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Lake Atitlan and Around
The Lake Atitlán basin was created in an immense volcanic eruption 85,000 years ago. Around the basin, volcanoes surged up over thousands of years, leading to the creation of the lake. With its panoramic volcanic views and azure waters, the lake epitomizes tranquility.
The Lake Atitlán area comprises the provinces of Chimaltenango and Sololá. The area is beautiful and mountainous, and the vast majority of the inhabitants are indigenous, with the Quiché and Kaqchikel people being the most numerous. Chimaltenango province does not have much to offer the traveler, but history buffs will not want to miss the ruins at Iximché and Mixco Viejo.
The city of Chimaltenango is a medium-sized provincial capital with an interesting castle that serves as the government building, but the city has little else of interest. In Sololá province is the lake itself, ringed by several small towns and communities, the most noteworthy being Panajachel, Santiago Atitlán, San Pedro and San Marcos. The city of Sololá is also worth a stop as you head down to the lake.
Things to do in Lake Atitlan and Around
Cerro de la Cruz walk
Facing the lake in the centre of San Pedro head left and stick to the main road all the way to the next settlement, San Juan. Walk through the streets until you are out on the other side of the small
...San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
Culture Tour of San Juan
This tour gives you a chance to see how life works in these parts. Head to San Juan the same way as for the Cerro de la Cruz walk and meet the guide in town. He will take you to meet weavers, people
...San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
Indigino Nariz walk
This is an extension of the Cerro de la Cruz walk and is a bit of a toughie. The climb heads up the same path but take the left fork at the clearing to start heading up the big hill that towers over
...San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
Hiking around Santiago
Santiago Atitlán is full of beautiful surrounding trails to hike. Routes lead to the top of each of the three nearby volcanoes, though due to robberies against tourists in the area it is necessary
...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Reserva Natural Atitlán
This popular reserve found on the grounds of a former coffee farm is located slightly outside of town, about 10 minutes walking from Panajachel (take the road to Sololá and after the first climb ...Panajachel, Guatemala
Market
The market in Santiago Atitlán is at its best on Fridays and Sundays. Vendors set up shop to sell local crafts and goods to those that pass by, while the Mayan women dress in traditional costumes. ...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Mayan Ceremonies
Mayan religious ceremonies are conducted throughout the year in Santiago Atitlán due to the belief that these practices ensure the sun, stars, moon and planets continue to follow their correct ...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Iglesia Parroquial Santiago ApĂłstol
The Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apóstol is one of the most magnificent churches in the Lago de Atitlán area. The structure was constructed during a nine-year span between 1572 and 1581. There ...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Museo Cojoyla
The Museo Cojoyla is a must-see for those specifically interested in the history of this lakeside village. There is an excellent showcase of the village's weaving past. The museum can be found one ...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Museo Tzu’nun Ya’
For a brief lesson in the history Lake Atitlan and the Mayan cultures inhabiting its shores, visit Museo Tzu’nun Ya’. Begin the tour with two short video presentations. The first video depicts ...San Pedro La Laguna, Guatemala
Museo Raúl Vásquez
Museo Raúl Vásquez hs a weird mix of figures from Guatemalan folklore on display in the same place as statues of Jesus Christ and other religious figures. There are some interesting watercolor ...Panajachel, Guatemala
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