Lake Atitlan’s iconic lanchas, or small motorboats, are the primary means of transportation for locals and tourists traveling between the villages around the lake. Efficient, scenic, and affordable, lanchas offer a convenient way of getting around and a unique, must-have experience for travelers exploring the lakeside villages. Here’s everything that you need to know about how the public boats work in Lake Atitlan!

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Routes

Public lanchas operate between Lake Atitlan’s main villages, with Panajachel serving as the transit hub. There is a direct route and an indirect route between Panajachel and San Pedro. The indirect route stops between the two in Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, San Marcos, San Pablo, and San Juan, in that order (or the reverse if you’re going from San Pedro to Panajachel). Panajachel and San Pedro have direct lanchas to Santiago Atitlan that leave from different docks than the ones servicing the main Panajachel-San Pedro route. From the Panajachel dock (at the end of Calle del Rio) that services lanchas to Santiago Atitlan, lanchas also go to San Antonio Palapo, Santa Catarina Palapo, and San Lucas Toliman.

photos of lake atitlan guatemala lancha boat how the boats work

Schedule

Public lanchas run from about 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. They depart roughly every 20-30 minutes, depending on how long it takes to fill the boat with passengers. There’s more traffic in the early morning and late afternoon. From Panajachel, the first boat departs around 6:30 AM and the last boat departs around 7:30 PM. From San Pedro, the first boat departs around 7 AM and the last boat departs around 5:30 PM. The longest ride from Panajachel to San Pedro takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the stops requested by passengers and weather conditions. If you plan to take the first or last boat of the day, confirm at the dock what time it should depart and get there about 15 minutes early to be on the safe side.

photos of lake atitlan guatemala lancha boat how the boats work

Cost

Fares vary depending on the distance and route, ranging from 10-25 Q. Tourists are charged more than locals, as many locals commute daily by boat. Despite trying to negotiate in Spanish, I was always charged 25 Q, whether I went one stop or the whole route. You may be charged more if you have luggage or are going to a private dock. Either way, it’s the difference of a dollar or two, so try not to stress!

Logistics

  • People at the docks will be calling out destinations. If you don’t hear the name of the village you want to go to, just ask one of these people, and they will help you find the right boat.

  • As a tourist, you should confirm the price before boarding the boat. You pay when you get off.

  • You can board and disembark from the front or back of the boat. Ask for help if you need it.

  • The boats have life jackets, usually on the inner roof of the boat, that you can feel free to put on.

  • If there are tourists on the boat, they usually call out the stops. If they don’t, just ask someone.

  • Carry small bills to pay for the fare. It’s quicker and easier for everyone involved. Have fun!

lake atitlan guatemala lancha boat