The COVID-19 pandemic brought sweeping changes to tourism worldwide, and Lake Atitlan was no exception. With fewer tourists during the height of the pandemic, many expats and newcomers to the area sought new ways to sustain themselves. As tourism began to rebound, some individuals—lacking the proper knowledge or respect for Mayan traditions—San Marco saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing interest in wellness and alternative healing.

Guatemala Herbal Medicine Workshop Learn about the Mayan Culture of herbal medicine, from Lake Atitlan Mayan healers.

The drive from Guatemala City Airport to Lake Atitlán is approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination on the lake. Key factors include: Traffic: If you leave during peak hours (4:00 PM–6:00 PM), traffic in and around Guatemala City can add significant delays. Route: Most travelers take the CA-1 highway or other well-traveled routes to reach Panajachel, the main gateway town to Lake Atitlán. Destination on the Lake: From Panajachel, you may need to take a boat (“lancha”) to reach villages like San Marcos, San Juan, or Santiago Atitlán, which adds additional travel time (around 30-60 minutes by boat).