The Journey Begins: Overnight Buses and Hair-Raising Roads

We weren’t about to miss out on Lake Atitlán, even if it meant enduring one of the wildest journeys of our lives to get there. So, we boarded an overnight bus from Flores to Antigua, followed by a four-hour shuttle ride to the lake itself. Let me tell you—those winding mountain roads were terrifying. At one point, I was convinced our suitcases had bounced right off the roof and were halfway down a cliff. Spoiler: they survived. So did we. Barely.

First Impressions: Volcanoes and Views That Don’t Look Real

But oh, was it worth it.
The moment we arrived, we were absolutely stunned. Joe still swears it’s the best view he’s ever seen—and he couldn’t believe it was real. The lake is cradled by volcanoes, and the whole scene looks like something out of a dream. It’s not just beautiful—it’s otherworldly.

Why We Chose Panajachel (And You Should Too)

We landed in Panajachel, the main hub of the lake, and we’d recommend it to anyone visiting. It’s the easiest spot to catch boats to the surrounding villages, and it has a good balance of amenities and authenticity. We stayed in a hostel for the very first time—and to our surprise, it felt more like a boutique hotel! Super clean, lovely decor, and just the right amount of charm and price. I would highly recommend staying in a hostel whilst here!

Calle Santander: Markets, Color, and a Dash of Chaos

Calle Santander is the town’s main street, and it’s a vibe all on its own—bustling with local vendors, colorful textiles, and handmade goods. It's a must-stroll if you want a taste of real Guatemalan life.

Exploring the Lake’s Villages by Boat

From Panajachel, we took boats to explore the lakeside villages. Each one has its own personality, and hopping between them was an adventure in itself. The boat rides were bumpy, splashy, and so much fun—just hold onto your hat (and maybe your camera). We even made a vlog comparing the different towns, since it can be hard to decide where to stay when you're planning a trip around the lake.

The Food: Honest Thoughts from Hungry Travelers

Now, full honesty: the food in Guatemala didn’t quite wow us like Mexican cuisine did. It’s a bit on the bland side—light on spices and herbs—but still wholesome and worth trying.

Culture, Color, and Connection

What made up for the food was the culture. Everywhere we turned, we saw Mayan families in traditional clothing, selling home-cooked dishes and handmade crafts. It felt truly special to be immersed in that. We loved getting around in the tuk tuks too, they were cheap and handy to have around the villages. One even took us up to a nearby wildlife park, Tilly had a close encounter with some butterflies and I got chased by a Coati (100% must watch in the video, link is below).

A Learning Experience for All of Us (Especially Tilly)

Tilly, our 12-year-old daughter, soaked it all up—learning about local goods, currency, language, food, and even the fine art of patience (especially when waiting for yet another delayed bus). It was a beautiful experience for her—and for us—to connect with a different way of life.

Final Thoughts: Why Lake Atitlán Is Worth the Trip

If you’re a family looking to venture beyond the main tourist spots, Lake Atitlán is an absolute must. It’s quieter, more organic, and gives you the feeling that you’ve discovered something truly unique.

Lake Atitlán: A Family Adventure to Guatemala’s Crown Jewel