Lago Atitlán (or Lake Atitlán) is Central America’s deepest lake with a max depth of 340 meters (1,115 feet). Located in the department of Sololá, it is deep in the northwestern Highlands of Guatemala’s Sierra Madre Mountains. The lake is 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level. Stretching 18 kilometers (11 miles) long, the Lake registers as Guatemala’s third largest freshwater lake.
Located 50 kilometers (31 miles) west-northwest of the colonial city of Antigua, Lake Atitlán is the most visited tourist attraction in Guatemala. It is considered one of, if not, the most beautiful lake in the world. It was even nominated to become one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2006. The lakes name spawns from the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning “between the waters”.
Lake Atitlán was formed after the eruption of a caldera volcano around 84,000 years ago. The lake settled in the bottom of the massive crater left from the eruption. The crater’s rim funneled water down through the surrounding mountains that encompass the lake. The hills are blanketed in dense forests that include three cone volcanoes, Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro.
All three of these volcanoes are climbable. However, San Pedro is easily the most accessible and is safe to hike alone, or in a small group. After several robberies on the trail, Guatemala stationed tourist police roughly an hour into the hike. There have been zero robberies recorded since being put here.
For the low price of 150 Quetzals, tourists can hire one of the officers to accompany you and/or your group up to the summit. On average, the hike takes about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down. It is highly recommended to summit before 2 pm. Afternoon clouds and storms can happen quickly and not to mention it’s also the hottest part of the day. Unfortunately, this was an excursion I missed out on, as I was trying to do it with a buddy of mine but it just didn’t work out this time around.
My favorite hike was the infamous Indian Nose sunrise hike. It’s a short 30-to-45-minute hike. However, the summit offers incredible unimpeded views of the entire lake and its landscape. All three volcanoes surrounding the lake are on full display, with Acatenango, Agua, and Fuego looming in the background. Fuego put on a show during my visit, shooting a heart shaped smoke cloud directly upon arrival to the summit.
Discover a Plethora of Villages Around the Lake
Lake Atitlán is home to 12 Mayan villages. Seven of which are authentic, two are excellent for partying, and one is the perfect stop to delve into a spiritual practice, such as yoga. A few of these are rustic and provide a pure indigenous experience. There’s even one town that’s considered a secret village. This village is only accessible by either a lancha (small passenger boat) or hiking in. The secret town of Jaibalito (pronounced High-bah-lee-toh) is the perfect escape for those that want to liberate themselves from the busy tourist centers.
If you’re looking for the best sunsets or a party atmosphere, then the gateway village of Panajachel (pronounced Paa-nuh-haa-chl) is the place to be. Across the lake visitors will find the best sunrises in San Pedro La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, or San Juan La Laguna. San Pedro is known as being a party center and is one of the busiest villages around the lake.
Discover yoga and meditation classes along with delicious vegan foods in the spiritual center of San Marcos La Laguna. San Marcos tends to be a bit more on the expensive side but is the perfect place to make a base of operations while exploring the lake. San Marcos is quiet but still active enough to meet plenty of likeminded travelers. I would also highly recommend experiencing one of the many cacao ceremonies offered around town. I loved this village so much that I spent a little more than a month here and plan to write an in-depth article on this wonderful destination.
San Juan La Laguna is the perfect stop if you’re thinking about buying souvenirs from Guatemala. It is the art and handmade textile hub of the lake. It’s the perfect place to support a local family while getting the quintessential brightly colored handmade decoration for home.
Lago Atitlán houses a bountiful agriculture scene. Some of the most important products grown in the region are coffee, avocado, corn, onions, beans, squash, tomato, cucumber, garlic, and strawberries. Don’t miss out on the native cactus fruit of pitahaya, or as it is more commonly referred to in English, dragon fruit.
I spent around a month and a half in the region but got swept away in my yoga and meditation practice. I found it difficult to leave the picturesque village of San Marcos. It had everything I could want and need while I deepened my yoga and meditation practices two to three times a day. I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything, but next time I’d be more prudent to explore more of the villages. I’ve been told that each one has its own special vibe and are worth a day trip to visit.
I highly recommend that anyone interested in seeing this magical lake do so. There’s so much to do and see, and it’s a great stop for every type of traveler. There is a little something here for everyone, from outdoor adventures, to shopping and dining, or downright relaxing. It’s a destination that is waiting to steal your heart away. The word is out, and people are finding out about this amazing place. So don’t hesitate to make your dreams come true and be sure to stop into this incredible destination, preferably sooner than later.
