Panajachel is also home to one of the oldest art galleries in Central America,
known as La Galeria. Which covers themes such as the search for love and the complexity of life.
Most intercity buses to Lake Atitlán end their journey here on the lake’s north end meaning
that in most cases you will pass through Panajachel on the way to the lake’s other communities.
Though with so much to be found here, you may never end up leaving.
San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán and San Lucas Tolimán
For those most interested in exploring the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, look no further than
the towns of San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, and San Lucas Tolimán. These three towns are
directly at the base of some of the lake’s most striking features, San Pedro, Tolimán, and Atitlán
volcanoes. San Lucas Tolimán is best if you wish to hike the latter two and San Pedro La Laguna
for San Pedro Volcano (obviously) while all three are easily accessible from Santiago Atitlán.
San Pedro La Laguna is the main destination for adventure travel around the lake. A hub for
backpackers, companies in San Pedro offer several excursions to nearby nature spots. The town
is also home to many hostels and offers a wide range of bar and restaurant options for its
visitors. The town truly comes alive at night given its reputation as the lake’s party district.
If you are looking to have a more traditional and quaint experience, then San Lucas Tolimán or
Santiago Atitlán is your preferred option as fewer tourists frequent these areas. Weaved art
underlining the region’s strong Mayan influence and a humble cultural museum in Santiago are
the local highlights of these towns.
San Juan La Laguna
Speaking of art, if you love the vibrant colors and complex designs of Mayan art then you are
due for a trip to San Juan La Laguna. Located just east of San Pedro La Laguna, the town is
famous for its dedication to the arts. Much of San Juan is ornately decorated with parasols and
other items hanging above its busiest streets. Alongside these public displays, you can find
dozens of pieces of accompanying street art that dive deep into the symbolism held dear by the
various Mayan groups that inhabit Lake Atitlán.
Here you can also find several local shops that sell all kinds of crafts from clothing to paintings and more. There are also only a few areas around Lake Atitlán that sport an actual sand beach though one of these is located just a 15-minute walk east from the town’s dock.
San Marcos La Laguna
If you are in search of a more tranquil experience full of spiritual healing and awakening, there
is a community here for you as well. San Marcos La Laguna is a destination spot for hippies and
nature lovers and is where backpackers go to participate in spiritual ceremonies and rituals.
There are tons of options as well! Visitors can find themselves doing guided meditations, tribal
dancing, yoga, drum circles, lucid dreaming exercises, various healing techniques and readings, and cacao ceremonies. Whatever you can think of in the way of spirituality, San Marcos will
have you covered.
Also located next to San Marcos is the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. It offers stunning views as you hike along a trail that overlooks the lake. A highly underrated
activity that can be found inside the nature reserve is cliff jumping in an area known as El
Trampolín. The largest of the platforms stands at 35 feet (10 meters) though several smaller
spots exist if you want to work your way up to the big leagues.
With a better understanding of the culture and the dynamics of life in the towns surrounding
Lake Atitlán, you are now more equipped as you continue in search of the right community for
you. Enjoy and safe travels!
