_edited.png)
San Juan La Laguna - Exploring Guatemala’s Artisan Heartland
- Jessica Seiders
- Mar 22
- 10 min read
You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place so magical that you almost don’t want to tell anyone about it, just to keep it all to yourself? That’s San Juan La Laguna!
This is a picture-perfect town on the shores of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where art, culture, and tradition come together in the most beautiful way.
And even though there’s a portion of you that wants to keep it secret, let’s be real, places this special are meant to be shared.
San Juan La Laguna is more than just another lakeside town. It’s the cultural and artistic heartbeat of Lake Atitlán, known for its vibrant murals, women-led artisan cooperatives, organic coffee farms, and deep-rooted Mayan traditions.
Unlike the more touristy villages around the lake, San Juan offers a slower, more immersive experience, one that’s perfect for different types of travelers.
And if you’re a woman who loves to travel with like-minded adventurers, this is a destination that belongs on your radar.
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about this hidden gem.
Getting to San Juan La Laguna
From Antigua
The easiest way to get to San Juan La Laguna from Antigua is by shuttle. Expect to pay around $25 for a comfortable ride that takes approximately 3-4 hours. Most shuttles will drop you off in Panajachel, where you’ll hop on a boat to reach San Juan.
For the more adventurous, chicken buses (colorful, repurposed U.S. school buses) are an option. But fair warning, they’re not the most comfortable for long journeys, especially if you’re carrying luggage!
From Guatemala City
If you’re flying into La Aurora International Airport, you can book a direct shuttle to Lake Atitlán (about 4-5 hours). Private transport is the easiest and safest option, especially for a group. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Panajachel and then a boat to San Juan.
By Boat from Panajachel
Once in Panajachel, you’ll take a scenic lancha (public boat) across Lake Atitlán to San Juan. The ride costs around 25 quetzals ($3) and takes about 20 minutes. Enjoy the stunning views! This is your first taste of the lake’s magic!
Make sure to check out our guide on how to navigate Guatemala's public transportation system!
First Impressions – Welcome to a Living Canvas
The moment you arrive in San Juan, you’ll notice something different. It’s quieter than other towns around the lake, with cobblestone streets, colorful murals, and a noticeable absence of pushy vendors.
The town feels like a living canvas, with every building telling a story through hand-painted murals that depict Mayan history, spiritual beliefs, and daily life.
San Juan is known for its strong Tz’utujil Mayan identity, and the locals take great pride in preserving their language, traditions, and artistic heritage. This makes it a wonderful place to experience Mayan culture.
The Art Scene – Where Every Wall Tells a Story
Murals with Meaning
The murals in San Juan are perfect for showing a story. You’ll find vivid depictions of Mayan cosmovision, environmental conservation, and daily life.
Take your time wandering the streets and snapping photos, these colorful murals have a story to tell. You can find more examples of gorgeous murals in the area here.
Women-Led Artisan Cooperatives
San Juan is also famous for its women-run weaving cooperatives. Many local women have transformed their economic future by reviving ancient weaving techniques and using natural dyes.
Visit cooperatives like Casa Flor Ixcaco to watch the intricate weaving process and even try your hand at making your own textile piece!
Coffee, Chocolate & Culture – A Taste of San Juan
Coffee Culture
Guatemala is a coffee lover's dream, and San Juan La Laguna is the perfect place to savor some of the best coffee in the world.
Enjoying coffee here is a cultural experience.
Grown organically on the surrounding volcanic hills, the coffee beans of Lake Atitlán have a unique flavor profile that reflects the rich volcanic soil and high-altitude climate. The beans are hand-picked and processed with meticulous care, resulting in coffee that’s full-bodied, smooth, and packed with flavor.
What makes this coffee scene even more special is the women farmers who are leading the charge. In many areas of the town, women are the heart of the coffee production process, and they are working to make a significant impact on the local economy and the environment.
Many of the local co-ops offer tours of their coffee farms where you can learn about everything from the cultivation of the beans to the roasting process.
And of course, no visit would be complete without tasting some of the freshest coffee you’ve ever had.
Chocolate-Making Workshops
If coffee is the heart of San Juan, then chocolate is its soul. As the birthplace of cacao, Guatemala holds a deep connection to this beloved treat.
San Juan La Laguna offers fantastic hands-on chocolate-making workshops where you can immerse yourself in the process of turning cacao into one of the world’s most treasured confections.
During these workshops, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the history of chocolate in Guatemala, dating back to the Mayan civilization, where cacao was considered sacred. You’ll also get to see how the cacao beans are harvested, fermented, and roasted to perfection.
But the real fun begins when you roll up your sleeves and start making your own chocolate! You’ll grind the roasted cacao beans into a rich paste, mix in local spices like cinnamon and chili, and mold your creations into delicious chocolate bars or truffles.
These workshops are often run by women from the community, who are passionate about preserving the ancient tradition of chocolate-making and passing it on to visitors.
After working hard to create your perfect chocolate, the best part is, of course, tasting it! The flavors are rich, complex, and oh-so-satisfying, making it an experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Spiritual & Holistic Experiences
Mayan Ceremonies & Healing Practices
San Juan La Laguna is also a deeply spiritual place that is rooted in the traditions of the Mayan people. The town’s connection to its ancient heritage can be seen through the Mayan ceremonies that take place regularly, many of which are led by local shamans.
These ceremonies are a fascinating part of the culture and offer a unique chance for you to witness (or even participate in) rituals that have been practiced for centuries.
Common ceremonies include fire rituals, where offerings are made to the gods to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection. The ceremonies often involve burning incense, chanting, and the use of sacred herbs, creating an atmosphere of reverence and connection to the earth.
Another popular one is the cacao ceremony. It's a wonderful, spiritual, and eye-opening experience.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into the spiritual side of San Juan, consider arranging a visit to a local shaman. These wise healers are skilled in the ancient arts of herbal medicine, spiritual cleansing, and energy work.
Many of them offer consultations or healing sessions for visitors, allowing you to experience a form of wellness that has been passed down through generations.
Experiencing one of these ceremonies or connecting with a healer is an opportunity to learn about the Mayan cosmovision, which teaches a deep respect for nature, community, and spiritual balance. Even if you’re not planning on participating, simply observing one of these powerful rituals can be an incredibly moving experience.
Yoga with a View
For those who seek a more tranquil, introspective experience, San Juan is also home to a variety of wellness offerings, including yoga classes and wellness retreats.
The best part? You’ll get to practice yoga with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, surrounded by towering volcanoes and lush mountainsides. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking to unwind, there are plenty of spots where you can roll out your mat and find your center.
Some local yoga studios offer sunrise and sunset sessions, giving you the chance to start and end your day with mindfulness and reflection.
Outdoor Adventures – The Active Side of San Juan
Hiking to Indian Nose
For travelers who are craving adventure, San Juan (like much of Lake Atitlan) has plenty to offer in the way of outdoor activities.
One of the most popular and most rewarding hikes is the trek to Indian Nose, a peak that offers panoramic views of Lake Atitlán, the surrounding villages, and the volcanoes that tower over the region.
The hike itself takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and while it’s moderately challenging, it’s accessible for most fitness levels. You’ll ascend through lush vegetation and witness the dramatic beauty of the land as you make your way to the summit.
It’s best to start early, ideally before dawn, so you can reach the top in time to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the lake. The view is nothing short of spectacular, and it’s the perfect way to experience the natural grandeur of Guatemala.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight if you’re hiking in the dark. If you’re traveling with a group, this is the kind of hike that fosters camaraderie, as everyone works together to reach the top.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Not a fan of hiking? No worries, San Juan also offers plenty of opportunities to explore Lake Atitlán by water. The lake’s calm, clear waters are perfect for beginners who want to try kayaking or paddleboarding.
Rentals are available all around San Juan, and you can spend a peaceful afternoon paddling across the lake, soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes.
Shopping with a Purpose – Supporting Local Women
Handmade Textiles & Ethical Fashion
When it comes to souvenirs, San Juan offers some of the most beautiful and meaningful products you can find. The town is known for its high-quality handwoven textiles, which are made using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The artisans, many of whom are women, use locally sourced materials like cotton and silk to create intricate designs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Shopping here isn’t just about picking up a pretty scarf or blanket, it’s about supporting local women and helping to sustain their livelihoods.
Many of the cooperatives offer tours of their workshops, where you can see how the textiles are woven by hand on traditional backstrap looms. You can also buy directly from the artisans, ensuring that your purchase goes directly into their hands.
Aside from textiles, you’ll find a variety of other handmade goods, including beaded jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and natural dyes.
Where to Eat – The Best Local & Women-Owned Cafés
When it comes to food, San Juan La Laguna is as rich in flavor as it is in culture. The town is home to several cafés and eateries, where you can taste the freshest local ingredients in delicious, traditional dishes.
Cozy Cafés & Lakeview Restaurants
You’ll find several cozy cafés and charming restaurants dotted along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Many of these spots offer stunning lake views, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal.
From freshly made tortillas to hearty stews, the local cuisine reflects the flavors of the highlands and the Maya heritage of the region.
Women-Run Restaurants That Offer Traditional Mayan Flavors
Other eateries in San Juan offer similar experiences, simple, fresh, and local. These often women-led restaurants focus on preserving and sharing the authentic flavors of the region.
Some dishes you’ll find include Kak'ik (a traditional Mayan soup), grilled fish from the lake, or repollo (cabbage salad). Many of the restaurants also offer vegetarian and vegan options, like hearty bean-based dishes or fresh salads, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Spots
For plant-based foodies, San Juan has some excellent places to explore. In these cafes, you can enjoy plant-based sandwiches, hearty lentil stews, and refreshing smoothies made from local fruits.
Where to Stay – Beautiful Boutique Hotels & Eco-Lodges
When it comes to accommodations in San Juan, there’s no shortage of beautiful boutique hotels and eco-lodges that cater to travelers looking for comfort, safety, and a unique experience. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you’ll find a place that suits your needs.
Female-Friendly Stays
San Juan La Laguna is a perfect destination for women’s group travel, as the town’s accommodations are both welcoming and secure.
Many boutique hotels in the area offer female-friendly services, including private rooms, group dorms, and 24-hour security to ensure a stress-free stay.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin experience or a luxurious lakeside retreat, San Juan offers a range of options, all with a focus on sustainability and local culture.
Staying here allows you to support the local economy while enjoying the peaceful, scenic surroundings of the lake.
Why San Juan La Laguna is the Perfect Girls’ Trip Destination
San Juan La Laguna is the kind of place where adventure, culture, relaxation, and sisterhood all come together in one magical destination.
For those looking for a group trip that’s about more than just sightseeing, San Juan offers an authentic, meaningful experience that’ll make you feel connected to the place and each other.
But what really sets San Juan apart as a girls’ trip destination is the sense of empowerment you’ll feel when you support the local women-run businesses.
From coffee farms to artisan cooperatives, every purchase and interaction helps empower the women who are leading the way in the community. This makes your trip not only enriching for you but also impactful for the town.
By the end of your stay, you’ll not only have created lasting memories with your group but also built a deeper connection to the women and culture of this incredible town.
Join a Women’s Group Trip to Guatemala!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure to San Juan La Laguna with a group of like-minded women? Whether you’re looking to experience the magic of Lake Atitlán, support women-run businesses, or connect with other female travelers, this is the trip for you.
Traveling Women Official offers incredible group travel experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of Guatemala while forming lifelong friendships along the way.
It’s time to make your travel dreams a reality. Join Jessica Seiders, founder of Traveling Women Official, on a transformative journey to Guatemala and experience the magic of San Juan La Laguna—and beyond.
Sign up to hear about our upcoming group trips and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Embrace the beauty, culture, and sisterhood that awaits!
----
About Jessica Seiders (Founder of Traveling Women Official)
Meet Jessica. After her daughter left for college, Jessica Seiders sold everything and set off on a journey of self-discovery, leading her to create Traveling Women Official—a community empowering women to explore, embrace new adventures, and reinvent themselves.
Through relocation coaching and her book, she helps women confidently start fresh and build a life of adventure.
תגובות