Lake Atitlán is one of the most popular destinations in Guatemala and a great place to visit with kids. The breathtaking views framed by volcanoes, the quaint towns, and the colorful Mayan culture make Lake Atitlan an ideal destination for families. So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in Lake Atitlán with kids, you will find here lots of options! It includes all our favorite things to do around Lake Atitlán with kids, from Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopó to smaller towns like San Antonio Palopó.
Fun and Exciting Things To Do At Lake Atitlán With Kids
I was born in Guatemala and used to visit Lake Atitlán with my family when I was growing up. Now that we live in the United States, I travel to Guatemala with my kids at least once a year. And visiting lake Atitlán is always on our itinerary.
We usually stay in Panajachel, the most developed town for tourism in the Lago de Atitlán area. So it’s easy to access shops, and the main street is full of hotels and restaurants. It’s also easy to take trips to other towns from the downtown dock. We also love to stay at San Marcos La Laguna because it’s laid back and peaceful and quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Panajachel.
You can opt for public boats or lanchas to get to other Mayan villages along the lake. They are affordable but make many stops at all of the small towns along the lakeshore. Public boats don’t run on schedule and leave once they are full. I prefer to hire a private one since they are not expensive. And you can hire them for a few hours or the entire day, which will give you the flexibility of exploring at your own pace.
Take a Boat Ride to San Juan La Laguna

Learning about Mayan Weaving

Lush Gardens at Lake Atitlán

Get Close to Nature at Reserva Natural de Atitlan


Make Chocolate in San Marcos La Laguna


Visit Santa Catarina Palopó, The Most Colorful Town in Lake Atitlán


Learn About Traditional Pottery Making in San Antonio Palopo

More Amazing Things to Do In Guatemala:
If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala or want to come back for more, you’ve come to the right place! From the best destinations to kid-friendly activities, I’ll share my love for my home country. Here are amazing things to do in Guatemala to make your trip a memorable one:
The Best Things To Do With Kids In Guatemala City:
The capital city is full of fun things to do. However, kid-friendly activities are not always easy to find. So I thought I would share the best things to do in Guatemala City with kids. And the best part is most are not only fun but also educational activities; a huge plus for any parent!

Getting Close To Nature At Auto Safari Chapín:
Located in Escuintla, Auto Safari Chapin is a great day trip for families and animal lovers. Whether you are visiting or living there, it is one of the best things to do in Guatemala with kids.
Best Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala With Kids:
Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city rich in history and culture. But finding kid-friendly activities can be somewhat of a challenge. So I wanted to share with you all the best things to do in Antigua with kids. All of these activities are family-friendly but are also great for adults.

An Enchanting River Ride: A Quick Guide To Río Dulce:
One of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala, Río Dulce is often overlooked. This area overflows with beautiful nature, colonial history, unique culture, and fantastic food. This quick guide to Rio Dulce covers the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
Best Guide To Visiting Tikal: The Most Spectacular Mayan Ruins In Guatemala:
Here is a guide to visiting Tikal that includes everything you need to know before seeing the most spectacular Mayan ruins in the world. It is a great starting point for enjoying the many adventures the Petén region offers.
Dramatic Volcanic Black Sand Beaches In Guatemala:
If you haven’t walked along beautiful black sand beaches, you are missing out on a magical experience! Some of the best beaches in Guatemala are on its Pacific coasts, places of deep chill, and stunning wilderness. Guatemala’s beaches are full of palm trees to relax with an icy beverage on hand.

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This looks like the perfect place to get away with the family. I love all that natural beauty.
This looks like the coolest place. I know my family would have a blast here. That bridge looks adventurous.
Lake Atitlan looks gorgeous! And my kids would like the nature hikes with wildlife.
Sounds like a really wonderful trip. I love learning about the traditional medicinal plants.
Such fun things to do there. I would love to make some chocolate, for sure. Yum!
I have been to Lake Atitlán when I traveled to Guatemala to pick up my son. Guatemala is a beautiful country. This is a gorgeous place to visit.
It’s such a beautiful place! I am sure that my kid will like it! It’s so great that you had fun all together!
I would love to take my son here and have him experience all those things. I love traveling with him and letting him experience other cultures
I hope to do more traveling someday. I would like to visit Guatemala. It looks beautiful!