Our 4-Day Lake Atitlan Itinerary & Personal Experiences

Lake Atitlán was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to Guatemala. The deep blue volcanic lake, surrounded by lush mountains and charming indigenous villages, was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. From hiking volcanoes to jumping off cliffs into the water, experiencing a cacao ceremony, and staying at one of the liveliest hostels in San Pedro, this was an unforgettable experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Lake Atitlán, plus personal recommendations based on our adventure.

Getting to Lake Atitlán from Antigua

We kicked off our journey in Antigua and decided to splurge a little on a private taxi instead of the standard shuttle. It cost around £80 for the whole car, but when split among a few people, it felt totally worth it—more comfort, no waiting, and straight to the lake with no unnecessary stops. The drive took about 3 hours, winding through the highlands with some seriously epic mountain and valley views as we got closer to Atitlán.

If you’re sensitive to motion, take Dramamine before the ride—those curves will sneak up on you!

As we arrived in Panajachel, the lake opened up before us like a dream—deep blue waters surrounded by three majestic volcanoes. Before catching a boat to San Pedro, we stopped at Café Loco for a caffeine fix. Highly recommend their cappuccino—smooth and strong!

Where We Stayed: Mr. Mullet’s – San Pedro La Laguna

Our base was Mr. Mullet’s Hostel in San Pedro, and it was everything a backpacker could want.

• Prime Location – Just a short walk from the docks, perfect for exploring.

• Super Social – Always something going on—quiz nights, beer pong, and the Friday Night Party is iconic.

• Affordable – Clean dorms, private room options, and good vibes all around.

Personal Tip: If you’re looking for a more relaxed or spiritual atmosphere, check out San Marcos or Santa Cruz. But if your goal is to meet people, explore, and party a little, San Pedro is the clear winner.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring San Pedro

After settling into Mr. Mullet’s Hostel, we took the rest of the day to just soak in the vibes of San Pedro—no rushing, just wandering.

Wandering the Streets
San Pedro is a perfect mix of laid-back charm and local culture. We strolled through the narrow lanes filled with cozy cafés, colourful murals, and a handful of Spanish schools. For lunch, we hit up Sababa Restaurant—the view over the lake was stunning, and the Mediterranean food? Surprisingly amazing. Easily one of the best meals we had in Guatemala.

Local Market Browsing
We popped into some of the local artisan stalls where you’ll find handwoven textiles, intricate jewellery, and vibrant paintings—all made by local Mayan artists. It’s a great spot to pick up something meaningful (and beautiful).

Sunset at La Terraza
To wrap up the day, we headed to La Terraza for sunset drinks. With a killer view over the lake, it’s the perfect place to sip a cocktail and just watch the sky turn gold. Seriously chill, highly recommend.

Day 2: Cacao Ceremony & Hiking San Pedro Volcano

Cacao Ceremony in San Marcos – A Soulful Morning

We caught an early lancha (boat) across the glassy waters of Lake Atitlán to San Marcos La Laguna, a small, peaceful village nestled among the cliffs. San Marcos is famous for its spiritual energy, and you can feel it the moment you step onto the dock—everything slows down. Think: jungle paths, hand-painted signs pointing to yoga classes, herbal apothecaries, and sacred music drifting in the air.

We attended a traditional cacao ceremony in a circular wooden temple surrounded by lush greenery. The host welcomed us with incense and gentle music, creating an atmosphere of calm and presence. Before drinking, we were guided through intentions, breath work, and a brief history of how cacao was used by the Maya as a heart-opening medicine.

What it felt like: The cacao was rich, earthy, and slightly bitter, with hints of spice. As we drank slowly and meditated together, there was a powerful sense of connection—not just to ourselves, but to the group, the land, and something beyond. It was one of those rare moments where time felt like it paused.

What to Expect:

• Duration: ~2 hours

• Includes meditation, gentle movement or chanting

• No phones allowed—full presence encouraged

• Cost: ~£15–£25 (varies by centre/host)

Tip: Go with an open mind, and don’t plan anything too intense afterward—you’ll want time to reflect and relax.

Hiking San Pedro Volcano – Afternoon Adventure

After a grounding morning, we returned to San Pedro La Laguna and fuelled up with a big lunch (Sababa Café again—those falafel wraps hit different). Then we set out to climb Volcán San Pedro, one of the most iconic peaks in the area.

The trail starts just outside town and is well-marked but steep from the get-go. You’ll pass through shaded coffee plantations, farmland, and then into dense cloud forest with mist curling around ancient trees. The sounds of howler monkeys echoed in the distance, and colorful birds darted through the canopy.

Hike Details:

• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 meters (3,900 ft)

• Time: 3 hours up / 2 hours down

• Entry Fee: ~Q100 (about $13 USD), includes a local guide

• Facilities: Basic bathrooms at the base, water available for purchase

At the top, there’s a lookout platform with a mind-blowing 360° view. You can see across the entire lake, and on a clear day, spot the volcanoes of Acatenango, Fuego, and even the Pacific Ocean shimmering on the horizon.

Pro Tips:

• Go early in the day to avoid both heat and cloud cover.

• Wear trail shoes or sturdy sandals (the trail gets muddy).

• Bring a windbreaker—it gets chilly at the top!

What I Packed:

• 2L of water

• Banana + nuts for energy

• Headlamp (just in case)

• Lightweight jacket

• Phone for pics (but I honestly forgot to take many—it was too beautiful to look away)

Sitting at the summit with my shoes off, steam rising from my back, eating bread and avocado with trembling hands—it was pure contentment. There was a quiet I hadn’t heard in days.

Day 3: Sunrise Hike Up Indian Nose

(Not the Best Sunrise, but Still Worth It!)

4:00 AM Wake-Up Call: We booked a guided sunrise hike to Indian Nose, one of the most iconic viewpoints over Lake Atitlán. Even with the painfully early start, we were pumped—it’s known for dramatic sunrises and sweeping views.

The Hike Itself

• Duration: ~1 hour to the top

• Difficulty: Moderately steep but manageable

• Start: Usually from a pickup point near San Juan or Santa Clara

At the summit, we were greeted by panoramic views of the lake below and the silhouettes of volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. While we didn’t get the fiery sunrise we’d hoped for (hello, morning clouds), the stillness and beauty of the lake waking up was unforgettable.

Even Without a Clear Sunrise... The peaceful silence, the mist rolling off the water, and the sense of being above it all made the hike feel totally worth it. It was one of those moments that felt more about the experience than the perfect photo.

Even if the weather isn’t ideal, do the hike—the view alone is incredible, and there's something special about watching the world slowly light up from above. Bring a jacket (it gets chilly) and a flashlight or headlamp if your guide doesn’t provide one!

Day 4: Exploring Santiago & Departure

We spent our final day visiting Santiago Atitlán, the largest and most culturally rich village around Lake Atitlán.

Morning: Boat Ride to Santiago

We took a scenic lancha (public boat) across the lake. Santiago is known for being one of the most authentic Mayan towns, where many locals still wear traditional Tz'utujil clothing daily. It felt like stepping into a living piece of history.

Meeting Maximón (A Wild Experience!)

This was easily one of the most unique cultural moments of our trip.

• Maximón is a mysterious Mayan folk saint/deity.

• Locals offer him cigarettes, rum, and money in exchange for protection, blessings, or favours.

• His shrine is hidden in a nondescript house, and the exact location changes every year as different families take turns hosting him.

It’s strange, intense, and deeply spiritual—absolutely worth witnessing!

Church & Market Time

• We explored the Colonial Church of St. James, which has a blend of Spanish and Mayan religious influence.

• Then we wandered through the bustling market, loaded with colorful textiles, handmade crafts, and delicious street snacks.

Lunch & Goodbye

After grabbing a casual lunch (we recommend a local comedor for some home-cooked pepián or tamales), we hopped on a boat back to Panajachel, then took a shuttle back to Antigua to end the journey.

Final Tips & Personal Takeaways

What to Pack

🎒 Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain jacket, and a reusable water bottle.
🥾 For Hikes: Good walking shoes, layers for cold mornings, and snacks.
💵 Cash is king – ATMs can be unreliable, so bring enough cash to last.

What to Avoid

🚤 Don’t take boats after dark – Safety can be an issue.
💰 Beware of overpaying – Always negotiate boat prices!
🍕 Avoid tourist-trap restaurants – Stick to well-reviewed places for good food.