A Serene Stay at Lush Atitlán: Escape to Paradise in San Marcos La Laguna

Nestled on the shores of Lake Atitlán in the peaceful village of San Marcos La Laguna, Lush Atitlán felt like a hidden oasis, the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by the beauty of the lush jungle, breathtaking views of the lake, and the calming atmosphere that this magical place offers.

San Marcos La Laguna itself is a small, tranquil town that’s become known for its spiritual vibe, yoga retreats, and healing centers. While we were excited to explore the town’s holistic offerings, the real star of our stay was the accommodation. Lush Atitlán is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream world, and it’s hard not to fall in love with its serene charm.

Arriving at Lush Atitlán is part of the adventure. The only way to get to San Marcos is by boat, and as we hopped off the boat and walked along a path lined with vibrant flowers and greenery, we immediately felt a sense of calm wash over us. The hotel is tucked away in the hills just a few steps from the lake, making it feel secluded and private, yet close enough to easily access the village’s restaurants and shops.

We were greeted by the warm and friendly staff, who made sure we felt at home right away. They helped us with our bags, showed us around the property, and led us to our room, which was perched on the hillside, surrounded by trees and offering panoramic views of Lake Atitlán and the volcanoes beyond.

Our room at Lush Atitlán was like something out of a fairytale. Designed to blend in with the natural surroundings, the rooms are made with local materials like stone, wood, and bamboo, giving them a rustic yet luxurious feel. The large windows and private terrace made it feel like we were staying in our own personal treehouse, with the most incredible view of the lake right from our bed.

What stood out the most was the attention to detail. From the handmade furniture to the lush greenery that surrounded the space, everything was thoughtfully designed to make the most of the natural beauty. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a cozy sitting area, a king-sized bed, and an open-air shower that made us feel even more connected to nature.

True to its name, the grounds of Lush Atitlán are a jungle paradise. The gardens are full of colorful flowers, towering trees, and plants that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. There are plenty of hidden spots to sit and relax, whether you want to curl up with a book in one of the hammocks or meditate by the lake.

One of our favorite spots was the communal terrace, where we could enjoy our morning coffee while soaking in the view of the volcanoes and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Atitlán. It was the perfect place to start each day before heading out to explore.

While Lush Atitlán felt like its own little paradise, the town of San Marcos has so much to offer as well. Known as the "spiritual capital" of Lake Atitlán, San Marcos is a haven for those looking for peace, healing, and a connection with nature. The town is small, but it has a great mix of cafes, yoga studios, and shops selling local crafts and holistic products.

We spent our days wandering the narrow streets, trying delicious local food, and taking part in yoga and meditation classes. If you’re into wellness, this is the place to be. There are also plenty of options for massages, energy healing sessions, and even cacao ceremonies if you’re looking to dive deeper into the spiritual side of the town.

One of the highlights of staying at Lush Atitlán is, of course, the lake itself. Lake Atitlán is known for its incredible natural beauty, and staying at Lush gives you easy access to explore it. We spent hours just sitting by the water, soaking in the views, but for the more adventurous, there’s plenty to do.

We took a boat taxi around the lake, which was a great way to see the surrounding villages and volcanoes from a different perspective. cliff jumping off of a platform is also a popular activity here, and if you’re up for a challenge, hiking the surrounding hills and volcanoes offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire lake.

While there are a number of great places to eat in San Marcos, Lush Atitlán also offers a delicious breakfast each morning. We enjoyed fresh fruit, homemade bread, and local Guatemalan coffee, which made for the perfect start to the day. You can also arrange for meals to be delivered to your room, which is perfect for those nights when you just want to relax on your terrace and enjoy the sunset in privacy.

Useful Tips for Traveling to San Marcos La Laguna:

1. Getting to Lake Atitlán: From Guatemala City or Antigua, the most convenient way to reach Lake Atitlán is by shuttle bus or private car to Panajachel, the main hub on the lake. The journey takes around 2-3 hours from Antigua. Shuttle services range from $15-$25 per person, depending on whether you choose a shared or private ride.

2. Boat Taxi to San Marcos: Once in Panajachel, you’ll need to take a boat (known as a lancha) to San Marcos. Boats leave frequently, and the ride takes around 20 minutes. The cost is typically around Q25 ($3 USD) per person. Make sure to bring cash, as you’ll need to pay in local currency.

3. Pack Light: If you're staying in San Marcos, you’ll be walking a lot, and the streets are narrow and often cobblestoned. Packing light makes it easier to get around, especially when hopping on and off the boats.

4. Currency: San Marcos is a small town, and while there are a couple of ATMs, they can run out of cash. It’s a good idea to bring enough Guatemalan quetzales with you for your stay.

5. Activities: In addition to exploring the village, consider taking yoga classes, visiting local artisans, and checking out nearby villages like San Juan and Santa Cruz. Boats operate between the villages, and exploring by water is a fun and scenic way to see the lake.

Our stay at Lush Atitlán was truly unforgettable. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around you. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventurous getaway, or simply a place to unwind, Lush Atitlán offers it all. As we left, we felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experience, knowing that we had found a little slice of paradise on the shores of Lake Atitlán.

If you ever find yourself in Guatemala, a stay at Lush Atitlán is a must—you won’t want to leave!