Guatemala

Bucket list Lake Atitlán, Guatemala (Lago de Atitlán)

Looking for things to do at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala? Then you should read this Lake Atitlán bucket list! Lake Atitlán (Lago de Atitlán) is one of the most visited destinations in Guatemala by national and international tourists. Lake Atitlan is simply stunning. On the shores of lake Atitlán you will find fairly unspoiled hillside villages and villages that openly welcome visitors to learn about their traditions, culture, and history. Unlike Antigua or Panajachel, you will not find many tourists here and have the chance to explore the real Guatemala! Every village has its own unique character and distinctive style of clothing.

If you’re looking for surreal scenery, tranquillity, and culture while visiting Guatemala, look no further than Lake Atitlán. This Lake Atitlán bucket list allows you to indulge all your senses at one of the largest lakes in Latin America. 

I marked the things that I have done.
Make sure to save this list for your trip to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala!

Bucket list San Antonio Palopó, Guatemala

✓ Learn to Make Pottery, for example at Ceramica Palopo Multicolor
– Shop some traditional clothes, for example at Tienda De Trajes Tipicas
– Visit a weaving cooperative, for example at Tienda Candelaria
✓ Visit the church

Click here to read more about San Antonio Palopo

Bucket list San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala

✓ Visit the 16th-century Parroquia de San Lucas
– Hike to the top of Volcan Tolimán
✓ Visit the little Parque Central
– Hike to the Hill of Gold; Cerro de Oro
– Do some voluntary work at Friends of San Lucas
✓ Overnight at Hotel Toliman

Click here to read more about San Lucas Tolimán

Bucket list Panajachel, Guatemala

✓ Take a weaving class at Maya Traditions Foundation
✓ Watch the sunset in Sunset Café in Panajachel
✓ Check out the sunset down by the cemetery of Panajachel
✓ Make a panoramic photo of Panajachel and lake Atitlán
✓ See one of the many waterfalls of Panajachel
– Visit the Reserva Natural Atitlán
✓ Go shopping at Calle Santander
✓ Visit the church of St. Francis
✓ Take yoga or a workshop at La Casa Cakchiquel
– Go paragliding from Panajachel
✓ Learn about art and films at La Galeria
✓ Visit the cementerio in Panajachel
✓ Learn about chocolate at the ChocoMuseo
✓ Enjoy the nice views on the lake from Mirador del logo Atitlán
✓ Celebrate Independence Day in Panajachel on September 14
✓ Go massive drinking and enjoying the firework at the Festival of San Francisco de Asis
✓ Have a cinnamon roll at Cafeteria Cardamomo
✓ Eat an ice cream at Dolce Gelato
✓ Drink a coffee at café Loco
✓ Have a pizza at Circus Bar
✓ Eat tacos at Taquero Mucho
✓ Eat pupusas at Cheros Bar Pupusería
– Hangout at Hostel La Iguana Perdida
✓ Overnight at Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
✓ Overnight at Doña Virginia’s homestay

Click here to read our Panajachel bucket list with 20 things to do!

Bucket list San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala

✓ Wander around and see the various murals
– Go for a quick hike to El Cerro del La Cruz (the cross hill / the Cruz lookout)
Hike to Indian Nose from San Juan La Laguna and see a surreal sunrise
✓ Visit an organic coffee farm
✓ Go on a birdwatching tour, for example with the knowledgeable guide Juan of Hotel Uxlabil
– Participate in a painting workshop
✓ Visit the local art galleries
✓ Visit the catholic church of San Juan La Laguna
✓ Go wander one textile shop after another
✓ Watch a weaving- or natural dye demonstration
✓ Learn about chocolate at the Lake Atitlán Chocolate Factory: Licor Marron
– Learn about the nursery of medical plants
– Go on a cultural tour
✓ Try the best cheese and meat platters you will ever taste in Central America!
✓ Visit El Comedor Elenita and eat some traditional food
✓ Overnight in Eco hotel Uxlabil Atitlán
✓ Overnight at family hotel Posada Mana

Click here to discover 20 authentic things you absolutely must do in San Juan La Laguna

Bucket list San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala

✓ Wander around and see the various murals
– Climb the San Pedro Vulcano
✓ Visit the local market on the top of the hill
✓ Have a drink at Bar Sublime

Bucket list Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala

✓ Visit the natural hot springs
✓ Photograph the colored typical houses
✓ Visit the church

Click here to read more about Santa Catarina Palopó

Bucket list San Marcos, Guatemala

– Try a yoga class
– Sign up for a longer-term meditation retreat
– Balance your chakras

Bucket list Santa Cruz, Guatemala

– Party at Free Cervezas Hostel
– Eat at the culinary school of Cafe Sabor Cruceno
– Hike to Jaibalito and spend a day at Club Ven Aca

Santiago Atitlan, Santa Clara, or San Jose

✓ Visit these unspoiled villages to get a more complete picture of Mayan life.

Bucket list with general things to do around lake Atitlán, Guatemala

✓ Kayak at lake Atitlán
✓ Join a fisherman on lake Atitlán
✓ Take a photo at the docks (best in San Antonio Palopó or San Lucas Tolimán)
✓ Chill at the docks
✓ Visit the local market
✓ Try a choco banano (chocolate-covered frozen banana)
✓ Relax at a traditional Mayan sauna: a temazcal, for example at at eco-hotel Mayachik , hotel Uxlabil,  Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
✓ Learn Spanish
✓ Learn about the local food at a cook workshop
✓ Try tacos and sweet corn from a street vendor

Have you already visited lake Atitlán? Did you like it?
Do you know any other amazing things that should be added to this list?
Please let me know in the comment section below.

Author: Daphne

Pin this post if you’re planning to visit Lake Atitlán!

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