San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1629
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Marcos La Laguna is a picturesque lakeside village situated on the shores of Lake Atitlán, famous for its stunning views and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 5,000 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20 Mbps, though coworking spaces may offer higher connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Local currency is Quetzal (GTQ); 1 USD ≈ 7.8 GTQ. ATMs available, but cash is preferred. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Tigo and Claro with good coverage in the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and MasterCard widely accepted; options for online banking like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options from hostels to eco-lodges and Airbnb apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; many places accept cards, but cash is recommended for small purchases. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Numerous Airbnb listings and locally managed rentals are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Vista offers beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Lakefront area near the main dock for proximity to attractions and tours. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhood closer to the coworking spaces like Casa del Mundo is popular for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Good Vibe – a vibrant coworking space with great views and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Casa – offers fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating with stunning lake views. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The monthly San Marcos meet-up, focusing on expat community building. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various social gatherings organized via Facebook groups, typically on weekends. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in bigger towns nearby but local tuk-tuks are a common and affordable choice. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several shops in town offer bike rentals, averaging $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | San Pedro Beach is about 20 minutes away by boat. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tag Airlines operates flights from Guatemala City to other locations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and Copa Airlines provide international flights from La Aurora International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | No major highways; transport is through winding roads and boat access is common. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Local transport is primarily by shuttle vans and boats; major hubs in Panajachel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; shuttle services operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Boats and shuttle vans connect San Marcos to surrounding villages and towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centro de Salud San Marcos, basic health services available. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Atitlan offers classes varied from Ashtanga to Hatha. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic gym facilities at several hostels; community-based outdoor fitness often organized. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, typically costing about $5 for a full load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Most restaurants offer delivery; YUM organizes local food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepián – a traditional Guatemalan stew available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Little Kitchen provides delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery offers freshly baked goods and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Weekly market in town for fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops mostly; no prominent online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Few delivery options; local markets are preferred for shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Esquina and other local bars provide a relaxed nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beer options are limited; try Capitan beer, made locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; often available at restaurants. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around the market area offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Issues of availability; few places offer Italian or Mexican options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The stunning view of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanic peaks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; frequent art shows at local cafes and community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mayan temples and traditional hillside communities nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local churches showcasing traditional Guatemalan architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The San Marcos Festival held in January celebrates local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The lakeside area bustling with shops and street performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Community gatherings often provide informal theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market featuring local artisans and traditional crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music often occurs at local bars, especially over weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting the culture and heritage of Mayan people can be seen in town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes to learn traditional Guatemalan recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Occasional pop-up galleries featuring local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The colonial-style buildings by the lake are notable. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Many local traditions reflect the rich Mayan heritage of the area. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nature trails around Lake Atitlán and hiking paths in surrounding hills. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Verde National Park is about 1.5 hours away, famous for its hiking spots. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the lakeside and surrounding hills make for picturesque walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador San Marcos offers breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Atitlán is home to diverse bird species, especially around the nature paths. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the lake allow for communal bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local shipping services available; international delivery via DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; a few local shops handle smartphone repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels may have facilities; more social games are held at community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools abound offering various levels of classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited formal libraries; cafes serve as popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community center often hosts events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; gaming often occurs informally among groups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local gaming options mainly involve friendly games. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on Guatemalan source income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% per year based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on the sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |