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Lake Atitlan is one of Guatemala’s premier travel destinations. A beautiful volcanic lake high in the central highlands, it has been home to the Maya and their descendants for centuries. Today the lake is surrounded by small towns, each with its own culture, history and (often) language.
Lake Atitlan itself is most impressive and scenic. Some estimate that it might be 1,600 feet deep. The lake is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlan, San Pedro and Tolimán. On a clear day all three are visible and the evening sun will subtly change their colors, making for a breathtaking view.
The most important and easily accessible town on Lake Atitlan is Panajachel. It is a tourist town, full of cafes, hotels, shops, artisan markets, tour operators, etc. It is a quite charming and relaxing place, as the visitor is never too far from the lake and the wonderful scenery. There are fun bars and clubs, and Panajachel is a relatively safe place for the visitor to go out and have a good time.
Panajachel
There are many interesting things to see and do in Panajachel. Small boats leave daily for the other towns on the lake: Santiago Atitlan and San Pedro are probably the most popular. The towns are interesting because of the obvious mixture of Catholic and native beliefs, fused together over the centuries. In addition, many of Atitlan’s towns have developed their own tourist industries, with shops, art galleries, and even hostels for the adventurous traveler who finds Panajachel too hippie-ish or touristy for their taste. There is even a dive shop for those willing to take a chilly dip in the lake, and you can rent motorcycles or bicycles to explore the area.
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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
This walk offers a birds-eye view of the area, but don't expect an idyllic
picture-postcard vista because the town gets in the way. Head
through the streets and you will reach a path up
...Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala
Mayan Sauna
This is a must-do if you are staying in San Marcos, to experience the tradition of the Mayan people first-hand. The sauna is a concrete dome with a wood fire-warmed metal drum inside, on which you ...San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala
Have gone twice in 2 years
Don't go just for sightseeing, though the sights are beautiful. The only way to experience Lake Atitlan is to visit the small villages around the lake and try to blend into the culture and experience the people. I have gone on mission and hurricane relief efforts and my biggest fear is that the number of Europeans and Americans moving or visiting there will actually ruin the ambiance of the area. Though the people are largely poor by our standards and lacking "modern conveniences", I envy their simple lifestyle that stresses family and spiritual activities aside from being hard working. Though the weather and geography is gorgeous, the people are the real assets of this area. There are hurricane, earthquake, and criminal activity that pose hazards to those who are not careful.
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