Lake Atitlán and Surrounding Area

The Lake Atitlán

The Lake Atitlán lies 100 km west of the capital at an altitude of 1,560 meters above sea level. The average temperature is a pleasant 19º Celsius. Surrounding the lake are three volcanos, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro. Volcanic activity formed this 130 square km lake.

It is described by von Humboldt as the most beautiful lake in the world, and this author agrees.

There are 14 villages of varying sizes surrounding the lake. People inhabited the region long before the Spanish conquest. Main monetary sources are agriculture and handicraft production.

The area was declared a national park in 1955. Despite this, no environmental protection has formally taken place. There are endangered animals and some species have become extinct. The area still offers spectacular views of fauna and flora.

Watersports are considered dangerous in the afternoon due to strong winds.

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Additional Information

The area is served by many buses, but normally bus transfer is necessary at Los Encuentros, one of the biggest crossroads in the western highlands, to travel to Panajachel ("Gringotown"). As the nickname suggests, many tourists visit this region and Panajachel specifically.

Do not forget to venture outside Panajachel.

Travel to lakeside villages is by boat or by bus. Boats are the preferred method. Very beautiful villages include San Antonia Palolpó (accomodation in Hotel Terrazas del Lago), San Marcos, San Lucas Tolimán and Santiago Atitlán.

Most hotels are found in Panajachel, some recommended ones are:

There are hotels in all price ranges.

Panajachel offers many restaurants, discos, and internet-cafes, etc.

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