Lake Atitlan Travel Guide
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Located in the Guatemalan Highlands, Lake Atitlan combines scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. Recognised to be the deepest lake in Central America, it is shaped by deep escarpments and surrounding volcanoes. The area around Lake Atitlan is made up of towns and villages inhabited by the indigenous Maya people.
Volcanic in origin, the lake filled an enormous caldera formed in an eruption 84,000 years ago. Further activity built three volcanoes in the caldera; Volcan Atitlan lies on the northern rim, while Volcan San Pedro and Volcan Toliman lie within the caldera.
The lake itself is rich in animal life and its basin supports extensive coffee growth and a variety of crops including corn, onions, beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic, chile verde, strawberries, avocados and pitahaya fruit; providing a significant food source for the indigenous population.
In order to increase tourism and boost the local economy, the area around Lake Atitlan became a national park in 1955 and travellers can now enjoy various activities such as hiking up San Pedro volcano, kayaking or scuba diving on the lake, visiting San Buenaventure nature reserve or the surrounding villages such as Panajachel and Solola.
Attractions in Lake Atitlan
Panajachel is a small town on the north shore of Lake Atitlan offering several attractions of eco-cultural interest.
Located on an old coffee finca the nearby San Buenaventure nature reserve gives travellers the opportunity to see monkeys and cotamundis. There is a pleasant walk on hanging bridges up towards the waterfall.
The spectacular volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan, and San Pedro make up the natural frame of the lake; a hike up to the top of San Pedro is well worth it to enjoy magnificent views over the lake, its mountains and its volcanoes.
The mountain village of Solola is worth a visit as whilst exploring its market you can enjoy fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes.
Activities in Lake Atitlan
As well as visiting the surrounding villages or hiking up San Pedro volcano, other activities at Lake Atitlan include scuba diving and kayaking.
Relaxing
Hire a kayak and make a tour of the lake, there are many places to stop off to enjoy some swimming or rock jumping.
Getting Around
Many lancha, or small boats, provide transport around and across the lake, from village to village.
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