San Juan La Laguna is located west of the Guatemalan Lake Atitlan. It especially provides cultural and artistic experiences alongside diversifying nature experiences. This primarily Tz’utujil Maya town is situated in the region of stunning scenery and offers a promenade through painted murals, handmade crafts, and a relaxed ambiance. However, travelers will find San Juan La Laguna a wonderful place to wander and roam. Therefore, in this blog, you will get to know everything about San Juan La Laguna.
Where Is San Juan La Laguna?
San Juan La Laguna is situated in the southwestern part of Atitlan Lake between San Pedro La Laguna and San Pablo La Laguna. Located approximately 45 minutes from Coban by car it is a village of about 10,177 residents who live in a picturesque village, with a strong Maya influence with a twist of artistic flair. Despite offering a small target area, the cultural life of the town will be an attraction to the tourists.
Reaching San Juan La Laguna Easily
The possibility to get to this place is quite simple, there are several ways to get there. By public boats, which are Q20-25, you can get from Panajachel depending on the season. The streets get filled with small fishers to go from one village to the other, so taking such a taxi is possible as well at Q70-80 each. However, these boats stop over at places such as Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, and finally at San Juan La Laguna. Hence, the beautiful boat takes approximately 30 minutes and looks at the lake’s waters and the mountains of volcanoes around.
If you are a visitor and you are in San Pedro La Laguna, don’t worry because getting to San Juan de Dios is very easy. You can take a tuk-tuk ride or hike through the two towns connected by trails. Hiking offers scenery and an up-close feeling of the country, especially for adventure seekers.
Why Visit San Juan La Laguna?
San Juan La Laguna is one of the most unique travel destinations centering around art, culture, and nature. Some of the reasons for this include its welcoming community, activity-filled artistic scene and not forgetting the beautiful terrains across this region of Guatemala. So, if you are following painted streets, enjoying scenic trails, or getting to know the Mayan culture, San Juan can make you fall in love with it. Therefore, you should grab your luggage and find out just how artistic the town is. The magnificent history and countless things to do make this Tz’utujil Maya town the gateway to the soul of Guatemala.
An Entry Point to the Indian Nose Trek
San Juan La Laguna is also considered the starting point of the Indian Nose trek, one of the famous trails around Lake Atitlan. This hike is so famous for the sunrise view of Coorg that many adventure lovers from around the world like to trek this region. However, it is recommended to start in San Juan to cover the long trail, which provides a thorough experience of the forest and vantage points.
Journey Into the Soul of San Juan La Laguna
San Juan La Laguna has attracted attention for its vibrant and energetic arts subculture. Artists of Guatemala paint the town to look like the place is art itself, reproducing Maya mythology, everyday life, etc. Education on the topic takes place in the process of a keen observer admiring the architecture, which appears to be even enlivened by beautiful walking art pieces as if creators have left their masterpieces out in the open with the increased popularity of freedom in expressing art.
Visit Local Art Galleries
A number of art galleries in San Juan display artwork created by talented Tz’utujil Maya artists. Other such galleries showcase oil and other artwork that tend to portray past and present cultures, customs, and even native dances or the natural world’s beauty. Tourists can take home authentic artworks as memorabilia or to pass on as presents.
Explore Weaving Cooperatives
San Juan La Laguna is famous for weaving cooperatives of women who produce fabric that has unique designs and is colored with natural dyes. However, stops at these cooperatives allow for witnessing traditional Mayan weaving having originated in ancient times. As for the opportunities to see the artisans at work, to learn how the fabric is dyed, and to be able to buy handwoven scarves, table runners, and clothes.
Connect with the Nature of San Juan
Besides the town’s artistry, San Juan La Laguna presents many nature-related activities. This destination can be considered a paradise for hikers, or kayaking, and those who like just lying on the shore of the lake.
Coffee Plantation Hiking
In San Juan, hillsides are filled with coffee farms that offer visitors exclusive tours. Although, those who love coffee can learn about the journey of coffee from planting, farming, and roasting, among other practices, from a vantage point of the lake. So, please ensure that you taste fresh-harvested cups of coffee from the region as they exist in the area.
Kayak on Lake Atitlan
A great spot for kayaking on the southern shore of Atitlan and the best way to get there is to start in San Juan La Laguna. They hire a kayak from one of the rentals and then paddle on the lake, however they wish. Moreover, the relaxed moment presents an opportunity to watch the volcanoes and also look for other wildlife.
Savor the Flavors of San Juan La Laguna
Like in other aspects, various options range from local foods a visitor can try. Although restaurants and cafes in the town offer both native Mayan dishes and international meals, one will be able to find meals that meet his or her taste buds.
Savor Traditional Mayan Dishes:
It is also recommended to taste local Maya cuisine; pepian is a rather delicious stew and tamales are cooked in banana leaves. Such meals are so made that you can get a feel of the local produce by eating the local food. Below is a table showing some traditional Mayan dishes:
| Kak’ik | Jun ti b’olon chuu’ |
| Pepián | Ch’uu’ pa ch’am |
| Tamales | Sakiil |
| Chuchitos | Qatija’ jutz’it ti jok’on xkoyaa’ |
| Ixtahuacan | Qatija’ jun ri’al top |
| Pa’tiin | Jun laq ri’aal muuch’ |
Relax in Quaint Cafes
Coffee shops have become a special feature in San Juan having freshly brewed Guatemalan coffee and homemade cakes. Most of the cafes have wonderful views of the lake and great places to relax after an adventurous day.
Finding the Perfect Stay
San Juan La Laguna has quite several accommodations to suit the different classes both for budget and luxury travellers.
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Since the trip is considered rather cheap, tourists seek accommodations in hostels and guesthouses in San Juan. However, some of the features found in many of these hotels include heart-throbbing views of Lake Atitlan, thus adding value to your holiday.
Boutique Hotels
For those looking for something more intimate, contemporary hotels in San Juan feature traditional design. Additionally, there is furniture and textiles from the local artisans in most of these hotels, giving it a touch and a feel of the place.
Connect with Authentic Traditions
Local tradition culture means customs, beliefs, and practices that have been followed in a particular area or part of the world for ages. The town that has not changed much over time, and learning about the place during celebrations or attending a workshop will give a clear insight into the native heritage and culture.
Experience Festivals
Folk dance and music are rich exhibitions of the Mayan culture commonly displayed during fiesta in the different towns in San Juan. However, festival attendance is a chance to see the town’s cultural presentation in a live way.
Final Thoughts
The above blog is all about San Juan La Laguna. This is the perfect destination to travel either solo or with your loved ones. You can explore this place and connect with the art, craft, cuisine, food, and enchanting views of San Juan. So, visit San Juan and immerse yourself in this beautiful place’s breathtaking views and environment.
Recent Blogs
Latest Pages
Leave a Reply