Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala

Are you wondering where to stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala? This picturesque town on the shores of Lake Atitlán offers a great variety of hotels, hostels, and rentals. No matter your budget and preferences, you’ll find a lodging to love.

Looking for activities instead? Check out these spectacular things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

***This page contains several affiliate links, so if you book a tour or hotel through those links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more in my disclaimer.***

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna, Best Luxury, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels & Rentals

Ensure you enjoy the best vacation ever by checking out these top-rated luxury, mid-range, and budget hotel options.

* Luxury Hotels & Rentals, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna

Santa Cruz la Laguna offers a few luxury hotel options featuring gorgeously appointed rooms, spa services, attentive staff, and fabulous gardens.

Read on to discover the best luxury hotels in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

1. Casa Prana Resort

If you want to immerse yourself in luxury and tranquility, Casa Prana is an excellent choice. This four-star luxury resort sits right on the lakeshore. The suites are nestled among a garden reminiscent of Eden. Walkways wind through beautifully landscaped grounds. Everything feels peaceful and secluded.

Amenities include a pool, gym, bar, restaurant, bar/lounge, snack bar, room service, barbecue facilities, and airport transfers. Enjoy a fireplace in the lobby, TVs in the common areas, a library, a terrace, a picnic area, laundry facilities, luggage storage, spa services, a sauna, and a steam room. There is free wifi as well.

Opt for the Junior, Elite, Executive, Signature, or Luxury Suites (many include lake views).

Guests adored the grounds, the private paradise feel, the massages, and the top-notch staff.

Casa Prana is best for couples and families unless you don’t mind dining solo.

Check rates and book Casa Prana

2. Casa Amate

Casa Amate is a beautiful vacation rental partway up the hill in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

This three-bedroom house features a living room, a deep soaking tub, a fully-equipped kitchen with a stovetop, oven, and microwave, barbecue facilities, and a picnic area.

All of the rooms are lovely and unique with breathtaking views and excellent hospitality.

This house can sleep up to eight people in one king bed, one queen bed, and two double beds. Premium linens, down comforters, towels, and toiletries are included.

You’ll have access to your own private beach and dock with beautiful gardens and trees on all sides. Housekeeping, firewood, and a traditional Guatemalan breakfast are available for additional fees.

Guests raved about the beauty of this house, the spectacular views, and the great service.

Check rates and book Casa Amate

3. Atitlán Sunset Lodge

Atitlán Sunset Lodge is another wonderful luxury option. Stay in your own studio-style room complete with a comfy bed, hot showers, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a cozy reading nook. Each room has its own private bathroom, a seating area, a dining table, and a private terrace with lake views.

Additional on-site amenities include free wifi and kayak use, a dock, a restaurant, a sauna, and a private beach area.

Book your own oasis retreat, choosing between the One-Bedroom Tree House, Atitlan Studio, Atitlan Grand One-Bedroom Apartment, and the Studio.

Atitlán Sunset Lodge is a favorite among couples

Check rates and book Atitlán Sunset Lodge

* Mid-Range Hotels & Rentals, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna

There are several great mid-range hotels and rentals in Santa Cruz la Laguna offering private beaches, terraces with lake views, and boutique-style décor.

4. Hotel Isla Verde

Hotel Isla Verde is a popular three-star hotel in Santa Cruz la Laguna. If you don’t mind being in the middle of nature and hiking up some stairs to reach your cabins, Isla Verde could be your version of paradise.

On-site amenities include a sauna, optional manicures, pedicures, and massages, a terrace with lake views, beach umbrellas, beach towels, a library, and laundry services. There is also a gift shop, a safe at the front desk, coffee and tea service in the lobby, an excellent restaurant, and luggage storage.

Room options include a Private Cabin for two and Family Studio Suites and Family Cabins which sleep up to six people. Isla Verde is the perfect place to escape from the crush of the city and the hustle and bustle of the everyday grind.

Guests loved the restaurant food, the clean rooms and comfortable beds, and the friendly and accommodating staff.

Check rates and book Hotel Isla Verde

5. Casa Paxanax

Casa Paxanax is a gorgeously decorated vacation rental that goes for a steal. Casa Paxanax has three bedrooms, a kitchen, a washer and dryer, free wifi, barbecue facilities, a fireplace, and a picnic area. There is also a living room with a flat-screen TV. Housekeeping is available once per stay.

Casa Paxanax can sleep up to six people, making it a great choice for families or groups of friends… or for couples who love lots of space and tranquility.

If you have pets, you’re in luck, this vacation rental is pet friendly.

Guests loved the amenities and being right on the lakeshore.

Check rates and book Casa Paxanax

6. Palatalik Vacation Rental

Palatalik is a beautiful vacation home complete with a patio, garden, and balcony. The home features all the amenities you could want including three bedrooms, one bathroom, a washing machine, and a kitchen with a stovetop and oven. There is also free Wifi and bikes available for rent.

Towels and bed linens are included, as well as some toys and books. This property is pet friendly.

Palatalik sleeps two to eight people, great for couples, families, and groups of friends.

Guests loved the beautiful spacious facilities, helpful staff, and beautiful views.

Check rates and book Palatalik

* Budget Hotels & Rentals, Where to Stay in Santa Cruz la Laguna

There are many wonderful budget hotels in Santa Cruz la Laguna Guatemala, from treehouse dormitories to glamping tents to great rentals for families and solo travelers alike.

7. La Iguana Perdida Hostel

La Iguana Perdida is probably the most famous hotel in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Staying there is a lot of fun (I can say this from personal experience). However, it won’t be the quietest place you ever stay. Expect noise from the nearby docks during the day, the bar and pool table room during the night, and the kitchen in the morning, especially if you stay near the kitchen as I did.

That said, this hotel has a great casual vibe complete with murals and quirky artwork. The beds were comfortable, and the showers in the luxury suite steaming hot.

La Iguana Perdida has great on-site amenities, including a Mayan sauna, a fabulous restaurant, free wifi, hammocks, patio seating, lake views, a bar, a pool table, and laundry services.

Additional amenities include a library room with a TV, a Scuba shop (the only one on Lake Atitlán), free drinking water, and tea and coffee service at the front desk. There is also a fire pit available.

La Iguana Perdida offers family-style dinners and special events on certain days of the week, such as their open mic and dress-up nights. Participate, and you win a free shot of tequila.

Room options range from shared dormitories and private single rooms to deluxe cabins and luxury suites. Luxury in this case is relative to the dorms.

Check rates and book La Iguana Perdida

8. Hotel & Restaurante Arca de Noé

Another great budget hotel in Santa Cruz la Laguna is Hotel Arca de Noé. This great lodging option is just across from the main docks.

The rooms are simple and clean, with great views and wooden furniture. There is also a garden, free wifi, a 24-hour front desk, laundry services, a restaurant, and a private beach area.

Choose between the Standard Double Room, Double Room, Classic Triple Room, and Lakeside Bungalow.

Guests loved the convenient dock-side location, the cute clean rooms, the yummy food, and the breathtaking views.

Check rates and book Arca de Noé

9. Free Cerveza Hostel

Free Cerveza Hostel is a glamping hostel right on the lakeshore in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

The glamping options are available for one to three people, however, Free Cerveza also offers a lake house that sits right over the water beside the private dock.

Enjoy the free-to-use kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, tubes, and yoga mats. Additional on-site amenities include a restaurant, a fully-stocked bar, a Mayan sauna, and many organized events.

The atmosphere is young and vibrant with a focus on having fun.

Free Cerveza is a favorite among backpackers and solo travelers.

Check rates and book Free Cerveza Hostel

10. Lakefront Cabin

This beautiful Lake Front Cabin is a fantastic budget hotel option in Santa Cruz la Laguna. It sits on the property of Los Elementos Adventure Center.

Amenities include a restaurant, garden, patio with lake views, barbecue facilities, a private beach area, and free wifi.

The room comes equipped with one double bed, a dining area, an electric kettle, a balcony, towels, bed linens, and toiletries.

Guests loved the amazing hosts, easy access, great amenities, and private ambiance.

Check rates and book Lakefront Cabin

11. Sunrise Casita

The Sunrise Casita is a super cute rental perfect for solo travelers or couples. This tranquil getaway includes a deck with a fire pit, a bedroom with a double bed, a bathroom, and wifi. Kayaks are available for rent.

The Sunrise Casita is not far from the main docks and offers easy access to the lake, hiking trails, and restaurants.

This is a perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

Check rates and book the Sunrise Casita

12. Casa Eggedal

Casa Eggedal is a three-bedroom holiday home with all you could ask for to have a great vacation in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

This house can sleep up to six people in six single beds (two per room). Additional amenities include a private kitchen, a living room with a flat-screen TV, barbecue facilities, a terrace, a balcony with garden views, mountain views, and lake views, and an equipped kitchen.

There is also an outdoor pool, which is a rare amenity in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

Check rates and book Casa Eggedal

13. Casa Wenche

Casa Wenche is another great budget vacation rental in Santa Cruz la Laguna. This two-bedroom home may not have the most updated furnishings, but the setting is magical and the gardens a delight.

Check out the view from the balcony!

Additional on-site amenities include barbecue facilities, luggage storage space, a living room, a bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Wifi is also included.

There is even an outdoor swimming pool… perfect for when the lake gets rough and windy.

Check rates and book Casa Wenche

Santa Cruz la Laguna FAQs

Where is Santa Cruz la Laguna?

Santa Cruz la Laguna is a small town on the north shore of Lake Atitlán, in the department of Sololá Guatemala. The town is comprised of Kaqchikel indigenous peoples, most of whom live in the town above the lakeshore.

Many ex-pats and foreigners live along the lakeshore.

How do you get to Santa Cruz la Laguna?

The best way to get to Santa Cruz la Laguna is to take a public boat from one of the other towns around Lake Atitlán. Panajachel is the main hub and will give you easy access to Santa Cruz.

To find the public boats, walk or take a moto-taxi (tuc tuc) to the Tzanjuyú docks in Panajachel. Tell the boat driver that you want a “lancha pública” to Santa Cruz.

If you have Spanish skills, it is best to haggle for the price ahead of time, as some drivers will charge foreigners extremely elevated rates. Try to get passage for Q15-20. Do not pay more than Q25.

There are multiple boat associations in Pana, all with their own “standard” rates. Do the best you can, and don’t sweat it if you end up paying more.

Although there is a road to Santa Cruz la Laguna, it is unpaved, steep, and treacherous.

Where can I get money in Santa Cruz la Laguna?

There is at least one ATM in the upper village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. You can find it inside the Amigos de Santa Cruz CECAP building.

Simply walk up from the docks (or take a tuc tuc). When the road T’s, take the right-hand turn. The CECAP Center will be right on the corner.

Can I buy groceries in Santa Cruz la Laguna?

Since Santa Cruz is small and difficult to access, there is no daily market here like there is in Panajachel and Sololá. If you plan to cook most of your own meals, I recommend taking groceries with you.

You can also ask your hotel contact to see if there is a “mercado” while you are in town. If so, it will be held in the plaza by the Catholic church.

There are many small stores or “tiendas” where you can buy snacks, bananas, and tortillas.

What activities can I do in Santa Cruz la Laguna?

There are tons of things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna, from hiking and scuba diving to taking cultural tours to indulging yourself at the sauna. Check out these spectacular things to do in Santa Cruz la Laguna.

You can also make day trips to other Lake Atitlán towns, such as San Juan la Laguna. My post about the top things to do in Atitlán could be a great resource as well.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many wonderful hotels in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Choose your vibe, and go book your next vacation on luscious Lake Atitlán!

***GUATEMALA TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE***

Should I buy Guatemala travel insurance?
YES — Personally, I always travel with travel insurance because it gives me extra peace of mind. SafetyWing is an excellent travel insurance company that’s quite affordable. Plus, if you travel longterm, it’s a snap to renew on a month to month basis. You can keep renewing for up to a year and still pay the same deductible.

Where’s the best place for finding cheap flights to Guatemala?
When I purchase a ticket, I always search several different sites. Kayak and Expedia are great places to start running a search. Spirit is usually the cheapest carrier, but American Airlines and United also sometimes offer excellent deals.

What’s the best way to book my Guatemala accommodations?
I recommend booking.com for finding and booking hotels in Guatemala. For vacation rentals, I recommend VRBO.com — it offers beautiful and unique spots to stay.

What’s the best way to book Guatemala tours?
Viator is a great tour booking site with several excellent options available in Guatemala’s main tourist areas including Tikal, Atitlán, Antigua, and Acatenango. There’s a nice range of prices and options available.

Can you drink the water in Guatemala?
No – Don’t drink the tap water! Instead, buy purified water from any corner store or grocery store in Guatemala.

Be sure to brush your teeth with that water as well to avoid getting sick. And hydrated, especially when traveling to high elevations.

Do I need a visa for Guatemala?
Probably not — Visitors to Guatemala from “Category A” countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and most European countries are automatically given a 90-day tourist visa (in the form of a passport stamp) when entering Guatemala.

This visa is valid for Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador. At the end of 90 days, it can be renewed once at Guatemala’s Migración without leaving the country.

After 180 days, you will have to travel outside of Central America before returning. Check to see if you need a visa.

Will my phone work in Guatemala?
It’s possible, but check with your provider in advance to see if Guatemala is covered. If not, you can easily pick up a local SIM card.

There are essentially only two carriers in the country: TIGO and CLARO. Both have good coverage.