Yes, you can scuba dive in Lake Atitln. Panajachel, a.k.a. Depending on the wind, the waves, and which direction the lancha is traveling you may find yourself getting quite splashed. The crazy Mr. Mullets hostel is the perfect place to be if you are keen on partying, it has even built up a worldwide reputation as THE party place in Guatemala. But even though every village has great views, logic dictates that one of them has to have the best views. Required fields are marked *. Check map and driving directions of your route which helps you find the destination easier. Wander the Upper Village of Santa Cruz la Laguna, 9. There is a shaded area with seating underneath in case you find yourself needing to wait a little for the next boat, though to be honest they are never that far away. Must See`s: Narrow streets of the lake villages will be crowded with tourists, Prices will be much higher eg. How to get from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala How long does it take to get from Lake Atitlan to Antigua? They have good salads and sandwiches and Laynni is particularly enthralled with their pineapple and avocado smoothie. Plus, there tend to be lots of power outages. A post shared by Daniel Belenyi (@danielfromhungary). In the end, even though we think the best place to stay is at Pasaj-Cap Rentals on the north side of the lake between San Marcos and Tzununa, if it isnt available or you are looking for something a little closer to restaurants and Spanish schools, Santa Cruz la Laguna is a terrific choice. Seriously there is such an assortment of shops selling all sorts of local handicrafts. There are some excellent hostels in the area including Selina where I stayed for a couple of nights during my visit. You can instead do that when you have had a rest and a good meal after recovering from the likely motion sickness you got from traveling the windy roads. It takes longer because it will stop at several different hotels to pick up passengers and then drop them off, and it isnt as comfortable as having your own car or van, but contrarily to the private transfer, you can take the shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel, to San Marcos La Laguna, or to Santiago Atitlan, so your options are wider. How Much Is A Slice Of Cheesecake At Cheesecake Factory, How Long Is Lady Gagas Jazz And Piano Concert, How Long Has Billy Joel Played Madison Square Garden. The seven best villages at Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitln Vacation Planner: 7-Day Trip Itinerary - Thrillist A softUsvista Inc. venture! Jaibalito is actually one of the most authentic villages around Lake Atitlan. Every restaurant in Santa Cruz la Laguna can be an enjoyable place for a drink but Free Cerveza is a particularly good place to down an alcoholic beverage or two. X. These Rebuli buses leave Guatemala City each hour at the corner of 21 Calle and 1A Avenida. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. I arrive on the morning of Sunday 9th - Friday am. Copyright © 2023 Two Tickets Anywhere. There isn't a super serious boat schedule when you are wanting to travel around Lake Atitlan, I mean you are on Guatemala time now, relax. Its a steep walk up but you can take a tuk tuk from the dock if you prefer to skip the walk. La Iguana Perdida also offers a daily Hatha or Yin class and Free Cerveza holds a morning yoga class a couple times a week. Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You will find it just down from a restaurant called Don Cangrejo. With impressive, modern rooms, a beautiful pool area and excellent breakfast buffet, it is much nicer than most places we stay. And try to break your large Guatemalan bills whenever you can since a lot of places have limited change. Seriously this is as much as I got scammed in Guatemala, and in terms of scams, I was 100% more comfortable traveling here than anywhere in Southeast Asia. All-inclusive rates start from $80.00 per night in a dorm room. We have heard Airbnb hosts that raise their prices by 30%-50% (thats a lot more than what you could pay if you visit in the low season). Overall, yes. Here is a quick breakdown of each one and what they have to offer. Prices for boats when you travel around Lake Atitlan: Even if you are staying in Panajachel during your trip, it is still worth making a day trip from Panajachel to San Pedro to experience a different side of Lake Atitlan. The distance from Antigua in Guatemala to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles (87.4 km), and you can make the journey in approximately 3 hours. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to El Paredon. If you are planning to travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan the easiest place to travel to or from is Panajachel. 7 ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan + practical tips During your visit, you can browse, buy and even learn about what it takes to make these impressive ceramics. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Nevertheless, there are still some excellent accommodation options here for people wanting more of a unique stay on Lake Atitlan. Looking directly at the volcanos across the lake you will find the pier which is similar in size to that of San Marcos. Luckily enough it is relatively easy to travel between all these towns such as from Panajachel to San Pedro, which are two of the main spots, and all the towns in between, all information I will get into in this how-to travel around Lake Atitlan guide. GuateSUP is my favorite tour company in Lake Atitln. There is a fair bit of overlap but, in general, the people around Santa Cruz (and everywhere along the north side) speak Kakchiquel. Laundry In Lisbon: Best Spots To Get Your Clothes Washed, 5x Amazing Lisbon Sunset Cruises For 2023 (Info & Prices). Jaibalito certainly has a claim, Tzununa has its moments from certain angles and Volcan San Pedro practically looms over San Marcos from just across the narrowest part of the lake. Read also: Many of the designs on the buildings are based on traditional weaving patterns. Between San Juan and San Pedro they speak TzUtujil and up the hill in Santa Clara and surrounds most people speak Quiche. This is also a great place to do some shopping and buy some authentic souvenirs. Fabulous Lake Atitlan is full of amazing views volcano views, lake views, village views, etc. There are countless things to do and it is the perfect setting for relaxing and doing nothing. You also get unimpeded views of the relentlessly erupting Volcan Fuego near Antigua. Private shuttles are also possible, with prices varying widely from 300Q ($40) to 750Q ($100) from Guatemala City, and usually about 75% of those prices from Antigua. Guatemala City is an energetic capital city, a city unlike any other in the country which is slowly leaving its shady past behind and becoming an up and coming tourist destination. The archaeological site of the ancient Mayan city offers acres of lush verdant rainforest with towering pyramids and temples to explore. Antigua To Lake Atitlan: Your 3x Easiest Transport Options If you want an economic means of transport or are traveling on your own, then your best bet is to take a shared shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. While we were there, the rain came early! For me, I am lucky because this amount of money is nothing, but has a greater value to the locals. 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. In summary, there are two main ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. A Town-Hopping Guide To Lake Atitlan - Indie Traveller Another town worth visiting on a day trip is Santa Catarina Palopo. Guatemala is open to tourismyou'll 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. The package rates displayed are your total price per person based on Double Occupancy and your Arrival Date and Number of Nights selected. We packed our bags, sold our stuff and bought two tickets to Bali. In this blog post, youll learn about Lake Atitlan weather, the best (and worst) times to visit Lake Atitlan, when the rainy season is and the best time to get the cheapest prices. However, this suspected pilgrimage island was only discovered in 1996 and archaeological excavation is still in the early stages so it is still not open to recreational divers. Must See`s: Witness the fantastic baroque architecture of La Merced church and wander around the charming central plaza and absorb the postcard perfection of this vibrant city. The beautiful ridge hike between Santa Cruz and San Marcos is one of our two or three favourite hikes on the lake. They have a huge pool you can chill around at, super fast Wifi, and can organize activities and shuttles around the country for you. The cost to take a taxi or an Uber from Antigua to Lake Atitlan should cost around USD 50 and should not exceed USD 65. one to four people US$20.00 additional person. There isnt a whole lot to do here, no major hotels, and only a couple of restaurants. They provide the materials, wifi and a pretty amazing location. Which is obviously pretty different. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96443180', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights arrive and depart? You can find an assortment of Spanish School in a lot of the towns and they will even do outdoor learning where you can enjoy the incredible views. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. The sun deck is a little hot for us in the middle of the day, though plenty of others feel differently. Amigos de Santa Cruz is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of the indigenous people in and around Santa Cruz la Laguna through education and economic empowerment. Have a look at our full guide to the Best Yoga Retreats on Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan Weather: When's The Best Time To Visit? Plus, the view from the restaurant terrace makes it easy to pass the time. You can catch the Water Taxi from the end of Calle del Embarcadero, just down the road from Selina. The suns always out and the views across the lake are much clearer. How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala This town is a busy spot for travelers and is somewhere many people choose to stay. This is also an excellent spot for some delicious vegan and vegetarian food. Dorm rooms start from $22.00 per night. Continue with the transfer to Lake Atitlan (volcanic lake and the deepest lake in all of Central America, famous for the color of its waters varies from deep blue to green. 4 Prices do not include fees for carry on or checked baggage which can add additional fees per ticket on a roundtrip flight based on carrier charges. If you are taking a shuttle from Antigua or elsewhere in Guatemala they will drop you off on this street so you will just need to walk a minute or so to the ferry dock. There is also a private dock where you can get public boats to all the other villages as you explore the lake. Shuttle Bus. Tourists started imposing on their once-tight villages and they came in large numbers. A newsletter for digital nomads! This helps planning, organizing and booking your trip so much easier! everyone else also wants to visit during this time it makes sense! What is the a preferred route that will allow me to get there in the shortest time without spending a bunch of money ? Though if you are wanting a more relaxed studying experience this may not be the place. There are so many factors that go into deciding the best time to visit Lake Atitlan. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Visit Lake Atitlan. Dorms start from $16.00 per night. You can sometimes change $US at the banks in Panajachel but dont count on it. Receive the latest deals for travel to Asia, Europe, Hawaii and Latin America. In This Article: hide. Again this isnt really a town that tourists stay in, instead, it is just visited as a day trip when they travel around Lake Atitlan. It would be worth it to me, and, depending on the time of day and whether you're transitioning between Guatemala City or Antigua to the lake, 3-4 hours each way. Same idea, but with weaving. A newsletter for digital nomads! Views along the lakeshore path You also get unimpeded views of the relentlessly erupting Volcan Fuego near Antigua. Guatemala City to Lake Atitln - Best Routes & Travel Advice 9 ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan The city offers vibrant street art, trendy coffee shops, museums, markets and much more. You can find it just down from Mr Mullets Hostel and my favorite Sababa Restaurant. The dry season is very nice at the lake because it gets pretty warm but its never too hot or humid. Though, I had some of the best meals in Lake Atitlan there, maybe even Guatemala. The main transport hub for Lake Atitln . Seriously people fall in love with the vibe and scenery and end up living here for months. There always seems to be a constant stream of shuttles arriving and departing, with travelers walking on down to the docks. The volcanoes on the shores of the lake, form impressive hills where to hiking and birdwatch the Quetzal- the National bird-). As you arrive in the morning don't stay in Guatemala City. Overall, it is excellent value for money. There are also more economical rooms with shared bathroom and they run the local Spanish school. The only downside is the 15-minute walk to the Santa Cruz la Laguna dock, although the walk is along the lakeshore and does have views every step of the way. There are also famous cliff-jumping spots from one of the lower trails. Since the lake is located at nearly 1,600 metres above sea level it is a particularly good place to learn about altitude diving. You wont be sweating too much while walking around the beautiful villages which is awesome! So Google Maps may not picture a dock, and instead just have it marked in the middle of the water, but trust me there is an actual dock, and quite a decent one as well. Comment below and let us know your thoughts! .Guatemala City Airport to Hotel in Antigua. Volcan Fuego, Volcano Pacaya, Arco de Santa Catalina, Cerro de la Cruz, Santo Domingo del Cerro, and so much more! 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). I highly recommend Sababa Restaurant! Arca de Noe is conveniently located right next to the main dock (across the road from Iguana Perdida). This is a flexible vacation package. There are also a school, local government offices, a library, medical clinic and a few imaginative street art and wall murals hidden away among the narrow streets. What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Lake Atitlan? Deal straight with the drivers if you can instead of with a middle man who might upcharge you and be sure to have your hotel address handy; they'll say they know where it is to get your business but that hasn't always been the case for me. El Mirador, Rio Dulce, Parque Central Quetzaltenango, Volcan Pacaya, Yaxha, Monterrico, Tikal, and so much more! Butif we had to narrow down the best months to visit Lake Atitlan it would be January, February and March! Learn how the locals weave their traditional clothing and get a chance to make (and keep) your own custom woven scarf. Santa Cruz la Laguna: The Best 2023 Views on Lake Atitlan There isnt a super serious boat schedule when you are wanting to travel around Lake Atitlan, I mean you are on Guatemala time now, relax. So,I'm all booked up.5 days in Guatemala and 12 days in Nicaragua. Now part of the magic of Lake Atitlan is that there are so many beautiful towns and villages to visit with each one offering something new and unique. Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop). Everyone in Guatemala speaks Spanish (except for maybe a few old timers in very rural locations). How To Travel from Lisbon To Cascais In 2023? Antigua to Lake Atitlan by Chicken Bus Chicken Buses at Antigua bus Terminal. You can also do the much shorter version of the hike and end in Jaibalito which will only take 30-45 minutes. If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck this is certainly worth visiting. What is the shortest road distance between Lake Atitlan to Antigua Guatemala? There are stunning views from the rooms as well as the hot tub, outdoor lounge and restaurant. Bus operators. But there are fewer crowds. Yoga: Lake Atitlan is yogi heaven, and thats not just San Marcos. Check, (1 hr In that case I would spend Sunday in Antigua, go to the lake on Monday so you get to go to the Solola market on Tuesday. These [], Your email address will not be published. It does take between 2 to 3 hours but can be shortened by taking a water taxi from Tzununa. 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. Some boats will make stops at the villages in between such as Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, San Marcos, San Pablo, and San Juan, whereas others will be a direct service from Panajachel to San Pedro short cutting it directly across the lake. A more affordable option in San Marcos. COMING FROM ANTIGUA INSTEAD? 2011-2023 distancesfrom.com. On clear days you can also see Volcan Fuego erupting near Antigua, though best to visit in the dry season for this as in the wet season the days quickly clouded over around 3 pm with thunderstorms rolling in around 7 pm. This has grown quickly in popularity with backpackers over the last couple of years thanks to the affordable hostels on offer. A lovely homely hostel right by the pier. How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan - Nomad Joseph This trip is very popular with families. It never gets too cold or too hot which is what I heard about the weather in Lake Atitlan but I couldnt comprehend what they meant. This is definitely not a touristy place and you could certainly end up being the only traveler visiting while you are there. Highly recommended. Whilst five days in either one of those places would not be wasted, I'd also suggest dividing your time between Antigua and Lake Atitln. Itll be sure not to disappoint. The annual average temperature in Lake Atitlan 75F (24C). You should be able to use cards at some of the hotels and restaurants but will still need cash for the tiendas, street vendors, tuk tuks, lanchas and local markets. Depending on the vehicle you choose to travel, you can calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. It is one of the first things you see as you approach the village by boat due to its central location near the public dock. Santa Cruz la Laguna is located on the northern shore of Lake Atitln in the Guatemalan Highlands. If you are staying on the lake for a few weeks or more you should be able to explore them all one at a time. Before you jump on the water taxi you will need to know where exactly you are going. With only two weeks before I fly out I sure could do with some pointers. Starting from $27.00 per night. We came from San Cristobal to Lake Atitlan and I remember when we first arrived we were shocked at how perfect the temperature was. How far is Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City? T rek Guatemala's Sky Route Trek is a four-day, three-night journey between two of Guatemala's most beautiful and inspiring destinations: Antigua and Lake Atitln. Everything down along the lake is geared toward tourists but if you venture up the hill into the main village youll find a place that is still almost entirely local. There are a few ways to get from Lake Atitln to Tikal National Park, but flying is the best option as the two destinations are about 397 miles (640 km) apart. At the end of Calle Rancho Grande is the Santiago dock where you catch lanchas to Santa Catarina Palopo, San Antonio Palopo, San Lucas Toliman and Santiago Atitlan. It is a super short walk down to the boat past little cafes and tour agencies. These are warm months reaching temperatures of 28C so you'll get more sunshine if you visit during these months. It takes about three to five hours to reach Lake Atitlan on a tourist shuttle and you can expect to pay around 50-70 quetzals for a ride ($6-9 USD). How to Get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Transportation Options from Antigua to Lake Atitlan Enjoy the beautiful grounds and relaxation. Though the water taxis run from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm daily between Panajachel to San Pedro and vice versa. Alright, after a 17 hour (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Everyones wants, needs and preferences are different and thats okay! This is just a quick breakdown of some of the top options: Study Spanish: Studying Spanish in Guatemala is a popular thing to do here, but even more so at Lake Atitlan. You will find the pier in Santa Cruz directly opposite La Iguana Perdida Hostel. Just about everyone flies into Guatemala City, with decent connections from lots of places around the world, particularly Mexico, the USA, El Salvador and Bogota. I know I have said that each village has something special about them, and for San Lucas Toliman it is simply the fact that it is a hidden secret compared with everywhere else. This makes it super easy to simply arrive and get to your accommodation, there is no need to stress about catching a boat. They also have nice, comfy areas to hang out with a drink while you wait for a boat. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentageat no extra cost to you. When the attendant on the pier asks where you are going let them know Santa Cruz. There is 1 way to get from Antigua Guatemala to Lago de Atitln by bus Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-96458801', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight arrangements: If you are specifically interested in a private driver, Alfredo Garcia is bilingual, personable, prompt, and safe, and has nice vehicles: alf.transport@yahoo.com. You can also find the flight distance or distance to fly from Lake Atitlan to Antigua Guatemala. It is located a short walk off the main road down a small street with plenty of locals selling souvenirs. 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. Lake Atitln (Spanish: Lago de Atitln, [atitlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Los Elementos offers excellent massages in a room right next to the water in Santa Cruz la Laguna where you can hear the sound of the waves while having all your tensions drain away. How far is San Pedro La Laguna from Antigua? When staying at Hotel Arca de Noe, try to get the waterfront bungalows with a hammock to relax in and two reasonably comfy chairs to sit back and watch the boats go by. My photos with blog links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. Rain. Planner; Trip Cost; Itinerary. One thing to be aware of is that some people have reported being robbed on this trail, though our hostel advised it is actually because the trail goes through private land and the owners charge an entry fee. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated. * Sample prices displayed include international and domestic airline tickets as per itinerary and ALL airline-related taxes and fuel surcharges and are per person, based on double occupancy, and are dynamic in nature. Luckily this is super easy to do, though the first step is to make your way down to the pier in Panajachel at the end of Calle del Embarcadero. Lake Atitlan is a popular tourist destination in Guatemala, the huge blue lake is surrounded by soaring volcanoes and dotted with traditional villages which make a stay at the lake a great trip. How to get from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Guatemala So its hard to go wrong wherever you choose to visit, stay or live. We were living in Lake Atitlan as digital nomads for 2 months from March to May and we can attest to the fact that March was definitely the better month! If you plan on doing the Indians Nose hike go during these months for the best views of the lake. Most of the time your best choice for getting around the lake is by public lancha, the small boats that run every 20 minutes (approximately, very approximately) all around the lake. One thing Santa Cruz is known for is its incredible views, from the lake, the volcanos, and the picturesque village, it is a feast for your eyes. Prices start from $12.00 per night. For example, what is the Lake Atitlan boat schedule, which towns should I visit, how to travel between the two biggest towns of Panajachel to San Pedro, and is there any scams I should be aware of? Wise is by far the best international multicurrency bank account weve found, although so far they do not offer Guatemalan quetzal accounts. Looking to the west from Santa Cruz la Laguna you get a good peak at the dramatic Indian Nose - which is the most common name, although to be politically correct you may want to stick with Rostro Maya (Mayan Face). Along with the usual amazing selection of cheap, fresh produce, you can find virtually everything from meat and to avocados and mangos. Or even 1 day Antigua and 4 days the lake. In the wet season when the weather is a bit more stormy, the lake can get quite wavy. Did I fall in love? Isla Verde makes everything from scratch, which is well worth the bit of extra time. This is because of the relaxing atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and affordable living. Though before that lets talk about Lake Atitlan and its appeal. It is perfectly situated to enjoy both the sunrise over spewing Volcan Fuego and sunset behind Volcan San Pedro and Rostro Maya (Indian Nose). 8 And your retreat includes the use of their wood-fired hot tub and sauna as well as all meals, tea and coffee. Perhaps you are like me and have booked one of the hostels in Santa Cruz and arrived in Panajachel in a minivan from Antigua. Discovery the best of Guatemala!. Los Elementos also offers a Mayan Cooking Class where youll learn to make various Mayan specialties. Tucked away and completely across the lake from Panachjel you will find the township of Santiago de Atitlan. accommodation costs, Fewer chances of being surrounded by crowds of tourists, Typical tourist attractions will be less crowded than the dry season, Prices are likely to be cheaper for things like accommodation, Fewer activities to do because of possible rainstorms and power outages, High chances of rainy days (and when it rainsit pours in Lake Atitlan). The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and Maya towns and is beautiful. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Antigua and drop you off at any of the areas surrounding Lake Atitlan: Panajachel, San Marcos, San Pedro, and many more. Antigua to Pacaya Volcano - Best Routes & Travel Advice This is certainly one of the most up-and-coming towns on the lake with a steadily growing ex-pat community. Today, we slow travel full-time, run our business from our laptops and embrace life one adventure at a time. through twisty, mountainous roads. What Is The Distance From Guatemala Airport gamintraveler.com - How To Get From Guatemala Airport To Lake Atitlan Best Way - You can go by bus, taxi and private transfer. This sample price: priced within the past 7 days for arrival on 7/17/2023, departure from Los Angeles LAX (CA), US. 7 I dont want to say June or July because you wont be able to get out and do anything. Santa Cruz la Laguna: The Best 2023 Views on Lake Atitlan. There are so many accommodation options here, and truly some are incredibly beautiful with amazing views out to the volcanos. This is certainly a highlight for people visiting the lake and is well worth checking out when traveling around Lake Atitlan. It takes around 2 hours to travel by car from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala. We have a few tours planned (volcano with Old Town Outfitters, bike/culinary tour with Don Quixote Cruisers). Shuttles take longer because most shuttles go through Antigua.

Sanger Football Schedule, Placentia Farmers Market, Are Family Members Exempt From Workers' Comp In Ca, Signs God Is Done With You, What Is Leave Encashment Declaration In Infosys, Articles H