About · How to Get Here

Getting to
Tzununa

Alma Atitlan is in the small Mayan village of Tzununa, on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlan. Getting here takes a bit of planning, but arriving is part of the experience.

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From GUA Airport
3, 5 hrs
depending on traffic
From Antigua
~3 hrs
shuttle or taxi
From Panajachel
15 min
by boat (lancha)
From San Marcos
5 min
by boat (lancha)
From Guatemala City
~4 hrs
shuttle or private transfer

Two ways to reach us

By boat or by road

Most guests arrive by boat, it is faster and more scenic. But Tzununa is also reachable by road around the top of the lake, which takes longer but avoids the water entirely if needed.

Recommended

Via Panajachel + Boat

The most common and scenic route. Take a shuttle to Panajachel, then a short lancha (public boat) ride to Tzununa.

  • Fly into La Aurora International Airport (GUA), Guatemala City
  • Take a shuttle or private transfer to Panajachel: 3 to 5 hours depending on traffic. Book in advance.
  • From Panajachel, take the lancha (public boat) toward San Marcos. Tzununa is one stop before San Marcos: 15 minutes on the water.
  • Last public lancha from Panajachel is around 6pm. Private boats are available after hours.
  • At the Tzununa dock, walk up to the village. We will give you precise directions when you book.
Alternative

Via Road Around the Lake

Longer but possible. If you have a lot of luggage or prefer to avoid boats, road access is available via the top of the lake.

  • From Guatemala City or Antigua, take the road toward Sololá and then around the northwest side of the lake.
  • Road to Tzununa is partially unpaved, a 4WD vehicle or shuttle is recommended, especially in rainy season.
  • We can help arrange a private transfer directly to the property from the airport or Antigua, contact us for pricing.
  • Transfer cost is approximately $30 per person from the airport for shuttle, or inquire for private vehicle rates.

Step by step

The full journey

1

Fly into Guatemala City (GUA)

La Aurora International Airport is the main entry point. Most guests fly via Houston, Miami, Atlanta, or Mexico City. There are no direct international flights to the lake region.

2

Shuttle to Panajachel or direct to Tzununa

Shared shuttles from the airport to Panajachel run regularly and cost approximately $30 per person. Travel time is 3 to 5 hours depending on traffic, plan accordingly. We can arrange this for you in advance. Alternatively, arrange a private transfer directly to Tzununa by road.

Book your shuttle before you arrive. Do not rely on arranging it at the airport on arrival.

3

Lancha from Panajachel to Tzununa

From the Panajachel dock, take a public lancha toward San Marcos. Tell the driver you are going to Tzununa, it is one stop before San Marcos. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs a few quetzales. The last public lancha from Panajachel leaves around 6pm. Private boats are available later for an additional cost.

You can also take a lancha from San Marcos or San Pedro, last boat from those villages is around 5:30pm.

4

From the Tzununa dock to Alma Atitlan

When you step off the lancha at the Tzununa dock, you have arrived. The property is a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from the dock. We will send you precise directions with your booking confirmation. If you let us know your arrival time, we will make sure someone is there to welcome you.

Tuk-tuks wait at the dock and all drivers know the property. It is one of the main landmarks in the village.

Practical tips

  • Book your shuttle from the airport before you arrive, do not leave this to chance on the day
  • The lake is 3 to 5 hours from the airport depending on traffic, add buffer time, especially on weekends and holidays
  • The last public lancha from Panajachel is around 6pm, plan your shuttle timing accordingly or arrange a private boat
  • In rainy season (May to October) afternoon storms are common on the lake, morning travel is generally calmer
  • Tzununa is a Mayan village, dress modestly when walking through the community, especially for women
  • The area is generally safe. Use common sense in the evenings, do not leave the property grounds alone after dark
  • Bring quetzales for the lancha, tuk-tuks, and small purchases in the village. USD is widely accepted at the property.
  • Altitude is approximately 1,560 meters, some guests feel mild altitude effects in the first day or two

Frequently asked

Questions about getting here

Can you arrange transport from the airport?

Yes. We are happy to help coordinate your shuttle or private transfer from La Aurora Airport, Antigua, or Guatemala City. Write to us with your flight details and we will arrange it. Cost is approximately $30 per person for shared shuttle, or contact us for private vehicle pricing.

What if I arrive after the last public boat?

Private lanchas are available from Panajachel after the last public boat. These cost more but run on demand. If you know you will arrive late, tell us in advance and we can arrange a private boat pickup.

Is the road to Tzununa passable in rainy season?

The road around the top of the lake is partially unpaved and can be muddy in heavy rain. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. The boat route via Panajachel is not affected by rain and is the safer option during May through October.

Is it safe to walk around Tzununa?

Yes, during the day the village is safe and worth exploring. We recommend not leaving the property grounds alone after dark. Dress modestly when walking through the community out of respect for the local Maya culture.

Are yoga mats and props available?

We have a limited supply of blankets, cushions, straps, mats, and blocks. Groups should inquire in advance about exact quantities. We also welcome donations of yoga props and mats, they are difficult to source at the lake.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Lake Atitlan is pleasant year-round at 65 to 85°F. The dry season (November to April) offers clearer skies and calmer lake conditions. The rainy season (May to October) is lush and beautiful, with afternoon showers, mornings are typically clear. We offer seasonal discounts from May through October.

Need help planning your journey?

Write to us with your arrival details and we will help coordinate everything, transport, timing, and arrival.

Get in touch