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
LAKE ATITLAN – CHICHICASTENANGO MAYAN MARKET
Located at 2500 meters above sea level, this town is famous amongst tourists for its market on Thursdays and Sundays, where spats of traditionally dressed villagers in a kaleidoscope of colors, come to sell their very colorful textiles, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Although seemingly very commercial, there is much mysticism in the air. You will be amazed by the religious blend that exists, where colonial Spanish Catholicism, modern evangelism and ancient Mayan tradition, blend in a uniquely harmonious fashion. There is something deeply moving about watching a Mayan Indian or shaman, engulfed by incense and surrounded by flowers, praying to a catholic God and at the same time practicing ancient Mayan rituals, all in an old Spanish colonial Cathedral. It is here, in Chichicastenango, that Father Francisco Ximenez in the 17th century discovered the Popol Vuh, the illustrious Mayan bible.
Guided tour of the Chichi market with English speaking guide.
Lunch not included. $45.00 per person.
Delicious Guatemala Food Guide 