Lake Atitlán Guatemala is located 2.5 hours drive from Guatemala City International Airport and 1.5 hours from Antigua Guatemala. Most arrive at the lake in Panajachel and stay in a hotel there or take a boat to other hotels and hostels on the lake. While some people choose to do day trips to Lake Atitlán, we recommend spending a few days exploring the Lake and the surrounding villages.
Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the worlds according to National Geographic. Located a mile high in the Highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America at 1,115 feet. Surrounded by three volcanoes with traditional Mayan villages scatted along the shoreline, it is a place of immeasurable beauty. Whether it’s awe-inspiring nature, village’s rich with Mayan culture and ceremonies, hiking, kayaking, riding bikes, bird watching, horseback riding, visiting nature preserves, or kicking back for some rest and relaxation Lake Atitlán Guatemala provides no shortage of opportunities for breath-taking beauty and recreational activities.
There is no road that circles the lake. Santa Cruz La Laguna and Jaibalito can only be reached by boat. Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó are linked to Panajachel. The villages Santa Clara La Laguna and San Pedro La Laguna are located on the West, Santiago Atitlán on the South, and San Lucas Tolimán on the East side of Lake Atitlán Guatemala.
Whether you are visiting Lake Atitlán Guatemala for a few days or a week, you will undoubtedly enjoy the scenic and recreational opportunities it presents.
Some facts about the villages (each villages has its own personality and charm):
Panajachel is easily accessible from Antigua or Guatemala City, most buses and shuttles end up here and all the boats to Lake Atitlán’s surrounding villages leave from Panajachel’s docks. With its fun market (bargain shoppers paradise) and delicious restaurants it is the perfect place to kick off your lake visit.
San Marcos has a reputation with the holistic community with many centers for massage, reiki, mediation and alternative therapies. This holistic reputation has extended into the food arenas as well with many great organic food restaurants.
San Juan you feel a sense of indigenous pride here and the locals keep their lovely village spotless and clean. Highlights are the woman’s weaving cooperative using all natural dyes and weaving beautiful products.
San Pedro is a lake town full of Spanish schools and nightlife. They also have a great museum detailing the geographical and cultural history of the area.
Santiago is nestled between three volcanoes. It’s the biggest village on the lake and has a vibrant and turbulent history. Santiago is best known for being home to Maximon, Guatemala’s folk saint.
TOURS
CUSTOM TOURS CAN BE ARRANGED – visit the famous Sunday market in Solola, hike up active or dormant volcanoes, scuba dive to see underwater volcanic formations and sunken villages, and water skiing are just some of the custom tours that can be arranged.
Delicious Guatemala Food Guide 