Santiago Atitlan

Santiago Atitlán is a city in Guatemala on Lake Atitlán near Panajachel . It's famous as the largest indigenous population of Tz'utujil Mayans. It's much less touristy than Pana or San Pedro, and a good place to see local people going about their normal lives. But as a fairly large town, has plenty of infrastructure to accommodate visitors, plus a couple of attractions.

Santiago is located on an inlet of the Lago Atitlán, without a clear view over the main body of the lake, though the massive looming figure of Volcan San Pedro across the inlet easily makes up for that.

You can get to Santiago Atitlán by chicken bus from Guatemala City (their signs say "Guate-Atitlán"), by pick-up truck from San Lucas Tolimán and nearby locations, and by boat from Panajachel or San Pedro La Laguna . Shuttles are also provided by travel agencies at Antigua , Xela and the capital city.

If arriving in your own vehicle, it's advisable to arrive from the direction of San Lucas Tolimán, avoiding the less-traveled road between Santiago and San Pedro. Though the situation as of 2024 is unclear, in past years the Santiago-San Pedro road has been the site of armed robberies, with bandits stopping vehicles at gunpoint.

It is also possible to arrive in Santiago from the south. Pickups reportedly run over the mountains occasionally from Chicacao, east of Mazatenango .

The town is quite walkable. But in case you need to get somewhere faster, there are plenty of tuk-tuks. As of July 2024, the correct price is considered to be Q5 for any trip within the town proper. Try just handing them a Q5 note when you get off, rather than asking them the fare.

Recommended destinations are the Catholic church, which structure dates back to as far as 1571, and contains three plaques giving an overview of its history; the market street, running from the docks to the church, offers beautiful woven stuff, volcanic jade carvings and dubiously ancient Tz’utujil pieces allegedly unearthed from the grounds around. Most travelers also pay a visit to Maximón (see below under "Do").

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Mirador Rey Tepepul

( south of town on Chicacao road (turn left in Cantón Panabaj) ).

A spectacular ridgetop roadside viewpoint, with platforms for viewing both the Lake Atitlán basin on one side and the coastal slope of Guatemala on the other side. Best to go in the morning for sunny weather. Considered potentially dangerous at dusk and nighttime, due both to robbery risk

The Spanish schools around the lake also provide volunteer opportunities built into the school. EntreMundos , an NGO based out of Quetzaltenango, serves the purpose of connecting nonprofit organizations and volunteers throughout Guatemala.

Climb San Pedro , the large volcano west of Santiago. Do not use a guide from Santiago; take a lancha over to San Pedro first and find a guide there (many are bilingual). Climbing from the Santiago side is very long and dangerous, the San Pedro side has a developed trail with stairs and handholds in steep parts (although there is an entrance fee).

Attend t

Unlike some other towns around the lake, people in Santiago are night owls - restaurants stay open well into the evening, street food is available at night in the market areas near the main square, and some hole-in-the-wall eateries don't even open until 9pm. That's not to say you'll necessarily have luck after midnight - but you don't have to worry about eating an early dinner.

La Posada de Santiago - famed restaurant out the outskirts of town.

Restaurante El Pescador - Best food in the town, also some of the most expensive (Q40-80). Located near the center of town on "calle gringo".

Quila's - Clean, good food. Newer restaurant owned by a Belgian expat named Martin, their licuados are the town's best. Located in a somewhat secluded corner, best way to find it is to take a tuk tuk. Fre

Quila's

( Cafe Quila's )

( near main dock ),

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+502 77217225 .

11:00-22:00(ish) .

Elegant upscale cafe bar and restaurant. Great place to read, watch large screen tv or use internet connection.

There are also some very local dive bars in town, plus a few other good restaurants that serve beer and wine.

There are various low- to mid-range hotels in town, generally offering mediocre value for money. You can also check vacation rental websites. There is apparently no backpacker hostel here, which is perhaps part of the town's unique charm.

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La Posada de Santiago

( on lake south of town by about 1 km ),

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+502 77217366 .

Little stone cottages (casitas) with lakefront swimming pool, hot tub, temazcal (steam bath or dry sauna--your choice), gardens, palapa, dock, canoe, kayaks, and pedal boat included in rentals. San Pedro Volcano is just across the way.

( updated Aug 2020 )

Local shops and markets in Santiago Atitlan sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. The weekly market day is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items. Basic supplies and locally produced goods are available from small family-run stores throughout the town.

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