Our favorite post hike stop for a refreshing beer is the upstairs terrace at Qaas Utz in San Juan. Xela to Lake Atitlan 3 Day Hike: The Complete Guide - Travel Made Me Do It An aisle seat vs middle seat when I paid full faire is unacceptable. ", "There isn't a lot of room in front of seats to place personal items. We hiked the San Marcos to Santa Cruz trail and absolutely loved it. The clear blue water is surrounded by beautiful volcanoes and mountains. No adjustable air vents in this aircraft", "Seat angle adjustment was not the most comfortable for sleeping. We unfortunately dont have that data for this specific route. While the common use of Mayan languages means there are times you wont understand whats being said, it provides a big benefit for amateur Spanish speakers like myself in that most people speak very simple Spanish. San Lucas Toliman: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Secret Village. Each of the towns and villages have great street art that occasionally verges on exceptional. Whats It Like to Study Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala? Getting from Lake Atitlan, Guatemala to Utila, Honduras was no walk in the park but after some very good research on James behalf we got there in one piece over two days, saving boatloads of money avoiding flights and/or shuttles. As the boat started to move, the crew began to hand out plastic bags for anyone who may experience sea sickness. ", "We actually did not fly this route. You cant drink the water. It wasnt a big deal we caught a taxi to the Litegua Bus Terminal. In general, Lake Atitlan is safe for tourists. It is a great place to wander among the hundreds of brightly painted buildings featuring traditional patterns and symbols and has become a very popular day trip destination (second only to San Juan). All night long people were standing in line to use the bathroom. Most people take a tuk-tuk to the park where the hike starts (at around 1,800 metres altitude). (LogOut/ Other useful articles you may want to check out: San Pedro la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Most Popular Village, Santa Cruz la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Village With the Best Views, San Lucas Toliman: Guide to Lake Atitlans Secret Village, Santiago Atitlan: Guide to an Authentic Mayan Town, Slow Travel Settling in for the Long Haul. Just about everyone flies into Guatemala City, with decent connections from lots of places around the world, particularly Mexico, the USA, El Salvador and Bogota. Also known as the Quetzaltenango to Lake Atitlan hike (Quetzaltenango and Xela are the same place and are used interchangeably), this brilliant three day trek is a lesser known hiking expedition in Guatemala. How to get from Guatemala City to Atitlan Lake, Guatemala There are many places in Xela where you can catch a Chicken bus to Lake Atitlan. 4 hours 30 minutes. We spent a few days close to Lake Atitln. I am going to be traveling in Central America this fall and this information is very helpful. The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Atlanta to Prague are Delta and Turkish Airlines. The boats go every 20 minutes and the last one from San Pedro to Pana leaves at 5 pm. Chicken buses from Antigua to Chimal start early in the morning, but you don't need to hurry. Within the towns, you can get around by foot or by tuk-tuk. Although guides in Guatemala dont cost much and are usually helpful, you dont really need one, although there are a few spots along the way where entrepreneurial farmers now charge access fees to cross their land. We arrived in Puerto Cortes an hour later, and were immediately shuffled across the street and put into another identical looking shuttle bus heading toward San Pedro. PRIVATE SHUTTLE ANTIGUA - LAKE ATITLAN or Vice-versa. KAYAKs flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Prague from Atlanta is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now. Saves you money and saves the environment! Cheap Flights from Atlanta to Prague from $378 | (ATL - KAYAK Speaking of shopping, Ive heard rumours that tourists, from time to time, like to buy things. ", "Seat was super uncomfortable. Click here to book online activities in Guatemala In San Pedro Sababa Resort is an excellent high end option, check out Hospedaje Lolita for a cheaper choice and Mikaso Hotel for a mid-range option located right on the lake. COMING FROM GUATEMALA CITY INSTEAD? We were at the ferry dock by 2:30 pm. Its a hostel that also has private rooms which are pretty affordable. It has most of the cheaper accommodation and the best nightlife. The staff at the Delta counter in ATL resolved it in less than ten seconds. Santiago is the largest town on Lake Atitlan and may be the most intriguing, as well, if for no other reason than the opportunity to visit Maximon. The last multi-day hike Beck and I had done abroad was the W-Trek in Patagonia, so we were absolutely loving the tough slog! Once on the other side, we exchanged some money knowing that we would need to pay cash for the rest of the bus rides that day (at a horrible $1 US to 21 HNL rate when the going rate in Utila is $1 US to 23 HNL). James found a taco vendor just outside the bus stop so we also managed to get some lunch. If youre not convinced, let us explain below. Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You can then pick the flights that suit you best. We are rarely overcharged on these buses and they always eventually make change even if you only have big bills (quetzales only though). However, our guide, Feliz, had been doing the Xela to Lake Atitlan tour for well over 10 years and has never experienced any problems. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Atlanta to Prague. Children learn Spanish in school but many older people didnt have any formal training. 150175Q) but is much more convenient and quicker (approx. But, there was a flush toilet and cold shower at our disposal, so that was more than we had expected! This isnt as common but it is our usual form of transportation when going from San Pablo up to Santa Clara on the edge of the caldera to go hiking. After visiting all the places with yoga retreats on the lake to research that guide Laynnis favourite was Doron Yoga. ", "Food variety could be better. GETTING AROUND LAKE ATITLAN BY TUK TUK AND BOAT. There are many different ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, but for the best value-for-money option, a shared shuttle transport is the best option. Thanks for your support. On top of that, everything is green and lush, the dust is gone, there are far fewer tourists around and the multi-coloured cloudy sunsets and evening lightning shows have to be seen to be believed. 900 metres), to the next prominent village. The base price to anywhere within a village is generally 5Q per person. The airplanes classes are like casts: rich, average and poorThat system is a shame. The bus from San Pedro to La Ceiba was pretty comfortable, and fast (relative to the 8 hour bus ride wed had the day before!). Check our guide for the best options to travel from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna. We have only linked to products we actually recommend and although using one to make a purchase wont cost you anything extra, it will earn us a small commission, which is much appreciated. We have often used chicken buses and they are occasionally uncomfortable (always try to get on early and get a seat on the inside of the row as they put 3 people per row and the 3rd person only really gets one butt cheek on the seat), hectic and slightly dangerous but they are always entertaining and give you a true taste of Guatemalan life. You can easily catch a public boat (lancha) back from either end, as it can also be done in reverse, or in sections, or some people even hike all the way back the way they came (you know, those embroiled in intense Fitbit step-counter competitions and such). We have been spending 2-3 months at Lake Atitlan almost every year since 2010 (you can probably guess which year we missed) and each time we are amazed to discover more terrific viewpoints, excellent hikes and fun activities. The current water level is roughly the same as it was during our first long stay in 2010, which is still quite a bit higher than our first time in Guatemala in 2004. 3. This monster stands sentinel directly above the most popular backpacker hangout on the lake, the eponymous San Pedro la Laguna. Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Along with enjoying the fabulous scenery all the way around the lake, this 6-hour tour includes stops in traditional Santiago Atitln, gorgeous San Juan la Laguna and local coffee plantations and textile shops. Routinely Nomadic is a comprehensive travel blog that features all the destination info, trip stories and travel advice you need to plan your next great adventure. I always carry on and this could have been easily avoided by not bringing gifts. ", "Check in process was easy. Also the first village has a Temescal too if anyone wants something hot. Quetzaltenango (known as Xela, pronounced shay-la) is Guatemalas unofficial second city and just a nice, pleasant place. As we mentioned, Aldous Huxley, the author of Brave New World, called it the most beautiful lake in the world and then took it one step further by comparing it to Lake Como in Italy by saying Como touches the limit of the permissibly picturesque but Lake Atitlan is Como with the additional embellishment of several immense volcanoes. The same would go for any of the houses or hotels located away from the villages. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. ", "The food was served really late because of which I got a headache. The biggest danger for most tourists is robbery. Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world twice. Out of the fewer travellers that do make it to Xela, not many of them will embark on the Xela to Lake Atitlan trek. ", "Desk attendant was very helpful, personable, and efficient", "Couldnt get a boarding pass for the last leg of my trip (AZO>DTW>ATL>CSG) when I checked in online, couldnt get it at the Delta counter in AZO, nor in DTW. You have to be kidding me. Find out the best transportation options to get there, so you can choose one that suits your budget and preferences! Make sure to confirm the price before leaving, especially village to village. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal. And try to break your large Guatemalan bills whenever you can since a lot of places have limited change. But it will also give you an appreciation for the work that goes into it when you are haggling for your souvenirs. So, just pack the bare essentials (camera, water, headtorch, jacket), perhaps in a small drawstring bag. Look forward to flying them again. Unfortunately, it is still being excavated and is not open to the public. ", "I had no idea there was a gate change in Atlanta but Im sure thats out of your control. After roughing it out for a couple of nights, its time to live it up and stay at a nice hotel in Lake Atitlan, overlooking the stunning area. If you want to try your hand at making one of the handicrafts for sale around the lake many of the Womens Weaving Cooperatives in the different villages will teach you traditional techniques. The Complete Guide to San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlan) Here are just a few of our favourite choices for places to eat in Lake Atitlan and what each specializes in: Now, for some advice on how to spend your time. There are yoga classes and trainings around the lake. In this in-depth guide, well detail the three days of hiking from Xela to Lake Atitlan, including the Indian Nose hike on the final day. Often referred to as Land of Eternal Spring, with an elevation of around 1,600 metres above sea level it is much cooler than other parts of Central America. Lake Atitlan, also known as Lago de Atitlan, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Nice compromise between business and coach though. Dont worry, this viewpoint is absolutely spectacular and provides a phenomenal spot to enjoy the sunrise. How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park - kimkim If you are looking for other location options fear not having a couple drinks is one of the more popular activities in Lake Atitlan among visitors and locals alike, there is a wide variety of methods making it possible to find just the perfect alcohol environment for your particular tastes. Cost: $17 AU (100 GTQ pp). If youre convinced, click here to go straight to the exciting stuff about the best company to hike with and information about the hike itself. Most of the trail runs across the face of the hill high above the water with great views across to the volcanoes. The price is $25 per person. (Granted I was only there for an afternoon). The cheapest return flight ticket from Atlanta to Prague found by KAYAK users in the last 72 hours was for $746 on Delta, followed by Lufthansa ($758). We arrived in SP by 10:00am, and took the 10:30 am bus. Im glad to report that we had sleeping mats and sleeping bags waiting for us in each village! This hotel is located in Jaibalito and is only accessible by boat or by foot! In saying that though, the locals in these communities are very friendly and welcoming. Hopefully this complete guide to Lake Atitln will provide all the information you need to plan your visit to the best destination in Central America. Clean, great ride, smooth landing. But, Josh provided us with a backpack that wed store our extra belongings in, that we didnt need for the hike. Book this full-day tour of Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City or this one from Antigua that takes you to three villages around the lake. The clear, deep water of the lake with the three volcanos standing sentinel on one side is an awe-inspiring sight. I am following your blog and enjoy reading your posts. For more details you should check out our complete Guide to Hiking on Lake Atitln where youll find descriptions, maps and GPX files (handy because trails in Guatemals generally do not have waymarkings or signposts). San Marcos has some nice restaurants and decent lounges, but be prepared to turn into a pumpkin by 9:30 at the latest (be careful, though, because even as a lonely pumpkin on the dark road by yourself it is still very easy to end up with dog shit on your shoe). There are many places in Xela where you can catch a Chicken bus to Lake Atitlan. Cost: 10Q (5Q each) for tuk tuk to Panajachel bus stop, 35Q each for chicken bus, 30Q (15Q each) for taxi from Zone 8 to Zone 1, Time: Approximately three and a half hours. And if you dont believe me, just ask Aldous Huxley. Many times, we were walking through what seemed like private property, hiking sections on farmland and through peoples backyards! A lot longer. Should offer upgraded meals, just like the extra seating space. The shuttles from Guatemala City to Pana usually go through Antigua and do the whole picking up and dropping off process there too. If youre coming directly from the airport or Guatemala City, expect it to take much longer (up to 5 hours.). ", "The boarding and the time taken was all fine. RealWorld Paraglidinghas a good reputation and highly skilled pilots. Fortunately, there are plenty of other fantastic hikes near Xela to enjoy, including: Once you have arrived in Lake Atitlan and had a day or two to rest after the multi-day hike, youll want to do some hikes around Lake Atitlan itself. ", "They had a deported person sitting next to me. An announcement had been madd that vags would be collected, but obviously were not. Antigua To Lake Atitlan: Your 3x Easiest Transport Options As we boarded the ship, we opted to sit on the top deck outside to get some of the fresh air wed been lacking the past few days. My SOLID deodorant was fine, though. The leg rest needs to come up higher so you dont slide down while semi reclined. We can highly recommend Spanish Classes with Rebeca, an excellent teacher who has provided private lessons to us and several others at Pasaj-Cap over the last few years. Jaibalito: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Quietest Village. You need at least 3 days to explore the best bits of Lake Atitlan, take in the views from different vantage points, see a couple villages and experience local life. Beck, Ben and I decided to check out the town a little more, visiting the markets and picking up ice cream. This fantastic viewpoint is also known as the San Juan Mirador and is located about a 15-minute walk from San Juan on the path up to Rostro Maya. The only thing left to dofigure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. None were going direct, but we could transfer in Puerto Cortes, which we knew was a possibility based on some of the blogs James read. Considering logistics, navigation and safety, doing this one independently isnt an option. Guide To Visiting Lake Atitln, Guatemala - Heaven On Earth ", "Food was pretty good. There is also the more expensive option of hiring a private shuttle but can reasonable if you have a group we have used Chema based on the lake in San Pedro. Each of the villages have great cafes but favuorites are Crossroads in Pana, Circles in San Marcos and Caf La Cabana in San Juan (this one has the best views and a swing with wings). While I did not visit Santiago, I have heard it is a great town to visit if you want to experience the local Mayan culture. There are definitely some hiking essentials that youll want for the Xela to Lake Atitlan hike. 3. The drivers are often not able to see swimmers so it is up to you to stay out of their way. ", "No leg room at all, cant believe those seats met legal standard. The flight attendants are all very helpful and kind. It has an area of 134 km2 and is decorated by seven indigenous villages located on the shallow edges of the lake, surrounded by a spectacular landscape and displaying a beautiful culture. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book the flight that suits you best. But, whatever we were tired and just wanted a place to sleep. Initially, youll take the same path as you did earlier for the sunrise hike. Go for a Swim, Maybe Combined with Cliff Jumping, Take a Yoga Class, Training or Stay for a Retreat, Climb for the View at Mirador KiaqAiswaan, Bonus Activity Hiking Volcan Acatenango, Best Lake Atitlan Hotels: Where to Stay in Each Village, Lake Atitlan to San Cristobal de la Casas, Mexico. From there, catch the overnight bus to Flores. If you've found our guides helpful and would like to show your appreciation, you can buy us a coffee via our Ko-Fi page. If youre up early too, dont be afraid to explore the small village and catch sight of sunrise. There are also footpaths between some of the towns, notably San Marcos to Jaibalito to Santa Cruz. The cost of thelancha is typically Q20 to Q25 (about $2.50 to $3) each way. You will be pointed in the right direction, or better yet watch for shuttle buses driving around town with a man yelling Honduras! The easiest way to get around Lake Atitlan is bylancha(public boat.). However, visiting in the dry season, the afternoon weather was looking good, as to be expected. We have been going there for over 10 years and havent had any issues but we always do the following: Never walk at night we always take tuk tuks if we are out after dark.