Santa Cruz La Laguna
The mellow town of Santa Cruz La Laguna is set along the shores of Lake Atitlán to the west of Panajachel. Accessible only by boat, Santa Cruz is both beautiful and supremely relaxed.
Santa Cruz’s popularity is slowly beginning to rise as word gets out about its excellent hotels, spas, and location. It’s an unspoiled place that borders thick green forests and a pristine part of the lake. The actual Maya village is set above the lakeshore—most hotels and traveler facilities are near the water. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from the lake to the village proper.
There is only one road in Santa Cruz. This keeps the pace slow and the vibe tranquil. There isn’t much to see in the actual town besides a sixteenth-century church. Most visitors are content relaxing, reading, or swimming. Hikes can be made along lakeside trails to the neighboring village of Jaibalito (45 minutes) or San Marcos (3 hours).
There is also a dive shop that offers certification courses and fun dives. The diving here is unique and includes the chance to see underwater volcanic formations and touch hot volcanic mud.
Experiences in Santa Cruz La Laguna
Explore hand-picked Santa Cruz La Laguna tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Incredible Lake Tour
Enchanting Walk - Maya Sunrise
Chichicastenango Local Market
Bike Tour Palopo Adventure - Colective
Scenic Kayac Tour - Colective
Where to stay in Santa Cruz La Laguna
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Santa Cruz La Laguna accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Laguna Lodge
The resort is set within the town of Santa Cruz La Laguna. This hotel is built literally on the edge of the lake and has beautiful accommodations.
La Casa del Mundo
The hotel is perched on a little cliff overlooking Lake Atitlán. Set just outside the small town of Santa Cruz La Laguna, it has an incredible location and beautiful, bright rooms.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
