Cerro Tzankujil: nature reserve in San Marcos La Laguna

Cerro Tzankujil is a nature reserve and ecological park located in Santa Cruz La Laguna, on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán. Known for its famous natural trampoline over the lake waters and its trails through subtropical forest, Cerro Tzankujil is one of the most popular activities for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and spectacular views of the lake and volcanoes. If you're wondering how to get to Cerro Tzankujil, how much it costs, and what to do there, this guide has all the information.

Where is Cerro Tzankujil?

Cerro Tzankujil is located in Santa Cruz La Laguna, a municipality in the department of Sololá, on the northern shore of Lake Atitlán. Santa Cruz La Laguna is a town accessible only by boat — it has no direct road access — which ensures the tranquility and authenticity of the place.

The park is about a 10–15 minute walk from the Santa Cruz La Laguna pier, following the trail that borders the lake shore to the west.

The natural trampoline of Cerro Tzankujil

The most famous attraction of Cerro Tzankujil is its natural trampoline: a flat rock that juts out over the waters of Lake Atitlán at a height of about 5–8 meters. From there, visitors jump directly into the lake. The water in this area is clean, fresh (18–20°C), and deep enough for safe jumping.

Jumping from the Cerro Tzankujil trampoline offers one of the most spectacular views of the lake: directly opposite are the Atitlán and Tolimán volcanoes. An experience that combines adrenaline with a unique landscape.

• Trampoline height: approx. 5–8 meters above the lake
• Water temperature: 18–20°C (cool but tolerable)
• Best time to jump: in the morning, before the Xocomil wind blows

Hiking in Cerro Tzankujil

In addition to the trampoline, Cerro Tzankujil has trails that run through the nature reserve through subtropical forest. Suitable for hikers without technical mountain experience.

• Viewpoint trail: 45–60 minutes, ascends to the highest point with panoramic views of the lake, the three volcanoes, and the towns on the northern shore.
• Coastal trail: 20–30 minutes, borders the lake shore between rocks and dense vegetation. Leads to the trampoline.
• Forest trail: 30–45 minutes, runs through the interior among ceiba trees and palm trees.

See more routes: hiking in Guatemala.

Price and opening hours of Cerro Tzankujil

• Entrance: Q20–Q30 per person ($2.50–$4 USD)
• Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day
• Local guide: optional, additional Q50–Q80

The entrance fee contributes directly to the community of Santa Cruz La Laguna, which manages the reserve as a community ecotourism project.

How to get to Cerro Tzankujil

Only accessible by boat — Santa Cruz La Laguna has no road access:

• From Panajachel: 20–25 minutes by public boat. Price: Q25–Q35.
• From San Marcos La Laguna: 10 minutes by boat.
• Private tour: some boat tours include a stop in Santa Cruz and a visit to Cerro Tzankujil.

From the Santa Cruz pier, walk ~15 minutes following the trail next to the lake. There are park signs.

What to bring to Cerro Tzankujil

• Swimsuit — essential if you want to jump into the lake
• Shoes with grip — the trail can be wet
• Biodegradable sunscreen — regular ones are prohibited in the lake
• Water and snacks — there are no stores inside the park
• Cash in Quetzales — entrance and boats are paid in cash
• Camera or GoPro — the views from the trampoline and viewpoint are exceptional

Other attractions near Cerro Tzankujil

• Diving in Santa Cruz La Laguna — PADI operators with dives to the lake and Samabaj (submerged Mayan village)
• San Marcos La Laguna — yoga and meditation, 10 minutes by boat
• San Juan La Laguna — art and organic coffee, 30 minutes
• Atitlán Volcanoes — ascent to San Pedro and Tolimán
• Atitlán Nature Reserve — spider monkeys and butterfly garden in Panajachel