Lake Atitlan Top 5 for 2021

Lake Atitlan Top 5 for 2021

Lake Atitlan Top 5 for 2021, often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan is not only extremely affordable it offers a mind-blowing diversity of travel experiences.  With amazing food, awe-inspiring scenery, affordable lodging, incredible hikes, and the best coffee in the world, Lake Atitlan is calling your name.

Lake Atitlan Best Restaurant

Located in the relatively untouched village of San Marcos among the residential streets is a hidden gem.  It’s a small European café called El Artesano Wine and Cheese Restaurant.  The restaurant is set in a beautiful garden, the food, and the presentation is amazing, the service is outstanding, and the prices are very reasonable.  Don’t miss their cheese platter it is a feast for your taste buds.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 502-4555-4773.

Lake Atitlan Best Village Tour

When it comes to Lake Atitlan’s adventures, the traditional indigenous villages of Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó located on the eastern shore are not to be missed.  Renowned for their traditional weaving and high-quality ceramics, distinguished blue huipil (blouse) worn by the community’s Kaqchikel women, their notable white churches overlooking the pristine lake, and their terraced onion and cornfields they are two indigenous villages where you can explore and discover the way of life of the local people.

Best Bed and Breakfast

Located off of a bustling lakefront street is an Eden-like sanctuary with the most incredible gardens complete with hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and fruit trees.  The property boasts an eclectic gallery with unique and one-of-a-kind Mayan art as well as a yurt that has all the comforts and modern conveniences including a comfortable queen-size bed with a colorful quilt and cozy comforter, private en-suite bathroom with sink and soaker tub, electricity, hot and cold water, and high-speed wifi.

Lake Atitlan Best Hiking Tour

The Santa Catarina Lake Atitlan Upper Rim Hike tour provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Lake Atitlan, with the entire Lake visible.  The panoramic view also gives you a front-row seat to three majestic giants Volcano San Pedro, Volcano Toliman, and Volcano Atitlan.

The hike begins at the summit above Santa Catarina and takes you through winding trails with diverse scenery from pine forest with moss rimming the trail to fields of wildflowers, and terraced corn and onion fields.  Not only does this hike pass through spectacular scenery, but along the trail, you will meet the local people who are working their fields.

Best Cup of Coffee

When it comes to coffee, in our not so humble opinion, there is nothing better than Guatemalan coffee.  I think that is why when faced with the decision of choosing just one coffee shop for the title of ‘Best Cup of Coffee’ it was simply impossible.  In the village of Panajachel, there are two coffee shops that serve an incredible cup of java.  The first is Crossroads Café a popular hangout that serves exceptional freshly roasted coffee.  The owner, Mike, is friendly, full of charisma and character, and always willing to impart his knowledge of coffee.

The second is Café Moka located on the second floor overlooking Calle Santander.  The owner, Luis, is extremely friendly and welcoming, the coffee is incredible, and the view from their terrace is great for people watching.  They also serve pastries and alcoholic drinks.  The ambiance and the atmosphere are relaxed and provide a great respite from the busy street below.