Lago de Atitlán Guatemala vista desde terraza de hotel

Atitlan Organics: Organic Farming and Permaculture on the Lake

Hotel boutique Lago de Atitlán Guatemala con piscina

Atitlan Organics: Organic Farming and Permaculture on the Lake

Atitlan Organics is a pioneering permaculture and organic farming project in San Marcos La Laguna, Lake Atitlan. It offers educational tours, hands-on workshops, and natural products grown on the farm, making it one of the most highly-rated destinations for those seeking regenerative and sustainable tourism in Guatemala.

What you'll find at Atitlan Organics

  • Organic gardens with over 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers
  • Permaculture systems — zone design, composting, and water harvesting
  • Mayan medicinal plants — a garden of plants used in traditional Guatemalan medicine
  • Natural products store — organic vegetables, kombucha, fermented foods, and supplements
  • Guided tours — 1-2 hour tours of the farm with explanations of each system
  • Workshops — composting, container gardening, fermentation, and more

Volunteering at Atitlan Organics

Atitlan Organics accepts volunteers committed to sustainable agriculture. In exchange for farm work (typically 4-5 hours a day), volunteers receive basic accommodation, meals, and intensive permaculture training. Minimum programs are usually 1-2 weeks.

San Marcos La Laguna: the lake's sustainable village

San Marcos is the most wellness and sustainability-oriented village on Lake Atitlan. In addition to Atitlan Organics, you can visit Cerro Tzankujil to jump into the lake, the San Marcos nature reserve, and meditation and yoga centers. To get there, take a lancha (boat) from the Panajachel dock.


Lancha en el Lago de Atitlán Guatemala rumbo a Panajachel
Lago de Atitlán Guatemala vista aérea con tres volcanes
Atardecer en el Lago de Atitlán Guatemala volcanes
Logo The Wall Street Journal
Pueblos mayas del Lago de Atitlán: Santiago Atitlán

What is Atitlan Organics and what does it offer?

Atitlan Organics is a pioneering permaculture and organic farming project located on the shores of Lake Atitlán. It offers educational tours on organic farming, permaculture systems, composting, and food sovereignty. Visitors can explore the gardens, learn about local medicinal plants, and purchase organic products grown on the farm. It is a particularly valued destination for those seeking sustainable tourism experiences in Guatemala.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Atitlan Organics?

Atitlan Organics is located in San Marcos La Laguna, one of the towns on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. It can be reached by boat from Panajachel or by road from the northern towns of the lake.

What do you learn on Atitlan Organics tours?

Tours include: permaculture principles, organic farming techniques, composting systems, medicinal plant cultivation, food sovereignty, and sustainable farming methods adapted to the Atitlán climate.

How much does it cost to visit Atitlan Organics?

Prices vary depending on the tour or workshop. Guided farm tours generally cost between 50-100 quetzales. Full-day workshops may have different prices. It is recommended to check for updated rates directly.

Do you sell products at Atitlan Organics?

Yes, Atitlan Organics sells organic products grown on the farm: vegetables, medicinal herbs, fermented products, kombucha, and other natural foods. They also have a store with wellness items.

Is Atitlan Organics good for volunteering?

Yes, Atitlan Organics accepts volunteers who want to learn about permaculture in exchange for contributing work on the farm. Programs typically have a minimum duration of 1-2 weeks.

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design based on the patterns and characteristics of natural ecosystems. It seeks to create sustainable human systems that work in harmony with nature, minimizing waste and maximizing biodiversity.

How to get to Atitlan Organics from Panajachel?

From Panajachel, take a boat to San Marcos La Laguna (15-20 min). Upon arrival at the San Marcos dock, you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to Atitlan Organics. There is also road access from Los Encuentros.