Major city · Guatemala
Santa Cruz la Laguna
Spend a half‑day walking the lakeside trails and return by water‑taxi; one day is enough.
Santa Cruz la Laguna is a small lakeside village on Lake Atitlán. Walk the trail to Jaibalito, rent a kayak or enjoy a spa. A single day covers the main activities; longer stays suit remote‑hike enthusiasts.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GTQ
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season)
- Airport
- GUA
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Guatemala ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Guatemala's Migration Institute or a Guatemalan consulate. Guatemala shares a Central America border agreement (CA-4) with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so your permitted stay may count across all four.
- Guatemala ↗Hike volcanoes (Acatenango, Pacaya) only with registered guides and check eruption alerts; Fuego is highly active.
- Guatemala ↗Avoid public chicken buses between cities: they are frequent targets of robbery. Use tourist shuttles or private transport.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Santa Cruz la Laguna110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Santa Cruz la Laguna, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q).Guatemala-wide
- SIM or eSIMTigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.Guatemala-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.Guatemala-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.Guatemala-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Guatemala-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe for tourists; watch belongings on water‑taxis and keep valuables locked in hostels.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.Guatemala-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 122 fire and ambulance · 1500 Tourist assistance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysAntigua's streets close for processions on Lenten Sundays and Semana Santa; museums may close on Mondays.Guatemala-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGUA La Aurora International Airport (Main gateway to the highlands; shuttle to Panajachel 2‑h drive.).
- Getting aroundWalk the village and lakeside paths; use public water‑taxi (Q25 per ride) for arrivals, departures and short hops to nearby towns.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Water‑taxi boat (one way)Check schedule at the dock.Q25
- Budget bedDormitory bed, a night, per personGTQ 80
- Mid-range bedBasic hotel room (double), a night, per roomGTQ 250
- High-end bedBasic hotel room (double), a night, per roomGTQ 350
A day, not counting the bed: Budget GTQ 120 · Mid GTQ 200 · High GTQ 300
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GUA La Aurora International Airport (Main gateway to the highlands; shuttle to Panajachel 2‑h drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Santa Cruz la Laguna: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Mar
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
14 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
13 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk the village and lakeside paths; use public water‑taxi (Q25 per ride) for arrivals, departures and short hops to nearby towns.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Jaibalito
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Walk the lakeside trail from Santa Cruz, about 30 min each way
Scenic hike with waterfalls; return same day.
Panajachel
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Water‑taxi from Santa Cruz dock, about 15 min
Connect to shuttles and market.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel Arca de Noe
Lake‑front, basic rooms, Q162 per night.
La Iguana Perdida
Hostel on the dock, trust‑based payment, large dormitory.
Hotel Islaverde
Eco‑hotel with cabins, private dock, quiet area.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Q120–180 excl. bed
- Mid
- Q180–260 excl. bed
- High
- Q260+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Dormitory bed1 × 1 night × GTQ 80 | GTQ 80 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × GTQ 120 | GTQ 120 |
| Water‑taxi boat round‑trip1 × GTQ 50 · Q25 each way, check schedule. | GTQ 50 |
| Kayak rental (2 h)1 × GTQ 100 · check price | GTQ 100 |
| eSIM data (1 week)1 × GTQ 250 · check provider | GTQ 250 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | GTQ 60 |
| Trip total≈ GTQ 660 per person per day, bed included | GTQ 660 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Water‑taxi boat (one way)Check schedule at the dock. | Q25 |
| Kayak rental (2 h)Los Elementos Kayak and Adventure Center. | Q80–120 |
| Spa treatment (30 min)Los Elementos Day Spa. | Q150–250 |
| Meal at La casa en el aireWaterfront café. | Q30–60 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Road access is limited to heavy‑duty vehicles; boat is the practical link.
- Public water‑taxi costs Q25 each way; confirm schedule at the dock.
- Wi‑Fi is limited in most hostels; plan offline activities.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 122
- Tourist assistance
- 1500
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Santa Cruz la LagunaSanta Cruz la Laguna
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance122
- Tourist assistance1500
Embassy
US consulate in Guatemala City (check address); other embassies in Guatemala City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Panajachel → Santa Cruz (water‑taxi): about Q25, 15 min (check schedule)
- Kayak hour: Q80–120 depending on equipment
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost? (kwahn-toh kwes-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el muelle? — Where is the dock? (don-deh es-tah el mweh-yeh)
- Quisiera un taxi acuático — I would like a water‑taxi (kee-see-eh-rah oon tahk-see ah-kwah-tee-ko)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Santa Cruz la Laguna. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid May–Oct (rainy season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Santa Cruz la Laguna
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