Best Hostels In Lake Atitlan: For Solo Travelers, Females & More, PANAJACHEL TO SAN PEDRO & THE TOWNS BETWEEN: WATER TAXI LAKE ATITLAN, Backpacking Guatemala: Best Tips For First Time Visitors 2023, Best Hostels In El Paredon: 8 Hostels For The Perfect Stay 2023. For example, Free Cerveza has composting toilets, which are always kept surprisingly clean. AVERAGE PRICE: US$26 $65 | BREAKFAST: Not included | RATING: 8.2 (174+ Reviews). A more traditional, authentic experience of Maya village life. Lake Atitlan you can find a couple of these hostels as well. But with its wide variety of small Mayan towns dotted around the lakeshore, selecting not just a place to stay, but which town to stay in, can be overwhelming. I stayed at the latter and wasnt completely satisfied with the service and the quality of the rooms for the price. CHECK BEST PRICES It's got something for everyone, and shouldn't be left out of any Guatemala backpacking itinerary. Many hotels and hostels do not accept credit cards. Cheapest Countries To Travel In That Are Backpacker Friendly, Chiang Mai To Luang Prabang: All You Need To Know 2023, Day Tour To White Island, New Zealands Most Active Volcano, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty: A Sneak Peak At Living Grand. Some people love San Marcos. You can easily find cheaper options available that have a great social atmosphere, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Though for that drop in price, you are missing out on amenities you would usually expect, in saying that, hostels in Lake Atitlan know how to foster a social environment perfect for backpackers wanting to make some new friends. Glorious Pasajcap, one of our favourite places to stay anywhere in the world. If you can get your own private residence for less than $100 in this location with views of the lake and volcanoes, dont hesitate to snatch it up. Table of Contents Quick Tip On Where To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala Best Areas To Stay In Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 1. Lastly, I found their menu offerings for breakfast and lunch to be a bit average, so I would eat offsite, though their family dinner is the best around! The hotel has loads of charm and loads of stunning views of both the lake and the mountains in the back of the hotel. This is where you can catch a boat or tuk-tuk to most of the other villages around the lake. Gaby and Johven went above and beyond to make sure our stay was fantastic. Though I can confidently say it is not overrated and well worth the hype. You will be spoilt for choice as to where to hang out. Boats operate like buses and are the most commonly used form of public transport on Lake Atitlan. Yes. You also need to be tolerant of ants, scorpions, and spiders as many of the rooms are pretty open to the outside and its easy for them to get in. AVERAGE PRICE: US$66 $125| KITCHEN: Yes | RATING: 9.4 (297+ Reviews). The boats go fast and the ride is bumpy, so the ride can be torture on your back. It is likely the best place to stay in Lake Atitlan for backpackers or those looking for a social touristy vibe! Take a tuk-tuk. San Pedro La Laguna: This is another popular town worth checking out. The Best Lake Atitlan Hotels in Each Village Where to stay in Santa Cruz La Laguna Lake Atitlan . As a result, there are limited things to do here in the evening, and even throughout the day unless you are planning to travel around Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is Guatemala's third-largest freshwater lake. CHECK BEST PRICES Your email address will not be published. You can book a private studio apartment starting at $90USD. But with its wide variety of small Mayan towns dotted around the lakeshore, selecting not just a place to stay, but which town to stay in, can be overwhelming. Generally, this isnt a town people base themselves at, rather they visit here on a day trip and spend a couple of hours exploring. Its inexpensive, clean, and conveniently located a block from the main drag. The small city is the first place most travelers visit when they arrive at Lake Atitlan. Next up is a mixed-sex shower area. I guarantee it will be THE highlight of your trip to Guatemala. Lake Atitlan Tourism and Travel: Best of Lake Atitlan Essential Lake Atitlan Stay A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. sturdy bunk beds at chirris hostel in lake atitlan. One thing to be aware of is that these hostels are not all created equally. Lake Atitlan is also the deepest lake in Central America at 340m and it gets deep quickly around most of the lake. Therefore I recommend planning out what exactly you want to get out of your trip to Lake Atitlan, then looking at what hostels may cater to this. Most of all you will be able to find some great hostels in Lake Atitlan where you can stay between adventures. They have 3 different dormitories available for budget travelers. Your email address will not be published. They have a private bathroom, private kitchen, and balcony. The rooms are nice and comfortable with floor-to-ceiling windows, stone walls, and interesting dcor. Santa Cruz is a municipality on the northern shore of the lake, consisting of Santa Cruz,Tzunun, and four other small villages. Instead, you need to hire a tuk-tuk. They have sturdy wooden bunk beds here and lockers where you can keep your valuables. I know, but seriously it is definitely worth visiting and hostels that are affected by these sorts of things have found ways to work around them. Should I stay in San Pedro? Selina is well known throughout Central America for being a reliable option for digital nomads. Seriously when traveling Guatemala, and even simply Central America you will quickly come to learn about the hostels on the lake and the crazy stories. Santa Cruz is all about the million-dollar views of the lake and Volcanos Toliman and San Pedro. It is located in San Pedro, but about a 15-minute walk out of the main center. I like that the dorm rooms have huge windows bringing in loads of sunlight and dont have bunk beds. Both have great views. This blog includes everything you need to know before deciding where to stay in Lake Atitlan including a description of all of the best areas and towns, as well as the best hostels and hotels to suit every budget! San Juan La Laguna: Undoubtedly this is the place to experience the arts of the area, you can even learn about the traditional weaving and the techniques used at LEMA. So, my choice would be Hotel and Restaurante Arca de Noe. It has dorm rooms and private rooms. This is the perfect town to position yourself in if you are planning to hike the San Pedro volcano or if you are perhaps looking for an easier hike you will also find plenty of tour agencies offering the popular Indian Nose Hike. I loved the room, but my one complaint was how far away the bathroom was. The further you walk away from the lake, the steeper the roads become. I hope this is true because one of the biggest weaknesses of traveling and working in Guatemala is the internet. They also offer room service, freewifi, 24-hr desk service, a restaurant, and paid airport shuttle service. Unless youre REALLY on a budget, I wouldnt recommend taking a chicken bus on this route due to its windy roads and the bus drivers notorious reputations for being unsafe drivers. However, past guests have had issues with the service and from my experience staying next door, the nearby restaurants can be loud. and my favorite works of art. This is a good place to stay in Lake Atitlan for anybody wanting some relaxation and authentic Guatemalan interactions. Set among the jungle and overlooking the lake, youll feel like the sun-soaked, fresh-air hippie youve always dreamed of being. Its full of tourists, backpackers, and language students, but its also full of drugs, bars, discos, and loud music! Highly recommend! There were big storms every evening when I stayed, to the point where the staircase leading to the common area became a literal waterfall and no one I heard of had any issues whatsoever with leaky tents. Its a simple budget hotel. Check out this Guatemala packing list for some great ideas! This place also has freewifiand a kitchen for guest use, as well as a garden, beautiful outdoor hangout spaces, and communalopen office space for you fellow digital nomads out there. Some rooms, as well, come withtheir own fireplace and/or private terrace. I stayed in the 8-bed female dorm here, though they also offer a mixed 8-bed dorm, as well as a 4-bed. The trendily-decorated grounds have a sandy hangout area with a fire pit, a wooden yoga platform right on the shore,and they even offer evening entertainment and a tour desk rightonsight. So when choosing the best hostels in Lake Atitlan, some things I took into account are: Now depending on what the hostels offer here on Lake Atitlan you can find some surprisingly affordable options. San Pedro is one of those places that has a lot going for it but also a lot going against it. There is also a nice pool area to hang out by and take a little dip. Just be warned that you might find yourself wanting to stay longer than you intended. Sit toward the back of the boat for the best comfort. No, the tight compact streets surrounded by tall buildings in the center reminded me of Koh Phi Phi. Theres also a firewood sauna, bar, and restaurant. Now when I booked this place I didnt really look into what I was actually booking and was pleasantly surprised to find the dorm rooms are actually in tipi tents. With a private dock, free kayak usage, and pool overlooking the lake, you can book a room for $57 USD per night. They were the first hostel to open in Santa Cruz La Laguna and have been operating for over twenty years. Subscribe tomy newsletter to receive the latesttravel tips for Asia and get a free 4-page PDF version of my 3-Week Japan Itinerary. Dine by candlelight while looking out at the lake at La CasaPolop, then wake the next morning to the sun shining on your own private balcony. In Panajachel, you want to take public boats that leave from the dock at the end of Calle de Embarcadero (Google Maps). You might wonder if youre still in Guatemala. This is an excellent way to save money while traveling. Check out. Pay when you get off the boat. Please see this websitesDisclosurefor more info. Learn how your comment data is processed. I have to admit that the lack of accommodations and thus the lack of foreigners is probably a good thing. Even though this is a tourist hotspot the prices of dorm beds arent inflated. San Juan has some nice views of the lake but the views are missing the volcanoes.San Juan, AVERAGE PRICE: US$10/dorm;US$27/room| SHARED KITCHEN: Yes | RATING: 9.7 (49+ Reviews). The rooms are clean and comfortable for the hotels price point. San Pedro has a reputation for being a party town, but you can avoid the noise and the parties by staying at Mikaso Hotel. So, choose your town and accommodation wisely, but dont get stuck there and be sure to explore a few of the towns! There are two budget options right along the shore in Santa Cruz: Hotel and Restaurante Arca de Noe and Los Iguana Perdido. To be honest I found dorms more affordable here than they were in Antigua. They have incredible views over the lake and definitely cater to the more free-spirited crowd. They all have a nice spacious layout with plenty of room to lay out your luggage. They only had shuttles on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in 2021. During my travels over the past 3 years, Ive been using SafetyWing for my insurance. Atitlan.com is both a travel magazine, a reference to social and environmental projects going on in the region and a guide to hotels on the most beautiful lake in the world! So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentageat no extra cost to you. I was very happy with their service. We want you to get out of your comfort zone and travel better, cheaper and for longer! Now, this will be your make or break with hostels in Lake Atitlan as the amenities here and nowhere near as good as you will find in a city such as Antigua. Trying to decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan? With a high-end backpacking style, I prefer to glampack across the globe by embracing the best of each destination. This is the perfect choice for travelers on a budget wanting to experience the lake, and not stay in a big town. Guests frequently comment on how clean the place is. All of which I share right here on Backpackers Wanderlust. There always seems to be a constant stream of shuttles arriving and departing, with travelers walking on down to the docks. And the main reason Lake Atitlan has become our second home over the past decade. There are plenty of board games around, puzzles, and of course hammocks. All hostels will allow you to book transport and activities through them. How I absolutely adore you! The exteriors are unpainted, so the cities and villages appear to be all grey. Nevertheless, here are some of the best spots around Lake Atitlan in terms of hostels and a backpacker atmosphere: Panajachel: Lets start with the main city around Lake Atitlan called Panajachel. This is certainly somewhere you dont want to miss on your adventures in Guatemala. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your typical New Zealander, now discovering the world one country at a time. Public boat from Panajachel just be aware that the boat from Panajachel passes by San Juan without stopping. Many hostels will only have it available in common areas, and if you need to work on the road like me, this isnt always fun. You can take a shower and go to the bathroom while looking at the lake. I wish this hostel had existed when I was at Lake Atitlan. This place is such as backpacker paradise, though surprisingly there arent actually too many options in terms of dorms. Its location makes Atitlan easy to fit into any Guatemala travel itinerary with other popular destinations like the colonial town Antigua also located in this part of the country. The majority of people arriving in Lake Atitln will arrive by shuttle, chicken bus, or car in Panajachel. I tried walking to the village, but in the end, it was so steep that I gave up and flagged a tuk-tuk down. They have an onsite kitchen that is fully equipped that guests can use. Where to stay on Lake Atitlan. A fitness center, yoga, and massage are offered, and guests cango hiking, horseback riding, or cycling in the area. Now, this is in no way a cheap option, but while we are talking about dorm rooms at least I do need to mention Eagles Nest. This beautiful resort is small with only 6 comfortable rooms. A quiet town, its considerable ex-pat population continues to grow as it becomes a hub for spiritual practice and guidance. Share Tweet Pin Come find out what you need to know about backpacking Guatemala on [], Come check out the best hostels in El Paredon so you can have the perfect [], Come find out all you need to know about backpacking El Paredon in Guatemala. It then stops in San Pedro and on the way back to Panajachel, it stops in San Juan. The grounds offer a huge pool, outdoor daybeds, and of course amazing lakeviews. Now unlike a regular city you would visit and stay in the tourist center, Lake Atitlan has numerous villages around the edges where you can stay or simply visit on a day trip. San Pedro is one of the bigger towns on the western shore of the lake. Local legend has it that the midday Southern wind which passes through the town, calledXocomil, carries away sin. San Pedro is particularly eco-conscious: in the last few years, it has banned single-use plastic, such as shopping bags and straws. The best budget option on the east side of the lake is in San Antonio at Hotel Terrazes Del Lago. With an excellent chilled-out vibe, great hostel scene, and great transport links it is definitely worth visiting. While here you can do some incredible hikes, enjoy the lake, take a water taxi around the villages, and enjoy a sense of community among tourists. So while you should use this blog to help you decide where to stay in Lake Atitlan, be sure to venture out of your chosen town to see and do some of the amazing things to do around Lake Atitlan! Rooms come with an attached private bathroom, and you can step outside to enjoy a peaceful morning in the garden surrounded by birds. Room service, a shared lounge, and flat-screen TVs will have you relaxing your whole stay. Onsite you will find 2 bars offering 2-for-1 drinks during happy hour each night from 4 pm to 6 pm. All rooms have a private balcony with lake views, a private bathroom with hot showers, and freewifi. There are definitely fewer tourists here than in other villages around the lake, so it can be nice to get away from all the crazy and come here for a breather. Hotel in San Pedro La Laguna. Lake Atitlan, or Lago de Atitln, is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Central America. Bedrooms and one bathroom are basic. Casa Josefa is within walking distance of the dock and the market, and also has freewifi. Tip #5: If you can, try to stay in one of these 3 hotels: Lake Atitlan is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Atitlan Sunset Lodge sells out fast so book early! Another thing you might find here is something you cant find in most villages at Lake Atitlan and that is color. Your email address will not be published. The rooms surround a garden, making the hotel fairly quiet. But if their cheaper rooms are unavailable or the price has gone up and you need to pay over US$30, then Hotel Utz Jay (see below) is a much nicer hotel and a better deal than El Viajero. The hotel has a pool, hot tub, and restaurant. Owners give good advice about things to do in the area. On my way down, I walked, though. It's easy to slip into the laid-back vibe of Lake Atitlan and forget how much time you're spending there. Theres also a restaurant and bar. For $10 USD a night, you can book a small private room at Posada Mana with a shared bathroom and freewifi. I stayed here when I first arrived in Guatemala from Mexico. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. The lake fills the caldera of a volcano, and the volcanic activity has caused three more volcanoes in the caldera. You will be spoilt for choice in terms of nearby restaurants and bars. The views from my balcony were stunning albeit with no volcanoes. Next up are flushing toilets, or more like the lack of them. Want more Guatemala Inspiration? On the main street, you will find many great cafes, bakeries, jewelry stores, and shops. Youll feel spoiled atTzampocResort. Casa Ahau is probably one of the better hostels on the lake. There is an ATM in this store in San Marcos. I had a hard time finding a really good hostel in Lake Atitlan. If you want to get away from it all, this is not the place for you. I would say it is worth spending a couple of days here. Though, I had some of the best meals in Lake Atitlan there, maybe even Guatemala. Just take a small public boat like the ones in the above photo from the main pier in each village. Seriously this place is perfect for travelers looking to relax, get back in touch with nature, have a break from the hot climate of Central America, and experience one of the gems of Guatemala. Nevertheless, they occur all around the Lake, but luckily enough they generally only last a couple of hours. El Paredon For Budget Travelers: Is It Worth Visiting? However, these two towns are great to visit but not great to stay in. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:160px!important;max-height:600px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[160,600],'thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this ad. San Marcos Laguna 5. In this travel guide, I'm going to share with you the best places to stay in Lake Atitlanthe best hotels, hostels, and villages. Get an Insurance Quote from SafetyWing Here! Now just a couple of things to be aware of if you are looking at staying here. Check out my guide to a list of 50 things to do at the lake for culture, history, food, art, and nature lovers. The large outdoor pool lights up at night as you watch the sun disappear behind the volcanoes on the other side of the lake, and if youre sore, you can relax in the hydro-pool hot tub. And theres a swimming pool. The locals and foreigners are a bit more mixed than in San Marcos, A very local village without many tourists, Dont walk around alone late at night; instead, take a tuk-tuk, Dont hike alone including along the trails between the villages, Dont carry your passport and lots of money with you when going on a hike. by Julie | Nov 21, 2022 | Guatemala, Travel. The narrow alleyways are like a maze. Youll find over 15 travel articles to help you explore the history, culture, food, and natural beauty of Guatemala. We started out early in the morning and arrived in Lake Atitlan after 7:00 pm. Credit: Villas B'alam Ya. Luckily Free Cerveza has solved this issue and more by providing anything and everything that a fellow traveler could ever want. The location is quiet but located right on the lake with a calm section perfect for swimming! @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-square-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thebambootraveler_com-square-2','ezslot_34',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-square-2-0'); They also can help with arranging tours and hiking, kayaking, and paragliding opportunities. This and the dinner are no doubt the best opportunities to meet people while you are staying here as everyone is in good spirits and ready to socialize. The most expensive rooms also have stunning views of the lake and volcanoes. The resort also houses a traditionaltemazcal, and a communal lounge with a fireplace. About Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption. Its still quite pretty. The hotel grounds and garden are gorgeous. Theyve got a terrace where you can sit and enjoy the lake views. You can also book this hostel on HostelWorld. A green and peaceful courtyard sits in the middle of the hotel. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by several villages, the most popular for tourists to stay at being San Pedro La Laguna and San Marcos. Plus! PRO TRAVEL TIP: Wondering whether to bring a suitcase or backpack? @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-small-rectangle-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thebambootraveler_com-small-rectangle-1','ezslot_29',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thebambootraveler_com-small-rectangle-1-0'); Jaibalito is a very tiny village on the northern shore of Lake Atitlan. It's the deepest lake in Central America, with a maximum depth of 340 metres, and it's nearly 18 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide. The best towns set up for travelers are definitely Panajachel, San Pedro La Laguna, and Santa Cruz La Laguna. I highly recommend getting travel insurance. There is a restaurant where you can have a fairly inexpensive meal. You can easily travel here from Antigua by tourist shuttle or simply jump on a water taxi from Panajachel to San Pedro. Besides yoga, theres a tamascal (Maya sauna).and lots of dance parties. Two added bonuses are the hot tub and sauna. Now for another affordable private room in Lake Atitlan Hotel Posada Don Carlos is an excellent option. 2. Tip #3: Avoid weekends. Theres a dock out in front where you can swim or kayak. This will help you narrow down the best place for you on Lake Atitlan. My feelings about it are mixed. Theres a private beach area and a restaurant. Sadly, besides house rentals, there arent a lot of hotels in Jaibalito.A view of Lake Atitlan from Hotel La Casa del Mundo. Here are some things I was told not to do: Anywhere you go in Guatemala, avoid using ATMs on the street. In some villages (San Marcos, San Pedro, and Panajachel) the Maya have found themselves in a position of coexisting with a new kind of colonizerwealthy foreign hippies who have moved into the villages, bought up lake side property, and opened up yoga retreats, hotels, restaurants. Casa del Mundo has rooms with shared baths as well as rooms with private baths. This is one of the few hostels located in San Marcos La Laguna, which is the yogi/hippie place around the lake. Throughout my travels around Central America, I would generally spend $20.00 per night in a decent dorm room. It is the perfect place to grab breakfast and lunch, and the food they serve up is freakin delicious. You can grab a cup of coffee in the morning, a good book, and sit and look out as the sun rises and sets over the lake. If youre doing the Acatenango hike, El Mirador hike, or the Xela-Lake Atitlan hike, youll need a backpack. Onsite there is a beautiful open area with views out over the lake and you can find plenty of places to chill out and relax. There is also San Marcos La Laguana as well though they are a bit more limited in terms of hostels and generally cater to a more upmarket yogi crowd. Though what people travel and stay here for is the social atmosphere. They also offer plenty of activities and hold themed parties, pool competitions, and of course beer pong tournaments. Here youll find a few hotels, a hostel, and private homes. San Marcos la Laguna: Now if you are more of a free-spirited type of person or quite into the yoga scene you may want to think about basing yourself in San Marcos. However, the views from Jaibalito are the best on the lake. Tip #2: Book well in advanceat least 1 month. But as San Marcos became more and more crowded, the hippie ex-pat crowd moved over to Tzununa and started opening businesses like yoga retreats, restaurants, and all kinds of new-age businesses geared toward mind and body health. Populated for centuries by theTzutujil, itslocated directly beneath Volcn San Pedro, and is a starting place for many different hikes. If youre looking for a modern hotel with comfortable and spacious rooms, then this is a good choice. The lake sits in a huge volcanic crater and is surrounded by not one but three volcanos. If youre interested in learning more about the people of Guatemala, these towns are a great place to stay in. Lake Atitlan is located in western Guatemala. Santa Cruz La Laguna is one of the best places to stay at Lake Atitlan, in my opinion.
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