Lake Atitlán, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#786
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lake Atitlán is a stunning lake surrounded by volcanoes and quaint villages in Guatemala, known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 50,000 (total across various lakeside villages) |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed approx. 20-30 Mbps; higher in certain hostels and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ); 1 USD ≈ 7.75 GTQ. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommend bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro with decent coverage around the lake. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM access available; usable cards include Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels; Airbnb is popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cash is king, but some places do accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and vacation rentals are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Casa Maya (hostel at approx. $15 per night) and Hostel del Lago. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | San Pedro La Laguna and Panajachel are popular for their accessibility and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | San Marcos La Laguna offers a bohemian atmosphere, coworking spaces, and community events. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lush Atitlán in San Marcos, known for its scenic views and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Llama in San Pedro, friendly atmosphere, Wi-Fi available. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at different cafes; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings for expats at various lakeside restaurants. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; Uber is not common in this area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented in several villages, and there's a local shop in San Pedro. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Pedro Beach; popular for swimming and relaxing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | None available; regional bus services are used instead. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Guatemala City (La Aurora International Airport) is the nearest main airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-1 and local roads; access to nearby cities is possible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains; local shuttle buses connect villages around the lake. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate frequently; no specific passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shuttles and boats connect various towns around the lake. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitalito Atitlán in San Pedro provides basic healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Adventures in San Marcos offers various classes and retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have small fitness areas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available in most towns for a fee of about $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major apps; local restaurants handle deliveries directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew, available at many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe La Danta in San Marcos offers a full vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Balam in San Pedro has great pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in each village are great for fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; local businesses also sell via Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Basic grocery stores available in all towns; delivery not common. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | San Pedro La Laguna has a vibrant nightlife with bars like The Buddha Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Atitlán produces locally brewed beers, available in various shops. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; wine can usually be found in restaurants and some stores. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer tacos, pupusas, and more in each major town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Indian cuisines are well represented in San Pedro. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the traditional towns of San Pedro, San Marcos, and Santiago. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Cojolya in San Juan showcases local textile traditions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Iximche is an archaeological site nearby; important for indigenous history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Church of Saint Peter in San Pedro is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a major celebration around the lake. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | San Juan is known for its art cooperatives and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural events often held in community spaces across villages. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chichicastenango market is a famous spot, about 1.5 hours away, known for local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music events often happen in cafes across San Pedro. |
| 🎨 Street Art | San Marcos is known for its vibrant murals and local artwork. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Casa de la Cultura in San Pedro offers traditional cooking workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Atitlán Artisans Workshop in San Juan displays local craftsmanship. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many traditional wooden houses around the lake retain colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The indigenous Mayan culture is prominent, influencing local festivals and art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the hiking trails of the surrounding volcanoes, including Volcano San Pedro. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Volcán San Juan National Park and others offer beautiful hiking paths. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths between villages are scenic but can be steep; biking is common. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Indian Nose offers iconic sunrise views over the lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The surrounding mountains are home to diverse bird species; guided tours available. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at various beaches, particularly in San Pedro. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local shipping services operate, but may be limited to Guatemala City. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops can handle minor repairs; check in Panajachel. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Casual games at local cafes; specific spots not common. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools available, including Maximo Nivel in San Pedro. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are limited; best study spots are cafes. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host cultural activities; find in San Pedro and San Marcos. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not common; local cafes may have board games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available in the area. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000 in San Pedro) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000 in secluded areas) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000 in Panajachel) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000 in quiet areas) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000 in popular villages) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000 in more remote areas) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on Guatemalan-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict rules applicable for local income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% of the total purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax benefits available for qualifying nomads, no specific program established. |