Thin-crust, gooey cheese, lightly charred. The hike to San Marcos is one of the most iconic trails around the lake and takes about three hours one way. The food was lip-smacking good. Zoola is a funfor day drinking in the pool (and its the cleanest pool I experiencedin Central America). Most of the villages in Lake Atitlan are built onto hills, but Santa Cruz is the steepest one of all. Get to know this 17.4-km out-and-back trail near Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solol. The best rides take you at scenic overlooks where the lake shimmers in front of you. Great views on most of the trail. Would you prefer lake views? In the area around Santa Cruz la Laguna Ive seen bronzed cowbirds, clay-colored thrushes, a squirrel cuckoo, and northern rough-wing swallows. more. Alternatively, you can walk up into the town of Santa Cruz and find the single ATM there. I landed sideways. Por lo general, se considera una ruta moderada, que se tarda una media de 5 h 45 min en recorrer. Jaibalito, Guatemala, is known asthe town people dont want you to know about on Lake Atitlan. The beds are hand-carved and theres a grand piano upstairs. Looking for something more formal? Tiny villages, large towns, Gringoheavens, Indigenous communities. per night. Probably the best wifi I found in town, too. Boats are a hazard, so swim close to shore. When it comes to accommodation on Lake Atitlan, Panajachel has the most extensive selection and best options. It includes:* why bargaining is culturally important* ground rules to get you started* tips to take you to the next level* common bargaining phrases* bargaining stories from real life. Theres not much to do in Jaibalito, but thats where I think the charm lies. Street tacos are abundant on Calle Santander and elsewhere. I enjoy birding, though I do it as a casual pastime. You can get full body, facial, Thai, reiki, Swedish, and integrative massages. Youll find the best sunsets from December to February; other months of the year, its rainy or it gets cloudy by late afternoon. Climb San Pedro Volcano. There are 3 ways to get from Santa Cruz La Laguna to San Marcos La Laguna by ferry, taxi or foot. A crossbody purse that zips. Do not pay more than Q25 for the public boat. Of all the towns on Lake Atitlan, Panajachel has the best views of the sunset. guidance. Posada Jaibalito (no website! Fill in the form below to get my bargaining guide! Astrology? You get a good sense of the size and beauty of the lake when on two wheels. Take a Mayan cooking class. We took a boat to Santa Cruz and hiked to Tzununa. Guatemala City Airport, near Antigua, is the closest airport to Lake Atitlan. Safety: Reasonably safe, though its always good to have a hiking buddy. And the different villages that surround it are so interesting and diverse, each with its own personality. Want a hike? San Marcos to Santa Cruz La Laguna Nothing beats an early-morning paddle on Lake Atitln! I cantbelieve I found legitimate, Italian-quality pasta in Guatemala. The best cheap place to stay on Lake Atitlan is San Pedro La Laguna. Santa Cruz La Laguna - San Marcos La Laguna Taxi from Santa Cruz La Laguna to San Juan La Laguna. I recommend going with a hiking buddy or two and a guide. I recommend spending at least four days exploring the different towns of the lake. I havent visited the next towns on Lake Atitlan, but I thought they were worth including in the list for informational purposes: The largest townon Lake Atitlan, Santiago is famous for its church (people make its saints handmade clothes! I say this in jest, but seriously. the fantastic beach town of El Tunco in El Salvador. Amazon has lots of affordable options. Santa Cruz La Laguna If youre exercising, its acceptable to wear long shorts. San Pedro, Guatemala, is known as the backpacker town of Lake Atitlan. Get your kick of adrenaline in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 9.2/10 Wonderful! There are tons of things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Some people come in from Tuxtla Gutierrez near San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. This is the method I recommend. I am a huge fan of this kind of tourism tourism where you get a taste of the daily life and culture of the place youre visiting. Youll pass lodges, hotels, resorts, chalets, giant trees, fishing piers, and more. Nous avons crois un trs gros serpent en chemin ! 2023 Adventurous Kate | Powered by Reggio Digital. I use and recommendWorld Nomadsfor trips to Guatemala. (I dressed as a very cold person in a giant wool blanket). If you participate in the open mic, you get a free shot of tequila. Each beautiful place is so different than the last and its worth exploring as many as possible. Outdoor workers often wear long sleeves and hats to protect themselves from the sun. There are plenty of tour agencies offering day trips and tours around the entire lake. Some folks have been "orientation challenged" because there are no signs marking the trail. Santa Catarina is most easily accessed from Panajachel, by road, hiking, or boat. Get your hippie on. Head left or right away from the main boat launch and walk along the shore until you find a nice spot. Ferry 50 min. Everything you need to know is inside this bargaining guide. Los Elementos Adventure Camp offers a rock climbing tour for those with any range of experience. (It was worth it. Take a taxi from Santa Cruz La Laguna to Guatemala City 128.3 km. They accept short-term volunteers (2-4 weeks), and long-term volunteers. This is great as a backup source for internet. The lake is still calmest in the morning, as the xocomil winds pick up in the afternoon. Fancy a steep uphill climb through narrow alleyways? Note: This hike may be the same as the hike to Mirador Chuw Kortel above Santa Cruz la Laguna. During the rainy season, wear shoes that can handle slippery mud. From there youll get to experience panoramic views of an Atitlan sunrise in perfect silence. This vocational center is run under the auspices of the Amigos de Santa Cruz NGO. Santa Cruz is a great place to chill, whether that means watching lightning spangle the sky behind the volcanoes, trying out a Mayan sauna, or playing board games. One way to do this in Santa Cruz la Laguna is by going on a community tour. "No gracias" to more emails? A great family summer camp experience. Read More Ride Atitln Guatemala Motorcycle TourContinue. Just hang out and relax. Get your adrenaline pumping on the highest zipline in Guatemala (and one of the longest), enjoy amazing views of Lake Atitln, and have a Guatemalan-style grill-out. Here are the top-rated hotels in Santa Cruz, Guatemala: Cafe Sabor Cruceno is a culinary school creating Guatemalan and fusion dishes. Available everywhere on the main drag and always delicious. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The village is about 0.35 miles (600m) uphill from the dock (there are tuk-tuks if you don't fancy the stiff walk). Leave your valuables at your hotel. Is San Marcos la Laguna Safe? This retreat puts on all kinds of yoga classes and events. The trail after Tzununa follows the main road, which isn't as scenic but it was, overall, still an enjoyable way to get between two towns and see more of the lake. Sign up for the family dinner at La Iguana Perdida by 3 pm, then head over for a delicious supper (held at 7 pm), followed by an open mic night. Santa Cruz La Laguna - San Marcos La Laguna. If your hotel doesnt have a Mayan sauna, you can book a temazcal experience with Santa Cruz Jo. Lake Atitlan is generally an extremely safe place for travelers, due in part to the Mayan laws of conduct. You also may end up paying a significant surcharge for using a credit card. I didnt get to go when I was there (I was scuba diving), but shopping for local fruit and veggies is always a fun experience. To book a cooking class, contact Claudia Cumes directly (tel: +502 4794-0816), or book the tour through GetYourGuide. Another way to get to Santa Cruz is by land. Diversity off the track, flat, steep, small towns, plants, sand, woods . Although I havent done this myself yet, Ive met Marshall, the owner, and can say with confidence that hes both personable and professional. Tolle Route, abenteuerlich, mal steil mal gerade. Come here to get into your mystical side, or come here for the beautiful scenery. Some are happy to pose forphotos, but always ask permission before you take a photo of a Mayan person. This is an extremely steep climb along narrow rocky trails. Family pricing is available. I consider it one of the safest places Ive traveled in Central America, a region Ive traveled solo extensively. Most of the Gringo-oriented businesses are right down at the lakes edge; once you climb into town, its purely local. This couldnt be more false. When my friends and I went, we paid Q15 per person on the way to Santa Cruz and Q20 per person on the way back. There are a few steep cliffs in the tiny bay by Casa del Mundo where people have cliff-jumped in the past. I love learning about the places I visit, meeting locals, and hearing about their lives and projects. Santa Cruz is pretty small, after all. This was one of my favorite experiences in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Im usually at Sublime every evening, and they do funtheme nights like funk night, Disney night, and a black light party. Youll interact with students at the vocational school, eat a yummy lunch prepared by some of the students, learn about nutrition and early childhood development projects, and explore the steep narrow alleys of this Mayan village. Check out these different hikes (and walks) you can do in the area. These two peaks in the valley offer great views of the lake. Many of these paths are safe, like between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito, but the situation can change frequently, so ask locals whether its safefor you to do so. No point walking it. More on Semuc Champey here.). San Marcos, Guatemala, is known as the hippie town of Lake Atitlan. San Pedro is home to the lowest prices on Lake Atitlan, making this a popular spot for backpackers traveling long-term on the cheap. ), also known as Hanss place, is a casual hostel and restaurant dishing up surprisingly good schnitzel. Come to Lake Atitlan and youll be surrounded by Mayans. you could do it in a few hours without stopping, but we stopped for a coffee at casa del mundo (great coffee, awesome place to relax in the shade and sit). The paths tend to run either horizontally to the lake, or perpendicular, so it isnt too hard to find your way back to the start point. I find thatSkyscannertends to have the cheapest prices for flights. If youre traveling to Santa Cruz with your family, Los Elementos Adventure Center offers family fun day and family adventure tours that include transport from Panajachel. How to get there: Follow the directions for the hike to Jaibalito in the section above. Walk to the top of the village. If not, that's a problem! Options: One fun alternative is to ask about doing a half-day kayak and hike tour at Los Elementos Adventure Center, based in Santa Cruz. It doubles back to the right, goes through a community called Las Minas, and turns into a narrow dirt road. Let's dive in! Want to develop huge muscles in your calves? Another cool Santa Cruz la Laguna hike that I have on my bucket list is rock-hopping up the Ro Pashputin. Villa Sumaya This spa and wellness center offers a large selection of massages, energy therapies, reflexology, and acupuncture treatments. Radio Taxi San Marcos Phone +34 922 64 11 12 Website . Second, Lake Atitlan is home to a primarily Indigenouscommunity. many cars and it wasn't that unpleasant. While I was in Santa Cruz, I enjoyed hanging out in the hammocks at La Iguana Perdida. Hiked one-way from Santa Cruz to San Marcos. Its in a remote area and few people walk along here. Read More Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna GuatemalaContinue. The meal includes an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Woo! At night,noise swells competing churches play incredibly loud and boisterous music, while in the middle of the night, all of the dogs on the lake seem to be barking at each other. Santa Catarina is also home to hot springs (aguastermales) that appear to be built right into the lake. Keep in mind that many Mayans dont like being photographed. Felt very safe throughout and passed multiple hikers and locals throughout. There is something for everyone, whether you enjoy diving into culture and traditional practices, hiking, kayaking, shopping, or learning a new skill. For example, if you pay with a credit card at La Iguana Perdida, youll pay a 4% surcharge. Paddle around the bay, explore the cliffs, and check out the slew of resorts and chalets sitting snug among trees, cliffs, and landscaped grounds. El Tunco, El Salvador: The Ultimate Offbeat Beach Town, Sailing from Caye Caulker to Placencia, Belize, A Volcanic Rural Getaway of Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, Alive in the Vibrant City of Len, Nicaragua, Things to Do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, Rocking Out on Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, Into the Monteverde Cloud Forest of Costa Rica, Backpacking Southeast Asia vs. Backpacking Central America. Check out these water activities you can do in Santa Cruz! Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. Have a brain for facts? Santa Cruz La Laguna - San Marcos La Laguna This hike leads up the river valley between dramatic cliffs dotted with small waterfalls. If you arent sure of the trail, you can hire a local woman to guide you. Enjoy a hike though lush scenery to the top of 9,908-feet (3,020-meter) tall San Pedro Volcano. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, is one of the most magical destinations in all of Central America. Other lines run direct between Panajachel and San Pedro, Panajachel and Santiago, and Santiago and San Pedro. Have you been to Lake Atitlan? He is the kindest, friendliest, most interesting man, he will talk your ear off in the best way, and I promise that you will feel so happy and light after having a conversation with him. Some of the best lake views are around San Pedro. Casa del Mundo was a nice stop along the way for a quick beverage. 37 Spectacular Things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna I dont know what it is, but several of my friends and I had crazy dreams the whole time we were on the lake, especially in Jaibalito. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Really nice trail, especially between Jaibalito and Tzununa. Travel insurance will save you if you get sick or injured and need medical attention, or if you get robbed on your trip and need money. Lake Atitlan is very safe one of the safest places in Latin America. Its located on the main plaza in town. Don your bins and wander the trails yourself, or book a birdwatching tour through Voltan Adventures. Most of Santa Cruzs tourist industry is owned and operated by ex-pats, but community tourism initiatives are now on the rise. From the dock, head straight up the path toward the center of town and take the first path on the left. It is an interesting cultural time to visit, but definitely not the most tranquil. Lets dive in! Very pretty trail, easy to moderate in just a few spots. Dont miss my posts on Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna and Where to Eat in Santa Cruz la Laguna. A shame. Dont go straight to the 40-foot jump. This 30-minute hike will take you along a well-marked trail and paved path from Santa Cruz la Laguna to Jaibalito. Well maintained trail. This beautiful hillside town on the shores of Lake Atitln offers visitors a varied menu of wonderful activities from massages and Mayan saunas to rock climbing, hiking, scuba diving, and more. Many of the hotels and hostels in Santa Cruz have a Mayan sauna, or temazcal on the grounds. We chatted with another guest about her research into Mayan ruins and watched lightning shimmer through the clouds while the sky grew steadily darker. My friends and I sat around a table on the patio of La Iguana Perdida, drinking tea. Take the tuk tuk for the last mile and a half. As you follow the trail, there are a lot of places to take pictures of the lake, volcanoes, surrounding towns and a few houses. Welcome to heaven. I Still Dont Know How I Feel About Antigua, Guatemala. Find the travel option that best suits you. The cheapest way to get from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to La Laguna costs only 1, and the quickest way takes just 8 mins. Which town was your favorite? Are you wondering where to stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala? Sometimes you cant fit in everything. no issues with safety but due to past robberies on the trail, i hid my money and phone in my sports bra if we saw people haha. They are actively seeking a photographer/videographer, acupuncturist/herbalist, and anyone with hospitality and computer skills. But I understand. Santa Cruz La Laguna to San Marcos La Laguna Ferries Ever dived at altitude before?! There are 3 ways to get from San Marcos La Laguna to Santa Cruz La Laguna by ferry, taxi or foot. Their highlight was learning how to weave from a group of Mayan women at Lema, a collective in town. Prices vary and can be negotiated. If youre heading into the upper village of Santa Cruz, I recommend wearing modest clothing to show respect for the locals. Lake Atitlans one dive shop, ATI Divers, is located in Santa Cruz. Manifestation? award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert This tour visits San Juan, San Pedro, and Santiago, while this tour visits San Antonio Palopo and Santa Catarina. May 14, 2023 Hiking Really easy to follow trail. Enjoy the crackling flames and the stars over Lake Atitln. This tour is led by Tomasa, a local woman and weaving expert. It may also be a good idea to hire a local guide. Prepare forcrazy dreams. Yup, thats the number one consideration when it comes to hiking this volcano as youve probably discovered if youve done the least bit of googling. (Keep in mind that Panajachel has many of the same items in the local market for cheaper.) Just dont get lost! The cheapest way to get from San Marcos to Santa Cruz La Laguna costs only $17, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. per night. Its also conveniently located for day trips to other towns on the lake. Follow it up to the football field, then cross the football field, heading towards the far goalpost. Use your skills, talents, and passion to make the world a better place by volunteering at this wonderful NGO. There are several beauty salons, too, if youre in need of a manicure or a wax. I know this is not advised, but I went alone, with minimal belongings, and all was totally fine. Another neat experience is shopping at the farmers market. Not only that, the mountains are still lush and green after the rainy season. Dry season runs from November to April; youll experience the clearest, sunniest days from January through March. You can also get a local sim or esim card and set up a local hotspot. Do the best you can, but dont let the price ruin your trip. The beginning is a little hidden on the Santa Cruz side but all trails was very accurate. The easiest way to get cash for your trip is to go to an ATM in Panajachel before you catch the boat to Santa Cruz la Laguna. Prueba esta ruta de ida y vuelta de 10,8-millas cerca de Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solol. A lot more ups and downs than I expected. If youd like to hire him, contact him at +502 4627 5285 and tell him I sent you. This picturesque town on the shores of Lake Atitln offers a great variety of hotels, hostels, and rentals. I love chatting with locals everywhere I travel. Turn right, and follow the river up into the gorge, going as far as you like. To get there, walk up the steep road to the town of Santa Cruz. I live in Guatemala where I spent my childhood swimming in caldera lakes, mountain biking through maize fields, and toasting marshmallows over molten lava. I did the hike part way - into Jaibilito, and met up with a couple that was going on to San Marcos - we had no problems into Jaibilito in late December. If youve been spending a bit too much money on a long-term trip, this is a great place to spend time without breaking the bank. Admire the breathtaking views of the lake's glistening water, encompassing mountains and waterfront villages. Free Cerveza Hostel and Sunset Lodge are two examples. You can buy a day pass for Community Day Fridays, where you can join the open mic or just hang out and meet fellow cool people. Once out of Jaibalito, you immediately start climbing. Vulcano Lodge, a hotel in Jaibalito I adored, has closed since the original publication of this post. If youd like to volunteer at a hostel in exchange for room and board, La Iguana Perdida could be a perfect choice. Panajachel, a.k.a. Explore the painted streets, eat fresh food, and sip on highland coffee. Check out these awesome cultural things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala. Jaibailito is a small lakeside town in the next bay over, boasting a quiet atmosphere, a lovely valley, and a handful of great restaurants. Chichicastenangohasan enormous and enormously popular market on Sundays and Thursdays. If you enjoy shopping or simply want a few mementos from Santa Cruz, walk up the hill to the handicraft shop in CECAP. I think this is the best place to swim in Lake Atitlan. After all the praises I had heard sung about San Marcos, I was stunned to see how smallit actually was! It hurt. If youd rather do things on your own, rent a kayak and paddle towards Jaibalito. El Jaibalito, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solola. Probably difficult (to the point of dangerous) when raining due to water crossings. Here are the top-rated hotels in Panajachel: Chez Alexis the fanciest and most expensive place in town but let me tell you that at low Guatemalan prices, its so worth it. Another adventurous activity you can do in Santa Cruz la Laguna is to take a pickup tour. Circus Barhas greatpizza and live music on the weekends. Note: Club Ven Aca, once a mainstay of Jaibalito, has closed since the original publication of this post. Thanks! I had a fantastic steak with green peppercorn saucealong withplenty of red wine. Santa Cruz La Laguna to San Marcos La Laguna ***, Table of ContentsWhy Visit Santa Cruz la Laguna?Things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna-Hikes & Walks-Adventure Things to Do-Water Activities to Do-Relaxing Things to Do-Cultural Things to Do-Fun Things to DoVolunteer in Santa Cruz la LagunaHow to get to Santa Cruz la LagunaWhen to Visit Santa Cruz la LagunaSanta Cruz la Laguna FAQsNearby Attractions. Keep walking for five minutes. Youll end up in a lovely ravine with a waterfall. Ive gone twice with Jos Manuel Cumes, a local guide based out of Panajachel. Best Thingsto Do in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan. The trail winds along lakeside cliffs and down into the valleys of Jaibalito, Tzunun, and San Marcos. Now that you know what things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna, be sure to check out my upcoming posts on Where to Stay in Santa Cruz and What to Eat in this fabulous Lake Atitln destination. Help me dedicate more time and resources to tracking down awesome Guatemalan destinations and writing more helpful posts and guides.Donate Now, 2023 Guate Adventure - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, 25 Magical Things to Do in San Juan la Laguna, Volcn San Pedro Hike 2023 Risks & Rewards, Parque Ecolgico Chuiraxamolo Economical Adventures, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala, Ultimate Food Tour Antigua 11 Stellar Options, Finca El Amate *Honest Review & Visitors Guide*, Visit the Fabulous La Aurora Zoo Guatemala, 17 Best Hotels Close to Guatemala City Airport, Rock Climbing at Los Elementos Adventure Center, family fun day and family adventure tours, getting or upgrading your scuba certification, boutique paddle-boarding tours at SUP Atitln, tourist transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel, tourist transfer from Antigua to Panajachel, great things to do in Guatemalas premium colonial town. If you want an adrenaline rush, you can also find places to cliff-jump in Santa Cruz la Laguna. A relatively new place perched on the hillside between Santa Cruz la Laguna and San Marcos. Visit Tzununa: 2023 Travel Guide for Tzununa, Santa Cruz La Laguna Started in San Marcos, after about half an hour to me it started to be nice! Our dive instructor, Pollo, grilled a ton of juicy chicken, and there were a half dozen salads and sides to choose from. Generally boats run in either direction from town to town from Panajachel-Santa Cruz-Jaibalito-Tzununa-San Marcos-San Juan-San Pedro . Rideshare from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to San Cristobal de La Laguna Ave. We had no issues. Duration 50 min Frequency On demand Get the Rome2Rio app Find the best way to get from A to B, anywhere in the world, on your mobile or tablet. Like all other destinations, keep an eye on your belongings and dont drink too much. Los Elementos The massage therapist at Los Elementos Adventure Center has 30 years of experience in different kinds of massage. This unique Lake Atitln village dates back to 1540. You can also take a public boat over the market in Panajachel. Tickets cost $4 and the journey takes 1h 19m. Its forbiddenfor Mayans to entertain romance with non-Mayans. Make sure to stock up on cash in Panajachel or San Pedro before visiting the other towns. It took about an hour to heat up using the inset fireplace on the outside. Learn Spanish. Ask around for a local to walk with you for a more enriching experience. Santa Cruz is perfect for backpackers, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or visitors with an interest in Kaqchikel culture. I would take a tuk-tuk instead next time. Swimming is also a refreshing thing to do while in Santa Cruz la Laguna. They are looking for website and computer-related help. Most visitors take a public lancha from the Tzanjuyu docks in Panajachel. If you arent staying at Free Cerveza, you can still join the sunrise paddle board session for a Q50 fee. The guidebook binder at La Iguana Perdida says that everyone raves about this tour for being one of the most unique and authentic experiences you can have.. Lake Atitlan is known for its mystical pull, and the pull is strongest in San Marcos, attracting a hippie community. Women wear a traditional blouse, called a gipil, and a corte, a wrap-around skirt. Jaibalito to San Marcos la Laguna Hotel Playa Linda is a highly rated and cheap alternative. Half of the indigenous people you see will just barely speak Spanish anyway. (Or try a few unusual tropical fruits). All rights reserved. It is on a corner and has a rooftop caf you can enjoy as well. Hike Indian Nose Peak at sunrise. Tzunun is the halfway point. Ati Divers was founded by Deedle Denman, owner of La Iguana Perdida hostel. Youll love these magical things to do in San Juan la Laguna Guatemala. Santa Cruz is an amazing place to go hiking! This tour takes you up into the mountains for the best view over the lake. Although many hotels and tour operators now accept credit cards, youll still need cash for several things such as boat and tuc tuc fares. Ce ntait pas du tout 6h seulement 2h entre San Marcos et Santa Cruz.