San Juan La Laguna

Travel Guide

San Juan La Laguna featuring mountains and a lake or waterhole
San Juan La Laguna which includes markets
San Juan La Laguna showing general coastal views and boating
San Juan La Laguna featuring general coastal views and boating
San Juan La Laguna which includes signage as well as a small group of people
One of the smallest towns on Lake Atitlán is renowned for its colorful Mayan art, outdoor adventures and important religious shrine.

San Juan La Laguna is a small town on the western shore of Lake Atitlán, home to a largely indigenous population of Tz´utujil people. Discover centuries-old traditions, a wealth of natural beauty and a shrine to a Mayan folk saint. 

Embark on a walking tour of the town to see traditional weaving cooperatives where women weave with foot looms. Get insight into the entire process, from creating dye from leaves to preparing the yarn and weaving. Visit the Xocomeel art association to see works in progress and to learn how to paint. As you walk along the streets, pause to study murals that preserve the Mayan culture. They have been painted on several homes and vividly bring to life aspects of day-to-day living as well as the customs and traditions of San Juan La Laguna.

For more insight into traditional practices, go to Tza’an Ab’aaj a managed garden by the lake. Here, you will find out about sustainable growing methods and organic agriculture. Stop by the adjacent café where some of the food is made with ingredients from the garden.

One of the highlights of San Juan La Laguna is the Shrine of St. Maximón in the town centre, behind the church. The legend of the folk saint is complex, but it is believed that he was a pre-Columbian Mayan god.

Head a little north of the town to hike up a mountain known as La Nariz del Indio. Nariz is the Spanish word for nose and the mountain earned its sobriquet because of its resemblance to a typical Mayan face in profile. There are also a few more hiking routes through the area.

You can reach San Juan by boat from other lakeside towns or by bus from Guatemala City. The town can be walked in a matter of minutes, but if you want a break, jump aboard a tuk-tuk. 

Enjoy a holiday of Mayan cultural insights and outdoor exploration.

Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan
Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan
3 out of 5
Km 175 from Guatemala City, San Juan La Laguna, Solola
The price is S$86 per night from 9 May to 10 May
S$86
includes taxes & fees
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Juan La Laguna. Enjoy free breakfast, a sauna, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (258 reviews)
"Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan was an absolutely beautiful experience! The property was gorgeous, all the staff was incredibly kind and supportive and the food was delicious as well!"

Reviewed on 11 Apr, 2025

Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan
Hotel Mercy
Hotel Mercy
2 out of 5
7ma calle 07017, San juan la laguna, solola, San Juan La Laguna, Solola
The price is S$61 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$61
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this hotel in San Juan La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi and furnished balconies or patios. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and CHIYA Art Gallery are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"The hotel itself was lovely, but our door was hard to close. You had to really slam it for it to lock. It would have been nice to have coffee and breakfast available in the morning. I had to go out and try to find coffee in fhe morning. Most other places in the area offer free breakfast included ..."

Reviewed on 9 Mar, 2025

Hotel Mercy
Hotel Casa Ki'iil San Juan La Laguna
Hotel Casa Ki'iil San Juan La Laguna
2 out of 5
Canto Xaak'al, San Juan La Laguna, Sololá
The price is S$104 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$104
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Juan La Laguna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and CHIYA Art Gallery ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
More than 5 stars if I could
"This hotel was wonderful. The staff were so welcoming, breakfast was tasty. It was quiet and relaxing. A 7 minute walk to the main area / where you get off the boat and about a 3 minute walk to the closest restaurant. They have a boardwalk right into the lake which is nice for an evening drink. The ..."

Reviewed on 8 Apr, 2025

Hotel Casa Ki'iil San Juan La Laguna
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.
Sarnai
Sarnai
4.5 out of 5
123 Lake Dr, San Marcos La Laguna, Sololá Department
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in San Marcos La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Sarnai is amazing! From arrival to departure. Easy and smooth. Everything looked clean, cozy, comfortable and provided everything that is needed. It is a great stay in such a beautiful part of the world. It is evident the host has put attention, care and awareness into this place. Everything is great ..."

Reviewed on 6 Feb, 2025

Sarnai
Refugio del Volcan
Refugio del Volcan
3.5 out of 5
La Finca, San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá Department
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in San Pedro La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Museo Tz'unun ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Excellent customer service"

Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2025

Refugio del Volcan
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 ...
5.4/10 (6 reviews)
Do not book
"Do not book here. Literally no customer service. Signs are not clear on where the hotel is. The beds are the most uncomfortable beds ever. You’re better off sleeping in a hostel for cheaper. There’s two night clubs that blast music all night; which is what was expected. But the clubs were super lame ..."

Reviewed on 18 Feb, 2024

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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