Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán (2025): Best Villages & Hotels

With so many beautiful towns nestled along its shores, it can be difficult to choose where to stay in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

Eleven different Maya villages and communities call this lakeside region home, each offering something unique.

That being said, choosing between the towns in Lake Atitlan can be tricky!

Which area is the best place to stay? Should you stay in the bustling gateway of Panajachel? Or find a more peaceful respite in colorful Santa Catarina Palopo? 

Maybe you’re on the hunt for a backpacker hostel or a wellness retreat for a bit of R&R. Possibly even a mixture of all of these?

After spending time in many of these villages, I’ve discovered their different nuances, helping you choose the best Lake Atitlan town for you and which hotels are worth it. 

Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Lake Atitlan!

The Best Towns & Places to Stay in Lake Atitlán

There’s a place for everyone in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. While choosing which village or town to stay in sounds simple, it gets a bit more complicated when you start searching for a place to stay.

Choosing the best Lake Atitlan town for you will come down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

For something well on the beaten trail, Panajachel offers plenty of things to do, while San Pedro La Laguna’s delicious restaurants and cafes might beckon.

For a village that’s a bit more traditional, you can’t go wrong with colorful Santa Catarina Palopo or artsy San Juan La Laguna.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the best hotels aren’t necessarily in the most popular towns. La Casa del Mundo is one example.

As one of the most highly rated resorts along the lake, you might think it would be in a central location. Instead, it’s located in the sleepy (and remote!) village of Jaibalito. 

After living in Lake Atitlan as a digital nomad for two months, I visited most of the villages along its shores.

I’m here to help you decipher which town is best for your trip and which hotel will make the perfect base for exploring this stunning Central American destination!

Top Places to Stay in Lake Atitlan by Village

Panajachel 

Affectionately known as “Pana,” Panajachel is Lake Atitlan’s gateway town.

Chances are, this travel hub is where you’ll first set foot in Lake Atitlan if you’re coming from spending a few days in Antigua.

You’ll find lots of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and things to do in Pana. It’s also very well connected to other towns along the lake, making it easy to visit and return to base.

For a no-frills, comfortable stay in Pana, check out:

San Pedro La Laguna

San Pedro La Laguna is Lake Atitlan’s budget backpacker hotspot.

Packed with bars, cafes, and hostels, this village is perfect for those looking for a town that has everything at your fingertips (including Western restaurants), but maybe not so great if you want a more traditional experience, steeped in local culture.

San Pedro is on the opposite side of the lake from Panajachel, taking around 30-40 minutes to reach by boat.

–> Read more things to do in San Pedro La Laguna

San Juan La Laguna

Many travelers imagine Lake Atitlan as a place where they can find peace and quiet, surrounded by stunning landscapes.

San Juan La Laguna is the perfect village if that’s what you’re looking for!

Ideal for quieter getaways while still being walking distance to San Pedro’s plentiful restaurants and bars, San Juan La Laguna offers a more laidback, artsy vibe on the lake’s far western edge.

Featured hotels in San Juan:

Santa Catarina Palopo

Tucked just south of Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopo is a colorful village where tradition meets modernity.

Adorned with vibrant artwork, this is a great base for those who want to stay in a more culturally rich city on the lake, as a large Kaqchikel Maya community call the town home.

There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, including learning to make traditional textiles, and the hustle and bustle of Pana is just a 10-minute tuk tuk away.

Favorite picks for a classic Santa Catarina stay:

San Marcos La Laguna

Lake Atitlan’s wellness and yogi mecca, San Marcos La Laguna is a good option for those who want to dig into the alternative health scene.

You’ll find trendy and ‘New Age’ cafes, wellness centers offering various healing treatments, and lots of swimming spots. 

Idyllic resorts and hotels in San Marcos:

Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán by Resort/Hotel

There are so many wonderful resort options in Lake Atitlan. From quirky hostels to 5-star hotels, you’ll find something for every budget. 

For travelers who are looking for my hand-picked overview, these are some of the best hotels in Lake Atitlan!

La Casa del Mundo (Jaibalito)

• Location: Jaibalito
• Best For: Travelers who aren’t worried about budget and are looking for a true vacation.
• Highlights: Hot tub, sauna, pool, kayaks, garden, restaurant, exceptional views, organized day trips and activities
• Average Price: $$$
• Book here!

Despite being tucked away in the sleepy Mayan village of Jaibalito, La Casa del Mundo is by far and away one of the best hotels along Lake Atitlan’s shores.

For those looking for a relaxing vacation with a secluded resort feel, you can’t do much better. 

Here you’ll find everything at your fingertips, from an on-site restaurant to sprawling terraces, a pool, and a hot tub that overlooks the lake.

A gourmet breakfast is served daily alongside cafe-inspired bites for lunch and family-style dinners that bring everyone together.

Although La Casa del Mundo isn’t located in one of the larger towns on Lake Atitlan, there are still plenty of activities at the resort itself.

Spend your days kayaking with views of towering volcanoes, go hiking around the property, brush up on your Spanish, or ask the staff to book an exciting activity like volcano trekking and boat tours. 

Attention to detail is even more obvious in guest rooms which are beautifully decorated with colorful traditional textiles and feature unique architectural elements like fireplaces and hand-carved wood furniture. 

Many rooms also have unparalleled views of Volcan Toliman and Volcan Atitlan in the distance!

If you’re looking to simply get away from it all while still experiencing the best of Lake Atitlan, La Casa del Mundo is the perfect option.

Click here to check rates and reserve your room!

Tzampoc Resort (Santa Catarina Palopo)

• Location: Santa Catarina Palopo
• Best For: Travelers who want luxe amenities without being in a remote village.
• Highlights: Infinity pool, exceptional volcano views, bar, sauna
• Average Price: $$$
• Book here!

For those who want fancy digs without sacrificing the vibrancy of a bigger town, Tzampoc Resort might offer the perfect balance of seclusion and comfort.

This stunning resort is located in the hills above Santa Catarina Palopo and offers sprawling views of the lakes and volcanoes.

Guest rooms are simply decorated with local art and feature wood architectural accents and comfy beds.

Every room has a view of the lake, but some also offer a private balcony. If you’re working remotely in Guatemala, Double Rooms also offer desks.

You’ll find unique amenities like a firewood sauna, infinity pool with panoramic views of the lake, a hydro-massage hot tub, secluded terraces surrounded by gardens, and a communal fireplace for relaxing and meeting new friends! 

Other perks include free WiFi, parking, and complimentary breakfast.

Aside from the gorgeous property itself, the village of Santa Catarina Palopo is a stunner, too, with colorful murals painted on nearly every square inch of town.

Because Santa Catarina Palopo is just a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk away from the bustling gateway of Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, it’s a great base for exploring other villages. Still, there is plenty of discoveries to be made in Santa Catarina Palopo itself!

Click here to check rates and reserve your room! 

Lush Atitlan (San Marcos)

• Location: San Marcos La Laguna
• Best For: Mid-range travelers that love boho aesthetics and photo-worthy design sense.
• Highlights: Jungly gardens, healthy food, free entry to the natural reservoir.
• Average Price: $$
• Book here!

Nestled in the wellness mecca of San Marcos La Laguna, Lush Atitlan is an eco-boutique hotel that lives up to the hype, offering unique rooms, Mayan-inspired nutritious meals, and proximity to nature.

For those seeking to rejuvenate both mind and body, this could be the perfect place. 

A wide variety of rooms are on offer, from the spacious honeymoon suite to cozy double rooms with shared showers. Most offer private balconies and terraces, but not all so be sure to double-check that you’re getting the room you want before booking!

Room descriptions also indicate what kind of view you’ll have, including volcano, garden, and lake views.

Despite being a bit less expensive than some of the other resorts and hotels on this list, you won’t sacrifice natural beauty or glamorous amenities.

Lush also takes sustainability seriously with initiatives like solar-powered water heaters and biodegradable bathroom products. 

Keep in mind that a stay in San Marcos comes with its unique eccentricities. Because this village attracts the hippie crowd, drum circles and the like are common. 

That being said, I don’t love this particular town as much as others, as my personal preference is being immersed in local culture.

Luckily, Lush is tucked away on the edge of the lake, so it is possible to escape the New Age vibes back in town if it becomes a bit too much. If you do stay here, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Reserva Natural Cerro Tzankujil. 

Click here to check rates and reserve your room! 

Casa Prana (Santa Cruz)

• Location: Santa Cruz La Laguna
• Best For: Those who want to splash out in ultimate opulence.
• Highlights: Luxury villas, yoga, spa/wellness, outdoor pool, dining
• Average Price: $$$
• Book here!

A stay at the glamorous, five-star Casa Prana is a true slice of paradise that feels tailored to your every whim. 

Almost reminiscent of a contemporary mansion, the property is striking, set against the lake and feels even more tranquil considering there are only five rooms onsite. 

Guest suites include grandiose features like floor-to-ceiling windows, 360° views of Lake Atitlan’s volcanoes, private terraces, vaulted wood ceilings, and soaking tubs. The furnishings are even more opulent, with oversized beds, gilded decor, and sparkling chandeliers.

Paired with a pool, 9-acre garden, spa services (including massage), yoga classes, and expertly created excursions, Casa Prana is one of the most luxurious options in Lake Atitlan.

Santa Cruz La Laguna is another underrated town along the lake and certainly off-the-beaten-path. This quiet town is sandwiched between the remote village of Jaibalito and the bustling city of Panajachel, only accessed by boat from Santa Cruz.

From the main dock, you’ll need to grab a tuk-tuk to reach Santa Cruz, as it’s situated high on a hill overlooking the lake. 

A little secret? Santa Cruz might be lesser-known, but it offers the absolute best views of Lake Atitlan’s trio of volcanoes! 

Book here to check rates and reserve your room! 

El Picnic (Tzununa)

• Location: Tzununa
• Best For: Travelers who don’t mind roughing it a bit in exchange for luxury summer camp vibes and picture perfect views.
• Highlights: Terrace, beer garden/restaurant, bar, minigolf, breakfast included
• Average Price: $$
• Book here!

Don’t let the “glamping” description of El Picnic fool you. This is a seriously elevated spot to base yourself in Lake Atitlan! 

Like Casa del Mundo, El Picnic is situated in the fairly remote village of Tzununa.

While there isn’t a laundry list of things to do in this peaceful hamlet, there are several cafes and restaurants, like Los Trece Cielos Cafetería. 

The real beauty of a stay here is hiding away from the rest of the world and El Picnic is one of the best places to do just that.

Relax in the garden, on the terrace with views of volcanoes, or grab a bite made from local ingredients at their restaurant, all enjoyed in the shady biergarten. 

As if that wasn’t reason enough to stay at El Picnic, they also have fun activities on the grounds, like minigolf. 

Choose from glamping tents and treehouse-like structures with varying levels of amenities, all overlooking the lake. Some options are a bit more rustic than others, which is a good thing to keep in mind when you’re booking! 

Click here to check rates and save your room! 

Do you have any questions about which area of Lake Atitlán to stay in? For first-timers, you can’t go wrong basing in San Pedro, San Marcos, San Juan, or Panajachel.

For an off-beat stay, head to Santa Catarina, Jaibalito, Santa Cruz, or Santiago Atitlán town.