Lake Atitlan (Guatemala) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and map.
Lake Atitlan is located in the central part of Guatemala, about 70 km from its capital towards the Pacific Ocean, in the department of Solola. Its area is over 130 sq. km, and the depth is 340 m, there are simply no deeper lakes in Central America. Around - mountains and 3 volcanoes: San Pedro, Atitlan, Toliman. Ashes from them formed irregularities in the landscape, due to which a lake appeared at an altitude of 1560 m above sea level. Since 1955, the area around Atitlan has been considered a national park.
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| Lake Atitlan |
The name of the lake in translation sounds romantic: "the place where the rainbow takes on colors."
Local Mayan tribes live along the coast. They still preserve traditions, speak their own language and wear folk costumes, which in big cities can only be seen in museums or during holidays. Tourists come here to get acquainted with the real life of the Indians, enjoy the scenery and silence.
What to see
There are several settlements in the Atitlan area. The most developed infrastructure in the city of Panajachel in the north-east of the lake: hotels, cafes, shops, entertainment and excursions. Mostly backpackers live in San Pedro la Laguna on the west coast - the town is not so touristy, but it is also quite comfortable to live in. Even quieter and quieter in San Marcos la Laguna, located a little further north.
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| Lake Atitlan |
Not far from San Marcos and San Pedro la Laguna there is a mountain called the "Indian nose" - it resembles a proud Indian profile in shape. You can climb it and any volcano on your own or buy a guided tour.
In the southwest of the lake there is its narrow elongated part; here is the town of Santiago Atitlan. Locals venerate Saint Maximon, who can be called a saint rather conditionally. According to legend, he willingly ate all earthly joys and was killed by his husbands for the massive seduction of wives.
However, he is close to the Indians, so many tribes honor him contrary to the opinion of the Catholic Church. Residents of Santiago Atitlan carefully keep their stuffed Maximon, feed him, give him drink through a special hole, and insert a cigar there. The scarecrow is transferred to a new house every year on Holy Week, where all the honors are given to him.
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| Lake Atitlan |
From May to October, during the rainy season, many coastal towns and villages are partially flooded, and the tops of the mountains are hidden by clouds. The spectacle is spectacular, but it is uncomfortable to be on the shore at this time.
Boats run between the settlements, which are called "lunch" here. Some run on schedule, others leave as they fill up with passengers. Average cost of the trip is 15-30 GTQ. Travel prices for tourists are much higher than for locals, sometimes several times.
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| Lake Atitlan |
You can rent a kayak and go sailing on your own. A double kayak will cost about 20 GTQ per hour per person, a single kayak the same. Local tuk-tuk taxis run between the villages. There is a trail around the lake, along which you can walk or take a bicycle or horse ride. Considering the area of the lake, it will not be possible to go around it in a day.
Practical Information
Address: Guatemala, Solola, Lake Atitlan. GPS coordinates: 14.702078, -91.191557.
The most convenient way to get to the lake from the capital is by tourist shuttle or by car. The distance along the SA-1 is shorter, but it is mountainous, therefore it is faster and more convenient to travel along the SA-9. In any case, the road will take about 3 hours, from Antigua - a little less.