10 Things to Do in Santa Cruz La Laguna That You Shouldn't Miss

October 11, 2017 Randal Brittian

Discover the best top things to do in Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala including Los Elementos Adventure Center, Stand Up Paddle Atitlan, Los Elementos Day Spa, Santa Cruz Cooking Classes, Manos Crucenas Artisan Store, Santa Cruz Spanish School, Tzantizotz Nature Reserve, Local Experiences Guatemala, Tours Atitlan, Hummingbird Spa.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz La Laguna

1. Los Elementos Adventure Center

Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 334 reviews

Los Elementos Adventure Center

Your base camp for exploring Lake Atitlan Guatemala. Choose from kayak excursions, hiking the Mountains surrounding the lake, or by private tour boat. You can find an adventure that suits your interest and level of activity. We are family friendly and ready to help you have a unique holiday experience.We specialize in offering experiences that will let you learn about the Mayan culture and meet many of the locals whom we have come to know. The Mayan people are very proud of their cultural past and they enjoying sharing their efforts to keep it alive and strong today. We can also help arrange a custom itinerary for all or part of your Guatemalan travels.We have started Los Elementos Adventure Center and Day Spay and Kayak Guatemala as a way of creating jobs for locals and supporting our non-profit Amigos de Santa Cruz. One of the big challenges of life in Guatemala is to improve the lives of the local people. Amigos de Santa Cruz is focused on improving the education and nutrition of the Mayan. We also support Mayan Medical Aid, which focus' on providing medical aid. Any tour or excursion you arrange will help support these non-profit organizations. Concierge service and all inclusive packages are our specialty. Custom and taylor made tours to your specific interests.

Reviewed By matthewhodal - Elgin, Illinois

We booked a whole day of fun. Took a shuttle from Antigua and spent the day kayaking, cliff jumping in to the lake, doing archery, and hiked to the rock climbing site. It was a fabulous experience for my family. The guide alex was outstanding, and lee and his wife were very accommodating and wonderful. Such a beautiful place!! Thank you!

2. Stand Up Paddle Atitlan

Casa Xecaj, 1 minute walk from Main Dock, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala
Excellent
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5 based on 38 reviews

Stand Up Paddle Atitlan

Our purpose is to provide stand up paddle board experiences to visitors of Lake Atitlan. Our tours are designed for beginners and intermediates who want to try paddle boarding on a beautiful lake with stunning scenery. I am a certified ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) Level 2 Paddle Board Instructor. We are based out of Santa Cruz la Laguna, but can easily be accessed by all other towns on the Lake. Safety is very important to us so please be aware the wind and water swell effect tour operations. Tours and experiences are mornings only. Our basic tour is designed to be a great way to try paddle boarding, learn basics, and have a fun. I can also provide more advanced tours for experienced paddlers as well, just ask! Come join us on the water :)

Reviewed By Zsanka - Antigua, Guatemala

I had my first ever paddle boarding experience with SUP Atitlan in what turned out to be not-so-first-timer-friendly weather conditions but the continuous tips and support from Marshall made the whole thing a lot of fun and i felt safe and confident throughout the whole time. Marshall is not only super-friendly but also makes sure you understand the ins and outs of paddle boarding and leaves you prepared for every situation. Will gladly use SUP Atitlan again next time im at the lake!

3. Los Elementos Day Spa

Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala +502 4095 3751
Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 70 reviews

Los Elementos Day Spa

Visit our spa on the shore of beautiful Lake Atitlan and indulge your senses. You will be lulled into a relaxing meditation from the sounds of the lake while relaxing into the best massage of your life.

Reviewed By Mike G - San Francisco, California

After a week of diving and hiking, I was thrilled to find a masseuse in Santa Cruz. I made an appointment with Elaine, and I felt welcomed the moment I arrived. She gave me a great massage in her studio, and then afterward we relaxed in lounge chairs for a while, enjoying the view. You're on vacation: treat yourself!

4. Santa Cruz Cooking Classes

CECAP Building | CECAP Building, Santa Cruz, Lake Atitlan, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala +502 5003 8877
Excellent
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5 based on 22 reviews

Santa Cruz Cooking Classes

Learn to cook authentic Guatemalan dishes like Pepian and Tamalitos while enjoying a fantastic view of Lake Atitlan. All proceeds support the community of Santa Cruz La Laguna through the local nonprofit Amigos de Santa Cruz which runs education and economic empowerment programs (check out Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation on Facebook for more information) Call 5003-8877

Reviewed By difelidi - Panama City, Panama

Claudia was amazing. She is such a friendly person, though running her shop quite straight forward. She showed us how to do things and cooked with us. We had a lot of fun. She could also explain everything. We felt very welcome, and there was...MoreWe're glad you enjoyed cooking with Claudia! Thanks for supporting CECAP and young chefs in Santa Cruz. Come back and visit again soon!

5. Manos Crucenas Artisan Store

Calle Principal | CECAP Building, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala +502 5413 2591
Excellent
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5 based on 12 reviews

Manos Crucenas Artisan Store

Manos Cruceñas Artisan Store stocks woven, beaded, crocheted, and ironwork products made by indigenous artisans from the Santa Cruz community. Browse products made by artisans earning fair wages while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Atitlan. You can shop in the retail store, buy wholesale and design your own products made by local artisans, or take one of the beading or weaving courses. The store is located below Café Sabor Cruceño and makes an ideal day trip from anywhere on Lake Atitlan. All proceeds support the community of Santa Cruz La Laguna through the local nonprofit Amigos de Santa Cruz which runs education and economic empowerment programs.

Reviewed By Lorne29 - Claremont

The small store is one part of the Amigos de Santa Cruz non-profit organization. Local townspeople use Amigos looms and other tools to create their crafts. The staffers are very friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable. I purchased a couple of simple bags that included...MoreThanks for visiting us and supporting the artisans of Santa Cruz!

6. Santa Cruz Spanish School

Calle del enbarcadero, Santa Cruz la Laguna | At Hotel Arca de Noe, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala +502 5355 8849
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 29 reviews

Santa Cruz Spanish School

Since 2006. The school is located at Our Hotel Arca de Noe - 1 minute away from the main public dock in Santa Cruz la Laguna. Our teachers are highly qualified and flexible. Students can share different experiences with other teachers! It is possible. Our courses are individually or in a small group designed for everyone. All materials provided by the school are free. Our school includes free WIFI and a great place for coffee or just relax. Though we offer structure, we are always ready to accommodate student's particular needs and desires. Our teachers are ready to help if a student feels the need to spend more time on any phase of the learning process...

Reviewed By Serenana - Canada

As an almost-beginner, my confidence in communicating in Spanish increased greatly after 5 half-days of instruction with Rolando. He was very supportive and encouraging and skilled at keeping the conversation going, even though I am an introvert whose default behavior is to smile and nod. I felt the lessons had just the right mix of conversation and grammar instruction.

7. Tzantizotz Nature Reserve

Tzantizotz | Laguna Lodge, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala +502 7823 2529
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Tzantizotz Nature Reserve

Situated in the area of Tzantizotz which in local Kaqchikel means Point of Bats, this mountainous area begins at the lake front and reaches high altitude tropical dry forest. Well maintained paths for every fitness level traverse old Mayan trails. Palm thatched resting pavilions offer panoramic views of the entire lake.

Reviewed By trippin321 - Half Moon Bay, California

Good, safe place to stow the luggage and stretch the legs. We didn't see much wildlife other than a couple monkeys. The trails weren't terribly well marked. We didn't zipline. Hot and dry, though there's a small restaurant on site (as well as accommodations).
The part we enjoyed the most was the butterfly area. We have been to a few such places and they never fail to disappoint! This one was quite nice and worth the price of admission. Thank you.

8. Local Experiences Guatemala

Santa Cruz La Laguna, Guatemala
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Local Experiences Guatemala

Reviewed By sunlite58 - Bradenton, Florida

We went to Guatemala for a Guatemala experience! So having lunch with a Guatemala family was an awesome experience for us. We are very adventures and love to do something very different. If you don't like different and an adventure, then I would suggest you don't experience this. I also want to mention this because it is also a good hike. We did fine, and we are not young!! So I thank the tour company for offering this awesome experience!! We sure enjoyed every moment of it.

9. Tours Atitlan

Santa Cruz la Laguna, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala
Excellent
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5 based on 1 reviews

Tours Atitlan

Tours Atitlan believes it is a fundamental part of eco-tourism to work with local guides, while at the same time bringing our wealth of experience to the table. We have created a one of a kind itinerary showcasing only the best areas that Lake Atitlan has to offer - Sightseeing tours by local boat, cultural experiences, shopping tours, hiking, trekking, kayaking, biking and birdwatching.

Reviewed By Elena A

I had an amazing hike organized through Tours Atitlan. My friend and I hiked San Pedro. Our guide Domingo was super knowledgable and personable. We learned a lot about the lake, the land around it, coffee, and Guatemala in general! It was a challenging hike at times (mainly due to a quick elevation change), but the view form the top made everything worth it! I would definitely recommend it! And Tours Atitlan is a great company to book it with!

10. Hummingbird Spa

Tzantizotz 1, Santa Cruz La Laguna 07014, Guatemala +502 4066 8135
Excellent
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4 based on 1 reviews

Native health and adventure spa treatments are carefully selected to maximize your wellbeing, lulled by the sound of the lake’s waves you will enter a universe of peace and harmony. Situated in the tropics at 1,565m (5135ft) above sea level the highland climate is temperate and healthful. The land of eternal spring!

Reviewed By ktuerff - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I like deep tissue massage. Mine was great. Arrive early. Be prepared to walk up stairs that may leave you winded before your therapy.

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