TTA TIP: Be careful about riding the lanchas (boat taxis) during the rainy season the waves can get pretty dangerous and the lanchas reduce their schedules which means you could get stuck in a random town till the next day. Click here to see prices for La Iguana Perdida. Los Elementos offers excellent massages in a room right next to the water in Santa Cruz la Laguna where you can hear the sound of the waves while having all your tensions drain away. It's a relatively strenuous 2-hour climb through cloud forests and volcanic sands, but you'll be rewarded with incredible 360 vistas all the way to the ocean. The Laguna Lodge Eco-Resort & Nature Reserve is located on its own nature reserve right next to Atitlan Sunset Lodge. The lake is located in the Solol Department of southwestern Guatemala. Calories. This is certainly a highlight for people visiting the lake and is well worth checking out when traveling around Lake Atitlan. It isnt particularly comfortable in any way, though depending on full the boat is you may be able to spread out a bit. How far is antigua from lake atitlan. http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections. Overall, yes. It is known as the deepest lake in Central America . Another popular spot is Santa Cruz la Laguna. Getting from Antigua to Atitlan a Step by Step Guide in 2023 Volcan Fuego, Volcano Pacaya, Arco de Santa Catalina, Cerro de la Cruz, Santo Domingo del Cerro, and so much more! There are a few ways to get from Lake Atitln to Tikal National Park, but flying is the best option as the two destinations are about 397 miles (640 km) apart. You'll find a well-developed town with a lot of resources for both locals and expats. You can find it just down from Mr Mullets Hostel and my favorite Sababa Restaurant. Learn How to Make Traditional Guatemalan Arts and Food, 8. Whether you are stopping for a short visit and want the best scenery possible or are looking for a place to settle in for awhile (and still want the best scenery), then Santa Cruz la Laguna is a great choice. The distance from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala, is 49.3 miles or 79.3 kilometers. There are also direct lanchas that go straight across the lake to San Pedro so you need to make sure you get the slow boat (not that any are fast) that takes the scenic route all the way along the north shore. It is perfectly situated to enjoy both the sunrise over spewing Volcan Fuego and sunset behind Volcan San Pedro and Rostro Maya (Indian Nose). There are a couple of restaurants before entering the hut leading to the docks. Given the short time allotted to Staying in Guatemala would my time be better spent focused solely on Antigua or spread out between Antigua and the region of Lake Atitlanhmmmm. I wont try to get too much into politics as I am probably not the best person to explain it, but a lot of it boils down to a tourist tax, and tourists thinking they should be paying local prices. The tour starts in Panajachel but they can pick you up in Santa Cruz. I was reading on-line that it is abit time consuming to get to Lake Atitlan and considering the short amount of time in Guatemala I was just wondering whether it was wise to spend 4 hours one way in transit. She made a point of letting me know to not let the boat driver take advantage and overcharge me. The price for this journey from Panajachel to San Pedro should be Q30 / $3.80 on a public lancha and you dont pay until departing at San Pedro. Or even 1 day Antigua and 4 days the lake. I would certainly include the lake as well. everyone else also wants to visit during this time it makes sense! Witness the fantastic baroque architecture of La Merced church and wander around the charming central plaza and absorb the postcard perfection of this vibrant city. They also have a private swimming dock, lots of water sports equipment, board games and even a beer pong table and cornhole board (which is not necessarily as unpleasant as it sounds). Transportation Services. through twisty, mountainous roads. Their peak season is usually when Lake Atitlan weather is the best (which makes sense). How To Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan [2023] - Every Steph We have a few tours planned (volcano with Old Town Outfitters, bike/culinary tour with Don Quixote Cruisers). 7 ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan + practical tips Seriously people fall in love with the vibe and scenery and end up living here for months. Big trucks can further slow things down. Required fields are marked *. Some travelers choose to travel first to Antigua, and then to Lake Atitlan area, some of them travel there directly. On the sides of the boat, you should have plastic flaps that you can drop down over the windows. Learn how the locals weave their traditional clothing and get a chance to make (and keep) your own custom woven scarf. It takes around 3 hours to get from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna by car. This is also a great place to do some shopping and buy some authentic souvenirs. Depending on how many people are on board will affect how long it takes before the lancha departs. Though the water taxis run from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm daily between Panajachel to San Pedro and vice versa. If you are interested the less touristy side of the Lake Atitln highlands, you will surely love this village and culture tour out of Panajachel. You really need to be there to experience the perfect temperature! accommodation costs, Fewer chances of being surrounded by crowds of tourists, Typical tourist attractions will be less crowded than the dry season, Prices are likely to be cheaper for things like accommodation, Fewer activities to do because of possible rainstorms and power outages, High chances of rainy days (and when it rainsit pours in Lake Atitlan). It is located a short walk off the main road down a small street with plenty of locals selling souvenirs. Prices start from $16.00 per night. Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park - Best Routes & Travel Advice Santa Cruz la Laguna is located on the northern shore of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands. 11, La Antigua is a colonial town in Guatemala featuring charming cobblestone streets decorated with colorful colonial architecture. There are different prices for locals, expats and tourists but most people will pay 5-10Q from Panajachel to Santa Cruz. How long does it take to get from Lake Atitlan to Antigua? And try to break your large Guatemalan bills whenever you can since a lot of places have limited change. Must See`s: The ride takes around two hours, and they will pick you up at your door and drop you at the ferry dock or your accommodation in Pana. The captains are super experienced in navigating the lake and will adjust the speed accordingly. Attempt the Atitlan Bike and Kayak Trip, When to Visit: San Juan la Laguna Weather, Helpful Details and Tips for Santa Cruz la Laguna, Guatemala, Where to Eat: The Best Santa Cruz la Laguna Restaurants. When I'm arriving at night I have my hotel - http://www.casa-cristina.com - arrange a shuttle for me, $35-45 for up to 3. With only two weeks before I fly out I sure could do with some pointers. Usually, there isnt much rainfall during these months, however, the number of crowds definitely increases (and its easier to feel the influx of people because the lake villages are pretty small). Uber is just getting started in Guatemala, maybe worth a try as I think it would be cheaper. Hike: There is an assortment of hikes available in Lake Atitlan, where you can capture the best views this area has to offer. This was actually an initiative by the local organization Pintando el Camibo in hopes of increasing tourism to Santa Catarina Palopo. How to get from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala 5 Just about everyone flies into Guatemala City, with decent connections from lots of places around the world, particularly Mexico, the USA, El Salvador and Bogota. We packed our bags, sold our stuff and bought two tickets to Bali. If you are keen on visiting you are best to talk to a tuk-tuk driver who will know of its current location. Alternatively, you can also hire a private water taxi but this will end up costing you quite a bit more. Each Sunday you'll receive an email with the latest nomad news, digital nomad lifestyle tips, new destination guides and work online tips to ease you into your week. Now if you are wanting to explore the villages around Lake Atitlan, and trust me you will want to, it is super easy to do thanks to the lanchas or water taxis, but if you are like me then you will want to know everything there is to know before taking one. This is just a quick breakdown of some of the top options: Study Spanish: Studying Spanish in Guatemala is a popular thing to do here, but even more so at Lake Atitlan. Did I fall in love? [Info, Prices]. In my experience, I had nothing but positive encounters, though they are a bit notorious for taking advantage of tourists. Itll be sure not to disappoint. Highly recommended. They have two yoga shalas that hold up to 35 people and, as you would expect, you will have amazing views of the lake and volcanoes. A lovely homely hostel right by the pier. There are free paddleboards and kayaks, as well as Saturday saunas. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Antigua to Pacaya Volcano - Best Routes & Travel Advice Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Time to Visit Lake Atitlan. If you are relying on public transportation your main choices are tourist shuttle or chicken bus to Panajachel. How many -full- days to you have in Guatemala? 4 Whats the wet season like in Lake Atitlan? Some mid-range and luxury hotels include a complimentary boat transfer, so make sure to check with them first. They're two very different, but equally awesome destinations and it would be sad to miss out on one of them. If you are perhaps looking for an easier hike you will also find plenty of tour agencies offering the popular Indian Nose Hike which only is 30 minutes of walking, though it is a steep incline. This trip is very popular with families. Receive the latest deals for travel to Asia, Europe, Hawaii and Latin America. The volcanoes on the shores of the lake, form impressive hills where to hiking and birdwatch the Quetzal- the National bird-). As a result, I highly recommend staying in at least two during your visit. Personally, I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a water taxi to pull up when I was staying in Santa Cruz, and I could tell whether it was going to Panajachel or San Pedro depending on what direction the boat was driving. That would be a shame, though, as it offers a fascinating contrast to the relatively recent lakefront development. Lake Atitlan weather is the best during the dry season but. Pana also has the largest fruit and vegetable market on the lake and it is open every day, rain or shine. Prices start from $44.00 per night. San Marcos - Meditate, do yoga, eat gringo food. If you want an economic means of transport or are traveling on your own, then your best bet is to take a shared shuttle from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. How To Get From Antigua To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala There are several ATMs in Panajachel but just one ATM in Santa Cruz in the upper village. You can sometimes change $US at the banks in Panajachel but dont count on it. Here you can find a beautiful 16th-century church and colorful mosaics. The dry season means its a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful lake activities. In partnership with CECAP, they train more than 400 students per year in a variety of areas from beading and weaving to cooking and carpentry. A short distance from the ever-popular San Marcos you will find the village of Tzununa tucked away. The best way to experience Lake Atitln is from the water. A comfortable eco-hotel with incredible views over the lake. By making your way around the different villages in Lake Atitlan you will get to see different views of the impressive volcanos, and surrounding lakes. Also, there are 2 docks in Panajachel so make sure you get the right one. Lake Atitln (Spanish: Lago de Atitln, [atitlan]) is a lake in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre mountain range. There is an assortment of towns around the lake which you will no doubt want to visit and stay at. You can find GPS maps and full details in our Guide to Hiking on Lake Atitlan. That route takes about an hour to get to San Pedro but Santa Cruz is the first stop (10-15 minutes, depending on how rough the lake is). Fabulous Lake Atitlan is full of amazing views volcano views, lake views, village views, etc. Guatemala City to Lake Atitln - Best Routes & Travel Advice It is usually reached by public boat from Panajachel. There are also famous cliff-jumping spots from one of the lower trails. Besides the scenery (although its a pretty important feature), Santa Cruz also has a really pleasant lakeshore with a nice path that can be walked the entire way, something that isnt possible in most of the other villages. The humidity is pretty low compared to Playa del Carmen weather, for example. Follow The Journey In Real-Time @TwoTicketsAnywhere_. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach Lake Atitlan, depending on how you decide to travel! These are warm months reaching temperatures of 28C so you'll get more sunshine if you visit during these months. This is an affordable option for a private room perfect for couples or friends on a budget. Though this is a great way to see local life down on the lake and take in the epic views. Ready to have a blast? 4.0 out of 5 stars. Anyone with a relatively new smartphone can buy them online, download them by scanning a QR code and buy a data package specific to anywhere in the world. Before you jump on the water taxi you will need to know where exactly you are going. Along with the usual amazing selection of cheap, fresh produce, you can find virtually everything from meat and to avocados and mangos. They provide the materials, wifi and a pretty amazing location. Then luckily enough the minivan will drop you off right up the road from the pier. Our treks are supported by comfortable safari-style tent camps, our overland "trek truck" with a hot shower and toilet, delicious food and . At the bottom of the main street you will find the pier in San Marcos. They also do some freakin delicious food and I found the common areas a lot cleaner than Free Cerveza. This is a flexible vacation package. The trip is totally worth it, though, to check out the best ways to get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan. Pretty basic in the scheme of reviews but I think you get the picture. Alternatively, you may use, http://volcanolove.org/2018/11/23/antigua-guatemala/. Its pretty easy to see that tourism runs this place and there is quite a strong divide between the local community and the constant stream of tourists visiting daily. Change cabin, booking without flight, returning to a different city/airport, Reorder city, or design your own Itinerary. Guatemala City is an energetic capital city, a city unlike any other in the country which is slowly leaving its shady past behind and becoming an up and coming tourist destination. The pier here is located on the left-hand side of the village of Tzununa and down a side street off Rd Sol 6 which connects to San Marcos. These minibusses run several times a day, pick you up from your accommodation in Antigua and drop you off at the ferry dock in Panajachel. Prices for boats when you travel around Lake Atitlan: Even if you are staying in Panajachel during your trip, it is still worth making a day trip from Panajachel to San Pedro to experience a different side of Lake Atitlan. Amigos de Santa Cruz are a non-profit organization that run Tienda Mano Cruceas, a small handicrafts shop inside the CECAP building. Lake Atitlan is the eternal spring of Guatemala and is a place for relaxation, beauty, bliss and party (if you know where to go). Butif we had to narrow down the best months to visit Lake Atitlan it would be January, February and March! The lake is a great place for relaxing or outdoor adventures including hiking through an incredible environment. If you are looking to get the most bang for your buck this is certainly worth visiting. I highly recommend Sababa Restaurant! However, if you want/need to get up into the main village it is a steep 10-minute climb, or you can hire a tuk tuk (3-wheeled taxi) for 5q per person. Panajachel, Guatemala, is known as the tourist town of Lake Atitlan. Santa Cruz la Laguna is located on the northern shore of Lake Atitln in the Guatemalan Highlands. It is a great place for those who are more open-minded or looking to open their mind. However, in the Highlands, Spanish tends to be the second language behind one of the indigenous Mayan dialects. It would be worth it to me, and, depending on the time of day and whether you're transitioning between Guatemala City or Antigua to the lake, 3-4 hours each way. During these months, the rain is starting to lessen and its just about ramping up to peak season. The 2 Lake Atitlan Weather Seasons: Wet & Dry, The Best Time To Visit Lake Atitlan In Our Opinion Is, Flying out to Cyprus just made sense! Click here to see prices for Hotel Arca de Noe. If your accommodation happens to have a private dock such as Free Cervaza you can ask for the captain to drop you off there. From there you will take a local lancha (boat) to Santa Cruz Laguna we will explain those details in the next section. Now we well know that each town has its own special factor and San Antonio Palopo is also known as the pottery village. How far is Atitlan Lake from Guatemala City? 7 The Good, the Sad and the Expensive in Antigua and Lake Atitln June 24, 2022 by LivingOutLau There are many different ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, but for the best value-for-money option, a shared shuttle transport is the best option. The best time to visit Lake Atitlan is from November to May. How much is Uber from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? After extensive research I have decided that KeepGo eSIMs have the best coverage and prices for most of our trips. How Far is Lake Atitlan From Antigua? The annual average temperature in Lake Atitlan 75F (24C). You can hire a taxi on the spot; cost might be $25-40, depending on your negotiating skills and the time of day/night (shared, not per person). After living in Lake Atitlanfor 2 months, we got a feel of what the weather and crowds were like. Santa Cruz, San Pedro, Santa Catarina, etc). La Iguana Perdida also offers a daily Hatha or Yin class and Free Cerveza holds a morning yoga class a couple times a week. Panajachel - Buy souvenirs and eat Gringo food. Good news, several shuttle buses leave the airport daily to Lake Atitlan via Antigua which gives you a freedom to decide your next course of action. Another popular route when traveling around Lake Atitlan is Panajachel to San Marcos. All forms of transit from the airport should accept USD. This helps planning, organizing and booking your trip so much easier! How Much Is A Slice Of Cheesecake At Cheesecake Factory, How Long Is Lady Gagas Jazz And Piano Concert, How Long Has Billy Joel Played Madison Square Garden. Though we will get exactly into the costs of lanchas in Lake Atitlan a bit further down. Please contact us for any special arrangements such as more than three rooms and partial stays. To get there you will need to first head to the pier in Panajachel located at the end of Calle del Embarcadero. Santiago - visit Maximon, buy souvenirs. These boats act as water taxis and are essentially all over the lake, no matter where you are you should be able to head to the main pier in the closest town to catch one, or even many hotels and hostels will have a private dock where you can simply just flag down a passing one. Once there let the boat attendants know where you want to go and they will guide you to the correct boat to take. The return distance between Lake Atitlan to Antigua Guatemala is 87 Km. You pay when you get off and the price is based on how far youve gone, varying from 5Q ($0.60) between neighbouring villages to 50Q ($7) to go all the way across the lake. The price for this journey from Panajachel to Santa Cruz should be Q15 / $1.90 on a public lancha and you dont pay until departing. Receive the latest deals for travel to Europe. Your email address will not be published. Landeau Chocolate Lisbon: The Best Cake In The World? When Is The Best Time To Visit Lake Atitlan? The 23 best things to do in Lake Atitln, Guatemala - Worldpackers There are also more economical rooms with shared bathroom and they run the local Spanish school. With hotels, restaurants, craft shops and sporting activities, many tourists find they can spend their entire visit along the lake without ever venturing up to the main part of the mayan village. Feel free to chime in, all advice is welcomed. Must See`s: You may have to wait a few minutes for the van to fill and a few minutes on the other end if others are dropped at their hotels/destinations in Antigua before you are. It takes around 2 hours to travel by car from Lake Atitlan to Antigua, Guatemala. But if you dont mind crowds of tourists and prefer to have sunshine all day every day then you can enjoy these destinations during their peak seasons! How many days do you need at Lake Atitlan? The beautiful ridge hike between Santa Cruz and San Marcos is one of our two or three favourite hikes on the lake. The downside of visiting here is that it is quite off the touristy path it isnt really set up for travelers. During this 6-hour tour you will explore the traditional village of Concepcin, check out local farms, experience a sacred Mayan fire cleansing ritual and visit the famous Solol market. Vacation Package: Antigua - Lake Atitlan - Tripmasters Every post has been written by us based on our personal experience (no sponsored posts), and every adventure is our own, even the boring ones. Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to El Paredon. Lake Atitlan is located 112 kilometers from the Guatemala airport. Isla Verde makes everything from scratch, which is well worth the bit of extra time. When the attendant on the pier asks where you are going let them know Santa Cruz. In general, Santa Cruz is quieter and offers a much slower pace of life than busier tourist centres like spiritual San Marcos or backpacker central San Pedro. Antigua to Atitln Trek | Trek Guatemala 7 Best Lake Atitlan Villages, Guatemala - GlobetrotterGirls Prices start from $12.00 per night. Here's The Quick Answer: The best time to Lake Atitlan is January, February and March. Heading east it is about 20 minutes to reach Atitlan Sunset Lodge, or it will take about 10 minutes walking west to reach Isla Verde. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentageat no extra cost to you. This is because it is more of a day trip location, though this doesnt mean it isnt worth visiting. For example, you may get charged an extra 5Q / $0.60 to take the water taxi over the standard rate. What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Lake Atitlan? You can also get direct shuttles to San Pedro La Laguna from Antigua if you do need up choosing this as the first stop on your adventures around Lake Atitlan. My photos with blog links on the main page of each collection are below in case you're interested - all my recommendations are embedded there. There are also some small local craft shops along the waterfront (west from the dock) and along the road leading up into the main village. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and Maya towns and is beautiful. Price history for this itinerary (past 7 days): *Sample prices on display include ALL taxes & fuel surcharges From Los Angeles LAX (CA), US for 8 nights, 3 rooms for (2 adults + 2 adults + 2 adults).
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