Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in Lago Atitlán, Guatemala
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The hotels and resorts in Lake Atitlán have arguably some of the most incredible panoramic views in the world. Three immense, ancient volcanoes and colorful lakeside towns provide the picturesque backdrop for these lakeside towns.
When we were living in Lake Atitlán as digital nomads, we often “oohed and aahed” at the hotels we passed by while traveling from town to town via boat.
Some of them you could clearly make out from the water, while others were hidden among a canopy of shady trees and tropical flora.
In this guide, I’ll tell you where to stay, including amenities and the town where these hotels are located.
Whether you’re looking for the best budget-friendly hostels, beautiful boutique hotels, or luxurious 5-star resorts, these are the top-rated places to stay in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala!
Best Hotels in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick word of advice on where to stay in Lake Atitlan.
The lake is much bigger than you might expect, and traveling to the different towns around Lake Atitlan by boat can quickly get tiring.
For example, from Panajachel to San Pedro, you’ll stop at 5–6 docks and towns to pick up and drop off travelers, taking 35–40 minutes one-way.
If you want to explore the lake’s municipalities in a few days, day trips are possible but taxing.
This is why I recommend basing yourself in San Pedro, San Marcos, or San Juan, as this is where most of the activities are, and it’s easier to get around and check off your bucket list.
The lesser-known towns of Santa Cruz, Santa Catarina Palopó, Jaibalito, Santiago Atitlán, Tzununá, etc., feature some of the best hotels in the area, but they’re more geared towards relaxing vacations where you won’t want to leave very often.
Now let’s look at the top hotels in Lake Atitlán!
1. La Casa del Mundo
- Location: 9.5/10
- Highlights: Hot tub, sauna, pool, kayaks, garden, restaurant
- Town: Jaibalito
- Environmentally friendly 🌿 (solar-heated water, recycled trash/compost)
Everyone raves about La Casa del Mundo, and it’s easy to see why. With an impeccable location overlooking Lake Atitlán and the three volcanoes, the views don’t get much better than this.
But even more magic awaits beyond the scenic vistas!
Here, you can enjoy an outdoor pool, hot tub (Q300 extra), sauna, delicious meals, family-style dinners, free kayaks, relaxing hammocks, a private swimming spot, curated gardens, and overall a warm and attentive staff. There’s even a cool hiking trail that passes behind the hotel; it’s one of our favorite hikes in Lake Atitlan.
All the rooms are lovingly decorated with textiles and handicrafts from across Guatemala. Depending on your budget, you can choose a Standard Suite or the Deluxe Suite.
La Casa del Mundo is the perfect hotel in Lake Atitlán if relaxing is your main objective.
Click here to check rates and reserve your room!
Fun Fact! 🐠
La Casa del Mundo is a popular snorkeling and dive spot in Lake Atitlán, thanks to its submerged balcony and stairwell (the water levels have risen and fallen many times throughout history).
2. El Picnic
- Location: 9.6/10
- Highlights: Tranquil location, gorgeous glamping tents, terraces, Biergarten, mini-golf
- Town: Tzununa
- Pet-friendly 🐾 (charges may apply)
El Picnic might be described as a glamping retreat, but there’s no roughing it here. Located in one of Lake Atitlan’s most remote and tranquil villages, Tzununa, a stay here is a true respite!
More a mixture of luxury tents and cabins rather than true camping, El Picnic embraces the beauty of its surroundings with beautiful terraces that overlook the lake, Bohemian decor, cozy beds, and outdoor, private bathrooms.
El Picnic also offers fun activities like mini-golf and a leafy biergarten with a great communal atmosphere! The on-site restaurant serves a delicious breakfast made from local ingredients each morning and an international menu throughout the day.
If you prefer more structure than a traditional safari tent or treehouse option, be sure to book your room or suite carefully.
Click here to check rates and reserve your room!
3. Sababa Resort
- Location: 8.5/10
- Highlights: Outdoor pool, lakefront, bar, patios, yoga
- Town: San Pedro La Laguna
If you’re headed to the more backpacker-friendly town of San Pedro La Laguna, you can’t miss the Sababa Resort. Perched lakefront to the right of the docks, the hotel is in a prime location for beautiful lake views and accessing “downtown” San Pedro with a quick 5-minute walk.
Part boutique hotel, part hostel, Sababa Resort offers a mix of suites/dorms for every budget and occasion. It has arguably one of the prettiest outdoor pools in Lake Atitlan with swings and loungers integrated right into the water. You can also enjoy a bar, hammocks by the beach, a private swimming spot, and sunrise yoga.
The Sababa Resort was one of the first hotels in Lake Atitlán that caught our eye. We lived in a tiny home on the slope of Volcán San Pedro for two months and stopped by the Sababa restaurant/cafe regularly. Their lava cake and fresh juice easily make this one of the best restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna!
If you want to base yourself in one of the buzzing towns of Lake Atitlán, San Pedro is a great choice with lots of things to do and places to eat. Check room rates for Sababa Resort and reserve your spot! Booking.com offers free cancellation on most rooms.
4. Tzampoc Resort
- Location: 8.5/10
- Highlights: Infinity pool, exceptional volcano views, bar, sauna
- Town: Santa Catarina Palopó
The gorgeous Tzampoc Resort is hands down one of the best luxury hotels in Lake Atitlán! Its location on the hillside above Santa Catarina Palopó affords its guests sweeping panoramic views of the volcanoes and lakeside towns.
Tzampoc also has the most amazing outdoor infinity pool. You can’t beat these views, and if you’re staying somewhere else or don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars a night, you can also enjoy it as a non-guest on a day pass.
In addition to the pool, views, gardens, and terraces, Tzampoc has incredibly decorated rooms (some with tubs and fireplaces), a delicious restaurant with a private chef service possible, a luxurious firewood sauna, and more.
Click here to check availability for Tzampoc! If rooms are booked full (they go fast), then another amazing option to stay in the area is Hotel Casa Palopo.
5. Lush Atitlán
- Location: 9.0/10
- Highlights: Jungly gardens, healthy food, free entry to the natural resevoir
- Town: San Marcos La Laguna
Lush Atitlán is a photographer’s delight, with tropical gardens, aesthetic healthy food, and rooms with clean and bohemian decor. While the views are not as drool-worthy as other places to stay in Lake Atitlan, the grounds of the hotel are beautiful and give off a special vibe.
Lush has a variety of room offerings, including honeymoon suites, deluxe rooms with king beds, standard rooms with shared showers, and more. With several types of accommodation options, there’s something to suit everyone and every budget — click here to check room rates!
If you’re looking for a town with New Age vibes and eccentric energy, then San Marcos La Laguna is a good choice. This town tends to attract drum-circlers, hippies, and alternative folks. I personally didn’t like it as much as the other towns around the lake, but that’s because I prefer places with more locals versus tourists.
If you’re vibin’ with San Marcos but not with Lush Atitlán, then check out these other popular hotels in San Marcos La Laguna — Eagle’s Nest or the El Dragon Hotel.
6. Arca de Noé
- Location: 9.2/10
- Highlights: Lakefront, panoramic views, kayaks, restaurant, garden
- Town: Santa Cruz La Laguna
The Arca de Noé Hotel has one of the most exceptional views of Lake Atitlán. It is located just left off the docks of Santa Cruz La Laguna, a 10-minute boat ride from Panajachel, and is tucked away in its own little oasis with a tropical garden, shady trees, and hammocks.
We discovered this hotel the first time we set out to hike the Lower Mayan Trail. The path passes right in front of the hotel, and it looked so cute that we decided to come back and stay for brunch.
You can stay in beachfront Bungalows or classic and standard room suites. From the friendly staff to the good food to the perfect location, there’s a lot to love about Arca de Noé.
Click here to reserve your stay at Arca de Noé, or, if you’re looking for other options in Santa Cruz, you might also want to check out the beautiful Iguana Perdida Hotel or the Atitlán Sunset Lodge. ☀️
7. Hotel Porta del Lago
- Location: 9.2/10
- Highlights: Lakefront, outdoor pool, gym, terrace, pets allowed
- Town: Panajachel
Hotel Porta del Lago is a boutique luxury hotel located in Panajachel with exceptional views, rooms, and amenities, offering “world-class” service to its guests.
The hotel is particularly ideal for families with kids. Adults can enjoy the naturally-sulfured cold tub, bar, sauna, or outdoor pool, while kids can partake in weekend activities as part of the exclusive children’s club.
If you need any help booking tours or day trips, the staff at Porta del Lago will guide you in the right direction! Click here to check availability.
8. Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast
- Location: 8.9/10
- Highlights: Nature, bar, garden, outdoor pool, spa
- Town: Panajachel/Santa Catarina de Palopó
Jenna’s River Bed & Breakfast is a sweet little hotel located just outside of Panajachel!
It offers guests the chance to relax and unwind in their tastefully-decorated hotel room while enjoying the outdoor pool and jungly gardens. This is an adults-only hotel, so you can fully relax and seep in the views, get a massage, or enjoy a glass of wine at sunset undisturbed.
Jenna’s is a local’s favorite place to stay to get some much-needed R&R. The view of Lake Atitlán from your bathtub or balcony is unbeatable. Click here to check room styles and rates!
9. Casa Prana
- Location: 9.8/10
- Highlights: Luxury villas, yoga, spa/wellness, outdoor pool, dining
- Town: Santa Cruz La Laguna
For the ultimate luxurious experience, check out Casa Prana!
This gorgeous 5-star hotel is the crème de la crème of Lake Atitlan hotels. A night here will cost you a pretty penny, but for those looking for just that, you can’t find better.
Casa Prana excels in every area: comfort, decor, dining, service, and more. Five suite types—Junior, Luxury, Prana, Executive, and King—are available. Just some of the incredible room features include soaking tubs with floor-to-ceiling views of the lake, spacious suites, fireplaces, and sprawling balconies.
Spend your time swimming in the outdoor pool, strolling their 9-acre garden, or going on adventures booked through the concierge, like horseback riding and paragliding. Be sure to book well in advance! Casa Prana fills up months ahead of time, and it can be really tricky to snag a room here.
10. Selina Panajachel
- Location: 9.0/10
- Highlights: Coworking space, billiards, outdoor pool, wifi, yoga
- Town: Panajachel
Finally, if you want to combine community, coworking space, and coffee, consider staying at Selina in Panajachel.
As you may know, Selina is a chain hotel/hostel, but one that is boutique in budget and style. It has bohemian and destination-inspired decorated rooms, enticing outdoor pools, coworking spaces with fast Wi-Fi, and a community of backpackers and nomads.
Whether or not you’re a digital nomad living in Lake Atitlán or simply on vacation looking for community and strong WiFi, don’t overlook Selina!
Want to stay at Selina?
Reserve your room today as this is a popular place to stay in Lake Atitlán!
Bonus — Eco Hotel Uxlabil
- Location: 8.7/10
- Highlights: Eco-friendly, kayaks, lakefront, temazcal
- Town: San Juan La Laguna
Last but not least, if you want to stay in a colorful Mayan town with lots to do that’s off the beaten path, check out accommodation options in San Juan La Laguna.
There aren’t many hotels in this town, but there is the Eco Hotel Uxlabil, a beautiful hotel that also happens to have a green thumb. 🌱
You’ll enjoy all the comforts and luxuries you would at other hotels, with a beautiful pool set in a leafy garden, kayak rentals, solar-heated showers, spacious rooms, and more.
If you want a unique and sustainable hotel in Lake Atitlán, don’t miss out on Uxlabil. Check room rates and availability for your travel dates!
San Juan is one of my favorite towns around Lake Atitlán and deserves a spot on your Lake Atitlán bucket list. Hike to Indian Nose, take a weaving workshop, sip coffee at Maria’s, shop for textiles, tour a coffee farm, and more!
All of the hotels and resorts featured in this guide were selected with intention based on favorability, location, eco-friendly practices, service, and overall guest satisfaction.
If you have any questions about visiting Lake Atitlán, feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to help!
Need more inspiration or help planning your trip to Guatemala?
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