Sololá Department

A western highland department wrapped around Lake Atitlán and its ring of volcanoes, with Maya villages rich in character along the shore.

Sololá Department lies in the western highlands of Guatemala. Its heart is Lake Atitlán, encircled by the Atitlán, Tolimán and San Pedro volcanoes, and its scenery is often counted among the most beautiful lakes in the world. Panajachel is the main gateway, and boats run from there to distinctive Maya villages such as San Pedro, San Juan and Santiago Atitlán, where you can try weaving, coffee tours, kayaking and hiking. The market in the departmental capital, Sololá, is also well worth a visit. The skies are clear in the dry season from November to April, and shuttles run from Antigua or Guatemala City.

Destinations

• Lake Atitlán (Panajachel)

Itineraries

• Classic Trio: Antigua, Lake Atitlan & Tikal – A first-timer's route covering Antigua, Chichicastenango, Lake Atitlan, plus a flight to Flores for Tikal.
• Western Highlands Markets & Xela to Lake Atitlan Trek – Based in Quetzaltenango (Xela), explore highland markets and volcanoes, then embark on a 3-day trek down to Lake Atitla…
• Guatemala Grand Loop: Volcanoes, Turquoise Pools & the Caribbean – A nationwide loop covering Antigua volcano camping, Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, Tikal, and Rio Dulce.