Backpack Mack

If you have the time this is definitely a worthwhile weekend trip! I’d recommend 2-4 days for this trip, depending on how you’d like to structure your time there.

Lake Atitlan is a massive lake (~50 sq mi) sitting in a caldera formed by a supervolcanic eruption 84,000 years ago. Shockingly it also has a maximum depth of 1,120 feet! When people mention going to the lake, the starting point is typically Panajachel which is the main town off the highway on the perimeter of the lake. Panajachel is about 2.5-3 hours from Antigua and a little over 3 hours from Guatemala City and a shuttle will run you about $20-30 each way. 

In addition to Panajachel there are small towns around the perimeter of the lake each with their own specialty/reputation and reachable by boat. (You can technically drive to some but from what I’ve heard from locals this is not recommended for safety reasons). My friend and I opted to stay in Panajachel and take day trips to these towns but you can also book accommodations there and many people work their way around the lake with 1-2 nights in each town. 

On the lake there are both public and private ferry boats used for transport, although the locals do try and push you into the private option because they are significantly more expensive. The public boat costs about 25 Quetzales ($3.22) each way and runs from 9am –  5pm fairly regularly. This is a reliable means of transportation for tourists and locals alike, although you should be forewarned they pack the boats pretty tightly and you’ll be extra cozy with your neighbor. 

Some frequently visited towns include: 

• San Juan La Laguna: A very colorful town with tons of art to admire and purchase and streets like Calle de los Sombreros to wander. Here there is also a trailhead to Mirador Kaqasiiwaan which essentially a steep hill leading up to a lookout point. It takes about 20 minutes to hike up and 30 Quetzales for entry. 
• San Marcos La Laguna: A town with a more “hippie” vibe, a large expat population and several yoga studios and vegan restaurants. This is a more relaxed town where visitors often spend time swimming, kayaking and even waterskiing in the lake. 
• San Pedro La Laguna: This town is especially well known for its nightlife and expat population. 

One activity that was highly recommended but not accessible due to recent rain was the Indian Nose Sunrise Hike also known as the Mayan Face or in spanish La Nariz de Indio. Something on my list for next time!  

During my brief weekend trip there I did manage to get in a kayak and paddle around. The views were absolutely stunning but the sun was strong and my red shins are a reminder to lather on the sunscreen, you are at altitude!