Indian Nose Hike on Lake Atitlan for Sunrise
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The Indian Nose hike is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Lake Atitlan, and it’s easy to see why. This area is also known as La Nariz del Indio in Spanish. The hike gets its name because it looks like a lying Indian with his face pointing upwards.
The tallest part (the nose) is where you will be hiking. We were told doing this hike for sunrise is the only way one should experience it, and they were right!
We woke up at 4 am, waited outside our hostel, and 45 minutes later we were hiking! It only took around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the peak.
Easily spotted from the town of San Pedro, once you hike it, you won’t be able to stop looking at it when staying on the lake.
If you can, opting to hike both the sunrise hike (short) and the trail from San Juan (long) during the day is a cool way to see both.
Below I will explain more information you will want to read before attempting the Indian Nose hike.
Indian Nose Hike Details
There are two main routes or trails that you can take if you want to reach Indian Nose. Most likely, especially if you’re with a guide, you’ll be taking the trailhead that’s in Santa Clara.
This is the shorter hike and is beneficial when going during sunrise. The other trailhead is located at the top of Mirador de San Juan.
The backline on the map below indicates the trail you’ll take from Santa Clara.
My Experience Hiking Indian Nose for Sunrise
We woke up at 4 am and waited outside our hostel in San Pedro for our guide to pick us up. Once we got in the van we drove through Lake Atitlan when it was at its quietest.
Driving through San Pedro, San Juan, San Pablo, and finally ending at Santa Clara took us around 30 to 40 minutes as we picked up others.
Everyone was quiet on the bus and trying to get their last bit of shut-eye. But eventually, we made it to the trailhead.
We turned on our headlamps and started the 30 to 45 minute hike up.
This was our first hike on Lake Atitlan and it was a memorable one.
A lot of the photos were after we almost finished the hike because everything was dark while going up.
Once we made it to the top, it was still just before sunrise but you could see where the sun would be coming up.
Our amazing tour guide handed out coffee and sugar for everyone to drink.
In the distance, you could see volcanos like Acatenango and San Pedro, which were both on our to-do list. It was a little foreshadowing, to say the least.
It was a perfect morning out and I have no complaints about the guided hike.
I’m usually one to hike on my own but I think when doing the Indian Nose Hike, it’s worth the money.
Afterwards, we headed back down, and were dropped off at our hostel just in time for our breakfast!
Things to Know When Hiking Indian Nose
Hiking in foreign countries will never be as easy and straightforward as it is at home. This hike is no exception.
Below is some important information regarding the Indian Nose hike.
Is a Guide Necessary for Indian Nose?
If you have already looked into doing the Indian Nose hike as well as other ones surrounding the lake, you probably have read about people encountering “bandits”.
This has been true for hikes such as San Pedro in the past and there are reports of people asking for upwards of 50 Quetzales when hiking Indian Nose.
This hike goes through private property and so sometimes the people living here will ask for money.
You can try to do this hike without a guide and see if anyone charges you but you will probably save time and money by paying for a guide.
We went through one at Hotel Amigos and it cost 100 Quetzales.
What’s the Cost of Indian Nose
The total cost all depends on whether you’re going with a guide and if not, which route you choose. I will go over the costs without including the transportation to get to the trailhead.
If you hike alone through the longer route via San Juan, then the cost will be anywhere between 10 – 80 Quetzales. This all depends on if someone charges you up top.
It is going through multiple properties so the price could even exceed 100 Quetzales. I suggest you take a guide because it is safer and cheaper.
We paid 100 Quetzales which makes it cheaper than these options because it also included transportation. We had to be ready outside of our hostel at 4 am but well worth it.
Which Indian Nose Hiking Trail to take?
Santa Clara Trail (short)
The Santa Clara trail is ideal for the sunrise because you don’t have to start as early. It is the shorter of the 2 and this is where the guide will take you for sunrise.
Unfortunately, I don’t have many photos of the hike on the way up as it was very dark.
San Juan Trail (long)
I would opt for the San Juan trail if you want to see more of the landscape rather than just a spectacular view. If I went back I would do the longer trail instead.
How to Get to Indian Nose if Hiking With No Guide
When visiting Lake Atitlan, the most popular town to stay at is San Pedro (especially the backpackers). No matter where you’re located on the lake, getting to the trailhead is very easy.
From Panajachel
Depending on which hiking trail you end up taking, will determine which stop to get off.
Any hostel or hotel will have guides they recommend and they will take care of most if not all of the transportation. If doing it by yourself, you will take a boat taxi to San Juan.
Go to the Mirador de San Juan, pay the entrance fee, and once at the top, hook a left. This is the longer trail.
From San Marcos
For the shorter trail, take a tuk-tuk to Santa Clara and start from there. This will cost you 10-15 Quetzales one way. If wanting to do the longer trail, then follow the steps above.
From San Pedro
For the longer hike, take a tuk-tuk to San Juan Mirador for 10-15 Quetzales. If wanting to do the shorter hike then take a boat taxi to San Pablo and then tuk-tuk to Santa Clara.
We stayed in San Pedro but opted to do the sunrise hike with a guide.
Is the Indian Nose Hike Difficult?
If you are moderately in shape, this hike will not be hard. While some sections might be steep, it’s very short and you’re able to take breaks along the way.
This was our first hike in months and months, especially at this altitude, so it was more difficult for us than I’d like to admit. Even then, I would still say it was a relatively easy hike.
Where to Stay on Lake Atitlan
- Amigos (San Pedro): This is the hostel we stayed at. It’s right by the boats and some of the more popular bars in town.
- El Picnic Atitlan (Tzununa): If you’re looking for somewhere exceptional, this is your place! Located in a quiet town with perfect views of the volcanoes.
- Atitlan Sunset Lodge (Santa Cruz): Want a stunning view combined with the prices of a hotel? Visit this lodge and you’ll never want to leave!
An Alternative to Indian Nose Hike
If you end up doing the long trail for the Indian Nose hike then you will also do the Mirador de San Juan(also known as Mirador Kaqasiiwaan). This is a great alternative hike to do as well.
The hike is only .8 miles and you will be walking on steps the entire time. The cost is between 10 – 30 Quetzales. We paid 30 each but we may have gotten ripped off.
I will be better at Spanish very soon, I promise (thanks to the Spanish School on Lake Atitlan).
This portion still has an amazing view of the lake, San Juan, San Pedro, and the volcanos. Below are some images from that hike.
Final Thoughts on Indian Nose Hike
Overall I loved the Indian Nose Hike. It was our first major activity while visiting Lake Atitlan and I thought it was a great way to see the area from the get-go. I want to go back and do the other route, to see the area from a different way. Any hike with a view is better for sunrise but I was itching for a little more. It is something you have to do if you come to Lake Atitlan and you won’t regret it.
