San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan

San Marcos La Laguna is a beautiful Kaqchikel Mayan village of about 3000 people, on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, Central America. The lake is considered by some (Aldous Huxley included) to be the most beautiful lake in the world. It's deep, cool waters are surrounded by volcanoes and the warm climate here means swimming is possible all year round.

Whilst San Marcos is a small village it is a delightful place, with small winding paths, which weave through the coffee trees and jocotes. It has become is a haven for healers, artists and musicians from all over the world and its fame is also spreading as Central America's premier "New Age" village, attracting many people wishing to investigate the healing modalities offered here.

There are several ACCOMMODATIONS in San Marcos la Laguna. Prices range from Q25 ($3.5) for a basic room to Q600 ($80) for a luxury suite. In high season it's advisable to make reservations.

 

Getting to The Holistic Centre?

There are daily flights from many cities in the United States to Guatemala City, the country's capital, with many connecting flights from European cities and the rest of the world. If you are flying in from the States, check flight specials with Spirit airlines as they often have great deals! Guatemala is easily accessible by land from Mexico and other Central American countries and there are many long haul bus services available.

From within Guatemala public transport will bring you to San Marcos La Laguna, often via Lake Atitlán's gateway town, Panajachel. The local busses are known as “chicken busses.” They are very economically priced but are not for the unadventurous traveller! They drive fast and seem to never think they are full so expect to share your seat with at least two other people! There is a Pullmans bus that leaves from Antigua every morning at 7am. It is about Q40 but you get your own seat and is probably much safer. Shuttles are also available and range in piece from $10-$25 depending where you are leaving from. San Marcos is approximately 45 minutes from Panajachel by boat. The last boat leaves Pana at 7:30pm. Be aware if you are arriving in the dark, pack your flashlight! The paths are not hard to maneuver if you know your way around but I imagine it is very easy to get lost if you cannot see! San Marcos is about 4 hours from Guatemala City and 3.5 hours from Antigua by bus and boat.

There is a San Marcos district in Guatemala so please make sure you state you are coming to Lago Atitlan or San Marcos La Laguna or you will find yourself in a big city towards Xela!!!

You can also reach us by road by taking junction 148 from the main highway that runs between Quetzaltenango (Xela) and Guatemala City. You will be directed to Santa Clara La Laguna, then just drive on to San Pablo La Laguna and on to San Marcos. It is about a 30 minute drive from the main highway and about 10 minutes from San Pablo.

 

Facilities

San Marcos La Laguna is a small village, but there are a few small shops were it is possible to get all your basic supplies. Fruit and vegetables are widely available and there are several excellent restaurants should you prefer to eat out. There are a few Internet cafes in the village and a couple of hotels provide a telephone service for local and international calls. As there are no landlines here, calls are expensive. There are no banks in the village. You will need to bring money from Pana or San Pedro la Laguna. There is a cash machine in San Pedro, which is only 10 minutes away by boat. There are very few places that accept credit cards, Quetzales and Dollars, are accepted by the centre, and a few other establishments will also trade dollars. For the best exchange rates it is best to change your money at the bank before you arrive.