How to Get to Lake Atitlán and Beyond

The south area includes San Pedro, San Juan, San Pablo, San Marcos, and Santa Cruz. Within these towns, you can use tuk-tuks and public boats. After Santa Cruz, you must take boats because there isn’t a continuous road for vehicles.

Prices and when each option makes sense

•Tuk-tuk: Q10 per person from town to town. If you’re going more than two towns away, boats are usually better.
• Boat: From San Pedro to any of these towns costs Q20 per person; to Panajachel it’s Q35.

Service hours
• Tuk-tuks: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Boats: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Tip
Hopping by tuk-tuk from town to town is a fun way to explore and see more along the way.

Getting to Santiago Atitlán
The easiest way is the boat from San Pedro: Q25 per person; first boat at 6:00 a.m., last at 4:00 p.m. Alternatively, hire a private taxi from San Pedro to Santiago, available essentially 24/7.

*An option to explore all this without being rushed by schedules and with a fixed price, a private taxi is a great option.

The north area includes Panajachel (the hub), Santa Catarina Palopó, and San Antonio Palopó. Within these towns you can use tuk-tuks and public boats. Toward Santa Cruz—and beyond to Jaibalito, Tzununa, and San Marcos—you’ll need boats because there isn’t a continuous vehicle road.
Prices and when each option makes sense
• Tuk-tuk: Q10 per person from town to town. If you’re going more than two towns away, boats are usually better.
• Boat: From Panajachel to these north-side villages costs Q20 per person; to San Pedro it’s Q35.
Service hours
• Tuk-tuks: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Boats: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tip
The tuk-tuk route Panajachel → Santa Catarina → San Antonio is a scenic, easy hop to explore local crafts and lake views.
Getting to San Marcos / Jaibalito / Tzununa
The easiest way is by boat from Panajachel: Q20 per person; first boat at 6:00 a.m., last at 7:00 p.m.

Getting between Panajachel and San Pedro (either direction) is by public boat (“lancha”). You have two options:

• Village-hopping boats: stop at several towns; about 1 hour total.
• Direct boats: go straight; about 30 minutes.

Price

• Q35 per person for either option (prices can change seasonally).

Schedules

• First departures start around 6:00 a.m.
• Panajachel → San Pedro: last boat around 7:00 p.m.
• San Pedro → Panajachel: last boat around 6:00 p.m.

Frequency

• Village-hopping boats: roughly every 30 minutes.
• Direct boats: no fixed timetable; they depart once ~15 passengers are on board.

Tip
If you need the last boat, arrive early and confirm on the dock, as timing and prices can vary with weather and demand.

*If you want to travel after these times, you can opt for a private boat 24 hours a day.

Daily shuttles from different destinations to different towns in Lake Atitlan

Daily shuttles from different destinations to different towns in Lake Atitlan