Lago de Atitlán

 

Surrounded by three volcanoes, Guatemala’s Lago de Atitlán is picture perfect. Tourism is spiking in this area as the world begins to recognize its beauty and its small villages along the lake.

 

Where To Stay
Panajachel is the most popular (and slightly clichéd) village along Lake Atitlán. Due to its tourist draw, Panajachel has more accommodation options available than neighboring villages. From Panajachel, it is easy to get around the lake via water taxis to visit other villages. Santiago Atitlán, a village located across the lake from Panajachel, is rising in popularity. Visitors to Santiago Atitlán will currently find a more authentic feel than in Panajachel.

 

What To Do

• Explore Panajachel
  Panajachel is the busiest and most developed of Lake Atitlán’s villages. Great transportation to and from Panajachel makes it a favorite place to visit for tourists and locals alike. On the weekends, the nightlife gets rowdy.

• Find Maximón
  Maximón is a deity who is praised all throughout the Guatemalan highlands. Throughout this area, Guatemalans of all walks of life come and make offerings and ask for blessings to an effigy of Maximón. Maximón is cared for by members of the Maya religious brotherhood and moves from place to place every year. In Santiago Atitlán, or Tzikin Ja to the locals, Maximón is dressed in colorful scarves and is presented offerings of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Maximón is pretty easy to find, if you just ask around. Dónde está Maximón?

• Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apóstal
  Located in Santiago Atitlán’s main square, sits the ancient church Iglesia Parroquial Santiago Apóstal. Inside the church are life-size figures made of corn (from which humans are formed according to Mayan religion), which are dressed in handmade clothing.

• Take A Boat Ride
  One of the best ways to enjoy Lago de Atitlán is to get out on the waters in a boat. The views are fabulous and the photo opportunities are endless. Boat taxis frequently go from village to village for a very reasonable price, but it is also possible to book private tours.

• Explore the Lake
  Small roads along the lakeside connect some villages together. The walks are easy and scenic, but make sure to check with the local tour company if there are any dangers (from animals or robbers) to be aware of at the time.

 

Stay Fit

• Hike a Volcano
  Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three large volcanoes, Volcán Tolimán, Volcán Atitlán, and Volcán San Pedro. Hiking up any one of these volcanoes is a strenuous task, but at the top, adventurers are rewarded with spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding areas.