17 best unique things to do in San Marcos La Laguna

Traveling to Lake Atitlan soon? You don’t want to miss these amazing things to do in San Marcos La Laguna!

San Marcos is one of 11 towns scattered around Lake Atitlan, and while the town itself is teeny tiny, it is NOT lacking in things to do here! 

San Marcos is known for being a spiritual healing vortex–the energy is potent and there is no shortage of spiritual experiences for you to try. Even if that’s not your jam, this is a perfect chance to get out of your comfort zone. 

Plus, there’s plenty of other great activities here and around the lake, no matter what your vibe is. And after spending a total of 2 months here, these are some of the best things to do in San Marcos La Laguna! that I recommend to anyone visiting or staying here.

So let’s dive in to discover some of the best, most unique activities and things to do in San Marcos La Laguna (and beyond).

17 Amazing Things to do in San Marcos!

1. Tap into your inner yogi

As mentioned, San Marcos is truly a spiritual haven, so there is no shortage of yoga classes and activities for you to try out. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the best places for you to practice yoga around San Marcos:

Eagles’s Nest

This has to be THE most beautiful place to practice yoga in the whole world (no joke). Eagle’s Nest is perched atop a very high hill, which gives you the most epic views of the lake. 

The yoga platform is spacious and outdoors, but covered so you can practice in any weather. They have a range of classes, from slow-flow heart opening yin to invigorating power classes. Just check the schedule online here to see what’s on offer each week.

Sarnai Yoga

This is a newer studio that I discovered this year, and it became my go-to yoga spot. While Eagle’s Nest is the most magnificent, it’s also quite far up the hill, so it’s not as easy to just hop over right after work.

Sarnai is located in town on a quiet backstreet. It’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s worth the hunt! The classes are hosted on the rooftop of a tall building, so you get some lovely sunset lake views. 

They generally host 1 or 2 classes earlier in the day and 1 or 2 classes in the evening. They have a range of styles as well, and the classes feel very approachable for beginners. 

ATI Hostel

While this is a hostel and a cafe to work from, they also host yoga classes. This unique platform is right on the lakes edge and makes for a nice intimate class. They have a variety of offerings as well.

Eco Hotel La Paz

This hotel is set in a beautiful and lush garden, and they also have a nice yoga platform surrounded by nature. They offer a large variety of classes, but there’s the occasional yoga class.

I will say that the schedule can be a bit unpredictable–I’ve showed up to classes before where the teacher was a no show or it started super late, so just be aware of that.

You can dive deeper into all the places around the lake for yoga and spiritual offerings here!

2. Visit the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve

This is the perfect place in town to immerse in nature. Just a short walk down the lake front from the main street in town, you’ll reach the Nature Reserve. It costs a few dollars to enter ($3 when I went in 2024) and after paying your entrance fee, you’ll have access to the park for as long as you like.

Inside, you’ll find multiple trails at different heights that wrap around the coast and offer stunning volcano views. It can be nice just to walk through and have an intentional quiet moment.

If you’re brave, you can take the leap off a swimming platform. It’s quite far up (at least 40 feet) so it’s not for the faint of heart! Make sure you follow the instructions to stay safe.

If adrenaline is not your think (like me) you can simply enjoy being in nature! There are plenty of places to sit and relax, and even take a dip in the lake without jumping off a cliff.

I personally like to bring my book, find a nice spot in the sun, and just enjoy the view. Because the reserve is on an outcropping, it can get quite windy. So try to go earlier in the day or watch the weather to go on a calmer day.

3. Attend a cacao ceremony

Guatemala has a strong connection to cacao, having used it since the early Mayan civilization. Nowadays, cacao is still grown in Guatemala and is used for many healing purposes.

It is abundant around San Marcos! You can find it from the grocery stores to the cafes. Cacao ceremonies are actually a more modern invention, but they can provide a safe and expansive place to connect with yourself.

Cacao itself is considered to be a heart opener–it allows you to really connect with yourself and others as it’s a stimulant. Cacao ceremonies involve drinking cacao, doing some self reflection, and maybe some group connection.

You can find cacao ceremonies at Lavalove Cacao, or at many pop up events around the lake. Take a look at all of the signs posted around the main street to find local and upcoming events.

4. Spend the day at Amo Atitlan

I’m absolutely obsessed with this cafe and when you go there, you’ll see why. They have the best wifi in town, so it’s a perfect place to bring your laptop and knock out some creative work.

Not in the mood to work? Bring some friends for a delicious plant-focused brunch. Take advantage of the best pool in San Marcos (you have to pay, but it’s worth it). Treat yourself to a lush massage or spa service. 

It’s the best place to indulge in a bougie Bali-vibes day. If you want something sweet–get the cacao bowl. If you want something savory–get the bread plate. So good.

5. Walk through Hippy Highway

The main “street” in San Marcos is affectionately called Hippy Highway. To get to San Marcos, you’ll likely take a boat across the lake. When you hop onto the dock, it will lead you directly onto Hippy Highway.

I say “street” because it’s not even big enough to allow tuktuks to pass. It’s only for pedestrians, and is really like a small alley filled with bustling shops, restaurants, and patrons selling their artwork.

I love it.

I’ve walked it over and over, and there’s still always something to discover. If you’re looking for some souvenirs to take home, this is the place. If you want to invest in some handmade woven goods like rugs or shawls, you’ll find them here. If you want to stop for a snack or ice cream or coffee, there’s plenty of spots.

You’ll also find locals and expats selling their own handmade jewelry at tables scattered along the road. Stray dogs run amok. Smells from vendors cooking homemade meat skewers waft through. Coconut carts line the sides. It’s a whole vibe!

You’ll also find stores ranging from expat own luxury ceremonial clothing brands to thrift stores. Which speaking of, don’t skip the thrift store! I love stopping in here and searching for clothing for a bargain.

This is really the heart of San Marcos, so take your time and enjoy walking up and down the street.

6. Explore other healing experiences and workshops

San Marcos is the energy vortex. This means that when you visit, you can feel the healing energy. Even if you’re not so “woo”, it’s undeniable that there’s something magic about this place.

Which is why it’s the perfect spot to get out of your comfort zone and indulge in some healing workshops.

You can find everything in San Marcos – women’s circles, breathwork, sound healing, ecstatic dance, chakra healing, moon circles, constellation workshops, tantra workshops, tarot, fire ceremonies hosted by local Mayans, and more.

The best place to find out about these events are either through the posters plastered around Hippy Highway or through Whatsapp groups. 

One of the things I love the most about San Marcos is the abundance of events. Every single day you can find multiple activities and classes, so you’re never short of something to do! 

7. Visit the Saturday Market

Every Saturday, a market is held at Emporium. The Emporium Plaza is made up of multiple cafes and restaurants in a beautiful garden courtyard. And each weekend, local artists set up their wares for you to browse. 

They have thrifted clothes, jewelry, baked goods, natural bath products, and more. You’ll find both locals and expats selling here, and it’s a nice vibe to hang out for the weekend.

8. Get a massage

There are many massage places throughout Hippy Highway and the rest of the town, and they’re incredibly affordable. A classic 1-hour massage should be about $40. 

There are also private masseurs that offer massages out of their homes or will come to you, if that’s what you prefer.

While most of the places on Hippy Highway aren’t very luxurious (expect to hear the noises of the town and to lie on some hard mattresses) it’s still worth it and the masseurs themselves are great!

You can also splurge for a massage at Amo (which are more typical US prices) for a more luxe experience.

9. Attend ecstatic dance

Ecstatic dance is  one of the most popular experiences in San Marcos. If you’ve never tried it before, it’s a freeing experience! It’s usually a sober event where people move freely to the music and dance with the community. 

The biggest two spots to try this out are Eagle’s Nest and Gaia. Gaia Dance Temple is located in Tzununa – a town just a short drive from San Marcos. You can grab a tuktuk to take you here.

They host ecstatic dance events every Sunday, so you can always count on them to dance your heart out.

10. Eat delicious veggie food

While traditional Guatemalan food often involves meat, there is a huge abundance of vegetarian and vegan food around the lake.

If you aren’t a vegetarian, this is honestly the place to try it! It’s not your typical beyond burgers – it’s well thought out, healthy, and deeply delicious veggie food.

You can find it in all types of cuisines as well, from Asian to Italian to Mexican.

Here are some of the best veggie and plant-forward restaurants to check out.

• Samsara
• Zen eats
• Eagle’s Nest
• Amo Atitlan
• Il Giardino
• El Buho

11. Spend the day at Eagle’s Nest

Each Friday, Eagle’s Nest hosts a community day, which is the perfect opportunity to check out the space and all they have to offer.

Starting at 1pm, you can find an open mic, a small market, and an open jam on the yoga platform. You’ll have the chance to try out acrobatics, aerials, yoga, circus and  flow arts, and more. 

The sauna is also open to the public, and it’s not your traditional sauna! It’s worth an experience, followed by a quick cold plunge. 

If you can’t visit on a Friday, you can still come here any day of the week! Check online to see what classes they’re offering if you want to take part in some yoga, workshops, or healing experiences. Or just come enjoy the incredible views, tasty food, and relaxing spaces.

Alternatively, you can stay here overnight! I personally do this each time I come to Guatemala and it’s the most incredible gift to yourself. While it’s rustic, the cabins are beautiful with epic views, and you won’t believe the amazing outdoor shower. It’s all inclusive, so all events and food are included in your stay!

12. Take a day trip to San Juan 

San Juan La Laguna is one of the other 11 towns around the lake and makes for the perfect day trip from San Marcos.

To get there, simply head down to the docks and wait for the next boat to San Juan. They should run pretty often so you won’t have to wait more than 15-20 minutes and the ride itself should be about 10 minutes (if they go straight there).

It’s best to head out in the morning, because it gets windy in the afternoon, making the boat ride kind of unpleasant. 

Once you arrive in San Juan, start exploring! San Juan is known for their stunning weaving work. It’s a great place to buy locally made souvenirs and admire the beautiful handiwork. 

The goods are higher priced since they are homemade, but they are of good quality. Don’t be afraid to barter a bit, but remember to be respectful of the work that went into everything.

13. Take a circus class

In addition to yoga and healing experiences, San Marcos also offers circus classes! As a fellow circus artist (a story for another time) this warms my heart. 

You can absolutely be a beginner and try your hand at aerials or acrobatics. This is such a fun way to tap into your inner child, push yourself physically, and blend art and sport.

Here are some of the places you can try out some circus classes

• Eagle’s Nest
• Starry Mountain
• Unicorn Rebord

14. Cafe Hop

San Marcos has SO many good cafes, so why not spend a day checking them all out?

Whether you want to bring your laptop and get some work down, bring your book for some quiet reading time, or meet up with a friend for some delicious coffee/matcha/cacao, there’s something for everyone.

You can read all about my favorite cafes here! Or check out the short list below.

• Amo Atitlan
• The Hidden Garden
• Eagle’s Nest
• Maltiox
• Circles
• Arati
• ATI Hostel
• Cafe and Bakery IXCHEL

15. Take a hike

If you’re outdoorsy, there’s some great opportunities to take a hike near San Marcos. Personally, this isn’t my vibe so I can’t speak from personal experience, but I’ve had friends do multiple great hikes around here!

You usually have to start early in the morning and it’s best to go with a guide. Some of the hiking trails aren’t safe to try alone and they can close them sporadically, so make sure to check what’s available.

One popular hike is Indian Nose. Stop by some of the local tour operators to ask about a guide for these hikes.

16. Hang out on the water

While there’s clearly so much to do in and around San Marcos, you can also do nothing and have a fabulous day! This honestly is one of my favorite things to do in San Marcos La Laguna.

The waterfront is so beautiful with the views of the volcanos that simply relaxing on the water is fulfilling. 

Bring a blanket, your book, some music, a journal, or whatever you wish down to the waterfront and find a spot to relax. The best is on one of the docks that lead to nowhere. Relax in the sun and enjoy!

BONUS: Grab a coconut on your way down to the water. I drank a coconut every other day, because why not when they’re $1?! You can find coconuts at a stand on the main road near the Parque Municipal or along Hippy Highway from a vendor selling them from the cart.

17. Explore the other towns

Along with San Juan, there are 9 other towns for you to explore around the lake! You can visit any of them for a day trip, or stay a bit longer to get to know it better.

All of the towns are easily accessible from San Marcos and there are boats running daily around the lake. Some of the towns are just 5 minutes away while others could take 30 minutes. 

Each town really has its own personality, so it’s a blast to explore each of them. Here are some of the other towns for you to visit:

• Panajachel (more commercial center for the lake)
• San Pedro (known for nightlight and backpacker vibes)
• San Juan (shopping local woven goods)
• Santa Cruz (steep but peaceful town, famous for Free Cerveza Hostel)
• San Antonio (known for handmade ceramics)

Final Thoughts on all the things to do in San Marcos La Laguna

While San Marcos might be small, it is overflowing with activities! This is the perfect spot to check out if you’re a spiritual being, you want to try something new, you want to relax by the lake, or you’re craving some intentional community. 

San Marcos has become one of my absolute favorite places in the world and I plan to return back here every year.

So if you have any questions about the things to do in San Marcos La Laguna, don’t hesitate to share them below or message me on Instagram!