San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1629
14.724509, -91.258916
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Marcos La Laguna is a picturesque village located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-50 Mbps, with higher speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.8 GTQ. Currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). ATMs are available but may have lower withdrawal limits. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to buy bottled water or use purification systems. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz. Plug types A and B are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Tigo and Claro. Local SIM cards can be purchased for around 50 GTQ. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common forms of payment include cash. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels like Hostel La Isla and budget hotels to vacation rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless. Many places accept cards but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb, with prices ranging from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Isla offers beds from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Humble Coffee has a vibrant coworking space with reliable internet and a friendly atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe El Artesano offers great coffee and a cozy environment for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking sessions in nearby cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular gatherings at local venues are organized through the San Marcos Expat Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available, but local tuk-tuks are used for short distances. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around 50 GTQ per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Santa Cruz La Laguna beach is a 15-minute boat ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines operates flights from Guatemala City to nearby areas. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines serve international routes via La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via CA-1 Pan-American Highway, approximately 3 hours from Guatemala City. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; local buses provide public transport to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes available; fare is typically paid in cash. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local shuttle services and microbuses connect San Marcos with surrounding towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de San Marcos offers basic medical services and is located 15 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Maya Yoga offers classes and retreats in a tranquil setting by the lake. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Many hotels offer gym facilities to guests, but dedicated gyms are limited. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various guest houses and local laundromats for about 30 GTQ per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No widespread food delivery services; local restaurants may offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan chicken stew, at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Real Coffee offers vegan and vegetarian dishes amidst beautiful views. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Choco-Latte is known for great desserts and coffee by the lake. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | There’s a local market in the town center selling fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited options; local shops dominate. Online marketplaces like Amazon deliver to major cities. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services within the village. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Los Amigos is a lively bar where locals and expats congregate for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Gallo is the most popular local beer; available at most restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; most people drink local beers or spirits. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer tacos and quesadillas, priced around 10-20 GTQ each. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve international dishes, with pizza and pasta being popular choices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The San Marcos church and the stunning views of Lake Atitlán are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | There are a few small art galleries showcasing local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Traditional Mayan ruins nearby, such as the Iximche site, are worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches in the area reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Fiesta de San Marcos is celebrated each September with music, dance, and local food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore different neighborhoods to experience traditional Mayan culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community gatherings often showcase traditional music and dance performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets provide an array of local handicrafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Regular live music events occur in local bars, often featuring acoustic and local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and local art can be found in various spots around the village. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local schools focusing on traditional Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | There are several small galleries showcasing works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic colonial-style architecture can be found in the village center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | San Marcos is known for preserving indigenous traditions and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore the lush trails of the surrounding mountains or kayak on Lake Atitlán. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Cerro Verde is around 2 hours away, offering hiking and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous scenic trails around the lake with breathtaking views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the cross above the village offers panoramic views of Lake Atitlán. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area is rich in bird species; great for spotting birds at dawn around the lake. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas along Lake Atitlán permit bonfires in designated regions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Standard delivery services via DHL and local couriers are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited, but some local shops can assist with basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses may have table tennis tables for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer Spanish language classes for different skill levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few libraries; expatriates often study in cafes with Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events are held in local centers, often in the evenings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not common; gaming is mostly done on personal devices at accommodations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the immediate area; gambling is not popular locally. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Around $1,500 per m² for studio apartments near the lake. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $1,200 per m² slightly away from the lake. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Around $2,000 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments centrally located. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $1,800 per m² for 1-bedroom apartments outside central areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² for 2-bedroom homes in prime locations. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around $2,200 per m² in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate in Guatemala. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Current rate is 10% for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for the highest income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 12% in Guatemala. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | There are regulations regarding foreign subsidiaries, with a focus on taxation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies, typically calculated on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard property transaction tax of about 3%. |