Guatemala travel: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and El Paredon
In April 2026, my wife and I went from Antigua, the old colonial capital, to the towns around Lake Atitlán, then down to El Paredon on the Pacific coast. Tourist shuttles connect all three. Antigua to the lake takes roughly three to four and a half hours depending on which town you're headed to, and the lake to El Paredon is about four more, with daytime departures only.
Antigua, Lake Atitlán and El Paredon: our Guatemala itinerary
Our Guatemala route from Antigua to Lake Atitlán to El Paredon, how we got between stops, and what I'd change, including whether the beach is worth it.
San Pedro, San Juan, or San Marcos: which Lake Atitlán town?
We slept in San Pedro, shopped in San Juan and ate our way through San Marcos. Here's which Lake Atitlán town I'd pick as a couple next time.
El Paredon
Our hot, humid stop in El Paredon on Guatemala's Pacific coast: a van with a roped-on muffler, lots of pool time, black sand, and a great sunset.
San Marcos la Laguna
A boat ride from San Pedro to San Marcos la Laguna on Lake Atitlán: hippie footpaths, high prices, lunch at Lush, and a steep climb to Eagle's Nest.
San Juan la Laguna: color and craft
Our walk through San Juan la Laguna on Lake Atitlán: umbrella-covered streets, murals down the alleys, handmade textiles, and two shirts I brought home.
5 Days in Antigua, Guatemala: Volcanoes, Chocolate, and a Surprisingly Good Hobbit Village
A 5-day Antigua, Guatemala itinerary: colonial ruins, a Pacaya Volcano sunset hike with lava-roasted marshmallows, Hobbitenango, and chocolate tastings.