Lake Atitlan Overview

By Christopher Minster

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.