Santa Cruz La Laguna

Travel Guide

Santa Cruz La Laguna featuring a city and landscape views
Santa Cruz La Laguna which includes street scenes
Santa Cruz La Laguna which includes a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Santa Cruz La Laguna showing mountains and a small town or village
Santa Cruz La Laguna which includes a house and general coastal views
This traditional Mayan village on Lake Atitlán offers scenic beauty, scuba diving trips and insight into the indigenous way of life.

Take a boat to the small, remote Mayan village of Santa Cruz La Laguna. Walk its traffic-free streets, explore tropical gardens and experience an underwater adventure beneath Lake Atitlán.

Santa Cruz La Laguna has two parts, a waterfront area of hotels and the traditional village situated in the mountains. The only way to access the area is by boat.

Upon arrival, walk up the steep road to the Mayan village that sits high above the lake. Santa Cruz La Laguna may lack such features as cathedrals or museums that distinguish other places, but you will be fascinated by a village that has changed little over the centuries. Stroll along cobblestone streets that take you past adobe houses with corrugated tin roofs. Greet the locals, many of whom will be dressed in traditional costume.

Extend your walking tour by taking the trails through the surrounding countryside or by the lake. Alternatively, go on a steep hike to the village of Chiutzancháj.

Scuba divers have a chance to explore the lake’s underwater world when they visit the dive school at the La Iguana Perdida hotel. There are courses and dive sites suitable for all ability levels, from beginners to experienced divers. Dive among volcanic rock formations and see aquatic life near the active fault line that leaks hot water into the lake. For a few hours’ worth of fun above the surface, rent a kayak and paddle across the lake.

If you are looking for a way to unwind, go to the Los Elementos Day Spa for massage treatments, beauty therapies and yoga sessions on the beach. 

The taxi boat that services Santa Cruz La Lugana runs throughout the day from Panajachel and San Pedro. Stay in hotels, villas, beach houses or apartments. Be prepared to extend your stay, because the stunning scenery, tranquil surroundings and simple way of life are irresistible draws.

Hotel y Cafe La Casa del Mundo
Hotel y Cafe La Casa del Mundo
3 out of 5
El Jaibalito, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solola
The price is ¥16,877 per night from May 24 to May 25
¥16,877
¥20,590 total
includes taxes & fees
May 24 - May 25
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (193 reviews)
"Food could’ve been better but really enjoyed everything else the hotel had to offer!"

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025

Hotel y Cafe La Casa del Mundo
Hotel Isla Verde
Hotel Isla Verde
3 out of 5
Zona 0 sector Paskrabal, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solola
The price is ¥12,212 per night from May 1 to May 2
¥12,212
¥14,898 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Los Elementos ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (60 reviews)
"Beautiful property, great location and friendly staff. Definitely a great recommendation for a unique stay for those looking for "adventure travel" to Lake Atitlán that want peace and quiet. If you are more accustomed to bougie traveling you might want to consider more traditional hotel as you do ..."

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2024

Hotel Isla Verde
El Picnic Atitlan
El Picnic Atitlan
3 out of 5
Lago de Atitlán, Santa Cruz la Laguna, Aldea Tzununa, Tzantixub, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Sololá
The price is ¥22,987 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
¥22,987
¥28,044 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
10/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"You will not find a more unique property or fascinating couple who are your hosts. They designed this volcanic tent/cottage resort with a panoramic view of Lake Atitlan and her Volcanoes. An amazing dining hall/bar etched into the volcanic rock with cusine made from scratch from your incredible Hosts ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

El Picnic Atitlan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Casita - A welcoming 1 room with fire pit
Sunrise Casita - A welcoming 1 room with fire pit
Santa Cruz la Laguna
Stay at this cabin in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi and patios. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Los Elementos Day Spa are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Good experience
"Very accommodating and helpful when it came to needing any information in a foreign country :) highly recommend"

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2023

Sunrise Casita - A welcoming 1 room with fire pit
Stunning 4 Bedroom Large House, Steps from Lake Front with Starlink WiFi
Stunning 4 Bedroom Large House, Steps from Lake Front with Starlink WiFi
Santa Cruz la Laguna
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Los Elementos Day Spa are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"So beautiful! Great views from.second floor and what beautiful gardens!"

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2025

Stunning 4 Bedroom Large House, Steps from Lake Front with Starlink WiFi
Casa Hagan
Casa Hagan
3 out of 5
Jaibalito, Santa Cruz La Laguna, Solola
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Santa Cruz La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and ...
Casa Hagan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Santa Cruz La Laguna

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 30%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Beautiful place, dangerous outside of town

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