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Atitlan Lake
Atitlan Lake
Recommended length of stay: 3 Days
*Rated as favorite in Lonely Planet guide
A true marvel, surrounded by majestic volcanoes, the surroundings of the lake will make you want to settle there forever. Considered as the most beautiful lake in the world, Atitlan is a real jewel because of its nature, its folklore and its breathtaking landscapes. The lake owes its formation to a gigantic volcano that exploded into a caldera, formed 84,000 years ago. The British writer Aldous Huxley said about it: "It is like Lake Como, embellished with huge volcanoes. It is really above everything". It is even said that Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was inspired to write The Little Prince here. Do not hesitate any longer, it is a must-see in Guatemala.
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History of Lake Atitlan
Formed by the thrust of three volcanoes (Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro), Lake Atitlan is considered the most beautiful in the world. With its 130 square kilometers of surface area, it sits at an altitude of 1560 meters and offers its surroundings mild microclimates.
- The origin of the villages of Lake Atitlan
The shores of Lake Atitlan have been inhabited for centuries by 12 villages bearing the names of the 12 apostles. Direct descendants of the Mayan civilization, the Tz'utujil, Cakchiquel, Mam or Quiché would have established themselves on the place five to seven centuries ago. For some inhabitants of the region who nickname the lake "grandmother Atitlan", the place is sacred.
- Lake atitlan from the 15th century to the 1960s
The shores of the lake have witnessed wars, alliances and conflicts between the indigenous communities that lived there, but when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, these previously divided populations fiercely resisted together against this common enemy. Legend even has it that the inhabitants preferred to throw their wealth into the waters of the lake rather than give it to the colonizers. In the 1960s, the only Europeans who arrived at Lake Atitlan were hippie travelers. Some of the villages on the lake have kept this state of mind, including San Marcos.
- Discovery of the Mayan Atlantis at the bottom of Lake Atitlan
Among the attractions of Lake Atitlan is the Samabaj city, or "Mayan Atlantis". Discovered in 2013, these ruins of an ancient Mayan city are located at a depth of 35 meters and are two thousand years old. Originally, the city must have been based on an island that was sunk, either in a volcanic eruption or a landslide. Among the remaining buildings are a dwelling, a group of eight structures, a stele, and a structure with a staircase, which is the largest building of all.
- The legend of Xocomil
Today, the centuries-old culture of Atitlan attracts by its authenticity and diversity. The geological formation of the lake offers many extravagant panoramas so that visitors come from all over the world to soak up the tranquility of the place. But beware, the xocomil may come and disturb the waters during your stay... Legend has it that this wind is actually the sum of the sighs of a princess named Xocomil who is waiting for the return of her missing lover. Widely maintained by the natives, these myths and beliefs inherited from the Maya are irrevocably linked to the environment of Lake Atitlan. The water, the mountains, the fauna and the flora are all sources of inspiration and life.
Planning of visits
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala | Recommended length of stay: 3 to 4 days
Here is the map of the circuit of Lake Atitlan.
Day 1: the villages of the lake
Panajachel : over the years, the city of Panajachel has been transformed into a real seaside town. Our advice? Arrive in the morning, drop your bags and head to the main avenue!
- Santa Cruz:
After a well-deserved lunch, take a lancha (small boat with a powerful engine) to go to a village on the lake! The crossing costs almost nothing (about three euros). Go to Santa Cruz and on the way, immortalize every moment. Once there, go to the "Sabor crucero" café, the view is simply exceptional. You will also be able to buy souvenirs in a handmade cushion factory!
- San Marcos and San Pedro:
Finally, go to San Juan la Laguna, the works of painters and weavers might just catch your eye. A weaving workshop is open to visitors. Know that many villages allow you to see the local handicraft workshops, take advantage of it! Finally, end your day in San Pedro to spend a light and entertaining evening. The next day, we advise you to get up at dawn to enjoy the sunrise on the lake, your day will be even more beautiful.
Day 2: sports and culture
Atitlan Natural Reserve: with the sun on your side, the mornings are ideal for kayaking or paragliding. The setting is sublime and the sweetness of life reigns.
- Indian Nose hike:
In the afternoon, let yourself be tempted by a trek. With one hour of ascent, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the lake. From this height, take the opportunity to take some pictures and then go back down the other side. This will allow you to meet local people working in the fields. Do not hesitate to discuss, even help. These moments of sharing can only enrich you.
- Jaibalito:
In the evening, the visit of this small village will allow you to relax while exploring the local culture. You can stay at the hotel "La Casa del Mundo". Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Day 3: the volcano
Volcano San Pedro : what if you climb to the top of a volcano today ? To reach the summit, you will need good shoes. The effort is intense (count five hours round trip) but an unforgettable panorama is at the key. The villages: To rest in the afternoon, you could go to Santiago Atitlan to admire the figure of Maximon. Alternatively, you could go to Santa Catarina Palopo, a town entirely painted in bright colors. In San Juan la Laguna, the works of painters and weavers might catch your eye. A weaving workshop is open to visitors. Be aware that many villages allow you to see the local handicraft workshops, so take advantage of it!
- San Pedro Volcano:
What if you climb to the top of a volcano today? To reach the summit, you will need good shoes. The effort is intense (count five hours round trip to reserve) but an unforgettable panorama is at stake.
- The villages :
To rest in the afternoon, you could go to Santa Catarina Palopo, a town entirely painted in bright colors and then to San Antonio Palopo.
Day 4: The panorama
- Santa Clara la Laguna:
Not in a hurry to leave and feel like taking in the sights? Santa Clara offers a multitude of activities that will fill your day. There are several hiking trails that lead to exceptional views from this village. Your camera will be your best friend.
- Cerro de Oro:
To end your trip, we offer you the most beautiful sunset from Cerro de oro viewpoint. This is the perfect way to bid farewell to this little corner of paradise.
Places of interest
-
Panajachel:
Since the 1950s, the city has been transformed into a seaside resort. Touristy as you like, you will find everything you need to relax, eat, sleep and party!
-
Art Gallery in Panajachel:
Opened in 1973, the gallery offers to discover national and international artists. Usually very colorful, the permanent works will warm your heart!
-
Santa Cruz la Laguna:
For stunning views, head to Santa Cruz la Laguna. This colorful little corner of paradise is a must-see when coming to Lake Atitlan.
-
San Marcos la Laguna:
San Marcos is a great place to recharge and meditate. On the program: yoga, vegetarian restaurant, massages and alternative medicines. Spiritual experience and well being!
-
San Pedro la Laguna:
Take the time to go to the heights of San Pedro to discover an incredible panorama. For those who want to party, San Pedro is ideal!
-
Reserva Natural Atitlan:
Auditorium, butterfly garden, walking paths, campground, zip line, suspended bike, there is plenty to do. Young and old will be delighted.
-
Indian Nose Hike:
This is one of the most beautiful hikes to do around the lake. The climb will take about an hour and, following the ridge, you will come back down to San Juan where you may well meet some nice people. Its name comes from a cliff below the path that resembles the profile of a person with a long nose.
-
Jaibalito:
A small village of seven hundred inhabitants, Jaibalito allows you to eat, rest and admire some craftsmen doing their work. Take a cooking class!
-
San Pedro Volcano:
The best way to enjoy the place is to take a guided hike. You will be amazed by the splendid view.
-
Santiago Atitlan:
The main points of interest of this village including its 16th century chapel and the figure of Maximon.
-
Santa Catarina Palopo:
A project initiated by NGOs, this small village is gradually being transformed into an open-air art gallery. Here, volunteers and inhabitants paint together the houses using bright colors and traditional Mayan motifs.
-
San Juan la Laguna :
A small, peaceful village, San Juan is ideal for strolling along cobblestone streets, drinking coffee and discovering local produce.
-
Santa Clara la Laguna:
Excursions, paddle boarding, surf yoga and walks are on the agenda. For a bit of adventure, go to the Chuich ok' ok' viewpoint or to the Pico de Cielo: great physical effort, but bliss once you arrive.
-
Cerro de Oro :
After some effort, you will be able to enjoy a viewpoint from a mirador that allows you to admire the lake in its entirety and in all its beauty.
How to get there
How to get to Lake Atitlan?
The tourist shuttle is the best option for travel. A collective air-conditioned minivan will take you where you want to go.
Count by car / bus / minivan :
- from Antigua : about 2h30
- from Coban : 7h
- from Guatemala City: 3h
- from Chichicastenango : 2h30
- from Quetzaltenango (Xela): 3hrs.
- from Mixco : 3h
- from Flores: a little more than 3 hours
- from Puerto Barrios: 9h
By plane to Guatemala City :
- from Flores : 1h
Arriving at Lake Atitlan, the best means of transport remains the lancha or water taxi, departing every 30 minutes for a sum of 25 QTZ per trip (just under three euros). It is always possible to take the bus or tuctuc instead of crossing the lake.
Lake Atitlan in Guatemala | Recommended length of stay: 3 to 4 days
Here is the map of the circuit of Lake Atitlan.
Day 1: the villages of the lake
Panajachel : over the years, the city of Panajachel has been transformed into a real seaside town. Our advice? Arrive in the morning, drop your bags and head to the main avenue!
- Santa Cruz:
After a well-deserved lunch, take a lancha (small boat with a powerful engine) to go to a village on the lake! The crossing costs almost nothing (about three euros). Go to Santa Cruz and on the way, immortalize every moment. Once there, go to the "Sabor crucero" café, the view is simply exceptional. You will also be able to buy souvenirs in a handmade cushion factory!
- San Marcos and San Pedro:
Finally, go to San Juan la Laguna, the works of painters and weavers might just catch your eye. A weaving workshop is open to visitors. Know that many villages allow you to see the local handicraft workshops, take advantage of it! Finally, end your day in San Pedro to spend a light and entertaining evening. The next day, we advise you to get up at dawn to enjoy the sunrise on the lake, your day will be even more beautiful.
Day 2: sports and culture
Atitlan Natural Reserve: with the sun on your side, the mornings are ideal for kayaking or paragliding. The setting is sublime and the sweetness of life reigns.
- Indian Nose hike:
In the afternoon, let yourself be tempted by a trek. With one hour of ascent, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the lake. From this height, take the opportunity to take some pictures and then go back down the other side. This will allow you to meet local people working in the fields. Do not hesitate to discuss, even help. These moments of sharing can only enrich you.
- Jaibalito:
In the evening, the visit of this small village will allow you to relax while exploring the local culture. You can stay at the hotel "La Casa del Mundo". Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Day 3: the volcano
Volcano San Pedro : what if you climb to the top of a volcano today ? To reach the summit, you will need good shoes. The effort is intense (count five hours round trip) but an unforgettable panorama is at the key. The villages: To rest in the afternoon, you could go to Santiago Atitlan to admire the figure of Maximon. Alternatively, you could go to Santa Catarina Palopo, a town entirely painted in bright colors. In San Juan la Laguna, the works of painters and weavers might catch your eye. A weaving workshop is open to visitors. Be aware that many villages allow you to see the local handicraft workshops, so take advantage of it!
- San Pedro Volcano:
What if you climb to the top of a volcano today? To reach the summit, you will need good shoes. The effort is intense (count five hours round trip to reserve) but an unforgettable panorama is at stake.
- The villages :
To rest in the afternoon, you could go to Santa Catarina Palopo, a town entirely painted in bright colors and then to San Antonio Palopo.
Day 4: The panorama
- Santa Clara la Laguna:
Not in a hurry to leave and feel like taking in the sights? Santa Clara offers a multitude of activities that will fill your day. There are several hiking trails that lead to exceptional views from this village. Your camera will be your best friend.
- Cerro de Oro:
To end your trip, we offer you the most beautiful sunset from Cerro de oro viewpoint. This is the perfect way to bid farewell to this little corner of paradise.
-
Panajachel:
Since the 1950s, the city has been transformed into a seaside resort. Touristy as you like, you will find everything you need to relax, eat, sleep and party!
-
Art Gallery in Panajachel:
Opened in 1973, the gallery offers to discover national and international artists. Usually very colorful, the permanent works will warm your heart!
-
Santa Cruz la Laguna:
For stunning views, head to Santa Cruz la Laguna. This colorful little corner of paradise is a must-see when coming to Lake Atitlan.
-
San Marcos la Laguna:
San Marcos is a great place to recharge and meditate. On the program: yoga, vegetarian restaurant, massages and alternative medicines. Spiritual experience and well being!
-
San Pedro la Laguna:
Take the time to go to the heights of San Pedro to discover an incredible panorama. For those who want to party, San Pedro is ideal!
-
Reserva Natural Atitlan:
Auditorium, butterfly garden, walking paths, campground, zip line, suspended bike, there is plenty to do. Young and old will be delighted.
-
Indian Nose Hike:
This is one of the most beautiful hikes to do around the lake. The climb will take about an hour and, following the ridge, you will come back down to San Juan where you may well meet some nice people. Its name comes from a cliff below the path that resembles the profile of a person with a long nose.
-
Jaibalito:
A small village of seven hundred inhabitants, Jaibalito allows you to eat, rest and admire some craftsmen doing their work. Take a cooking class!
-
San Pedro Volcano:
The best way to enjoy the place is to take a guided hike. You will be amazed by the splendid view.
-
Santiago Atitlan:
The main points of interest of this village including its 16th century chapel and the figure of Maximon.
-
Santa Catarina Palopo:
A project initiated by NGOs, this small village is gradually being transformed into an open-air art gallery. Here, volunteers and inhabitants paint together the houses using bright colors and traditional Mayan motifs.
-
San Juan la Laguna :
A small, peaceful village, San Juan is ideal for strolling along cobblestone streets, drinking coffee and discovering local produce.
-
Santa Clara la Laguna:
Excursions, paddle boarding, surf yoga and walks are on the agenda. For a bit of adventure, go to the Chuich ok' ok' viewpoint or to the Pico de Cielo: great physical effort, but bliss once you arrive.
-
Cerro de Oro :
After some effort, you will be able to enjoy a viewpoint from a mirador that allows you to admire the lake in its entirety and in all its beauty.
How to get to Lake Atitlan?
The tourist shuttle is the best option for travel. A collective air-conditioned minivan will take you where you want to go.
Count by car / bus / minivan :
- from Antigua : about 2h30
- from Coban : 7h
- from Guatemala City: 3h
- from Chichicastenango : 2h30
- from Quetzaltenango (Xela): 3hrs.
- from Mixco : 3h
- from Flores: a little more than 3 hours
- from Puerto Barrios: 9h
By plane to Guatemala City :
- from Flores : 1h
Arriving at Lake Atitlan, the best means of transport remains the lancha or water taxi, departing every 30 minutes for a sum of 25 QTZ per trip (just under three euros). It is always possible to take the bus or tuctuc instead of crossing the lake.
Atitlan Lake