Welcome To
Lake Atitlán
Framed by volcanoes and dotted with colorful lakeside villages, Lake Atitlán is one of Guatemala’s most iconic destinations—and for good reason. The setting is spectacular, but it’s the people and cultures that make the lake truly memorable. The surrounding areas are home to three Indigenous Maya groups—Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil, and K’iche’—each with their own language, traditions, and way of life.
Twelve towns line the lake, including Panajachel, San Pedro, San Juan, San Marcos, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Santa Catarina Palopó, San Antonio Palopó, San Pablo, San Jorge, Santa Clara, and San Lucas Tolimán. Each one has its own vibe, pace, and appeal.
Panajachel is the main hub with easy access, good food, and plenty of shops. San Pedro draws backpackers, hikers, and budget travelers. San Marcos is slower-paced, filled with yoga studios, cafés, and retreats. While Santa Cruz offers stunning views, lakefront stays, and direct access to some of the best swimming and kayaking on the lake. Wherever you land, the lake pulls you in fast and makes it hard to leave.
Before we get into the details, here are a few things to know.
Fast Facts About Lake Atitlán
Boat-access Villages
Water taxis (lanchas) connect the villages and are the main way to get around the lake.
Volcano Views
A popular base for hikes like Indian Nose (Rostro Maya) and Volcán San Pedro.
Rich Mayan Culture
Each town is home to Indigenous communities with unique traditions and languages.
Swim-friendly Lake
Kayaks, paddle boards, and swim spots are easy to find in nearly every town.
How To Get To
Lake Atitlán
Lake Atitlán sits high in the Guatemalan highlands, but getting there is simple with the right ride. If you’re coming from Antigua, the journey takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your drop-off point. The road winds through the highlands and opens up to sweeping lake views as you descend.
Coming from El Paredón or Guatemala City? Most routes include a stop in Antigua—a natural midpoint where you can take a break before heading up into the highlands.
RoadRunner offers daily shared shuttles to and from Panajachel, San Pedro, and San Marcos—or private rides for more flexibility, comfort, and direct pickup. Book online or message us on WhatsApp to reserve your seat today.