Lake Atitlan Itinerary + Map (1 – 7 Days)
TL;DR
Lake Atitlan Itineraries for 1 to 7 days at Lake Attilan.
We have recently spent 6 days in Lake Atitlan. To our own surprise, we absolutely fell in love with this lake and think you should visit 100% – even if you only have a super short amount of time.
This is why we have crafted travel itineraries for every time budget – whether you have 1 day in Lake Atitlan or a whole week.
Lake Atitlan Itineraries
Itineraries for Lake Atitlan Overview
Depending on the amount of time you have, we recommend changing your base at least once because every place has a unique vibe!
Day 1: San Pedro – Indian Nose & hot springs
Day 2: San Pedro – San Marcos day trip
Day 3: San Pedro – Kayak, coffee & San Juan
Day 4: Santa Cruz – Swim, kayak & relax
Day 5: Santa Cruz – Lower Mayan Trail hike
Day 6: Panajachel – Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo day trip
Day 7: Panajachel – Choose your own adventure
Lake Atitlan Travel Guide
If you want more information about where to stay and what to do at Lake Atitlan, we have written a complete Lake Atitlan travel guide:
Lake Atitlan Itinerary Map
1 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
We think Lake Atitlan is worth a visit, even if you have only one day to spare. The easiest way to do so is a day trip.
Antigua is a great base for a day trip because the transfer time is short, so here’s a day trip option from Antigua:
2 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
We strongly recommend you base yourself in San Pedro if you only have a limited amount of time.
Accommodation recommendations in San Pedro:
- We stayed at LA VILLA by luxury Attilan
- Budget alternative: Amigos
Day 1 – Indian Nose & Hot Springs
Start your day by doing the sunrise hike to the Indian Nose. This is probably the best hike on the lake. It’s steep but short and you’ll be rewarded by great views.
After a little break (or maybe a nap) it’s time for something relaxing. We strongly recommend you to visit Los Termales hot springs in San Pedro. You can also get a massage there. Another massage place in town that we can personally recommend is Tami Massage Therapy.
In case you opt to stay at LA VILLA by luxury Atitlan, you can just relax in your own Jacuzzi 😉
Day 2 – San Marcos
For your second day, explore one of the other towns around the lake. Our suggestion is San Marcos. Start your day with a relaxing yoga class – Eagle’s Nest is the best option on the lake.
Grab some lunch at the many cute (plant-based) cafes in town. We loved Samsara's Garden.
Afterwards, head to Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve for some swimming and sunbathing. Daredevils can also cliff dive here.
In the evening, you might want to check out San Pedro’s famous nightlife.
3 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
Day 3 – Kayak, Coffee, and San Juan
In case you don’t have the time to move your accommodation to Santa Cruz, we recommend you start your day with a kayak tour.
Alternatively, a coffee tour could be a great start to the day for coffee lovers.
In the afternoon, head to San Juan, the art hub of Lake Atitlan.
San Juan is also dubbed Rainbow Town because it’s filled with art – on the walls, on the floor, and also in the air (check out Umbrella Street and Hat Street!). Just wander around!
You can also hike up to Mirador Kaqasiiwaan. The hike takes around 20 minutes and it’s very worth it. In San Juan, even the viewing platform is a piece of art!
4 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
If you have the time and you crave some more relaxation, we strongly recommend you move to Santa Cruz.
Accommodation recommendations in Santa Cruz:
- The community hostel La Iguana Perdida
- Free Cerveza – a summer camp for adults.
Day 4 – Move to Santa Cruz
If you stay in one of the hostels we have recommended above, you will have a hard time getting bored (unless you want to 😉). Both offer communal activities, kayaks & SUPs, swimming docks, and amazing volcano views.
Ati Divers, the only dive centre on Lake Atitlan, is located in La Iguana Perdida in case you want to try high-altitude diving.
5 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
Day 5 – Lower Mayan Trail Hike
Today, it’s time to get more active. The Lower Mayan Trail leads through Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, and Tzununa. You can hike as far as you like. And you can opt to either hike back and forth or take a lancha on your way back 😉
In case you’re not the most avid hiker, you can also stop after roughly 30 minutes in Jaibalito. Here, you can find the famous Hotel La Casa del Mundo where you can buy a day pass to use their facilities including their lakefront hot tub.
6 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
If you have even more time, we recommend you move one last time to base yourself in Panajachel.
- We stayed at Hospedaje El Viajero
- Alternative: Selina
Day 6 – Move to Panajachel – Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo
If you have the time, we strongly recommend you to visit the towns on the eastern shore of Lake Atitlan: Santa Catarina Palopo with its blue houses and the pottery town San Antonio Palopo.
You have three options to get there:
- By boat (you might have to pay for a private boat)
- By camioneta or pickup truck from Despensa Familiar
- By ATV tour
You should also take the opportunity to get some shopping in while you’re in Panajachel because it’s the best town on the lake to buy some souvenirs.
If you’re a night owl, you can check out the nightlife in Panajachel.
7 Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary
Day 7 – Choose Your Own Adventure
There are so many more things you can do on Lake Atitlan, these are just three suggestions:
- You can hike all three volcanoes around Lake Atitlan – San Pedro, Toliman or Atitlan Volcano.
- You can attend a Mayan Ceremony
- You can do Maya Cooking Class
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