Lake Atitlán, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#786
14.680146, -91.18616
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lake Atitlán is a stunningly beautiful lake located in the Guatemalan highlands, renowned for its scenic views, charming villages, and indigenous culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 residents in the immediate vicinity, with more across the surrounding villages. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of around 20-30 Mbps; available in most cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.85 Gtq; ATMs available in key towns like Panajachel and San Pedro. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; always opt for bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz; North American-type plugs (Type A & B) are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Claro and Tigo are popular providers with good coverage; SIM cards available in local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is more commonly used; Credit cards accepted in better restaurants and hotels. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Multiple options including Airbnb, hostels, and guesthouses; average cost for a 1-bedroom apartment is about $300/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; best to carry cash for local transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has various listings around the lake; starting from $10/night in hostels to $200/night for luxury rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal El Amigo in San Pedro offers beds from $8/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Attic in San Juan La Laguna offers a dedicated workspace with a lake view. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Isla in San Pedro is popular among digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups and workshops at community centers; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings organized via Facebook groups like 'Expats at Lake Atitlán'. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; local tuk-tuks are common, though costs vary. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several shops in San Pedro offering scooters for $20 a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Marcos La Laguna has several public areas along the shore. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines operates flights to/from Guatemala City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines operate services to Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-1 highway leading to various local villages. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No trains, but bus services to/from major cities; Panajachel is a key transit point. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses between towns approximately $1; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Chicken buses operate between villages; consider local shuttles as well. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospitalito Atitlán in Panajachel for basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House San Marcos offers daily classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited, but some hostels provide basic workout areas. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundries available in Panajachel; typically $5 for a large load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Pizza Hut does delivery; local places utilize WhatsApp orders. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew; try it at Restaurante El Jardin. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Casa de la Salud in San Juan offers diverse vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Artesana in San Pedro for homemade pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Panajachel, especially for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited; locals usually rely on Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited services; best to visit local grocery stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Panajachel has the most nightlife options, especially on weekends. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveceria Altiplano located near Panajachel; offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Taberna in San Pedro has a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Pana; try the street tacos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café D’Mate (Italian) in San Marcos. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Cruz and the viewpoints around the lake. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Centro Cultural in Panajachel for local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out Santa Catarina Palopó for traditional textiles and heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Church of San Juan Bautista in San Juan La Laguna. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival of San Pedro occurs late June with parades and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | San Juan La Laguna is known for its vibrant arts community. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Indigenous market in Chichicastenango is a must-visit (1.5 hours away). |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at many bars, especially on weekends in Panajachel. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals in San Marcos, created by visiting artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Casa Clementina offers cooking classes focusing on traditional Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Galería in San Pedro showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the colonial architecture in Panajachel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Each town around the lake has its unique cultural traditions and language. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Atitlán Nature Reserve offers treks and zip-lining. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve is accessible within a short ride. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails around the lake; popular paths include the lakeside walk between towns. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Views from the cross of the lake in San Pedro are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mayan villages surrounding the lake are great spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campfire areas at several lakeside beaches. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Panajachel. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can handle basic phone repairs; more complex issues may require a trip to Guatemala City. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at several local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Many language schools in San Pedro offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community center in San Juan offers a small library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa del Tejido in San Juan focuses on weaving and textiles. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited in the area; more popular in urban centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos near Lake Atitlán; local games are common. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m²; studios starting at $50,000. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m²; studios outside town starting at $40,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m²; 1-bedroom apartments from $60,000. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m²; 1-bedroom outside from $50,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $850 per m²; 2-bedroom apartments from $100,000. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m²; 2-bedroom outside from $80,000. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. Tax incentives available for foreign investments. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% for incomes above a certain threshold. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%; applies primarily to goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign entities controlled by residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value; generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property transactions. |