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Tzununa Guatemala and San Marcos Lake Atitlan

San Marcos La Laguna is one of the most special places I visited. In this itinerary I talk about my experiences and lodging options like San Marcos La Laguna Hotels.

  • San Juan La Laguna, an artistic town on the Lake+ 4
  • The view from Maya Moon
  • Some more views
  • Tzununa Guatemala and San Marcos Lake Atitlan
ijuri.s
by ijuri.s
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

North AmericaGuatemala21 days / March - April 2022

Highs & Lows

The community, the activities and the landscape as it is bordering Lake Atitlan.

Infrastructure such as transportation and waste managemant in the town as well as in the whole region.

Itinerary Overview

I stayed there twice for around two weeks. I loved it for its activities such as yoga classes, breathwork, ecstatic dances, cacao ceremonies and all kind of interesting workshops. I also met some of the most interesting, humble and loving people there. The town attracts a special bunch of people which make a very special community which I vibed with a lot.

The landscape of the region is also stunning. Lake Atitlan is situated in a vally surrounded by the vulcanoes San Pedro, Tolimán y Atitlán. On a clear day you can even observe the active volcano Fuego. 

The climate is also a big plus of this region. Being around 1400m above sea level, all year through one can enjoy mild temperatures between 15-25 degrees celius. I recommend travelling in the dry season (december - march) as you will have warmer temperatures and on most days a clear sky. 

 

  • 9 Nights: Tzununa
    Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet.
  • 12 Nights: San Marcos La Laguna
    One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central.
Tzununa - Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet.
1

Tzununa Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet.

Tzununa - Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet. - San Juan La Laguna, an artistic town on the Lake
San Juan La Laguna, an artistic town on the Lake
Tzununa - Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet. - The view from Maya Moon
The view from Maya Moon
Tzununa - Fair quality-price relation, direct access to the lake, very quiet. - Some more views
Some more views

Maya Moon Lodge is located between the two towns San Marcos La Laguna and Tzununa.  It is possible to walk to both. Walking to Tzununa takes around 5-10 minutes, altough in the town itself there is not much to see. I recommend therefore walking the main street further up. There you will find some restaurant, Gaia Dance Temple and the permaculture farm Atitlan Organics. 
Walking to San Marcos La Laguna which takes around 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a boat from the private deck which takes 5 minutes and should not cost more than 10Q. 

The Lodge has a restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A big plus is its private deck for sunbathing and direct access to the lake. I took a dip in the cold water every morning to start my day fresh.

Some of the activities around are doing hikes to some waterfalls, viewpoints or to other towns. Many people also hire stand-up boards or kanus and enjoy their day on the water.

You can also walk up to Gaia Dance Temple which hosts Ecstatic Dances every sunday.

 

San Marcos La Laguna - One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central.
2

San Marcos La Laguna One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central.

San Marcos La Laguna - One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central. - Art in San Marcos La Laguna
Art in San Marcos La Laguna
San Marcos La Laguna - One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central. - Concert by the lake
Concert by the lake
San Marcos La Laguna - One of the better and price worthy hostels in town. It has a well equipped kitchen and is very central. - One of the many restaurants in town1+
One of the many restaurants in town

This town with all its workshops, classes, shops and restaurants is best discovered by foot as it is rather small. You will find a broad variety of restaurants from all corners of the world, most of them also offering a good variety of vegan/vegetarian/gluten free dishes. In between there are many artists selling their products, mostly clothing and jewelery. 

I recommend strolling around the 'hippie lane', the main street in town, where all shops and restaurants are situated. Most of life you will find there. Pro tipp: Also explore the little side streets. You will find more exiting places there!

If you want to participate in some of the offered activities, look out on the hippie lane for the big advertising boards. Additionally, you can join the facebook group where events are announced, too.

The only ways to move around in town and the region are by Tuk Tuk's and by boat.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Book your place early-ish in advance. For priceworthy options I recommend the hostels La Fe, Casa Madera, Awachoch or Hostal del Lago.

  • Restaurant recommendations?

    La Paz, Samsara's Garden, Il Giardino

  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Come with an open mind and no itinerary and let yourself be taken by the flow of the town. Everything is very spontaneous.

  • Packing tips?

    Nothing special.

  • Transportation Tips?

    Arrive to the lake to Panajachel. You can use chicken buses. From there take a boat to San Marcos La Laguna which should not cost more than 25Q.

  • Booking details?

    Many places are not on common booking sites on the internet. The best is to book a few nights via a booking site and then once you arrived checking out other places.

Lodging