San Juan la Laguna, Solala

The village of San Juan is perhaps the most artsy of all the villages around Lake Atitlan, with art galleries, murals and arts and crafts for sale everywhere. It's particularly noteworthy for its textiles, a specialty among local indigenous women. And speaking of indigenous people, this is where you can get the most authentically Mayan experience around Lake Atitlan. Because local law prohibits outsiders from buying land, the great majority of the village's residents are native residents. There's also an abundance of great views and photo ops, in and around town. And if coffee is your thing, you'll be happy to know that San Juan is surrounded by coffee plantations, and the product shows up in grand style in the town's cafes and shops.

If you go:
San Juan is best reached by boat, as the roads are sparse and rough. But there are ample boats leading into the busy harbor from all around the Lake. When you get off the boat and hike up the steep street that runs through the heart of town, you'll immediately spot the town's most iconic image, a view of the street and the Lake with colorful umbrellas hanging above the street. Be advised that even though few ex-pats and outlanders are living in town, there are still plenty of them who come to visit, so it can get quite crowded, especially on holidays and special occasions.

info@sanjuanlalaguna.com.gt

Phone Numbers:

San Juan Municipal Offices
+502 (3106) 6398