According to forum posts, some travelers prefer Santa Cruz and San Pedro for their slower pace and less touristy environment, ideal for those seeking a quiet stay. San Pedro, being a hub, offers easy access to activities like kayaking and hiking, whereas Santa Cruz is favored for its scenic tranquility and less crowded setting.

Travelers have called out specific hotels such as La Iguana Perdida in Santa Cruz, known for its social yet quiet ambiance, and Hotel Atitlan in Panajachel, noted for its beautiful views and pool, although it can be pricey and often fully booked. For budget-conscious travelers, options like Hotel Victoria in Panajachel offer affordability with proximity to local amenities.

For many users, staying in multiple towns during their visit maximizes the experience of Lake Atitlan. This approach allows visitors to enjoy diverse aspects of the lake's surroundings. Panajachel is frequently recommended as a starting point due to its comprehensive facilities and connectivity to other towns via public lanchas (boats).

According to forum posts, public lancha boats regularly connect towns around Lake Atitlán. These boats operate on a frequent basis, approximately every half hour during daylight hours. Travelers have noted that the boats travel back and forth along the north shore in a sequential order, making it straightforward to hop from one town to another such as from San Juan to San Marcos, and then onward to Jaibalito.

Some travelers mentioned the convenience of using tourist shuttles or private transportation options between towns. Tourist shuttles are available and can be booked through various local agencies, providing a more structured schedule compared to public lanchas. Private transportation offers a more personalized and direct service, though at a higher cost.

Overall, navigating between towns around Lake Atitlán is facilitated by both water-based and land-based transportation options, catering to different preferences and needs of travelers. Whether opting for the scenic routes via lanchas or seeking more predictable travel times with shuttles, visitors have multiple choices to explore the area.