At your return, you would like to take some photos of Panajachel sunset, a colorful sky show between 5:00 pm. In San Juan la Laguna, however, there are almost always a couple dozen girls battling on the basketball court or a small group jogging on the roads around town. They may even stop off at San Juans impressive soccer (futbol) field, with its artificial turf, bleachers and ridge views, a place I have spent many an afternoon dragging myself around in the baking afternoon sun. Most tours involve a combination of walking and riding to see the churches, cemetery, coffee fields, art galleries, weaving workshops and the best of the street art and wall murals. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 155251P15. Thank you! Other than that, use general common sense like watching for pickpockets in the crowded market and not wandering back to your hotel drunk at 2 am and you should be fine. There is no direct boat between San Juan and Panajachel and the boat will stop in Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, San Marcos and Tzununa before reaching San Juan. Where can I stay near San Juan La Laguna? This experience requires good weather. 2. A little bit quirky and cut off from the area. Fill in your vehicle information and you will receive a tailored cost summary for the vehicle in question.There is also the option to break down journey costs according to the number of people travelling, extremely useful for carpooling. I recommend this spot hands down. One characteristic of San Juan that we have always found particularly interesting is how popular female sports are. Bus Tours. Another possibility is pickup truck. How far is it from Panajachel to San Pedro La Laguna? We toured San Juan and got to see the process behind chocolate, textiles, coffee, bees, and herbal medicine. This trip is very popular with families. What is San Marcos La Laguna Guatemala known for? With ViaMichelin you can view the most detailed maps of Guatemala, Solol, Panajachel. San Juan la Laguna is known for its amazing Good Friday procession. All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties. It wouldnt hurt to double-check when you buy your ticket but thats what they told us. It was super clean. But we never carry anything that even looks tempting (no backpack or fanny packs) and always do our best to look sweaty and impoverished (not a big stretch). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. . With that said, here is why we consider it a 5-star hotel for San Juan. Idk. One of the most iconic images around Lake Atitlan is of the Mayan women in their intricately woven long skirts and huipile tops, each of which is unique to the womans village. There are 2 operators that run from Panajachel, Lake Atitlan to San Pedro La Laguna, with 13 departure per day. See all photos. Tikal Ruinas Antigua Lake Atitlan Panajachel Chichicastenango Xela Todo Santos Mesilla Monterrico Santiago Atitlan San Pedro La Laguna, San Marcos La . Taking a Ferry from Panajachel, Lake Atitlan to San Pedro La Laguna. Panajachel was part of the Tecpn Atitln "corregimiento" (English: Province) and when it turned into a major municipality in 1730, Panajachel became part of it as well;[3] regarding the Catholic faith, this was in charge of the franciscans, who had convents and doctrines in the area covered by the modern departments of Sacatepquez, Chimaltenango, Solol, Quetzaltenango, Totonicapn, Suchitepquez and Escuintla. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. There is a good, reliable ATM at the Banrural on the corner of the main road through town (SOL-4) and Calle 6. You can also view and book any of the hotels selected from the MICHELIN Guide. See all things to do. San Juan has many outstanding local art galleries with wonderful Mayan prints illustrating local culture, traditions and history. San Marcos, San Juan, San Pedro la Laguna. Approximately 10 minutes walk into the town of San Juan La Laguna. Two other operators also service this route. Check out our selection of essential motoring accessories and hit the road without a care in the world! The little towns around are unique and deserve some time to visit. Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna Ferries - Rome2rio I think the biggest negative was this stingy little glass of late-night wine for $6. The closest major city is Xela (Quetzaltenango), just 2 hours away for roughly the same price as from Antigua. With a multidimensional stone faade and classic wood-carved doors on the outside and phenomenal pulpit and impressive collection of statues within, this church is well worth a specific visit. The town is small enough to easily walk to any part of it . Get around []. In comparison to the USA, this is a two star hotel, however it is very clean and comfortable. If you want a boat taxi during the day the hotel will just call them and its 10Q each to get to San Marcos. When my partner and I arrived in Panajachel, we went into the office to check it out. Distance, cost (tolls, fuel, cost per passenger) and journey time, based on traffic conditions Departure point Route summary Viaducts, bridges Arrival point Dangerous area Tunnels Map routes Security alert Crossing nearby Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Need another great reason to travel the globe? Where can I stay near Municipio de San Juan La Laguna? from . My only other complaint/suggestion would be around cleaning of the rooms. How far is it from Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna? ECO HOTEL UXLABIL ATITLAN $48 ($78) - Tripadvisor Ferry operators. There they gave a demonstration of weaving and dying yarns. The restaurant staff is fast and they prepare good food. Also known as Rostro Maya (Mayan Face) in the local Mayan dialect, this is one of the best viewpoints on the entire lake. That is why I would not recommend the one day tour. There is a daily fruit and vegetable market at the top of the road coming up from the dock where we sometimes pick up a few things. Atitlan Boats operates a ferry from Panajachel to San Marcos La Laguna on demand. The best sunsets take place during the rainy season but at any time of year you can suddenly be surprised by a spectacular light and colour show. See all SPECIAL OFFER Shared Tour to Lake Atitlan: Boat Ride + Panajachel + 1 Town 29 Bus Tours from $135.00 $99.90 per adult Indians nose Mountain Sunrise Hike Private Tour 16 The art in San Juan La Laguna isnt limited to the shops and galleries. Visit San Juan la laguna. We are specialized in bird watching and making different kind of tours (adventure, hiking, cultural, relaxing tours and more), There are more places to choose from in the, Frequently Asked Questions about Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan. There are also several little tiendas in San Juan and one big shop, the Super Quic (but most tourists jokingly refer to it as Walmart). Plus, there tends to be lots of power outages. Also, whether you are arriving by bus or shuttle, you can choose to go to Panajachel first and take the boat across but it is usually faster (and cheaper) to go direct to San Juan la Laguna. The next village I just had a local beer at a lakeside cafe. Your ticket is good for the whole day so if you happen to be staying in San Juan la Laguna, you could go up for sunset as well. And the heavy evening cloud cover makes for some of the most spectacular sunsets weve seen anywhere in the world. Once there, the rain kept pouring in and we didn't have any umbrellas. As well as the standard mapping, you will find local MICHELIN Guide listed restaurants and real-time traffic. For more detailed information and availability see all options. I personally couldnt do more than three nights, but everyone is different. Get in []. We would definitely recommend this tour! You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. Buy Eat Sleep San Pedro La Laguna is in Guatemala. The hills are relatively gradual but eventually the trail turns down off the ridge and you spend about an hour picking your way downhill through forest and, eventually, coffee plantations until you reach the outskirts of San Juan. The lookout has been there as long as we can remember but while it used to be a simple cross on a hill, in recent years it has been expanded into a pretty impressive structure. Another way to get from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna is by taking a public bus and a boat. $89.95. 20 Best Things to Do in San Pedro La Laguna - Bucketlist Bri Things to Do in San Juan la Laguna - Tripadvisor There are 2 operators that run from San Juan La Laguna to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, with 11 departure per day. Overall, yes. Shuttles leave regularly from Guatemala City Airport to Panajachel. Read more. To complete your registration, click on the link in the email that we have just sent you. We toured several of the villages and I saw many things I would have missed on my own. San Juan is the best destination on Lake Atitlan for authentic Mayan art, weaving and crafts. So many common areas to just hang out and enjoy beautiful Lake Atitlan. well worth the experience. However, the hike to reach El Cerro de la Cruz is far less strenuous (and the view not quite as expansive). We still find it useful for money transfers to Pasajcap, however, and we can now send and receive money in half a dozen different currencies, convert to dozens more with no exchange premium and pay or withdraw local currencies. Don't be surprised if you're asked to pay more than the Mayan woman behind you. Have more flexibility with a private tour, Insightful commentary shared by your guide, Ride in comfort by air-conditioned minivan, Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions, Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately, This is a private tour/activity. You will see the entire process from the hives themselves to the wide variety of end products including honey, face creams and lip balms. After taking a tuk tuk, truck or bus up to Santa Clara on the ridge, you walk out of town on a small path, cross a farmers field, then follow the ridge for quite some time, with amazing lake and volcano views the whole way. Private shuttles are also possible, with prices varying widely from 400Q ($55) to 800Q ($110) from Guatemala City, and usually about 75% of those prices from Antigua. With ViaMichelin you can book your accommodation for San Juan La Laguna at no additional cost. I would recommend that you stay at Atitlan for at least two days. Tickets cost $4 and the journey takes 50 min. Unless they have a specific plan, or a gift in mind, or could probably use a new scarf, or any of a dozen other perfectly acceptable reasons. A number of inclusive cooperatives help the women of San Juan make a living off these projects. We really like the hang out areas, the temascal and small pool. However, there are enough incidents that you need to be smart and take reasonable precautions. Located on a tall point in the northwest corner of the lake, it provides a stunning look out over the lake, all three nearby volcanoes (San Pedro, Atitlan, Toliman) and, on a clear day, 5 more toward Antigua. 2023 Lake Atitln and San Juan La Laguna Day Trip by Boat from After extensive research I have decided that KeepGo eSIMs have the best coverage and prices for most of our trips. [8] Anne Maudslay tells in her book that even though this seemed like a Catholic ritual, it was, in fact, a Mayan one; several priests that they found during their journey told them that they were not sure that the natives had really absorbed the Catholic faith that the conquistadors tried to instill in them for centuries.[8]. San Juan la Laguna is located on the western shore of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands. There is a fair bit of overlap but, in general, the people around San Juan and San Pedro speak TzUtujil, those between San Marcos and Pana speak Kakchiquel and up the hill in Santa Clara and surrounds most people speak Quiche. There is usually a guide or two waiting at the dock for tourists coming off the lancha or you can book it through any of the tour agencies in San Juan or other villages around the lake. Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm. Great Spot! Expect anything touristy to be priced touristically. However, in the Highlands, Spanish tends to be the second language behind one of the indigenous Mayan dialects. Casa Cakchiquel features a Museum & Gallery space that is presenting Guatemala's first and unique historical photo museum with over 3000 photo images between 1860 - 1970 and Guatemala's most important photographers like Emilio and Roberto Eichenberger, Alberto G. Valdeavellano, Adolfo Biener, G. Hurter, Joaqun Muoz, Lionel Stein, Pablo Sittler, el indio, Lito B. Zadik & Co. and others. Just flag them down and squeeze in, then pay when you get off. What are some of the property amenities at Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan? Confirmation will be received at time of booking, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers, Visit Kemo Asociacin: women weavers formed a cooperative, with demonstrations and fabulous shop with their individual creations, In this beautiful and artists community, don't miss the local women weavers association Kemo ( see FB or Instagram for more information), This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Having said that, while we usually do that hike in a group at least once a week, Laynni and I have probably done it a hundred times or more just the two of us and never had an issue. Boat (lancha) traveling from Panajachel (Pana) to San Juan La Laguna on Lake Atitlan Guatemala. We always grab a table on the top deck for a view and a breeze. 4. But if you plan your activities for first thing in the morning and make sure youre safely inside by late afternoon it really shouldnt affect you too much. Not a big deal, but you Lovely stay at this welcoming and charming hotel, great view of the lake!! If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. The menu is limited. How to get from Antigua to San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala Avoid off-road connections (ferry, train), Colonia La Esperanza, 07017 San Juan La Laguna, Acceso 8 Maria Zona 1, 07018 San Pedro La Laguna. Calle Santander, the principal tourist through-way. The owner and staff are very friendly, they have excellent ceviche and the beer is always cold. Shuttles from Guatemala City to San Juan la Laguna usually take 4-5 hours and cost around 250-300 quetzales ($US30-40). At around 1,600 metres above sea level, it does not get as hot as most of Central America, with the temperature only occasionally reaching 25 or 26 Celsius. Tip: Unless you have nerves of steel, the best time of day to . The major mochilero hub. Today the house serves as the Cultural Center and is lovingly restored and one of two historic buildings "patrimonio culturales" (the central Church of Saint Francis of Assisi being the other) in Panajachel. Our app includes Michelin maps and routes with real-time traffic info, GPS navigation with voice guidance and community alerts. I was disappointed in the coffee (for it being a coffee region) and the food was just ok. Yes, free private parking nearby and secured parking are available to guests. Guatemala Local Ferries. The default recommended route from Michelin. Last I heard they were scattered between Mexico and Guatemala, with plenty of controversy continuing to follow wherever they went. Does Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan have an airport shuttle? Great food, small and walkable, and safe. journey between Panajachel - San Juan La Laguna. Shuttle Service - 06:00am - Guatemala City/Airport to Panajachel $25 p/p. Typically, locals speak Spanish to tourists (for obvious reasons). What food & drink options are available at Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan? For $109 I was expecting bit more. Panajachel is also home to one of the oldest art galleries in Central America, La Galeria directly down the street to Rancho Grande. There are many options if you want to join a tour, with Cooperativa La Voz coming highly recommended. Great value for money hotel with nice staff and nice view of the lake. Clean, friendly and cultured, it is a terrific place to come for a day trip or longer stay. The route offering the shortest distance to a destination via the most accessible roads. Dry season runs from late November to the end of April (give or take) and during this time it will be surprising if you see more than a few brief sprinkles of rain. Beautiful setting, a bit rustic, lots of stairs. we took the long route lines, along the cliff face. San Juan la Laguna is located on the western shore of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan Highlands. The view of the lake is amazing, so in that sense the location is good, but its quite a hike to the town. Approximately 10 minutes walk into the town of San Juan La Laguna. Past there you usually pay an extra 5Q per village (Tzununa Jaibalito Santa Cruz). The trail up has many painted stairs which will help entertain you as you climb higher. There are many beehives located in and around the San Juan coffee fields. They dont accept bills smaller than $20 and some banks require that you have an account with them. So authentic and genuine. Book Online Shared Shuttle Bus Minivan Van Tickets Guatemala | Express The safety and patience of the guides made me feel very safe, my first time zip. You can also add information on Michelin restaurants, tourist attractions or hotels in Panajachel or San Juan La Laguna. For more detailed information and availability see all options. To get to the lake itself, most people will be coming to Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City, Antigua or Xela. Expand Map What companies run services between Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna? Tickets cost $3 and the journey takes 50 min. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. It is important to arrive before 8:00 am. Popular Partners in Guatemala. How To Travel To Lake Atitlan - Atitlan Living You can also use the kayaks for free and it includes life jackets. Antigua Guatemala to San Juan La Laguna - Rome2rio Your main choices are tourist shuttle or chicken bus. Is Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan located near the city center? Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna - 3 ways to travel via ferry, taxi Less water pressure will give the heating mechanism time to actually heat the water. And although we always stay in an apartment near San Marcos on the north side of the lake, we always spend quite a bit of time in cute, clean little San Juan. In most Mayan communities girls are still very limited as to what they can play, and to what age. Alma de Colores is a social inclusion program for locals with disabilities. The boats leave Panajachel every 20 min starting with 6 AM and finishing at 5 PM. It rained and the roof of the boat almost fell on us. Cabin Xocomilis another good choice with a fully equipped suite with a bedroom, bathroom, wifi, satellite TV and a patio. May to October is the rainy season and its true, it does rain quite a lot during this time. Panajachel, Lake Atitlan to San Juan La Laguna. The most fuel-efficient route that also avoids toll roads. A small hotel with adequate amenities to spend a couple of days in San Juan. The mountain bikes were good, and we had good helmets too. Atitlan Boats operates a ferry from Panajachel to San Pedro La Laguna on demand. The trip was entertaining and educational! You can book transport in Guatemala with GuateGo here and Guatemalan tours with them here. Like every village on the lake, San Juan has a daily fruit and vegetable market that expands to include just about anything you can imagine on weekends. If you decide to take a ferry, you can take the Standard option. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. Take a taxi from Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna $44 - $181 Cheapest option Shuttle 2h 17m Take a shuttle bus from Antigua Guatemala to San Juan La Laguna Antigua $40 2 alternative options Taxi 2h 1m Take a taxi from Antigua Guatemala to San Juan La Laguna 114.2 km $80 - $100 Drive 2h 1m The elevation is 1,597 metres (5,240ft). While Indian Nose is a worthwhile viewpoint at any time, it is truly special at sunrise when you can watch the sun slowly and colourfully make its way up over the impressive line of volcanoes. Manufacture Franaise des Pneumatiques Michelin will process your email address in order to manage your subscription to the Michelin newsletter. Written February 15, 2023. There are 3 ways to get from Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna by ferry, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. They are diligent about eliminating litter and keeping the place spotless. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Every post has been written by us based on our personal experience (no sponsored posts), and every adventure is our own, even the boring ones. Choose one of the following options for the Panajachel to San Juan La Laguna route: Michelin recommended, fast, short or cheap. They were remodeling rooms all dayin case you like to rest during the day. Its a beautiful place and I would stay again. Plus, it just happens to feature 4 (!) Yes, Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan offers an airport shuttle for guests. You can sometimes change $US at the bank in either San Pedro or Panajachel but they dont make it easy. lake though and was a great place to have a glass of wine and watch sunset. Yet I am still giving it high marks because it's a great place to visit though not just for a day. Small trucks with railings in the back to hold on to transport surprisingly large groups of people in the box, usually for 5Q per person. Read our, Panajachel Hotels with Laundry Facilities, Hotels near Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo Museum, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Panajachel, Natural Beauty of Marble Mountain and Glittering Hoi An Tour including Dinner, Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Combo in Bermuda, Parmigiano Cheese, Parma Ham and Balsamic Tour in Italy, Thai massasje i trondheim nytelse og velvre.Thai Spa har erfaring siden 2004, Whale-Watching and Orange County Beaches Tour from Anaheim, Ferrari Sports Car Experience from Monaco. Panajachel to Municipio de San Juan La Laguna Ferries - Rome2rio Caf San Juan, just up from the dock, is another good choice that offers sit down service, takeout or even packages of coffee to take home with you. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. If you dont mind the chance of a bit of discomfort (although at least half the time we end up on mostly empty buses) and are okay with the risk (Central America in a nutshell) they are often just as fast as the shuttles and much cheaper. This is a private Tiburonera Boat Circuit for 10 walkers, from Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan, San Juan La Laguna and Return to Panajachel. Los Elementos in Santa Cruz also runs one of the best all-day adventure tours that includes kayaking, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, cliff jumping (optional, obviously), archery, trampolines and, if you behave, even some time to relax with a view. How To Travel Lake Atitlan: Panajachel To San Pedro & MORE You should be able to use cards at most hotels and restaurants but will still need cash for the tiendas, street vendors, tuk tuks, lanchas and local markets. Where can I stay near San Pedro La Laguna? Visit San Juan la laguna - Tripadvisor At least twice a week both companies offer triple saldo, when you receive 3Q of calling credit for every 1Q you purchase. Occasionally tourists are robbed at machete point while hiking, in particular on the popular trail between Santa Cruz and San Marcos. Exploring the Lakeside Haven of San Pedro La Laguna - TripSavvy Boats from Rio Dulce to Playa Blanca. There are a couple of different trails in this area but most of the people we hike with agree this is the best combination of difficulty, length and scenery. In the 16th century, during the period of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the shore of the lake was the scene of a battle in which the Spanish and their Kaqchikel allies defeated the Tz'utujils. Are pets allowed at Eco Hotel Uxlabil Atitlan? There is an 8 am shuttle that will take you to Pana from there get the boat across the lake. We really enjoyed this experience getting a closer look at the Guatemalan culture and way of life of the local people. You can rent kayaks for free and start paddling directly from outside the hotel. However most shuttles are not direct and do stop over in Antigua. [6], In 1892, British archeologist Alfred Percival Maudslay and his wife, Anne Maudslay, visited Panajachel during their long journey throughout Guatemala; their impressions were reported in their book A glimpse at Guatemala, published in 1899. We met at the office, and walked to the public ferry terminal. . sunset. Our favourite spot to enjoy a cold beverage at the end of a hike is at Kaas Utz, just north of the market. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Conveniently located restaurants include The Fifth Dimension, Chile's Latina Cafe, and Restaurant Idea Connection. Also daily, there was religious teaching for 6-year-old girls and older starting at 2:00 pm and for boys of the same age starting at sunset; the class lasted for 2 hours and consisted on memorizing the church teaching and prayers and to make some exercises with the catechism and it was run by a priest or by elder natives, called "fiscales". Check out our car rental service and all its many benefits. more, We are an eco hotel on the shores of lake Atitlan. Casa Cakchiquel is the home of Radio 5, FM99.1 the local Radio Station in the Atitlan Basin. Two other operators also service this route. Things to Do in Panajachel. In general, we recommend trying to get on where the bus originates to ensure you get a seat by the window, which means that at worst youll be squished in but wont have to worry about standing or being stuck half on a seat (and half hovering in the aisle).