View of Lake Atitlán from the top of La Nariz del Indio Mountain.
Lake Atitlán is a beautiful, crystal-clear lake located in the heart of the Guatemalan highlands. It is surrounded by majestic volcanoes and is home to a number of small indigenous Mayan villages. The lake is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guatemala. In this guide, we will provide tips and things to do for those planning a visit to Lake Atitlán. Read on to learn more!
About the Region
Lake Atitlán is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro. Civilizations have inhabited the area around the lake for thousands of years, and was considered a sacred site by the Maya people. According to Maya mythology, the lake was created by the god of water, and it was believed to have special powers and to be a source of life.
During the Spanish conquest, the lake became an important center for trade and transportation. The town of Panajachel, located on the lake’s shores, was founded in 1542 and became a hub for the Spanish and Maya cultures. Today, Lake Atitlán is home to a number of small indigenous Mayan villages, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The most common indigenous languages spoken in this region are Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil.
Today, Lake Atitlán attracts visitors for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is also a popular destination for spiritual seekers to meditate, pray, and seek spiritual guidance. However, increased tourism has also had unintended consequences. Increased pressure to improve the infrastructure of the region has led to deforestation, erosion, and pollution of the lake. The lake’s water level has also been rising over the past few years, leading to low-lying buildings getting flooded.
Getting to Lake Atitlán
The easiest way to reach Lake Atitlán is from Guatemala City. From the terminal de autobuses, buy a ticket to Panajachel. This will take you to a town right on the edge of Lake Atitlán. The price of your ticket will depend on the schedule and bus company you use. If you choose to travel by chicken bus, you will likely find yourself on an old American school bus that has been repainted and repurposed as a form of public transportation. This is the cheapest form of transportation, costing about 20 quetzales (about $2-3 USD). The trip to Panajachel is about 4 hours, and there are no bathrooms on the bus, so make sure you properly prepare for your trip.
If you want more convenience, or if you are traveling with a group of people, you can arrange for private transportation. These travel quicker, arriving in about 3 hours, and are much more comfortable options than public transportation. However, they are much more expensive. Depending on how many people are traveling, it could cost $30-50 USD per person to travel one way. Either form of transportation will allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.
Things to Do in the Area
One of the most popular activities to do at Lake Atitlán is to hike the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. The high elevations of these mountains provide an amazing view of the lake and surrounding pueblos. A popular hiking trail is La Nariz del Indio. You will pass through the clouds on your way to the top. Make sure to hire a guide to take you on the hikes. Not only will they keep you from getting lost, but they will also prevent any locals from charging you any sort of “fees” to continue up the trail.
Another popular activity is to explore the local pueblos. These Mayan villages include San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, Santiago Atitlán, and several others. Each village has its own distinct culture and has something to offer. You can find markets in Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán that offer different styles of textiles, food, and handmade crafts. San Pedro La Laguna is a popular place for travelers to sleep due to its variety of accommodation options. San Marcos La Laguna has numerous hot springs and is a popular destination for yoga retreats.
While at Lake Atitlán, many travelers choose to take a boat tour around the lake. These tours can range from half-day to full-day tours, and include a guide who is an expert on the history and culture of the region. Depending on the tour company, you will likely visit several towns along the lake. There are plenty of options to choose from, and you will be able to find a tour with the amount of services to fit your needs.
Where to Stay
When choosing which town to make your home base, your personal preferences should be the biggest factor. If you want to enjoy the comforts of different amenities, you should stay in Panajachel. If you want a more budget-friendly option, San Pedro La Laguna is a good option. It is also conveniently located close to other towns around the lake. Even more economical options include San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán. These are good options for travelers who want to experience the indigenous cultures of the region.
The cost per night for each accommodation will depend on different factors, such as the time of year and village you choose to stay at. Typically, budget hotels will go for around $30/night, whereas more luxurious hotels start at $100/night. For more budget-friendly options, a shared dorm in a hostel goes for about $10/night, while a private room goes for about $20/night. You will also be able to find AirBnBs around the lake, with prices ranging from $20-$100/night.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Atitlán depends on your personal preferences and the type of activities you want to do. Generally, the weather at the lake is warm and tropical year-round, with temperatures ranging from around 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rainy season at Lake Atitlán runs from May to October, and during this time the weather can be more unpredictable, with frequent rain showers and storms. However, the rainy season can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind the occasional rain, as the lake is often less crowded and the rates for accommodation and activities may be lower.
The dry season at the lake runs from November to April, and during this time the weather is generally drier and more predictable. This is a popular time to visit, and the lake will get crowded with tourists. This is especially the case during the holiday season. You can expect to pay more for accommodations and activities during this time.
