Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Every town along the shore of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala has it’s own culture and vibe and San Marcos is no exception. San Marcos in Lake Atitlan lives up to it’s reputation as the hippie town on the lake and it combination of artsy feels, yoga classes, and energy retreats. It reminds me of places like Tulum in Mexico. While it lacks the authentic Guatemalan culture you will find in other towns, we enjoyed strolling the narrow alleys and cliff jumping at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve.
Below you will see more details on what to do in San Marcos and some suggestions on where to stay. You can see more about the other towns on Lake Atitlan or see our complete Guatemala itinerary.
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How to Get to San Marcos in Lake Atitlan
You can’t drive or take a car to San Marcos. The easiest way to get here is to arrive in Panajachel and take a boat (Lancha) to San Marcos. You can wak down to the ferry dock in town and simply looking for a boat going across the lake, make sure to ask if they will drop you at San Marcos. The boat will cost about 30 Q (as of 2026).
What to do in San Marcos
San Marcos may be small, but there is plenty to keep you busy for a day or two. Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting.
Cliff Jump at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
This is arguably the highlight of San Marcos and not to be missed. Even if you don’t want to cliff jump, it is still beautiful in the reserve. The nature reserve sits on a rocky peninsula jutting out into Lake Atitlan just a short walk from town and features a series of platforms and cliff jumping spots at varying heights, so whether you are a thrill seeker or a first-timer, there is something for everyone.
The entrance fee is minimal and the views of the surrounding volcanoes alone are worth the visit even if jumping isn’t your thing. There are also trails through the reserve where you can simply walk and take in the scenery.
Get all the details on Cliff Jumping.
Take a Yoga Class or Join a Retreat
San Marcos has built its reputation on wellness, and it delivers.
There are may yoga studios and holistic centers throughout town offering drop-in classes, multi-day retreats, meditation sessions, and energy healings. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just curious, it is easy to find something that fits.
Las Pirámides del Ka is one of the most well-known centers on the lake and offers structured moon courses if you are looking for a deeper dive.
Explore the Alleys and Art Scene
Part of the charm of San Marcos is simply wandering. The towns is really a network of small alleyways, made up of narrow stone pathways lined with colorful murals, quirky shops, and small cafes. You will find locally made jewelry, handwoven textiles, and art from both local and international artists.
Swim and Relax by the Lake
Several of the hotels and cafes along the waterfront offer access to the lake for swimming. The water is refreshing and the backdrop of the volcanoes makes for a pretty spectacular setting. This is a great place to slow down, grab a coffee, and soak it all in.
Visit the Nearby Towns
If you choose to stay and base yourself in San Marcos during you visit to Lake Atitlan, you should also consider visiting other nearby towns. It’s worth going to San Juan and San Pedro for the day. You can catch a quick boat ride to these towns.
Where to Stay in San Marcos
San Marcos has a range of accommodation options that cater to its laid-back, wellness-focused crowd. Here are three options at different price points to suit every budget. We did not end up staying in San Marcos (we stayed in the nearby Casa Del Mundo).
Budget: Hostel del Lago: For travelers keeping an eye on their spending, San Marcos has a handful of simple guesthouses and hostels tucked along its winding paths. You can expect basic but clean rooms, shared common spaces, and a friendly, social atmosphere where it is easy to meet fellow travelers. Expect to pay around $10–$20 USD per night for a dorm bed or a simple private room.
Another option we looked at based on a recommendation was Lush Atitlan. This is priced higher but looks amazing.
My Honest Take on San Marcos: Should you Stay here?
I wanted to share a bit more about my honest take on San Marcos. I do think it is a beautiful part of the lake with some fun things to do and I appreciate the feeling of health that permeates the town and the friendly local Mayan people, that said, walking through this town feel drastically different then the other towns on the lake.
Many of the health focused activities in the area do not funnel money back to the local communities the way other activities in the area do. You also have the feeling that the town is owned by non-locals that are benefiting from the beauty. This is happening in other parts of the Lake, but is the most noticable in San Marcos. My recommendation is to seek out restarants and activities in the area that are directly tied to the people who live here and to make sure San Marcos is not the only town you visit in Lake Atitlan.
