Lake Atitlan Cliff Jumping: A Guide To The San Marcos Jump & Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve

Are you an adrenaline seeker interested in Lake Atitlan cliff jumping?

This post details everything you need to know about the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos; the best Lake Atitlan cliff jumping spot.

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Coined as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, a trip to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala is a truly magical experience.

I’m sure everyone has seen photos or videos of travelers flinging themselves into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Atitlan at some point.

With majestic volcanos providing a picture-perfect backdrop, this iconic cliff jump has become a rite of passage for nature lovers and thrill-seekers when visiting Guatemala.

But where is this cliff jump located? How do you get there? And is it even safe?

This post will detail everything you need to know about the iconic Lake Atitlan cliff jump located in San Marcos, including how to get there, safety tips, and other things to do in the area.

Lake Atitlan Cliff Jumping: Overview

If you do not have time to read the whole article, below is a quick overview –

Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve: San Marcos Jump Spot

The iconic Lake Atitlan cliff jump is located in the village of San Marcos.

San Marcos is known as Lake Atitlan’s ‘hippie town’ and is home to the stunning Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve.

This is where the jump is located and is open every day from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The entrance fee is 20Q ($2.50) for foreigners and 15Q ($2) for locals.

Upon entering you will see a signpost directing you to the different parts of the San Marcos nature reserve. Follow the signpost called ‘Trampoline’ for the diving platform.

There is a clearly marked trail around and it only takes a few minutes to reach. There are various benches and spots to admire the stunning view.

The diving platform is a large deck full of tourists preparing to jump or cheering people on.

The jump itself is 12 meters (40ft) high.

In all honesty, when you’re standing up there it seems much higher. I had to jump as quickly as possible to avoid overthinking it too much.

There is a lifeguard there for peace of mind and a diagram showing you how to jump. I left my bags on one of the lower rocks.

You truly realise how high the jump is when you can actually feel yourself falling through the air. The impact is strong but shouldn’t hurt if you keep straight.

The adrenaline rush you feel after is incomparable. The cheers from other travelers also made me feel like I’d just won gold at the Olympics.

Crystal-clear waters, the most incredible backdrop, and the feeling of exhilaration make this one of my most cherished memories in Guatemala.

Fortunately, there is no current near the shoreline. You should be able to easily climb back up the rocks on the left to get out – even if you are shaking like a leaf like I was!

Other things to do in the San Marcos Nature Reserve

Even if you’re not so keen on Lake Atitlan cliff jumping, it is well worth taking some time to explore the stunning Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve either way.

You can visit most of the reserve in about 40 minutes, and the hiking is not strenuous.

The various trails will lead you through the lush greenery to different viewpoints, to admire the Lake from a higher perspective.

Whilst exploring, you will also come across various Mayan altars.

As a sacred place for Indigenous communities, these altars/fire pits are used for ceremonial purposes and bring a fascinating cultural element to the reserve.

Furthermore, there are many rocks along the shoreline perfect for sunbathing.

This is also one of the best places to swim in Lake Atitlan to enjoy the clear blue waters and stunning volcanic backdrop.

How to get there

Getting to the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos is very straightforward.

Firstly, you will have to take a boat to San Marcos. These boats are regular and leave roughly every 15 minutes from whichever town you are staying in.

Depending on where you’re coming from, this will cost you between 15 – 25Q.

When you arrive at San Marcos dock, start heading straight towards the town. Instead of continuing into the town, you will take the first left.

You will then walk about 5 minutes until you see signs for the San Marcos nature reserve.

Tips for cliff jumping in Lake Atitlan

The San Marcos jump is one of the most exciting things you can do in Guatemala.

However, there are some general tips to have the most fun and enjoy this activity safely –

• The water is safe for swimming but take care not to swallow it when jumping & thoroughly shower after
• Make sure you jump in the ‘pencil shape’ to avoid hurting yourself
• The jumping platform can close if there has been bad weather in the days before
• Take photos from the right/far side of the jumping platform with the volcanos in the backdrop (I made this mistake)
• Try to come as early as possible to avoid the crowds and afternoon showers
• I read online that there are lockers but I did not see them – come with a friend if possible to look after your belongings

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If you’re concerned about the water quality and whether it is safe to swim in Lake Atitlan, you can read my full guide here.

Other things to do in San Marcos La Laguna

If you are not staying in San Marcos, I would totally recommend exploring this ‘hippie town’ and grabbing some lunch before heading off.

San Marcos is super small and made up of quaint winding streets. It is known for its delicious vegan food, yoga retreats, and spiritual community.

For me, it felt a little commercialized and overrun with Western tourists. However, the place has a cool vibe and there are many great things to do in San Marcos La Laguna –

• Enjoy lunch at a delicious vegan restaurant – we dined in the delicious Samsara’s Garden
• Browse & shop for local handicrafts
• Take a yoga class or guided meditation
• Coffee shop hopping – I recommend Circle’s Cafe & Bakery
• Join a traditional cacao ceremony or temazcal sauna

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan

When deciding on accommodation in Lake Atitlan, it is great to have an idea of which town you’d like to stay in.

Each town has a distinct charm and offers a unique experience for the traveler. It all depends on what kind of thing you’re into.

• San Pedro – backpacker town, delicious restaurants, buzzing nightlife, great jump-off point for hikes
• San Juan – 10 minutes from San Pedro, authentic local vibe, aesthetic artistic town, weaving & textiles
• San Marcos – hippie town, yoga retreats, vegan restaurants, 12-meter jump, nature reserve good for swimming
• Santa Cruz – amazing viewpoints, lake diving, chill vibes, less touristy
• Jaibalito – off-the-beaten-path, peace & tranquility, amazing views
• Panajachel – main transport hub, touristy, nature reserve, great nightlife
• Tzununa – local vibe, community spirit, very tranquil, farms, permaculture, & herbal medicine

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Where To Stay in Lake Atitlan: 9 UNMISSABLE Towns & Hotels

If you want to be near the action, I would recommend staying in the backpacker town of San Pedro.

Alternatively, if you’re hoping for a more tranquil and authentic experience, I would suggest Jaibalito.

Amigos – San Pedro

Amigos is the perfect place to stay for those traveling on a budget.

This is where I stayed when I was in San Pedro and I could not recommend it more.

Despite being called a hotel, Amigos has a hostel vibe. It is very social but certainly not a party hostel.

Depending on your budget, there is a choice of dorms or private rooms. The dorms are clean, spacious, and super affordable. There are two rooftops for socialising.

Amigos is perfectly located in the center of San Pedro, directly opposite the popular bar Sublime. The only downside to this is that it can get a little loud at night.

The price for dorms is 60Q ($8) per night and private rooms start at 300Q ($38).

La Casa del Mundo – Jaibalito

Set into the cliff’s edge, La Casa del Mundo is arguably the most magical and unique Lake Atitlan accommodation.

Located in Jaibalito, this is the perfect place to stay if you want tranquility, scenic views, and relaxation.

It can only be accessed by boat, giving it a secluded charm perfect for couples. All rooms have balconies, stunning lake views, and a traditional aesthetic.

La Casa del Mundo boasts exceptional facilities, including a spa, a lake-view hot tub, and lake access perfecting for swimming in Lake Atitlan.

Free Cerveza – Santa Cruz

Located in Santa Cruz, the Free Cerveza Hostel is a complete oasis of peace and tranquility.

With extraordinary views of Lake Atitlan and its surrounding volcanos, Free Cerveza offers private rooms or shared glamping tents.

I didn’t stay here myself as they book up days in advance, but I visited for the day and it was stunning.

The best part is, as a guest in the hostel, you get free use of the SUPs and kayaks. There are also many activities including yoga, hikes, and cooking classes.

As per the name, there is also free beer for half an hour each day which makes it great for socialising.

Private rooms start at 400Q ($50) per night and shared tents at 110Q ($14) per night.

Maya Moon Lodge – Tzununa

Located in the quiet town of Tzununa, Maya Moon Lodge is perfect for those looking to experience a more peaceful and authentic side of Lake Atitlan.

There is a choice of private rooms or dorms, with balconies, hammocks, and incredible views of Lake Atitlan.

They also have their own private beach with hammocks, perfect for swimming or sunbathing. They also offer free use of tubes and SUPs for rent.

Maya Moon Lodge feels worlds away from everything else and is great for those looking to unwind and relax in beautiful scenery.

Shared dorms are 150Q ($19) per night and private rooms start from 500Q ($64).

How to get to Lake Atitlan

Getting to Lake Atitlan is super straightforward and there are connections with most popular destinations in Guatemala.

The most common way to reach Lake Atitlan is from Guatemala City or Antigua. There are direct shuttles every day and the journey takes about 4 hours.

You can book directly with a tour agency or book online in advance here. Prices range from $20-$40.

Booking online is slightly more expensive but gives you peace of mind. If you prefer to book with a local tour agency I would recommend Marco.

He organised all our shuttles for us and guaranteed us the best price. You can contact him on this number +502 5437 6307.

Most shuttles will drop you in Panajachel and you will have to then take a boat to whichever town you’re staying in.

Alternatively, there are some direct shuttles to San Pedro or San Marcos.

Full Post: How To Get From Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

FAQs

How high is the San Marcos cliff jump?

The San Marcos jump is 12 meters (40 feet) high.

If this feels too daunting, there is a lower platform of roughly 6 meters (my estimate).

Does Lake Atitlan have sharks?

Fortunately, there are no sharks in Lake Atitlan. Nor are there crocodiles or alligators.

You will only find different species of fish, crabs, and some reptiles/amphibians.

Is it safe to swim in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala?

Generally, it is safe to swim in Lake Atitlan. However, it is only safe in certain areas.

This is due to pollution and the presence of a bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

• Avoid swimming around large towns like San Pedro & Panajachel
• Avoid swimming around docks & piers
• The best place to swim is San Marcos & its Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
• Smaller towns like Jaibalito & Tzununa are also good for swimming

For full details: Can you swim in Lake Atitlan? EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Is Lake Atitlan high altitude?

Lake Atitlan is situated at a high altitude of 1,562 meters (5,125 feet) above sea level.

Whilst altitude sickness is not common, it is something to bear in mind if you are not accustomed. Avoid any strenuous activity in the first couple of days after arriving.

What is so special about Lake Atitlan?

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in Central America. It was formed after a volcanic eruption approximately 84,000 years ago.

Surrounded by three ever-present volcanos, Lake Atitlan has a mystical atmosphere and is of sacred importance to the different Mayan communities that inhabit its shores.

These distinct Mayan communities are what make Lake Atitlan so special, as each town possesses a different charm, culture, and traditions.

What is the monster in Lake Atitlan?

Many Mayans believe in the myth of a serpent-like monster that lurks in the depths of Lake Atitlan.

This creature is known as Chakona and this local legend is said to explain the mysterious disappearances of local fishermen over the years.

Well, there you have it! This post has detailed everything you need to know about Lake Atitlan cliff jumping in San Marcos, for an exhilarating yet safe adventure.

If you liked this post and you’ll be spending some time around Lake Atitlan, feel free to check out the following –

• Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in San Pedro La Laguna
• Where To Stay in Lake Atitlan: Best Towns & Hotels
• How To Get From Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan
• Lake Atitlan Boat Schedule: Panajachel to San Pedro & Other Routes
• Ultimate Guide To Tzununa: Lake Atitlan’s Hidden Gem
• San Pedro La Laguna Nightlife: Top 5 BEST Bars
• Can you swim in Lake Atitlan? EVERYTHING You Need To Know