San Juan la Laguna Attractions
Top Things to Do in San Juan la Laguna, Guatemala
Things to Do in San Juan la Laguna
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Juan la Laguna.
Top Attractions in San Juan la Laguna
Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
Speciality & Gift Shops • Lessons & Workshops
Speciality & Gift Shops
Art Galleries
What travellers are saying
- 206cr11Lucerne, Switzerland16 contributionsWe did the hike with Henry from Guatemala sur Mesure (San Pedro). It included some explanations about the formation of the lake and history of the area and he took great photos on the lookout rock for everyone. Can only recommend! Sunrise is great and we also had the chance to spot some Fuego activity in the dark far away.Written 4 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- abishekjsCalifornia3 contributionsGreat experience! They took time to explain the different techniques to us. Would definitely recommend visiting and also purchasing some nice art.Written 8 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KayakPBVancouver, Canada9 contributionsMy wife and I had the short tour of La Voz Coffee Cooperative yesterday. Our guide, Armando, did a great job of describing the process of coffee harvesting, fermentation, drying and answered all our questions. Our tour was in Spanish, I’m not sure if they do tours in English.Written 10 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SammyJo227Philadelphia, PA63 contributionsI have her food paintings in my kitchen. Every time someone sees them, I get amazing compliments on how beautiful they are and how they enhance my kitchen.Written 11 July 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- chey_baybeeHickory, NC143 contributionsthe church is a very typical 1500's Spanish Church. the two bells in the tower are quite unusual. I am not sure if it them that I am reallty hearing, or some kind of distorted tape deck. it sounds like Oriental Gongs, resonating for a minute each ring. the sound starts with the 5:00 AM ringing. very unusual.Written 30 April 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JPalladinoBluffton, SC23 contributionsLocal Tz’utujil artists painted murals of their stories, legends and history in the Cancha Municipal on 5th ave (town center). One of the primary featured murals is of Thomas Mendoza CholotÃo, a local treasure. He comes from a family line of Mayan spiritual guides and follows the old calendar and traditions. He is an active leader in the conservation, strengthening and renewal of native Mayan heritage, and can still be found amongst his San Juan neighbors.Written 13 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jon J. Curto1 contributionThis local collective of authentic San Juan la Laguna Mayan artists are a welcome contrast between the more "touristy" styled art you will find on the main road leading to the docks as you access town by boat. Nearly all of the murals around town and those near the community cultural center/library were created by Jovenarte.
This is a must-see engagement opportunity for anyone visiting this beautiful area that seeks a unique authentic experience with Mayan culture in San Juan.Written 9 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kristi GGold Coast, Australia2 contributionsAmalia was the most kind, funny and generous teacher. Her patience and guidance was outstanding and the workshop gave us a new-found appreciation for the skill and time that goes into such beautiful pieces. There was flexibility in the day (we went for lunch mid-way, to give our backs and brains a rest) and we left with our own lovely scarves. Highly recommend this workshop and thanks to Amalia and her lovely colleauges for their amazing mentoring.Written 20 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RedfoxwellnessGreat Barrington, MA42 contributionsA great place to shop AND to learn! I came here to learn botanical dyeing and traditional backstrap weaving and I am SO GLAD that I did. I just walked into the shop and Delphine, the shopkeeper, helped me arrange the classes. I picked the project that I wanted to do (options might include a wall hanging, a table runner, four place mats, a scarf, etc.) and selected the botanical dyes that I wanted to work with. Then, the next day, I went back to the shop and there was an elderly Mayan lady waiting there to take me to her home for the classes. I worked with Nicolessa and her daughter, Ruth, for eight mornings on this project. It was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of my time in Central America trip. I loved spending time with them in their home and they were so patient and kind. I learned the whole process of botanical dyeing and wove four beautiful placemats. I gained such an appreciation for the artistry of these women and it was a great cultural experience. I now understand how much time and effort goes into crafting these beautiful textiles and will think twice before trying to bargain too hard in the markets! If you don’t have time to do both the weaving and the dyeing, you could always choose to do just one or the other and you could also choose a smaller project than the one that I chose to do. Don’t worry if your Spanish skills are limited—it won’t matter! This is hands-on learning at its best and your teachers have experience working with foreigners like me who don’t speak much Spanish. I highly suggest offering a tip or giving some gifts (fresh fruit is always a good choice) to the teachers at the end of the classes. They seemed to really appreciate it when I brought fresh fruit, eggs, pancake mix, canned peaches, cereal bars for the kids, etc. I also gave a cash tip at the end of the week. I would do these classes again in a heartbeat. I hope to come back again next year!Written 2 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cleber de Matos1 contributionThe gallery is run by a cooperative of 15 local Maya Tzutujil artists. There you can find authentic pieces that really represent the traditional Guatemalteca/San Juan culture. On top of that you can buy art pieces directly from the artists, paying fair prices and supporting the local community. For art and culture lovers, it is definitely a must see!Written 27 May 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tricia K2 contributionsMarÃa and Benedicto, the founders of Eco Spanish School, were incredibly helpful with helping me plan my classes and homestay. And I learned a lot about their efforts to help their local community.
The school is located on an old coffee finca at the edge of Lake Atitlan, with study spaces spread out around the beautiful grounds. Gaspar, my teacher, met my needs perfectly, often providing a more native way to say things rather than my schoolbook Spanish. Delicious coffee and snacks were served daily at the break. And I was well taken care of by my homestay hosts.
Loved the town of San Juan La Laguna, one of the least touristy of the towns bordering the lake. Can’t recommend Eco Spanish School enough!Written 29 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Diane HChicago, IL34 contributionsI visited Rosa's shop and had a demonstration of the local natural dyeing process, followed by a lesson in backstrap weaving. I had studied natural dyes before this demo, so was particularly interested in their cultivation of cochineal insects for dyeing. Maria gave me the tour (I had little Spanish, but she used her phone and google translate quite effectively before the translator we hired arrived...it's an accessible tour even without much Spanish). The place where the cactus are growing and harvested, including the greenhouse where they are collecting the cochineals was most interesting. Maria demonstrated the dyeing process , including using vinegar and aluminum salts to alter the pH and change the color of the dye. Following the demonstration, we returned to the shop at Lema to see how the warp is strung for the backstrap weaving process. Maria demonstrated, then gave me a chance to try some weaving. It is harder than it looks to get your mind and your hands to work together to weave successfully. I had enough time to get the feel for what I was doing, and to recognize the worth of all those woven things in the shop. It took about 2 hours, so we had the afternoon to explore the town. Rosa has built up a great business that benefits the local women, so if you're in the town and looking for textiles to take home, give this place a look!Written 11 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsWe came here on a private tour. The textile demonstration was outstanding. They showed you how to make cloth out of cotton and then the weaving process. Some of the patterns were very intricate.
The clothing and other products being sold were not as sophisticated as the samples on display at the demonstration. The prices were reasonable but not dirt cheap. E.g. I bought a nice scarf for $26 USD. I think the products were handmade but am not certain - some of the cheaper items look like they could have been machine made.
Highly recommended for the textile demonstration.Written 21 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DJM1945Montrose, UK1,908 contributionsThis was part of our tour and it was fascinating toes how the textiles were made from the raw cotton, dyes were made from natural materials and the lovely designs. The explanation from one of their staff could not have been better and we really enjoyed our visit.Written 22 March 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan la Laguna
- The top attractions to visit in San Juan la Laguna are: See all attractions in San Juan la Laguna on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from San Juan la Laguna according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Collective Tour To Lake Atitlan: Boat Ride + Visit to San Juan & Panajachel
- Lake Atitlan One Day Tour
- Full-Day Lake Atitlan Tour
- Indian Nose Peak and Lake Atitlan Sunrise Tour from Panajachel
- Visit Three Mayan Villages - Lake Atitlan
San Juan la Laguna Attractions Information
| Attractions | 25 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 785 |
| Attraction Photos | 869 |
| Local Time | Saturday 7:57 AM |