Santiago Atitlan Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Santiago Atitlan showing a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Climb up volcanoes and learn about indigenous art and culture at this picturesque Mayan town on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

Santiago Atitlán lies in a bay at the foot of two volcanoes, surrounded by forest-covered mountains. This is the largest community on the banks of Lake Atitlán and is where many locals wear historical costume. Visit for the natural beauty and traditional architecture and discover more about the indigenous way of life.

At almost every turn Santiago Atitlán, you will see a volcano. Directly above the town are the volcanoes Volcán San Pedro and Volcán Toliman. Embark on strenuous hikes to the craters for the best views of the area.

Learn about the region’s past at the 16th-century Parish Church of St. James the Apostle. Look at the marble plaques that detail the history of the town. Study the carvings on the pulpit that mix Mayan and Catholic figures and symbols. If you are in luck, you might see one of the town’s religious icons, a small statue of St. Maximón. The effigy of this Mayan folk saint is passed between residents, moving to a different house each year following the Easter celebrations. Ask around and you might discover where he is being kept.

As you walk through the streets, note the similarity of the clothes that many of the locals are wearing. Men usually sport white shorts with purple stripes, while the women are dressed in purple skirts and blouses embroidered with colourful images of native birds and flowers. Get insight into the significance of these outfits at the Cojola Association of Maya Women Weavers. Visit this small museum to hear about the origin and development of the costumes. Watch one of the daily demonstrations of backstrap loom weaving, an ancient art that has been practiced for centuries.

Dine in a traditional restaurant and try some of the local specialties such as a type of stew called pulique and patín, a dish made with small fish from the lake. There are also several restaurants serving international food.

Access to Santiago Atitlán is relatively straightforward, unlike some of the smaller lakeside communities. A regular bus service runs daily from Guatemala City, about 77 miles (124 kilometres) away. Alternatively, rent a car to reach the picturesque town and its cultural delights.

Hotel Palmera Dorada
Hotel Palmera Dorada
3.5 out of 5
4ta Avenida Zona 2, 8199, Santiago Atitlan, Sololá
The price is ฿5,462 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿5,462
฿6,663 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Santiago Atitlan. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Cojolya Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
"I strongly recommend this hotel to all tourists who want to have a great time in the area"

Reviewed on 10 Jun 2024

Hotel Palmera Dorada
Tiosh Abaj
Tiosh Abaj
3 out of 5
Cantón Tzanjuyu, Santiago Atitlan, Solola
The price is ฿2,144 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿2,144
฿2,723 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Santiago Atitlan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Central Park ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"The hotel is beautifully maintained and peaceful."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2024

Tiosh Abaj
Hotel Los Olivos
Hotel Los Olivos
2.5 out of 5
Calle Pachavac, Shaley Ywanjay, Santiago Atitlan, Solola
Stay at this hotel in Santiago Atitlan. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Cojolya Museum ...
7.6/10 Good! (25 reviews)
"So unprofessional staff at the receptionist and unprofessional plus we got over charged and we got the worst rooms"

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2024

Hotel Los Olivos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
3 out of 5
San Marcos La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, Solola
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in San Marcos La Laguna. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
a little too remote for me, but very pleasant
"Only there for a night. The host/manager could have done a better job explaining how to get there, instead of simply suggesting to use Waze maps! Also, they are building a new house at the bottom of the property, so it's a little dangerous having to walk thru a construction site to get to the beach ..."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
Villas Jucanya
Villas Jucanya
3.5 out of 5
Barrio Jucanya, Calle del Lago, Frente al Lago (juegos infantiles), Panajachel, Solola
Stay at this 3.5-star beach holiday home in Panajachel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and La Galeria are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"Excellent place to rest, amazing view."

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2023

Villas Jucanya
Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
3 out of 5
Calle del Embarcadero, Panajachel, Sololá
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Panajachel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private beach and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Azul Maya Archaeological ...
6/10 (5 reviews)
"This property was amazing to stay at. The rooms are cute little cabins, with a very comfortable bed and two nightstands. Very minimalistic but it’s all you need and waking up to an unobstructed sunrise view of the volcano on Lake Atitlan. The club and lounge that is nearby the property has the best ..."

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2023

Club Azul Rosa VIP Guest Rooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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