Lake Atitlan

Considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán, located in the Guatemalan Highlands, is the deepest lake in Central America and surrounded by three volcanoes. Created from a volcano (the lake fills a caldera which erupted more than 84,000 years ago!), the fertile ground around the lake is home to numerous agriculture, including coffee and corn.

Aside from just taking in the breathtaking beauty of the lake, other options to enjoy this slice of nature include eco-adventures, including guided hikes of the San Pedro volcano, and kayaking. For those who want to explore on foot, the Reserva Natural Atitlán is home to hundreds of butterflies, coffee groves and even a waterfall. If water activities are wanted, take a boat across the lake to one of the traditional Maya villages like Santiago Atitlan.

Practical Info

Explore nearby villages of Lake Atitlán. Surrounding the lake are little towns and villages which still represent Maya culture with traditional dress. However, the largest of the nearby towns, Panajachel, is where the tourists flock.