Santiago Atitlán

Travel Guide

Santiago Atitlan showing a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Santiago Atitlan showing religious elements
Santiago Atitlan which includes markets
Santiago Atitlan showing markets
Santiago Atitlan featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

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 colorful 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 kilometers) away. Alternatively, rent a car to reach the picturesque town and its cultural delights.

Hotel Vista Dorada Hacia Dios
Hotel Vista Dorada Hacia Dios
3 out of 5
Cantón Tzamchicham, Santiago Atitlán, Solola
The price is NT$1,426 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
NT$1,426
NT$1,740 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Central Park are ...
8/10 Very Good! (18 reviews)
Not so good
"Location is not so good, outside town, to will walk. No restaurant at hotel. View to lake is nice."

Reviewed on 2024/3/29

Hotel Vista Dorada Hacia Dios
Hotel Los Olivos
Hotel Los Olivos
2.5 out of 5
Calle Pachavac, Shaley Ywanjay, Santiago Atitlán, Solola
Stay at this hotel in Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Cojolya Museum ...
7.8/10 Good! (31 reviews)
"Great hotel and great food"

Reviewed on 2025/3/2

Hotel Los Olivos
Tiosh Abaj
Tiosh Abaj
2.5 out of 5
Cantón Tzanjuyu, Santiago Atitlán, Solola
The price is NT$1,924 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
NT$1,924
NT$2,444 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Santiago Atitlán. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Central Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (56 reviews)
"Great place for relax and increíble views beautiful gardens and excellent service, friendly staff and big rooms the only big inconvenience is the road to get there the town has very small Allies so the chance to get stuck there is very big be careful and recommend a lighted sign to the hotel because ..."

Reviewed on 2025/5/5

Tiosh Abaj
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.
Sarnai
Sarnai
4.5 out of 5
123 Lake Dr, San Marcos La Laguna, Sololá Department
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in San Marcos La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Great room. I had not hot shower for 2 days though."

Reviewed on 2025/5/19

Sarnai
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Place is perfect for a couples retreat."

Reviewed on 2025/6/12

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 vacation home in Panajachel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and La Galeria are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
"Todo está muy bien el personal muy amable Lo único que no me gustó fue que tiene aire acondicionado Y hace mucho calor"

Reviewed on 2025/3/17

Villas Jucanya
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Santiago Atitlán

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Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Santiago Atitlan has much to offer, from pleasant scenery, outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating, etc, shopping, and wonderful dining experiences. There are many shops with beautiful souvenirs and handwoven articles along the primera calle.

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