Santa Cruz La Laguna

Santa Cruz La Laguna is one of the most secluded and vertically oriented villages on Lake Atitlán. The settlement is split between a narrow waterfront strip featuring boutique hotels and dive centers, and the traditional Mayan village perched high on the cliffside. The steep walk up to the village is rewarded with arguably the finest panoramic views of the lake and the three towering volcanoes on the opposite shore. Known for its profound tranquility, Santa Cruz is a favorite for hikers and those looking to disconnect. It uniquely hosts a professional dive center offering high-altitude freshwater diving. The local community is home to the 'CECAP' vocational center, where travelers can enjoy a meal at a rooftop cafe with memorable vistas while supporting local education. The lack of road access ensures a quiet, car-free environment. Transportation is exclusively by public lancha from Panajachel. The best time to visit is during the dry months from November to April. Santa Cruz is well-suited for travelers seeking a mix of authentic indigenous culture and upscale relaxation in a dramatic natural setting.

Nearby cities

Sololá

Capital of the Sololá department, overlooking Lake Atitlán.

Santiago Atitlán

Largest of the Lake Atitlán villages, center of the Tz'utujil Maya and the cult of Maximón.

Nahualá

A traditional K'iche' Maya town in the Sololá highlands.

Panajachel

Popular tourist town on the shore of Lake Atitlán.

San Pedro La Laguna

A relaxed village on Lake Atitlán, popular with backpackers and Spanish students.

San Marcos La Laguna

A spiritual center on Lake Atitlán, known for yoga, meditation, and its laid-back hippie atmosphere.

Jaibalito

The smallest and most inaccessible village on Lake Atitlán, a paradise for those seeking true peace.

Patulul

A municipality in the Suchitepéquez department.

Nebaj

One of the three main towns in the Ixil Triangle in the Quiché highlands.

Sabancuy

A charming fishing village in Campeche with calm turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for nature lovers.

Chicacao

A city in the Suchitepéquez department, in the coffee-growing zone.

Totonicapán

Capital of Totonicapán department in the western highlands.

La Gomera

An agricultural municipality in the Escuintla department.

Tiquisate

A large agricultural municipality in Escuintla, formerly a center for the United Fruit Company.

Chajul

Another of the principal towns in the Ixil Triangle.

History & landmarks

Chichicastenango

The town is famous for its traditional and colorful Maya market.

Nature

Lake Atitlán

A breathtaking crater lake surrounded by three volcanoes and Maya villages.

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Usumacinta River

A major river forming the border between Guatemala and Mexico, known for Maya sites along its banks.

More places

Tolimán Volcano

A prominent stratovolcano on the southern shore of Lake Atitlán.

Atitlán Volcano

A high stratovolcano near the lake of the same name.

San Pedro Volcano

A dormant volcano on the shore of Lake Atitlán.

Lacandon Rainforest

One of the last large tropical rainforests in Mexico.

Gumarcaaj Ruins

The last capital of the K'iche' Kingdom, conquered and burned by the Spanish.

Lacandon Jungle

One of North America's largest remaining rainforests, home to the Lacandon Maya and an incredible variety of tropical wildlife.

Guatemalan Highlands

A mountainous plateau that forms the cultural and political center of the highland Maya.

Sipacate-Naranjo National Park

A coastal protected area with mangrove forests, important for sea turtle nesting sites.