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The 6 Best Lake Atitlan Hikes

The best thing about spending extended periods of time on beautiful Lake Atitlan is the scenery, although you don’t necessarily need months to enjoy the main highlights. I mean, it just happens to be a stunning crater lake surrounded hills and volcanoes that looks amazing from every angle. The second-best thing about it, however, are all the amazing Lake Atitlan hikes. There is great hiking on Lake Atitlan, with trails scattered along ridges all the way around, offering unique combinations of views, village life and rural charm.

For everything you need to know before visiting Lake Atitlan, check out our:

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Ultimate Guide to Lake Atitlan

Couple selfie in front of a lake and volcano

Hiking is one of the best things to do on Lake Atitlan partially because the lake sits at over 1,500 metres above sea level and never gets as hot as most of Central America. Of course, this also means it may take a bit of time for your body to get used to the altitude.

Unfortunately – or maybe fortunately, if you relish the opportunity to avoid the crowds – trails in Guatemala are notoriously difficult to hike independently. Trail markings are non-existent, many pass confusingly through farmer’s fields and small villages and a few of them have a disappointing reputation for robberies.

However, with the helpful descriptions, some GPS assistance and the occasional guide, there is no reason you can’t tackle many of these great Lake Atitlan hikes during your visit to this iconic Central American destination. While we have narrowed it down to our 6 favourites for those with a limited amount of time, we have also included all the details for 20 more hikes around the lake for those settling in for longer stays.

Since we always stay on the north side of the lake at Pasaj-Cap Rentals (between San Marcos and Tzununá), many of the hikes are shown starting from there. The estimated hiking time includes short breaks but excludes any transportation to or from the trail – keep in mind, this will vary considerably depending on your personal fitness and speed.

Any GPS links are to Wikiloc files. Wikiloc is a hiking app that is free to join and features hiking trails all over the world. Once you have the app installed and an account set up, when using your phone just click on the link in a browser (i.e. Chrome, Safari) and it should automatically open in the Wikiloc app.

If you prefer a different trail app (All Trails and Maps.me are two popular ones) it is possible to download the actual GPX file out of Wikiloc. From there you should be able to import it into your app of choice.

You can follow the individual links in each description to the specific Wikiloc files or you can browse the entire list at:

https://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=2996888&event=favorites&listId=67888

Happy trails!

Boat on blue Lake Atitlan with volcanoes in background

The 6 Best Lake Atitlan Hikes

1. Mayan Trail

Distance: 10km

Elevation Gain: 500m

Time: 2.5-3 hrs

Difficulty – Moderate

Officially this hike goes between Santa Cruz and San Marcos, although the Wikiloc map only shows the stretch from Tzununá to Santa Cruz. This is by far the most scenic section, although if you want to start (or finish) in San Marcos, you simply add 3km (45min) on the dirt road between the two villages (which barely qualifies to be called that).

Two hikers on the Mayan Trail on Lake Atitlan

When it comes to hiking on Lake Atitlan, this is by far the most popular independent hike on the lake (most people use a guide to climb Volcán San Pedro), and for good reason. Sometimes also called the Mayan Ridge Hike, after you pass Lomas de Tzununá (the hotel high up on the hill) it is all single-track along a ridge high above the lake with outstanding views the entire way.

Unlike many of the other trails, it does not involve any particularly slippery sections, although there are a couple of steep spots. It is the perfect length and difficulty for a nice morning hike with lots of good lunch choices waiting at either end. Many people shorten it and stop in Jaibalito specifically to eat at Hans’ Place (officially called Posada Jaibalito), reducing the total by 2km and 30 minutes.

Robberies, unfortunately, do take place on this trail so if at all possible you should hike in a group (even 3 or 4 should be enough) and avoid carrying valuables. Sundays, in particular, have a bad reputation (young guys off work and drinking? It’s a theory).

Man hiking on a high ridge over a lake

Having said that, however, we do this hike at least once a week and have never had any problems personally. Usually we are in a group, but I would say that Laynni and I have done it alone at least 50 times without incident, and I have often jogged it alone as well.

So don’t be scared off, just be smart, and don’t carry a bunch of stuff that makes you look like a target. This is the one hike on Lake Atitlan that every able-bodied walker should try.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-cruz-tzununa-lake-atitlan-22075066

2. Flower Route

Distance: 6 km

Elevation gain: minimal

Time: 2 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

A relatively recent addition to the list, this easy but spectacular downhill Lake Atitlan hike starts at the pleasant but fairly unknown village of Godinez. From there it is almost all downhill to the lake without ever getting particularly steep as you cut diagonally across the slope down to beautiful Santa Catarina Palopo.

View of Santa Catarina Palopo on a Lake Atitlan hike
Santa Catarina Palopo

We call it the Flower Route because as you get close to Santa Catarina Palopo (possibly the most picturesque village on Lake Atitlan) you pass through sets of farm terraces, some of which are filled with colourful, photogenic flowers. These are the same flowers you’l see in markets all around the lake.

Even before fantastic Santa Catarina and the wonderful terraces, however, you will enjoy incredible panoramic views of the lake in all its glory. All while barely breaking a sweat. Which is why it has become one of our favourite Lake Atitlan hikes and a steady member of our hiking rotation.

Colectivo minibuses from Panajachel to Godinez (15Q/pp, 30-45 min) can be found on a little side street near the market (just tell the tuk tuk driver you want to go to Godinez – they know the spot). The first 2 km from Godinez follows a main road but it is very quiet and has a few good viewpoints along the way.

View of Lake Atitlan from Mirador Montenegro

Then you reach the stunning Mirador Montenegro and venture onto smaller roads and, eventually, a dirt trail. If you want to shorten the hike you can hire a private shuttle to the mirador (I think we paid 150Q once with a group of 6 but those prices can change by the minute so be ready to haggle).

And if you want to extend the hike further, you can walk the straightforward 4 km from Santa Catarina Palopo to Panajachel, although this road is much busier and not so pleasant on foot. An easier option is to hop in the back of a pickup for 5-10Q per person.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/the-flower-route-godinez-to-santa-catarina-palopo-124348917

3. Long Ridge Hike – Santa Clara to San Juan

Distance: 10km

Elevation Gain: 200m

Time: 2.5-3.5 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Other than the Mayan Trail, this is probably our favourite hike. It is the longest version from Santa Clara to San Juan (the Short Ridge Hike is up next) and, while the overall amount of downhill is similar, the grade isn’t quite as steep.

Hiker looking out over Lake Atitlan from a high ridge

We normally take a tuk-tuk from San Marcos to San Pablo (10q each), then ride in the back of a pickup (or in a minibus) up the steep switchbacks from San Pablo to Santa Clara (5-10q each). From there you walk through town and out on a tiny paved path past the cemetery.

Then you’re on the road briefly for a bit of a climb, before crossing the fields of an avocado farm (keep your distance from the buildings and the dogs that guard them) to a wildly picturesque ridge overlooking the lake and volcanoes. At the end of the ridge the trail splits. You take the right fork (the left leads down to San Juan on the Short Ridge Hike) for a short but steep climb through the trees to a new set of fields.

View of Lake Atitlan from under trees on the San Juan long ridge hike

After that you follow an undulating trail through fields, forest and past several more viewpoints before joining up with a dirt road that leads off to nearby villages, including Panyevar. Then we leave the road for another 1-hour descent into San Juan, but one that is slightly less steep than the Short Ridge Hike and through a different valley with close-up views of Volcán San Pedro.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-clara-la-laguna-san-juan-la-laguna-long-ridge-hike-lake-atitlan-22978294

4. San Antonio Palopo – Santa Catarina Palopo

Distance: 9 km

Elevation Gain: 560m

Time: 2.5-3 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

This exceptionally scenic hike is one of our favourites and one of the few Atitlan hikes that blends a reasonable uphill climb with a gentle descent (so many are steep in one direction or the other). It starts with a tiring 500m climb out of San Antonio, then heads across through some picturesque fields and lovely valleys to Mirador Montenegro where it meets up with the Flower Route we talked about earlier. From there it is just a pleasant, gradual downhill walk to Santa Catarina Palopo.

Woman hiking up steep path behind Guatemalan village

While the climb out of San Antonio is significant, the trail is generally wide and smooth (along with stairs in the steeper parts). Meanwhile, the views include a good look back over San Antonio Palopo, beyond to San Lucas Toliman and further yet to Cerro de Oro and the three volcanoes. Towards the end you get fantastic views north along the shoreline with the colourful buildings of Santa Catarina backed by steep, scenic hills.

Woman hiking on high ridge overlooking Lake Atitlan

You can get to San Antonio from Panajachel by pickup or tuk-tuk (30 min) and the hike starts beside the main church with an uphill walk through town.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/san-antonio-palopo-santa-catarina-palopo-high-route-128538580

5. Rostro Maya (Indian Nose)

Distance: 6km

Elevation Gain: 950m

Time: 3-4 hrs

Difficulty: Strenuous

Rostro Maya is the politically correct term, although this geological anomaly is still most commonly known as Indian Nose, in reference to the shape of the hill. However, understandably, some people find that name offensive. Rostro Maya, on the other hand, means “Mayan Face”, which doesn’t really avoid the whole nose shape comparison but does avoid the word “Indian”, I suppose.

Man hiking up the hill with San Juan, Lake Atitlan and several volcanoes in the background

Anyway, it is a very popular hike out of San Juan, particularly for sunrise. While it doesn’t finish as high as Volcán San Pedro and doesn’t take nearly as long (roughly 2 hrs up, 1 hr down), I personally found it a bit harder because it is more exposed to the sun, whereas San Pedro is mainly in shade. Of course, this would not be as much of an issue if you hike up very early in the morning. Our 7:30 am hike was (shockingly!) much easier than the time I went up at 10 am.

It costs 30Q for entrance to the park and there is a very popular (and colourful) viewpoint about 15 minutes into the hike. If you don’t take a guide you will probably get stopped again later and asked for additional fees by enterprising farmers along the way. The first mirador is about halfway to the nariz and was free (or at least unguarded). Then the next mirador is just off the trail after a low saddle where we “coincidentally” ran into a farmer just as we arrived who said it was 25Q to enjoy that one.

View down over San Juan and Volcan San Pedro

Of course, there are a number of spots along the trail before this with fantastic views as well so it’s very possible to simply hike up to the saddle (1.5 hrs) and back down (1 hr or less) and only pay the initial 30Q.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/rostro-maya-san-juan-la-laguna-25197409

It is also possible to book a guided sunrise tour where you get a ride to near the top, then just have a short 45-minute walk up to the viewpoint.

You can read our detailed guide here: The Nariz del Rostro Maya Sunrise Tour

Man admiring sunrise over Lake Atitlan

6. Volcán San Pedro

Distance: 9.5km

Elevation Gain: 1,200m

Time: 4-5 hrs

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

A rite of passage for many of the backpackers that come to San Pedro, it is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Guatemala. As with most volcanoes, it involves a long, steady climb followed by the same route back down, so hiking times will vary considerably depending on your fitness. I know a guy who got to the top in an hour and a half and others who struggled up for over 5 hours. 3 hrs up and 2 hrs down is the typical conservative estimate, however.

The hike is in a protected park with an entrance fee of 100q. While this is a bit pricey, it does include a guide (although you can opt to go alone if you or someone with you already knows the trail). Bear in mind that most of the hike is in the trees so you only get views at a mirador about an hour in, then at the top. So it is best to start as early as possible (it usually opens at 8am) because there are usually fewer clouds in the morning.

I have done it three times. Twice we enjoyed amazing views from the top but once we were completely shrouded in and couldn’t see a thing. Also, like the San Marcos-Santa Cruz hike, there have been reports of robberies in the past. Having a guide should take care of that problem but it is worth asking around to find out the current situation.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/volcan-san-pedro-lake-atitlan-23017085

More Easy Atitlan Hikes

Short Ridge Hike – Santa Clara to San Juan

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Gain: 100m

Elevation Loss: 700m

Time: 2-2.5 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

Hikers crossing a field toward volcanoes in the distance

This hike follows the same route as the Long Ridge Hike from Santa Clara for the first part but at the end of the ridge, when the trail forks, you take the left option which leads through the trees for a couple minutes before heading steeply down to San Juan for roughly an hour. While this hike is “easy” when it comes to effort, the steep descent could be difficult for some.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/parque-chuiramoxolo-san-juan-la-laguna-lake-atitlan-22528156#wp-22528163

Santa Clara – Panyevar Ridge Hike

Distance: 7km

Elevation Gain: 200m

Time: 2-3 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

View over Lake Atitlan with San Pedro volcano and San Juan la Laguna

This is another alternative for those with knee issues or if you simply don’t like hiking downhill for extended periods. You get to enjoy the same ridge views and moderate ups and downs of the Long Ridge Hike but then skip the downhill by staying on the dirt road to the little village of Panyevar. From there you can catch a bus or minibus back to Santa Clara and beyond.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-clara-la-laguna-panyevar-lake-atitlan-22668319

Parque Chuiraxamolo – Santa Clara

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Loss: 700m

Time: 2 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

One of the most popular Lake Atitlan viewpoints is located just outside the entrance to Parque Chuiraxamolo and is a place you may have passed if taking a shuttle or bus down to San Marcos or San Pedro. The mirador is free but it costs 20q per person to enter the park.

View of three volcanoes and a crater lake

To get there you have to get to Santa Clara just like you did for the ridge hikes – tuk-tuk San Marcos to San Pablo 10Q, pickup or minibus to Santa Clara 5-10Q – then add an extra minibus to the park (7-10Q).

Person swinging high up overlooking a lake and volcanoes

They have done a lot of work in the park in recent years, adding several picnic areas, miradores and even ziplines and a climbing wall. Take the trail up to the left at the main visitor centre to make sure you pass all of that stuff, then eventually you will continue gently downhill into the scenic, forested hills between the park and Santa Clara.

Green highlands with a small village

It only takes around 2 hours to get to Santa Clara, making it a nice, easy starter hike that we often do with people recently arrived at the lake that haven’t acclimatized to the altitude yet. The only downsides are the amount of transport required to reach the trailhead and the grim garbage dump you pass just before Santa Clara.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/parque-chuiramoxolo-san-juan-la-laguna-lake-atitlan-22528156#wp-22528163

Santa Cruz Lakeshore

Distance: 2 km

Elevation Gain: minimal

Time: 45 min

Difficulty: Easy

The easiest “hike” on Lake Atitlan, but it still packs in a lot of great views and some interesting terrain. From the Santa Cruz dock you head east following the shoreline all the way to Atitlan Sunset Lodge, then retrace your steps.

Stone path lined with flowers beside a lake

The properties along here are all quite picturesque and well-maintained, with lots of flowers and lounging areas for guests. Views across the lake are stunning.

Colourful flowers in front of a blue lake and several volcanoes

Then, if you want to add some variety and get the heart rate up a bit, you can follow the main road up the hill to the main part of Santa Cruz town. This is where all the locals live and there is a bustling plaza, a couple excellent viewpoints and a pair of restaurants with good food and terrific views.

The GPS shows just one way from Atitlan Sunset Lodge all the way up to the main square.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-cruz-la-laguna-lakeshore-pueblo-central-198475347

Ruta La Finca

Distance: 7 km (return)

Elevation Gain: 100m

Time: 2 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

This easy walk just outside San Pedro is a popular one with both locals and backpackers, mainly because it ends at a beach (which are few and far between on Lake Atitlan). Yes, it is a black sand beach, and it’s not big or impressive, but there is sand, swimming and some nice views of Atitlan and Toliman.

Group of hikers coming around a corner on a trail high above the lake

Heading southeast out of San Pedro, you just follow the “Finca road” – on pavement for 1 km, then dirt for 1 km, then the main trail starts behind a basketball court and then leads along the foothills of the volcano. It is pretty obvious until you pass a small hotel (under construction) and reach a fork in the trail. Take the one heading down toward the water and follow it as you pass an abandoned coffee farm, then go very close past several houses, and eventually take the dirt path leading down to the beach once it comes into view.

You can take a tuk-tuk to the trailhead (15Q) which will leave just 1 km (15 min) on the path. Just ask for “La Playa”. Unless you get a phone number, though, you’ll probably have to walk back to town (45 min).

The GPS below is just to the beach and back but it is also possible to continue on. If you stay on the main trail for about 15 minutes past the first beach, there is a path that goes steeply down to a longer, rockier second beach. Then, from the south end of that you can scramble over rocks around the corner to a small, secluded third beach.

Dark sand beach back by hills with volcanoes in the background

Which, theoretically, is connected by path to the houses and yoga retreat farther on, directly across from Santiago, although that is a hike for another day. We’ll keep you posted.

On the GPS, we went from the Pana dock along the the low route through San Pedro on the way out, then up the hill through the centre of town past the church on the way back just to show the two different options.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/playa-la-finca-127903781

Cerro Tzankujil

Distance: 1.5 km

Elevation Gain: 100m

Time: 30 min

Difficulty: Easy

Viewpoint in San Marcos La Laguna

A short but scenic heart-pounder just minutes away from all the main tourist action of San Marcos. Cerro Tzankujil Protected Area is about 200m west of the main dock. Entrance is 15Q for Guatemalans and 20Q for foreign tourists.

The park features a nice, rocky trail all the way around the hill along the water where you’ll find several viewpoints, rest areas and terraces, some of which you can leap off into the lake. Then, on either side, you can follow the trail up the hill to a set of ancient Mayan altars and, eventually, the summit, with impressive views of the town and western bay.

Village of San Marcos la Laguna from the mirador
Views over San Marcos are actually better than the volcano views from the top

Unfortunately, views across the lake to the volcanoes are mostly impeded by trees so you can actually get better shots of these from the bottom.

Elephant Rock

Distance: 2 km

Elevation Gain: 270m

Time: 2 hrs

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Group of hikers walking through the bushes

This relatively easy hike heads straight up the valley from the village, following either of two nice forest trails. It is steadily uphill for about an hour but the incline is gentle and the path not overly rough. Elephant Rock itself makes for a convenient stopping point, and is quite large and impressive, even if the “elephant” part requires a fair bit of imagination.

Large rock in the forest

If you’re feeling energetic, the path continues all the way up to the top of the ridge, which would take several hours more, or you could just keep going until you’ve had enough and turn around.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/elephant-rock-199244705

Concepcion – Panajachel Valley Trail

Distance: 9 km

Elevation Loss: 460m

Time: 2 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

A nice, easy choice near Panajachel, this pleasant stroll follows a scenic valley from the fascinating village of Concepcion down to the market in Pana. There is a fairly famous old church in Concepcion, then on the trail you pass some interesting farms, nice river scenery and, unfortunately, a few unsightly construction sites.

Green valley leading to a lake

But the hike is entirely downhill and pretty easy to follow (as long as you don’t leave the valley you’ll be fine). The only real downside is the effort involved getting to Concepcion. Despite being just a 9 km walk, you will need to take a bus or minibus up to Solola, then switch to a second bus (or hire private transportation) to get to Concepcion.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/concepcion-pana-125052512

San Marcos – San Pedro Road Walk

Distance: 10km

Elevation Gain: 200m

Time: 2-3 hrs

Difficulty: Easy

For a complete change of pace, this road walk takes you all the way around the end of the lake from San Marcos, through San Pablo and San Juan, and up to the market in San Pedro. We have often done this hike Saturday mornings to hit the market and have brunch/lunch in San Pedro.

It is an easy walk, and not as dusty as it was before they built the new (paved) road. The downside is that there is far more traffic now and it travels much faster (with minimal shoulders). It definitely doesn’t compare to the higher trails on this list for scenery (although there are still a couple of nice viewpoints) but you do get an interesting look at the different villages.

The recording once again starts at Pasaj-Cap so from San Marcos you can reduce the overall time by about 15 minutes.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/pasajcap-san-pedro-la-laguna-32609003

More Moderate Atitlan Hikes

Mayan Trail – Middle Route

Distance: 4km

Elevation Gain: 350m

Time: 1-1.5 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Hillside view of Lake Atitlan and several volcanoes

This is actually a variant of the Mayan Trail so you could easily extend it to Santa Cruz (2km, 30 min) or San Marcos (3km, 45 min). From either direction you follow the main Mayan Trail but partway through the hike you veer off up the hill to take a higher route.

This involves more climbing and a slightly more narrow and more challenging trail, but it gets you completely above the treeline (even better views) and avoids the barking dogs you can sometimes encounter on the main trail (they normally only get really worked up if you have a dog with you). It does involve a short steep, slippery section at either end, though.

Man hiking through tall grass on a hillside with a lake and volcano behind

The figures above are one-way but the recorded route shows us doing the hike both there and back.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/tzununa-jaibalito-return-23062277

San Juan Ridge Loop

Distance: 10km

Elevation Gain: 670m

Time: 3-4 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

For those who want to balance out their climbs and descents, this one goes all the way up to the ridge from San Juan (the GPS route starts right at the dock), then goes across and down just like on the Santa Clara – San Juan Long Ridge Hike. A good loop for someone looking to get some exercise while the rest of their group is shopping in San Juan.

View of San Pedro volcano with flowers in foreground

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/san-juan-ridge-loop-47242101

You can also do it in the other direction but then you are going down on the steepest section, not our favourite. The GPS only shows it being shorter because I recorded from the edge of town to the edge of town instead of all the way from (and to) the dock.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/san-juan-long-ridge-loop-97017692

Santa Lucia Utatlan – Tzununá Overlook Village Loop

Distance: 16km

Elevation Gain: 550m

Time: 4-5 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

The first half of this hike is exactly the same as the Santa Lucia – Tzununa hike, but at the picnic area, instead of trekking steeply down the valley, it loops around through several small villages to return to the starting point. The downsides are more road walking and the need to get transport back down as well as up.

Man sitting on ground overlooking Lake Atitlan

However, the roads are typically pretty quiet, the villages friendly and interesting, and it is easy to catch a minibus back to Santa Clara once you reach the main road, or sometimes there will be a chicken bus that can take you all the way to San Pablo.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-lucia-utatlan-tzununa-overlook-loop-45822660

Cerro de Oro

Distance: 2 km (return)

Elevation Gain: 200m

Time: 1.5 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

A popular hike near San Lucas Toliman is to the top of Cerro de Oro (Gold Hill). This sacred Mayan peak offers tremendous views of the lake and San Pedro volcano, plus there is a fascinating Mayan altar and “The Door”, one of the entrances to Xiballba (The Mayan Underworld). Proceed with caution, I suppose.

Hill in front of a volcano

Since the top is just over 300-metres-high you aren’t faced with anywhere near the amount of climbing necessary to reach the top of the volcanoes. It is steep, though, very steep. So even though it isn’t an all-day undertaking like the volcanoes, it is still fairly strenuous and can be a serious challenge for people who don’t do a lot of hiking.

The trail can be tricky to follow at times and there have been occasional robberies reported on Cerro de Oro so it is best to go with a guide. Any of the hotels or restaurants in San Lucas should be able to put you in touch with someone, or you can sometimes even ask for a police escort.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/volcan-cerro-de-oro-112620443

More Strenuous Atitlan Hikes

Tzununá – Chuitzanchaj – Jaibalito High Loop

Distance: 6.5km

Elevation Gain: 650m

Time: 2-3 hrs

Difficulty: Strenuous

This involves a steep, difficult climb out of Tzununá with great views, a scenic cemetery and passes through the traditional village of Chuitzanchaj before heading across above the Mayan Trail and, eventually, down to Jaibalito. The figures above are one-way estimates, while the GPS shows us making it a loop by returning via the Tzununa – Jaibalito Middle Route.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/tzununa-chuitzanchaj-jaibalito-tzununa-lake-atitlan-23015885

Santa Lucia Utatlan – Tzununa

Distance: 11.5 km

Elevation Gain: 180m

Elevation Loss: 1,100m

Time: 3.5-4 hrs

Difficulty: Strenuous

Back into the trails that require transportation, this hike starts at the village of Santa Lucia just a couple minutes past the parque viewpoint when heading up in a minibus.

As described in the Parque Chuiraxamolo – Santa Clara hike, take a tuk-tuk from San Marcos/San Pedro or San Juan to San Pablo (10-20Q each), then ride in the back of a pickup up the steep switchbacks from San Pablo to Santa Clara (5-10Q each). Then there are minibuses to the park and Santa Lucia from Santa Clara (7-10Q each) about a block from the main square – they leave from the same place the truck drops you off, or you can just ask around.

View of Lake Atitlan and three volcanoes

From Santa Lucia, you spend about an hour on quiet dirt roads, then go through a village and off onto a nice forest path. The path undulates through the trees with a couple slightly steep sections before flattening out at the “Picnic Area”, as we call it, a phenomenal viewpoint with panoramic views of Lake Atitlan and all three volcanoes (as described in the Tzununa Ridge Loop).

Once you’ve had your fill of the stunning views, you will start the long journey all the way down into Tzununa on a steep, rough trail that passes through a couple different (even smaller) villages.

It is a very direct route but is still a long slog, especially difficult if your knees act up on extended downhills. However, you also get terrific views, pass through interesting villages and get to finish in Tzununa or San Marcos, which is handy if you happen to be staying around there.

Wikiloc (part 1): https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/santa-lucia-utatlan-xepec-picnic-area-124864435

Wikiloc (part 2): https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/xepec-picnic-area-tzununa-124888563

Tzununá – Pajomil – Chuitzanchaj Loop

Distance: 10km

Elevation Gain: 770m

Time: 4-5 hrs

Difficulty: Strenuous

The volcanoes of Lake Atitlan

This is another one that climbs straight up the valley behind Tzununá to yet another photogenic ridge before reaching the village of Pajomil. Then it loops around to reach Chuitzanchaj and all the way back down the same steep ridge we climbed UP on the Tzununá – Chuitzanchaj – Jaibalito hike.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/san-marcos-pajomil-chuizanchaj-45529073

Tzununá – San Marcos Ridge Crossing

Distance: 5km

Elevation Gain: 450m

Time: 1.5-2 hrs

Difficulty: Strenuous, but short

This workout hike climbs up through the less-trodden upper areas of Tzununá before hiking through farmer’s fields to the ridge that separates the two valleys. There are the usual amazing volcano and lake views, but now you also get a bird’s eye view of San Marcos and the western part of the lake. It can sometimes be slippery coming down, then the last 15 minutes is through the less touristy upper barrios of San Marcos. The recording shows us starting from Pasaj-Cap Rentals with an easy 15-minute downhill walk to Tzununá.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/pasajcap-tzununa-san-marcos-33528314

More Very Strenuous Atitlan Hikes

Volcán Atitlán

Distance: 12.5km

Elevation Gain: 1,600m

Time: 5-6 hrs

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

Here’s another one for those who really want to challenge themselves. The only time I did this was about a week after arriving, not acclimatized to the altitude and not in optimal shape, and I found it very difficult. Don’t take it lightly, but it should still be accessible for anyone with decent fitness as long as you pace yourself.

Guides are usually required to climb Atitlán (ask any travel agency on the lake), and you’ll probably want one anyway as the trail isn’t well marked and there have also been reports of individual trekkers being robbed here. You will want to spend the night in Santiago Atitlán so that you can get a very early start, and make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water.

When you reach the top, however, the views are incredible. You have a similar panoramic look at the lake as from San Pedro but get the added bonus of expansive views toward Antigua where, on a clear day, you can spot several more volcanoes.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/volcan-atitlan-22075195

For a complete description of our hike, check out: Climbing Volcan Atitlan

Tzununá Ridge Loop

Distance: 10.5km

Elevation Gain: 1,200m

Time: 4-5 hrs

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

This is the hardest hike you can do on Lake Atitlan without climbing a volcano (or combining multiple trails). It starts out the same as the Tzununa to San Marcos Ridge Crossing, climbing up out of Tzununá to the low ridge separating Tzununá from San Marcos but, instead of heading down to San Marcos, you now continue even farther up.

You then climb the ridge all the way up to the top of the valley overlooking Tzununá (and the entire lake), an awesome viewpoint we have always referred to as the “picnic area” (it will come up in later hikes as well).

The second part of the ascent is particularly difficult and involves some scrambling and climbing, although nothing that requires equipment, just extra effort and caution. Then you circle around and return to Tzununa on a steep path down through some small villages.

All in all, a very difficult hike but it provides at least 4 different unique views, making it potentially the most scenic hike on this list outside the volcanoes. Quiet, challenging and scenic – definitely one of the best hikes on Lake Atitlan.

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/tzununa-ridge-hike-lake-atitlan-22342806

Volcán Tolimán

Distance: 16 km

Elevation Gain: 1,600m

Time: 7-8 hours

Difficulty: Very Strenuous

While many people summit Volcán San Pedro and fit, motivated hikers make it their mission to get to the top of Volcán Atitlán, very few people ever tackle the unique peak atop Volcán Tolimán (and I’m still not one of them). It is a long, tough hike that should be done with a guide. Many people actually choose to spend a night at the top – breaking up the hike and enjoying sunrise and sunset from the peak.

Two volcanoes beside a lake
Volcan Toliman with Atitlan looming in the background

It is unique at the top because of its twin peaks on either side of a 200-metre crater. The way up is mostly shrouded in forest, which means not much in the way of views but, on the bright side, it means the bulk of the climbing will take place in the shade. It is possible to spot quetzales on the trail up to the summit of Toliman volcano, although you’ll probably have to rely on your guide for that, and there is also a wild turkey known as the “pavo de cacho” that can usually be seen in the crater at the top.

So it has some interesting bits, but unfortunately the trees don’t fully give way at the top either so you never get the clear, open views you enjoy from Atitlan or San Pedro, making Toliman more of a “complete the trio” hike than one to reach an amazing viewpoint.

Map of Lake Atitlan Trails

Click the star to save this map to your Google Maps – then find it under Saved/Maps (mobile) or Your Places/Maps (desktop)

More Guatemala Hikes

If you don’t want to mess around with GPS and unmarked trails, you can always sign up for a scenic 4-hr hike ridge hike along the crater rim above Santa Cruz la Laguna. The tour starts in Panajachel and the hike will take you past a sacred Mayan site before finishing in the traditional town of Sololá with lunch at a local comedor.

Meanwhile, if you’re going to be exploring more of Guatemala besides Lake Atitlan, here are some great hiking options:

Volcan Acatenango is a Central American bucket list hike. Near the popular colonial city of Antigua, it involves a steep climb up to the top where you’re treated to insane close-up views of the regular small eruptions of Volcan Fuego. Although, very recently the eruptions seem to have dried up so be sure to check on the latest conditions.

Volcan Santiaguito is another you can watch photogenically puffing from a nearby viewpoint. This one starts from just outside Xela (Quetzaltenango) and is considerably easier, but correspondingly less dramatic.

Xela to Lake Atitlan Hike and a Volcan Zunil Summit is a multi-day excursion that starts with climbing a volcano and then takes you through hills, valleys and Guatemalan farmland. Of course, either portion can be done on its own as well.

Couple hiking up a ridge overlooking a lake and volcanoes

Summary

If you’ve followed any of our travels you’ll know we love to hike. So anywhere we choose to stay for an extended period has to have some good options to get out and wander. The Lake Atitlan hikes may not be as structured or accessible as those in North America or Europe but once you know where you’re going you can find some real gems. Plus, you are likely to have most of the trails to yourself.

There are many things to recommend about this area but definitely the hiking on Lake Atitlan is one of the most important (for us, anyway). Happy hiking!

Other Lake Atitlan articles you may want to check out:

San Pedro la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Most Popular Village

San Juan la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Artistic Village

San Marcos la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Spiritual Village

Pasajcap Rentals: Our Favourite Place to Stay on the Lake

Tzununa: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Holistic Village

Jaibalito: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Quietest Village

Santa Cruz la Laguna: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Village With the Best Views

Panajachel: Gateway to Stunning Lake Atitlan

Santa Catarina Palopo: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Most Colourful Village

San Antonio Palopo: A Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Pottery Village

San Lucas Toliman: Guide to Lake Atitlan’s Secret Village

Santiago Atitlan: Guide to an Authentic Mayan Town