Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Lake Atitlan is a gorgous lake in Guatemala ringed by Volcanos with twns dotting the shoreline. If you are looking for something adventurous to do while exploring the towns, make sure you add Lake Atitlan cliff jumping in San Marcos to your list. This small natural park right outside on the town of San Marcos on the northern coast has walking trails, a cliffside where you can swim and jump and kayaks you can rent for a paddle.
You can also check out our full itinerary to Guatemala or explore more destinations in Central America.
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Where is the Cliff Jump in San Marcos?
The famous jump is located in Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve next to San Marcos.
This is a small protected area right on the edge of the lake. There is a small fee to enter (about $2.50) and you will pass through a gate that is open during the day (typically 8-4 pm).
To get to the reserve, you will go to San Marcos and then continue west along the lake. The town has a number of small paths that go through the town but they all lead to the reserve as long as you stay close to the water. from the main street of stores it is just a few minute walk.
If you are coming to San Marcos from one of the other towns you will need to take a boat. These are easy to find and cost just a few dollars.
What to Expect: Lake Atitlan Cliff Jumping in San Marcos
When you enter Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, you will need to walk about 5 minutes on a small path to get to the cliff jumping platform. The path brings you to the top of the cliff jump where there is a lifeguard. This is the biggest jump and is 12 meters (about 40 feet). This is a big jump.
If you aren’t up for this jump, there are some ledges just past the platform that are shorter or you can go to the bottom and just head in for a swim from a natural ledge.
You will also find lots of people lounging on the rocks along the cliffside – it’s quite a vibe!
Taking a photo of the San Marcos Cliff Jump
Looking to capture a photo of someone jumping off the cliff with the volcanos in the background? Make sure to go past the jumping platform and descend down on the rocks a bit for the best photos. We saw people taking pictures down and the other direction – and you will miss the lake and volcanos this direction!
Is the Lake Atitlan Cliff Jump Safe?
This cliff jump going into deep water and there is a lifeguard there to help you if there is a problem. That said – this is a cliff jump so it is inherently dangerous. There were several people we watched jump who didn’t hit the water quite feet first and they lost their breath for a minute and had red marks where they hit the water. Make sure to jump straight in feet first with your arms at your side.
You should also use caution getting out of the water since the rocks are slippers and there are lots of people on the paths.
Can You Swim in Lake Atitlán?
Yes, it’s generally ok to swim in part of the lake, specifically San Marcos. Avoid drinking the water and swimming with optn cuts. Also be aware of boat traffic on the lake.
It’s also best to cliff jump in the morning when the lake is calm
What Else to do at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
While the most popular thing to do at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve is to cliff jump, this is also a night place for a walk or to rent a kayak. After we swam and jumped, we took the 15 minute walk to the high point on in the park. The path continues up past the jumping platform. The walk itself is nice with some interesting trees and viewpoints.
You can rent kayaks right at the entrance gate as well and it’s a fun place to kayak since you can watch people jumping from the lake.
Want to see other places to hike? Explore the trail at Jaibalito.
What to Bring Cliff Jumping in Lake Atitlan
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water shoes (optional but helpful on rocks)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Small cash for entry
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