Sunset Lodge is located right on the shore of Lake Atitlan. CHECK BEST PRICES In addition to private bathrooms, freewifi, and laundry facilities, the premises offers hikingthrough coffee groves, kayaking, birdwatching, and ziplining, plus plenty of local animals scampering about. Going To Lake Atitlan Guatemala? You Need This Guide! Many will also put on a family dinner which is something you will get to know all about when traveling Guatemala. 14 of the very best Hostels in Lake Atitlan - Where to stay Onsite you will find 2 bars offering 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour each night from 4 pm to 6 pm. This is simply because of the limited facilities at particular hostels around Lake Atitlan, having flushing toilets doesnt always exist. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Though this doesnt mean drunken debauchery, well not all the time. It does exist, but it is not the best. I absolutely adore this hotel and I was so sad to leave after one night. Check out this Guatemala packing list for some great ideas! AVERAGE PRICE: US$87 $98| KITCHEN: Yes | RATING: 9.3 (20+ Reviews). You can find any business geared toward homeopathy and alternative medicine. CHECK BEST PRICES The trendily-decorated grounds have a sandy hangout area with a fire pit, a wooden yoga platform right on the shore,and they even offer evening entertainment and a tour desk rightonsight. You will likely find us hiking, scuba diving, eating as much food as we possibly can, or just drinking beer at a hostel. Bathrooms have toiletries available and a hot breakfast is served every morning. Traveling Central America there is an excellent hostel scene where owners have built the hostels as mini resorts that you never need to leave, especially as they can organize all activities for you at affordable prices. The former is where you can see the cult of Maximonthe highlight of my stay at the lake. I took a tourist shuttle from San Cristobal de Las Casas to Lake Atitlan. Its the perfect hotel if youre arriving late on the tourist shuttle from Mexico. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are stairs that lead down to a private pier where you can go swimming. Lets check out the absolute best hostels in Lake Atitlan for the perfect lakeside stay. Visitors can book a queen or deluxe single room starting at $32 USD, with private bathrooms, a fridge, and garden views. Was it from swimming in Lake Atitlan? It isnt common here to have air conditioning in your room, actually, it can get quite chilly. Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan Guatemala - The Best Areas & Hotels Theres also a courtyard and shared kitchen that guests can use. I always used the ATM inside the Hotel Kaqchiquel in Panajachel. Dine by candlelight while looking out at the lake at La CasaPolop, then wake the next morning to the sun shining on your own private balcony. Overall, Its not a particularly pretty townevery local I met seemed so sad and every building so grey and neglected. It is another popular spot for travelers who are a bit more spiritual and open-minded. Lake Atitlan, or Lago de Atitln, is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Central America. I know Ive already mentioned the view, but it needs repeating as it is so amazing. Rooms come with an attached private bathroom, and you can step outside to enjoy a peaceful morning in the garden surrounded by birds. Set among the jungle and overlooking the lake, youll feel like the sun-soaked, fresh-air hippie youve always dreamed of being. I stayed in the room with a shared bath. The 35 Best Lake Atitlan Hotels: Where to Stay in Each Village in 2023 It's easy to slip into the laid-back vibe of Lake Atitlan and forget how much time you're spending there. CHECK BEST PRICES Though for that drop in price, you are missing out on amenities you would usually expect, in saying that, hostels in Lake Atitlan know how to foster a social environment perfect for backpackers wanting to make some new friends. Today, the town is the host of the Atitln Basins local radio station, Radio 5, FM 99.1, and one of the countrys oldest galleries, simply called LaGaleria. Theres a private dockperfect for swimming and kayaking. Theres also a restaurant and bar. It is an easy place to book tours and organize transport. In this travel guide, Im going to share with you the best places to stay in Lake Atitlanthe best hotels, hostels, and villages. Boats stop running at 7:00 PM, so I had no choice but to stay here. This is certainly somewhere you dont want to miss on your adventures in Guatemala. I came in at around 8:00 PM. They also offer plenty of activities and hold themed parties, pool competitions, and of course beer pong tournaments. The exteriors are unpainted, so the cities and villages appear to be all grey. I was excited to read the reviews that said the WiFi was good for working online. You can find heaps of cute cafes and restaurants and a delicious ice cream spot I fell in love with. Another bonus is the sitting area in front of the window. The Best Hostels Around Lake Atitln, Guatemala - Culture Trip They have hardwood floors and huge bay windows looking out over the lake. Not a great village. This is the time people from Guatemala City converge on Lake Atitlan and this is when the best accommodations get scooped up. It's the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of 340 metres, and it's nearly 18 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide. There are plenty of board games around, puzzles, and of course hammocks. On the first floor is the bathroom, which is outsideI know this sounds crazy and maybe awful, but reviewers rave about it. On this map, you can really see how spread out these towns really are and why choosing the right town to stay in is important! If you want to get away from it all, this is not the place for you. BUT its done in a very classy way. Heres a roundup of my favorite places to stay at the lake: Wondering about what to do at Lake Atitlan? It is an absolutely gorgeous property surrounded by nature. This is one of the few hostels located in San Marcos La Laguna, which is the yogi/hippie place around the lake. I also stayed here on my last 2 nights at the lake so that I could visit the Chichicastenango Sunday market and leave early in the morning on the shuttle to Antigua. boat party on lake atitlan with mr mullets hostel in san pedro la laguna. To enjoy staying here, you need to be someone that loves to socialize. by Julie | Nov 21, 2022 | Guatemala, Travel. Take a public boat from Panajachel (Google Maps). The hotel doesnt show up on Google Maps, so Im not sure if its still there. I like how theyre decorated. Just outside ofPanajachel, a room at this tranquil getaway runs about $70-80 USD. Lago de Atitln travel - Lonely Planet | Guatemala, Central America We started out early in the morning and arrived in Lake Atitlan after 7:00 pm. Its got BOTH dorm rooms, large private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, and suites. Though I can confidently say it is not overrated and well worth the hype. Today, however, it is home to theCojolyaWeaving Center and Museum, which tells the history of backstrap loom weaving, and the evolution of the traditional clothing of theTzutujilpeople as well as the history of the people of Santiago Atitln. San Juan is the best place to get local handicrafts. Santa Cruz? A fitness center, yoga, and massage are offered, and guests cango hiking, horseback riding, or cycling in the area. Atitlan Guatemala, Lake Atitlan on the terrace at hotel posada don carlos. Simple and homey, this hotel offers private rooms with a double bed and shared bathrooms starting at $13 USD. You can grab a cup of coffee in the morning, a good book, and sit and look out as the sun rises and sets over the lake. AVERAGE PRICE: US$66 $125| KITCHEN: Yes | RATING: 9.4 (297+ Reviews). Built on the side of a hill, this comfortable house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, a fully-stocked kitchen, and 2 terraces. This is an excellent way to save money while traveling. The distance between Antigua and Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) is around 80km and is a 2-hour drive. Its still quite pretty. Guests frequently comment on how clean the place is. I tried walking to the village, but in the end, it was so steep that I gave up and flagged a tuk-tuk down. But still, you can sit out on the terrace and enjoy them anyway. Check out. The lake sits in a huge volcanic crater and is surrounded by not one but three volcanos. This is simply because some of the villages around Lake Atitlan dont have the amenities you may be used to like when traveling in a city. El Paredon For Budget Travelers: Is It Worth Visiting? If they do, they will charge you between a 3% and 13% service fee. Ensuring you can book a bed confidently, in a decent location, and for a good price. But if their cheaper rooms are unavailable or the price has gone up and you need to pay over US$30, then Hotel Utz Jay (see below) is a much nicer hotel and a better deal than El Viajero. In 2021, I paid Q20 Q25 for a ride to a village. When I was first preparing for my trip to Lake Atitlan, I was REALLY confused about all the different villages around the lake. Some villages dont have ATMs. So you dont need to worry too much, nor do you have to look far. There are lockers in the room, personal reading lights and electrical sockets for each bed as well as a little shelf to put your personal items. I purchased this SIM card when I first entered Guatemala in Flores for $23.00 which includes 10G of data over 30 days as well as unlimited use of social media. Chirris Hostel is probably the best one around. This is a location where travelers fall in love and never leave. There are two budget options right along the shore in Santa Cruz: Hotel and Restaurante Arca de Noe and Los Iguana Perdido. I usually used Booking.com to book my hotels and hostels when I was traveling around Guatemala. There arent many hotels on this side either. Local legend has it that the midday Southern wind which passes through the town, calledXocomil, carries away sin. Everything is very picturesque and perfect for those Instagram photos. As the name of the hotel suggests, Hotel Terrazes has lots of terraces where you can sit and enjoy the view. In response, conscientious citizens volunteer their time taking boats out into the lake to collect roughly 700lbsof trash per day! You can also book this hostel on HostelWorld. However, past guests have had issues with the service and from my experience staying next door, the nearby restaurants can be loud. Populated for centuries by theTzutujil, itslocated directly beneath Volcn San Pedro, and is a starting place for many different hikes. The main reason to climb the very steep road that goes to the village is to eat at the best restaurant on the lake. For those of you who want to be immersed in the party atmosphere of San Pedro, then Sababa Resort is where you want to stay. Generally, this isnt a town people base themselves at, rather they visit here on a day trip and spend a couple of hours exploring. ALTERNATIVE HOSTEL & HOTEL: Eco Hotel Mayachik. Here are some things I was told not to do: Anywhere you go in Guatemala, avoid using ATMs on the street. Santa Cruz is a municipality on the northern shore of the lake, consisting of Santa Cruz,Tzunun, and four other small villages. Theres a terrace and a pier in front of the property where you can swim and kayak or SUP. Its inexpensive, clean, and conveniently located a block from the main drag. Guests can use a bar. You also need to be tolerant of ants, scorpions, and spiders as many of the rooms are pretty open to the outside and its easy for them to get in. The highlight is the swimming pool. I stayed alone for a month in Lake Atitlan, and I was fine, but I was also cautious. 29 Best Things To Do In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala - My Adventures Across It then stops in San Pedro and on the way back to Panajachel, it stops in San Juan. Guests rave about the amazing breakfast, which you can eat on a sunny balcony overlooking the lake. All of the suites have private bathrooms with complimentary bathrobes. Lake Atitlan is a great laidback destination for a long-term stay. Though, I had some of the best meals in Lake Atitlan there, maybe even Guatemala. Here, Ive written up a brief guide to the major towns youll find along the lakes perimeter along with the pros and cons of staying in each! This blog may contain affiliate links. I bought my ticket from Viajes Hoteles Chiapas Guatemala. Less Spanish-speakers; get ready to mime! Public boat from Panajachel just be aware that the boat from Panajachel passes by San Juan without stopping. I've compiled this list of the best places to stay in Lake Atitlan to help you make the best possible decision. Or some of our favorite places to visit in Nicaragua! Hang out at the bar (claimed to be the cheapest hostel bar in the country), enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace, and grab a delicious meal at the affordable family dinners they hold. The 3 fabulous features of Sababa that I love are its lake views, swimming pool, and FREE breakfast! Formed by the eruption of a volcano 80,000 years ago, the lake is surrounded by tall mountains, 3 volcanoes (San Pedro, Toliman, and Atitlan), and 10 villages where Maya culture thrives. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Guatemala Stephanie Strickland September 9, 2019 Guatemala, Visit Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Travel Blog, Where to stay in Lake Atitlan, How to hike Volcan San Pedro, volcanoes guatemala, Climbing Volcanoes Guatemala, Best Volcanoes to Climb. No, the tight compact streets surrounded by tall buildings in the center reminded me of Koh Phi Phi. If youre doing the Acatenango hike, El Mirador hike, or the Xela-Lake Atitlan hike, youll need a backpack. They have lockers in the room, high-speed internet, decent mattresses, power sockets, and personal reading lights for each bed. The arent lockers in the tent, instead, they are against the shower building so you will be separated from your valuables. enjoying sunset over the glamping tents which are the shared dorms at free cerveza hostel in lake atitlan. CHECK BEST PRICES The two main Maya ethnic groups that live around Lake Atitlan are the Tzutujil and Kaqchikel. You might wonder if youre still in Guatemala. Nevertheless, there are still some excellent accommodation options here for people wanting more of a unique stay on Lake Atitlan. With an excellent chilled-out vibe, great hostel scene, and great transport links it is definitely worth visiting. AVERAGE PRICE: US$366 $400| BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 9.1 (33+ Reviews). Some villas come with simple kitchens while others have fully-equipped ones. Located in San Pedro La Laguna you will find Zoola San Pedro Atitlan. But robberies happen, especially at night and out hiking in remote areas. Plus! This is a good place to stay in Lake Atitlan for anybody wanting some relaxation and authentic Guatemalan interactions. Panajachel was my first and last destination on Lake Atitlan. READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | AgodaSunrise over San Pedro. There is a little bit of everything here, whether you are looking to party or relax. If you are into the foodie scene you will love San Pedro. I have to admit that the lack of accommodations and thus the lack of foreigners is probably a good thing. The 10 Best Lake Atitln Hotels - Where To Stay in Lake Atitln, Guatemala 75 F. 172 in. It is located in Panajachel just a couple of minutes walk from the main water taxi pier. It is a super easy walk to get around, including to the water taxi pier so you can explore the villages further afield. Since Lake Atitln is such a popular spot, there are hundreds of hotels to choose from. Some people also come to get their yoga teacher certification, volunteer or work at a hostel, or live the digital nomad life. I loved the room, but my one complaint was how far away the bathroom was. The hotel now states on Booking.com that their WiFi is fiber optic! Best Hostels In Lake Atitlan: For Solo Travelers, Females & More, PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN, Backpacking Guatemala: Best Tips For First Time Visitors 2023, Best Hostels In El Paredon: 8 Hostels For The Perfect Stay 2023. Lots of restaurants, bars, tour operators, hostels, hotels, Airbnbs, and language schools. Prices range from $140 for a doublebed, to $300 for a Master Suite. For lake views, expect to pay over US$100. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. One thing to be aware of is that these hostels are not all created equally. Casa Ahau is located in a gorgeous jungle-like location in an incredible building. My feelings about it are mixed. You will be spoilt for choice as to where to hang out. Honestly, I still have no idea how I feel about San Pedro La Laguna. Are you in the middle of preparing for your trip to Guatemala? Theres even a fabulous fireplacea nice touch on the Lakes chilly evenings. It also has unique outdoor showers, and an open-air kitchen, where you can brew your coffee while gazing out over the lake. Now when I booked this place I didnt really look into what I was actually booking and was pleasantly surprised to find the dorm rooms are actually in tipi tents. The rooms are nice and comfortable with floor-to-ceiling windows, stone walls, and interesting dcor. Casa del Mundo has rooms with shared baths as well as rooms with private baths. Its not accessible by car or bus or tuk-tuk. The rooms and beds are more comfortable, spacious, and appealing than Hospedaje El Viajero. Tip #1: Its NOT about the village; its about finding the PERFECT hotel (or hostel)! It is more of an experience, or as they call it, a summer camp rather than a hostel. Santa Cruz The Best Lake Atitlan Towns Panajachel Pana, as most people call it, is the main transport hub and central town of Lake Atitlan and the jumping off point for the rest of the villages. You can find the popular Free Cerveza which gives summer camp vibes, and it is pretty cool you get to sleep in a teepee. Free breakfast andwifiare included, and the resort offers airport shuttles. San Pedro la Laguna: The backpacker's hub of the lake, always buzzing with activity. The restaurant on-site serves only vegetarian food. For public buses to other parts of Guatemala, youll have to first take a bus to Solola from Panajachel. Now, this is another hostel whose name always gets dropped in the backpacker community as THE party place in Central America. I highly recommend Sababa Restaurant! Highly recommend! The above map shows the best towns to stay in around Lake Atitlan. Next up we have La Iguana Perida for the best cheap hostel in Lake Atitlan. Even if youre traveling on a budget, it is so worth splurging on this amazing place to stay. Other people not so much. That is saying a lot since I grew up in a state with over 10,000 lakes. La Iguana Perdida features a restaurant, as well as a private garden. Panajachel can be considered the hub of Lake Atitlan and it's also the second largest town on the lake. Theres a kitchen and some good social areas to hang out in and meet other travelers. Check out my 2022-2023 Guatemala Travel Guide for more tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration for visiting the land of eternal spring. The locals and foreigners are a bit more mixed than in San Marcos, A very local village without many tourists, Dont walk around alone late at night; instead, take a tuk-tuk, Dont hike alone including along the trails between the villages, Dont carry your passport and lots of money with you when going on a hike. Though the first one we will get into and perhaps the most obvious is powercuts. Located in Tzunun, 22 miles from Atitln Volcano, EL PICNIC ATITLN has accommodations with a garden, private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Table of Contents Quick Tip On Where To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Best Areas To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 1. So while you should use this blog to help you decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan, be sure to venture out of your chosen town to see and do some of the amazing things to do around Lake Atitlan! the restaurant area at zoola san pedro atitlan. We've actually been traveling non-stop for the last few years now, so we really are living a "destinationless" lifestyle! I recommend using a backpackeasiest to carry across the cobblestoned streets, up and down stairs, and over rough terrain. Secondly, there is La Iguana Perdida which was the first hostel in the area and has a really homely feel. The only place Im aware of is Posada Jaibalito, also known as Hans. Though what people travel and stay here for is the social atmosphere. On my way down, I walked, though. This Kaqchikel Maya town is one of my favorite places to stay. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:160px!important;max-height:600px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[160,600],'thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this ad. I used Tigo. AVERAGE PRICE: US$200 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.0 (460+ Reviews). I guarantee it will be THE highlight of your trip to Guatemala. I like that the dorm rooms have huge windows bringing in loads of sunlight and dont have bunk beds. However, these two towns are great to visit but not great to stay in. This is where the locals live. This hotel has basic rooms with a shared bathroom and rooms with ensuite bathrooms. I hope this is true because one of the biggest weaknesses of traveling and working in Guatemala is the internet. Seriously. You can easily find cheaper options available that have a great social atmosphere, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Tip #5: If you can, try to stay in one of these 3 hotels: Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Myanmar? The majority of people arriving in Lake Atitln will arrive by shuttle, chicken bus, or car in Panajachel. But what makes this place even more special is how El Picnic is designed. For those digital nomads wanting to stay longerseveral weeks or several months, Id stay in these villages. See all 2023 Jenna's River Bed and Breakfast 507 Casa Palopo 416 Hospedaje Casa Elena 48 2023 La Fortuna at Atitlan 839 La Casa del Mundo Hotel 829 Lush Atitlan 335 Hotel Tolimn 367 Kaalpul Atitlan Eco Hotel & Spa But with its wide variety of small Mayan towns dotted around the lakeshore, selecting not just a place to stay, but which town to stay in, can be overwhelming. The hotel has a pool, hot tub, and restaurant. Come and explore this incredible planet with us through our story telling and photography. The cheaper rooms have no view. With so many choices, Im sure youll find the perfect hotel for you! We are Dan and Bailey, just your typical thrill-seeking travelers! The on-site restaurant serves American or continental breakfast, and also offers French, vegetarian, and vegan dishes. AVERAGE PRICE: US$31/dorm; US$125/room | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.1 (460+ Reviews). The price is also pretty decent for what you get. Atitlan Sunset Lodge is one of my three absolute favorite places to stay on Lake Atitlan. This is a beautiful but out-of-the-way hotel located in Santa Catalina, about 15 minutes by tuk-tuk from Panajachel. Each village around Lake Atitlan has its own vibe and characteristics. Theres also a firewood sauna, bar, and restaurant. Where To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala in 2023: Best - LivingOutLau Gaby and Johven went above and beyond to make sure our stay was fantastic. I stayed in an Airbnb here. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-square-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebambootraveler_com-square-2','ezslot_34',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-square-2-0'); They also can help with arranging tours and hiking, kayaking, and paragliding opportunities. The other thing reason you should stay at Mikaso is its location. What are the best places to stay in Tahiti? CHECK BEST PRICES AVERAGE PRICE: US$190| KITCHEN: Yes | RATING: 9.7 (12+ Reviews). Nevertheless, here are some of the best spots around Lake Atitlan in terms of hostels and a backpacker atmosphere: Panajachel: Lets start with the main city around Lake Atitlan called Panajachel. If you're on a budget, you'll find many hostels in the small Mayan towns along the shoreline, some with waterfront access and expansive views. Where to stay on Lake Atitlan The Curious Travel Lake Atitlan 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor There always seems to be a constant stream of shuttles arriving and departing, with travelers walking on down to the docks. Bed down in a cozy lakeside cabin and wake to a dazzling sunrise through the enormous windows in this lodging option. Though the cheapest option is their tree house dorm, this is open-air style and with no electricity. It is located in San Pedro, but about a 15-minute walk out of the main center. But with its wide variety of small Mayan towns dotted around the lakeshore, selecting not just a place to stay, but which town to stay in, can be overwhelming. This is also a great place to do some shopping and buy some authentic souvenirs. With its own garden and communal kitchen, youll feel at home in your cozy casa, which also has a bar, freewifi, and a restaurant serving free American breakfast. Home Destination Guides Central America Guatemala Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala The BEST Areas & Hotels, Categories Central America, Destination Guides, Guatemala. In some parts of San Marcos, youll think youre no longer in Guatemala. This usually includes a pod-style bed with curtains, a flushing toilet, WiFi in the room, and electricity which kind of goes without saying. Use ATMs inside hotels or shops. Those ATMs not under surveillance are notorious for containing skimmers that steal your debit or credit card data. San Pedro has a reputation for being a party town, but you can avoid the noise and the parties by staying at Mikaso Hotel. It is likely the best place to stay in Lake Atitlan for backpackers or those looking for a social touristy vibe!
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