san marcos, guatemala: welcome to the vortex

Formed over 84,000 years ago in the colossal caldera of an ancient supervolcano, Lake Atitlán is more than just a geographical marvel; it’s a vibrant pulse and magnetic force, drawing in like minded free-spirits from around the world. San Marcos La Laguna, a small town on her shores, is world renowned in the spiritual community for yoga retreats, ecstatic dance festivals, medicine ceremonies, and serves as a hub for local expats and transient travelers alike.

A dock on Lake Atitlan at sunset. Cool things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

Legend has it that the Maya civilization, whose ancestral roots run deep in these lands, believed Lake Atitlán to be the birthplace of their gods, its waters a sacred conduit between the earthly realm and the divine. Today, this sacred lake remains a source of wonder and inspiration for travelers, drawing them into her embrace with promises of creative inspiration, serenity, and spiritual awakening.

For the hippies, and hippies at heart, Lake Atitlán is more than just a destination; it's a state of mind. It's a place where time slows down, where community thrives, and where the simple joys of life take center stage. Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, a yogi in search of inner peace, or a backpacker yearning for meaningful connections, Lake Atitlán welcomes you with open arms.

This travel guide details recommendations, weekly community events and what to do in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala for adventurers, yogis and backpackers alike. All of the locations featured in this guide can be found in this clickable and followable custom Google Maps list.

9:00am: breakfast & stretch by the lake

Each morning is an opportunity to take time to connect to the energy of the lake, listen to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore, and enjoy the view of verdant hills and crystalline waters. Below are a few options to enjoy the most sacred part of the day in style:

Hostel ATI Dock & Breakfast: Connect with your breath, body, and spirit with panoramic views of the lake for sunrise yoga at Hostel ATI (formerly Hostel Del Lago) (50-100Q). The dock in front of the hostel is also free for anyone to use for sunbathing, stretching, meditation or your own morning practice. After yoga, head up to their cafe for a tipico breakfast (45Q) to be enjoyed on the second floor with sweeping views of the lake and reliable Starlink internet for computer or remote work.

A desayuno tipico at Hostel Del Lago with fried eggs, local cheese and plantains (45Q or ~$6 USD).

A plato del dia at Konojel Restaurant with a local stew, rice, salad and a hibiscous tea (45Q or ~$6 USD).

An om mani cacao at Ixchel Cafe in Emporium (20Q or ~$3 USD).

Mushroom risotto and avocado salad at Il Giardino (70Q or ~$9 USD).

Breakfast mushroom omelette with homemade chili oil at The Hidden Garden (55Q ~$7 USD).

The outdoor patio at Circles cafe.

Hidden Gardens: Soak up some morning sun in these tranquil gardens, home to mystical mushrooms, hidden gnomes and fairy doors. Try one of their handcrafted coffees such as the Sumaya (a double shot of espresso topped with cacao foam), a warmed gluten-free chocolate chip cookie, delectable omelette or quinoa bowl for the omnivores and vegans alike. This is the perfect place to get lost in a book, journal or pull tarot cards in a sunlit nook.

Circles & Tercer Ojo: Located in the heart of San Marcos, Circles beckons with its modern ambiance and aromatic western-style coffee, complemented by a selection of freshly baked pastries and aesthetic outdoor patio. Across the street, Tercer Ojo offers another enticing option for coffee and croissants, inviting you to indulge in the simple pleasures of people watching through one of their large windows on a leisurely morning.

11:00am: local shopping along hippy highway

Affectionately dubbed “hippy highway,’ the long pathway leading up from the main dock, lined with shops and restaurants, is the center of the San Marcos vortex. It’s nearly impossible to walk through these streets and not run into an old friend (or make a new one!) and flow naturally into the next adventure of the day. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant vein browsing the seemingly endless walls of handmade shawls, rugs, and ponchos, each item reflecting the beauty and craftsmanship of Guatemala's traditional textiles.

12:00pm: enjoy a cacao at lava love

A traditional ceremonial grade cacao at Lavalove (33Q or ~$5 USD).

Cacao, referred to as the "food of the gods," holds a sacred place in the heart of Maya cultural heritage. Once considered a form of currency, cacao was the plant of power in Mesoamerica, revered for its potent transcendental properties. In the 16th century, with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, traditional Mayan cacao ceremonies were condemned as "witchcraft" and pushed into obscurity for nearly 500 years. In 2003, as described in the documentary “Cacao: The Forgotten Master,” Keith Wilson connected with Ixcacao, the spirit of cacao, during a transformative meditation and became a channel for its wisdom. Through his dedication and spiritual guidance, Keith revived these traditional ceremonies, first to the Western community and then to the local communities who continue to teach his practices. Today, after 500 years in hiding, the sacred ceremonies of cacao have returned, offering participants a gateway to connect with the the spirit of cacao’s love and healing energy.

Experience the heart opening potency of a traditional cacao for yourself at Keith’s cacao legacy, LavaLove, originally known as Keith’s Cacao. LavaLove offers traditional Maya cacao ceremonies on Mondays at 10am and Fridays at 1pm (200 Q, ~$25 USD), which incorporate traditional fire prayers, offerings and more information about attendees’ birthdate according to the Mayan calendar. Alternatively, stop by for a cup of cacao (~33Q) at anytime and conduct your own personal ceremony and meditation with Ixcacao.

1:00pm: lunch

Emporium Cafe: Bathed in the gentle glow of afternoon sunlight, the second floor of Emporium hosts Ixchel Cafe, which beckons with its airy ambiance and welcoming atmosphere. This cozy spot is the perfect hangout for friends and musicians alike, offering a relaxed setting for impromptu jam sessions and lively conversations. Whether you're sipping on an Om Mani peanut butter cacao, or enjoying a delectable pad thai from El Buho, Emporium is a safe space to relax, connect with others and work on creative projects.

Konojel Restaurant: Meaning “All Together” in the local Kaqchikel language, Konojel Restaurant serves up a delectable array of local Guatemalan fare, including a “plate of the day,” featuring flavorful stews + a hibiscus tea, (45Q), filling pupusas (20Q) and delectable desserts. What sets Konojel apart is its commitment to giving back to the local community: with every meal enjoyed, diners contribute to Konojel’s mission of supporting and empowering students, babies and young leaders in San Marcos.

2:00pm: dip in the lake at the nature reserve

The back-entrance walkway to the Nature Reserve.

Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: (20Q entry fee or free entrance, open until 4:00pm) Dive into the pristine blue-green waters of the mermaid pools for a refreshing dip, or channel your inner thrill-seeker with cliff jumping (also known as “trampolin”) into the crystal-clear depths from a 15 meter high platform. Whether you're seeking serenity or an adrenaline rush amidst the rugged landscapes, the nature reserve offers a sanctuary for both adventure and relaxation.

5:00pm: dinner

Il Giardino: Nestled among tall trees and a lush garden, the atmosphere at Il Giardino is relaxing, romantic, and a welcome escape from the hustle & bustle of downtown San Marcos. The food is made fresh to order in a small kitchen and there is usually only one server working to collect orders and bring the bill. That being said, the service is often slow, but if you have the time, the mushroom risotto is definitely worth the wait.

La Sagrada: Often showcasing local DJs, singers and musicians, La Sagrada knocks it out of the park with ambiance, great music and delicious tacos. Stop by for a drink, dance or dinner and enjoy the good vibes.

7:00pm: evening flow activities

During high season (November - April) there is no shortage of ecstatic dances, voice activation workshops, live music jam sessions, and a multitude of other community events that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Below is a list of rotating list of free weekly community events to attend, otherwise keep an eye out for fliers posted around town or join the Lake Family Whatsapp group to stay in the loop of the ubiquitous workshops and community offerings.

Emporium: (Ixchel Cafe): With its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, Emporium’s Open Mic Night is the perfect stage for performers of all stripes to shine and connect with a supportive audience.
San Marcos Dock: This community-driven drum circle is an opportunity for participants to connect with their tribal roots and create harmonious melodies in a trance-like union around the fire.
Vida: Come for the open mic night, stay for the refreshing mojitos and delicious cheese flan.
Sarnai: Immerse yourself in devotional chants and melodies around the fire while enjoying a delicious donation-based meal.
Eagle’s Nest: Every Friday Eagle’s Nest opens their doors for everyone to enjoy their panoramic sunset views of the lake, spaceship-like sauna, and open-space platform perfect for practicing acro-yoga, aerial silks and flow toys.
Eden: In the evening check out Heats, Beats & Eats at Eden, featuring talented fire-spinners, local DJs and their unique 2-in-1 infrared sauna + cold plunge.
Emporium: Enjoy an outdoor market of local crafts, spiritual fares, and hidden treasure at the Saturday Market at Emporium.
Starry Mountain Psychonauts: In the evening, Starry Mountain opens their upstairs teahouse for a late night of psychedelic sounds and cuddle puddles.
Gaia: One of the best ecstatic dance floors in the world, Gaia Temple hosts international DJs, workshops and festivals. Take a tuk tuk or lancha to Tzununia to experience their weekly ecstatic dance.

“The first step to enlightenment is to lighten up.”

— Keith Wilson

thank you

Whether you visit for four days or four months, Lake Atitlán stands as not just a destination, but a transformative experience waiting to be embraced. From the awe-inspiring natural beauty to the vibrant community spirit, this sacred lake nurtures the soul and sparks a sense of adventure within all who visit. Whether you come for the breathtaking scenery, the creative energy, or the sense of belonging, Lake Atitlán offers a sanctuary where travelers become family and dreams take flight. Let its magnetic energy ignite your spirit, and be forever changed by the enchanting allure of Lake Atitlán.