I'm wondering what you would suggest for trying to visit a few places around the lake. I have 2 nights booked in pana, then 4 nights booked in San pedro, but since I may not travel to copan honduras as planned originally I have 4 more days aprox to explore the lake.
Firstly, is 8-10 days too many for that area? Secondly, if it's not should I book more nights in San pedro or Pana annd accommplish the other village visits in day trips only or should I book some nights elsewhere?
It's definitely not too much time for the lake... for me personally (and for some others, but not all), it's too much for San Pedro, unless the vibe of that town is exactly what you're after. Consider spending the other 3 days in San Marcos or Santa Cruz, for example.
IMO the best way to experience the lake is to arrive straight in a place like SM or SC instead of having Pana be your first impression, but if you've already booked, then you've already booked...
I'm 1 who enjoys the traditional part of San Pedro - months aren't enough for me there. That said, I would play your itinerary by ear. Each village has it's own taste and we can't predict what will make the best impression on you.
Well, it all depends on what else you are already doing and what you like to do. I am assuming you will have been in Antigua (or plan to go there after) so maybe a few days in Xela would be nice. You can visit the surrounding villages and the hot springs and if you like to hike there is Laguna Chicabal, volcanoes Santa Maria (and Santiaguito) and volcano Tajumulco.
At the lake I do like Pana. Yes, it is touristy but the sunsets are amazing and there are a few good outings like the nature reserve (hiking, ziplining) and the Tuesday and Friday market in Solola and the walk (or pick-up truck ride) from Pana to Santa Catarina Palopo. You could also consider staying in Jaibalito for a few nights (lots of people like Casa del Mundo, there is also the cheap Posada Jaibalito in the village). You could walk from Jaibalito to Santa Cruz and wander through both villages.
There is never too much time at the lake but then I would not miss out on a chance to see Copan. Photos of Copan on wolf calls.com. It is a Mayan ruin that you don't want to miss. Have been there three times and would like to see it all again.
san marcos is ok if you are into pyramids and such. i find it extremely boring and live year around at the lake. some people like it, but i have found them boring also.
Someone might have hacked #5's account after this long disappearance, nobody who has any knowledge of the lake thinks that SM has anything to do with "Pyramids". There is a pyramid-themed hotel, though avoiding the town because of that is about as smart as not going to San Pedro because you don't like gefilte fish.
Maybe #5 is smoking something, doubt his act was hacked, as he does live at Atitlan...
Anyway, I spend 3 nights in Santiago and 3 nights in Jiabalito and could of spent a month on the lake in all the various villages..
I didn't find San Pedro that great but only spent an afternoon there and walked most the area a tourist would hang and also some local barrios, much preferred San Marcos, even Pana for some reason...but you won't be disappointed with San Pedro...
I would consider going to Xela area, and spend a few nights around there, its a gritty sort of place that grows on you and there is a lot to see and explore as day trips...
But I have not been to Copan, but would try to get there for sure, it is a place I wish I had time for and is easy to do from Antigua as a tour/side trip...
Exactly, I've found that most people with a genuine interest in the lake (and not just the activities offered in one town or another) can really appreciate every single town, as they all have something to offer... even sleepy little Jaibalito or lesser-known spots like San Lucas. Pana has a unique character too, as long as you don't get trapped there.
San Pedro is definitely the capital of "smoking something" though – not to mention Israeli culture. It's also got great ATMs!