Santiago Atitlan

Travel Guide
Santiago Atitlan showing a coastal town and a bay or harbor
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 Palmera Dorada
Hotel Palmera Dorada
3.5 out of 5
4ta Avenida Zona 2, 8199, Santiago Atitlan, Sololá
The price is NT$5,159 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
NT$5,159
NT$6,294 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
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 2024/6/10

Hotel Palmera Dorada
Tiosh Abaj
Tiosh Abaj
3 out of 5
Cantón Tzanjuyu, Santiago Atitlan, Solola
The price is NT$2,025 per night from Nov 9 to Nov 10
NT$2,025
NT$2,572 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Santiago Atitlan. Enjoy free WiFi, 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 2024/8/19

Tiosh Abaj
Hotel Los Olivos
Hotel Los Olivos
2.5 out of 5
Calle Pachavac, Shaley Ywanjay, Santiago Atitlan, Solola
The price is NT$2,512 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
NT$2,512
NT$3,064 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
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 2024/9/4

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! (6 reviews)
"Amazingly beautiful view! Great amenities, and well-located. What to do with garbage was confusing though (throw organics off balcony and leave the rest is what we did). Asked the caretaker for a broom when it became clear that no one was cleaning during our stay, but never received one."

Reviewed on 2019/3/21

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"Excellent place to rest, amazing view."

Reviewed on 2023/1/4

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 WiFi, 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 2023/11/15

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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Reviews of Santiago Atitlan

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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.