Lake Atitlán
Lago de Atitlán
A highland caldera lake encircled by three volcanoes, with villages along its shores that keep Maya traditions alive. Aldous Huxley called it “the most beautiful lake in the world.”
Lake Atitlán lies in Sololá Department, about 2.5 to 3 hours' drive west of Antigua, at an elevation of about 1,560 meters. It is a caldera lake formed by a supervolcanic eruption about 84,000 years ago, reaching a depth of about 340 meters. On the south shore stand the volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro. More than ten Maya Kaqchikel and Tz'utujil villages line the lake, each with its own character. Panajachel is the transport hub and shopping street. San Juan La Laguna is known for its natural-dye weaving cooperatives and murals. San Pedro is the gathering point for backpackers. San Marcos focuses on yoga and meditation. Santiago Atitlán is home to the image of Maximón, a folk deity of Maya belief. Public speedboats called lanchas connect the villages. They are cheap, but the afternoon winds bring rough, bumpy rides. You can climb Indian Nose to watch the sunrise. Tourist shuttle buses run from Antigua to Panajachel, and it is recommended to stay for two or three nights. Do not drink the lake water directly.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Santa Cruz La Laguna
- Museo Lacustre Atitlán
- Calle Santander, Panajachel
- Santiago Atitlán
- Reserva Natural Atitlán
- Santa Catarina Palopó
- San Marcos La Laguna & Cerro Tzankujil
- Sololá Market