Santa Cruz la Laguna

Santa Cruz la Laguna is a small town on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala.

Get in
From Panajachel or San Pedro you can take a public "taxi" boat to Santa Cruz for 10/20Q per person. They pass by every 30 min or so from 6am to 7pm. Can ask the boat captain to drop you in any hotel you choose. If you prefer a private boat call Lee at Los Elementos to pick you up at the private dock in Pana. Groups up to 6 are Q150 each way, Q15 per person up to 8 people. 53598328. The private boat is also available after hours.

To get the feel of the town the best option is to walk around. The public trail system is extensive and will lead you through many tropical gardens and to hidden waterfalls. One of the most beautiful hikes on the lake is between Santa Cruz and Jaibalito. There is road access, but the road is really only suitable for heavy-duty vehicles. It's far more practical to get there/away by boat. You can stop a public taxi boat any time to go any other town or spot around the lake.

Get around
Walk, walk, walk and enjoy the scenery. You can stop for a swim or at the different cozy hotels and restaurants around this charming little town.

Do

 * Skin Diving Rentals at La Iguana Perdida
 * Nature Preserve nearby
 * Apparently the only town around the lake that offers waterskiing.
 * San Pedro night life a short water taxi ride away but none of the hassle or theft.

Sleep

 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.
 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.
 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.
 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.
 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.
 * Villa Sumaya, an elegant, yet simple small lake-front hotel near Santa Cruz La Laguna, accessible only by water taxi. The owner has an amazing knack of adding beautiful, subtle touches everywhere you look. The food is great, and there are good vegetarian options. The "Blue Tiger Temple" is a beautiful meeting/yoga room. It's not the cheapest place on the lake, but it's unique and still very reasonable.