Lake Atitlán, Guatemala: Things to Do and How to Get There

This post was written by Emily Becker, a Costa Rica-based freelance writer for BMTM.

High in the mountains of central Guatemala lies mystical Lake Atitlán, a place that has long attracted spiritualists, artists, writers, and adventurers. It captured my heart with its dramatic blues, ultra-friendly locals, and rich cultural traditions. It’s no wonder why this destination is one of the best places to visit in Central America.

Find out why I love Lake Atitlán so much with this list of my favorite things to do, and stay tuned for expert tips on how to get there:

Things to Do at Lake Atitlán

1. Sunbathe in San Marcos

San Marcos is one of the many small villages along Lake Atitlán. It’s most famous for being a spiritual hub of sorts, with several yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and hip cafés. My favorite thing about San Marcos, however, is the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve. This small park costs 50 quetzales (about $6.50 USD) to visit and has trails along the lakefront. You’ll find several smooth boulders that you can hang out on, catch some rays on, and jump off from into the water.

Out of all the awesome places to swim on Lake Atitlán, this is my top choice. It can get a little crowded in the afternoon, so I recommend heading there in the early morning. There are also kayaks available for rent, though you have to return them before noon.

2. Catch an epic sunrise on the lake

There are few places on Atitlán where you can see the sunset, but plenty where you can catch a gorgeous sunrise. Since the lake is surrounded by tall mountains and volcanoes, you won’t see the sun coming up over the horizon. Instead, you’ll see its rays decorate the sky before it peeks above the mountains, and the sunrise colors make some of the mountains look almost purplish.

I love watching sunrises here. The delightful colors make it worth the early wake-up call, and it’s also peaceful to watch the birds and small fishing boats on the water.

3. Rent a paddleboard…

As paddleboarding is one of Lake Atitlán’s most popular activities, there is an abundance of places to rent them. Typical prices are around 50 quetzales ($6.50 USD) per hour, and I recommend doing at least two hours if you want to truly take advantage of the rental. Time always flies by too quickly!

When you rent a paddleboard, make sure you have plenty of sun protection and a waterproof bag for your valuables. The sun can be harsh here because of the high altitude, and there will be…