Lago de Atitlán, (English: Lake Atitlán), is a beautiful volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It is ringed by small towns, many of which are favourites among backpackers. The region encompasses the lake and the towns around them. Panajachel is best known, and a good entry point, but more off the beaten track are San Pedro La Laguna or the “less party, more meditation” village of San Marcos. Due to the region’s popularity, other towns along the lake, such as Santa Cruz la Laguna and San Juan, are now starting to see growing tourism.
- Jaibalito even smaller village on north side of Lake Atitlán, and one of the standard public lancha stops. Places to stay and eat for all budgets. Connected by a beautiful walking trail to Santa Cruz la Laguna.
- Panajachel– Lake Atitlan’s most visited town and transport hub for the whole lake
- San Antonio Palopo – Laid back and simple Mayan village. Can service tourists nicely but only a couple dozen at a time. Famous for its distinctive ceramics
- San Juan – emerging destination famous for its natural coloured dyed fabrics
- San Marcos La Laguna – “less party, more meditation” than San Pedro
- San Pedro La Laguna – a formerly laid-back small town with established backpacker reputation, where every house is a shop and has very aggressive touts
- Santa Catarina Palopo – an authentic Mayan village with an abundance of traditional Kaqchikel culture
- Santa Cruz la Laguna small village on north side of Lake Atitlán. If getting away from it all in magical surroundings.
- Santiago Atitlán, small town on south side of Lake Atitlán, famous for a shrine to Maximón not as spolied by turism as San Pedro and Panajachel