Internet + utilities
The practical stuff that determines whether you can work, stay clean, and keep your food cold. Real notes on internet speed, power cuts, water quality, and how trash actually works at the lake.
Internet by town
Panajachel and San Pedro have the best infrastructure. Tigo and Claro both sell prepaid SIMs with data packages. Many cafés and restaurants in these towns have usable WiFi for light work. San Marcos has decent coverage but can be patchy during busy hours. Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, and Tzununá are more variable: some lodges have good connections, others do not. Ask before you book.
For remote workers who need video calls, a backup plan is essential. Many long-stayers use dual SIMs (Tigo + Claro) and a portable battery. Some properties have installed Starlink; ask your host if low-latency internet is critical.
Electricity
Power is generally reliable in the larger towns but can cut out during storms or high wind. Outages usually last minutes to a few hours. In smaller villages, outages are more frequent. A surge protector is smart: voltage spikes happen. Most accommodations do not have generators, but some boutique lodges and co-working spaces do.
Water
Tap water in most lakeside towns is not potable. Most accommodations provide filtered water or large garrafones (refillable jugs). Ask your host where the filter is and when it was last changed. Hot water is usually via on-demand electric showers (suicide showers) or small gas heaters. Pressure drops during peak morning hours.
Propane, trash & recycling
Cooking gas is propane, delivered in cylinders by local suppliers. Your host or landlord will know who to call. Trash collection exists in Panajachel and San Pedro but is informal elsewhere: most properties burn or bury organic waste and haul plastics to town. There is no municipal recycling program. If sustainability matters to you, choose accommodations that compost and minimize single-use plastic.