Than Mexico?

A common question I get as a travel consultant: "Is Guatemala safer than Mexico?"

While safety varies by region, Lake Atitlán is generally considered safe for tourists. Petty theft can happen, so keep valuables secure, but violent crime is rare in tourist areas. I never felt unsafe in Lake Atitlán or even Guatemala as a whole. In fact, I found it to be a very warm and welcoming place with very friendly people.

Final Thoughts

Three days at Lake Atitlán offer a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Whether you're kayaking, hopping between villages, hiking volcanoes, or indulging in Guatemalan food, this lake will leave you enchanted.

Headed to Guatemala?

As a certified FORA travel adviser, I’m here to help you book the perfect hotel (with VIP perks), find your ideal activities, and plan your transportation around Guatemala. I can even create a full-blown itinerary for your trip! When you are ready to get started, hit that contact button below ⬇️