Charms of Guatemala: Magical towns that surpriseToday it's the turn of those small, wonderful destinations that transform any trip into a grand adventure.
Guatemala is a country of beautiful nature, and in the surroundings of one of its treasures, the Lake Atitlán, we find a chain of towns that we can visit in a single unforgettable trip.
Magical Towns of Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America. and the second largest in the country. Its deepest point reaches 340 meters, and it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
In this lake of volcanic origin And in its surroundings, you'll see three volcanoes, all over 3,000 meters high. But there are also small towns, almost all with Christian names, and all accessible by boat.
Let's see then the towns that make up the list of Charms of Guatemala: Magical towns that surprise.
Panajachel
In this very popular tourist town, one of the best destinations on Lake Atitlán, located on the northern shore. If you don't have time to visit many of the towns we're about to mention, this one can't be missed on the list, as it's the closest one on the route if you're arriving from Antigua.
the main street of Corduroy, that's what they call the people, Santander Street, has many shops and good prices. The town combines everything any tourist could want: shopping, excursions, natural beauty, and even foreigners living here.
Among the activities one can do are: boat rides, at sunset they are the most beautiful, mountain hikes looking for the sunset, bike rides along the lake shore...
Panajachel has many accommodation options, from very expensive hotels to mid-range accommodations to budget hotels with shared dorms.
Santa Cruz
Here's another great town on our list of magical towns that surpriseSanta Cruz. It's very close to Atitlán and high up in the mountains. The full name is Santa Cruz La Laguna, a traditional Mayan village.
On the lake shore there are a few shops owned by foreigners who have decided to live here, but if you go up into the mountains, the town becomes completely traditional.
Santa Cruz can be a day trip from Pana, staying overnight I don't think is worth it. You arrive, take an excursion or cultural tour, or you can dive. That's right, there's a dive shop that lets you visit buildings that the rising lake has left underwater.
Little crab
Our list of Charms of Guatemala: Magical towns that surprise continue with this charming little town to which It can only be reached by boat or by hiking through the mountains.
It's not a town with a lot of action, and perhaps that's its greatest charm. It's not a place you should arrive with a to-do list.
If you have the money, the best option is to stay at Hotel La Casa del Mundo, beautifully located on the lakefront with fantastic views. There are other, cheaper options, such as Posada Jaibalito.
San Marcos
Our list of destinations, of magical towns that surprise, it also has a hippie town On the shores of Lake Atitlán. A hippie village in Guatemala. It is one of the most beautiful villages on the lake, and it's small small.
I don't know if it's the best town to stay in, but it's definitely a great one to visit during the day. It's truly beautiful, and if you like massages, chakra balancing, card readings, and more, this is the best place.
La Tzankujil Hill Nature Reserve It's the best walk of all. There's a beautiful trail that ends at a platform from which you can dive into the waters of Mount Atitlán.
San Pedro
Is one of the cheapest towns on Lake Atitlán, so it's full of m. It offers good accommodation, good food and a very active nightlife.
Yes, there are many foreigners, but if you leave the center and head up into the mountains, you'll find the Mayan side of town, colorful and friendly. If you don't have much money, this town is perfect.
Here you can go to visit the San Pedro volcanoThe trail is quite arduous, but with wonderful views. You can take a jeep through the mountains and even swim in San Marcos. kayaking, horseback riding, visiting coffee plantations, and partying at night.
Santiago Atitlan
Is largest town on Lake Atitlán, and shines in our article Charms of Guatemala: Magical towns that surprise. A magical town with a church whose saints' clothing is made by local people. It also has a market and fabulous views of the lake.
From here you can also climb the San Pedro volcano, although the route is extremely dangerous.
Finally, it must be said that Santiago It is a little isolated from the rest of the towns but there are boats that take you to San Pedro and Panajachel.
San Juan Laguna
It is a small, very colorful village, with friendly people and few touristsHere you can rest and learn, for example, how Mayan women wove.
San Juan is next to San Pedro, so you can visit both towns by walking along the road for about 45 minutes. Or you can take a tuk-tuk or a boat.
The main area is called Street of the Arts, where cafes, shops and galleries abound, but also the Street of Hats It is charming. Finally, you can also go up to the KiaqÀiswaan lookout to marvel at the views.
Santa Catarina Palopo
This is a lovely bridge on the outskirts of Panajachel. It offers wonderful coastal views and many hot springs to enjoy.
People who rent a motorcycle to visit various towns on Lake Atitlán often stop here in Santa Catarina to relax their bodies in these hot springs on the shores of the lake.
You can visit the cathedral, walk through its streets taking photos of its colorful little houses, take a local bus to visit other nearby villages or eat at the Artesanal café with its great viewpoint.
Estos son los de algunos magical towns that surprise in GuatemalaIf you stay longer in the Lake Atitlán area you can add to them the town of Santa Clara, San Pablo, San Antonio Palopó or San Lucas Tolimán.
Practical information for visiting the magical towns of Guatemala:
- How to go: From Antigua, you can take a bus to any town you want. Most take you to Panajachel and San Pedro, passing through San Pablo. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to San Marcos. The trip from Antigua to Panajachel takes two and a half to four hours.
- Where to stayThe best places are Panajachel, San Marcos and San Pedro.
- How long to stayAs much as you can or as much as you want. It's a wonderful destination, but plan on three days and nights for the best experience.
- When to travelIt's best to go between November and May. This is the dry season, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and lake waters. Between those months, January and March are even better. Keep in mind that June through October is the rainy season.
- There are no ATMs in any of the towns. Bring cash.