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Kayaking on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Home Destinations Central America Guatemala Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan

Author Aldous Huxley once called it ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’ and on first sight it would be difficult not to agree.

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Not only is it the scenery stunning but some of the most traditional villages in Guatemala are located here. Dotted around the shoreline, these villages are home to different indigenous groups with distinct languages, cultures, costumes and textiles.

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market stall, Santiago village, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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About Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is a wonder of startlingly blue, wind-tossed waters set against a backdrop of three enormous volcanoes jabbing at the southern sky – Tomilan, Atitlán and San Pedro. Along the shores of the lake are a number of indigenous villages where life has changed little over the centuries. All the lakeside villages are accessed by small motorboats, called lanchas, but it is possible to hike around the lake which is one of the best ways to experience the rural communities. There are also a number of fantastic local markets full of colour and produce and without a tourist trinket in sight.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Mountians, Casa Palopo, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
 

Casa Palopo

Stay at Casa Palopo, one of the best hotels in Guatemala.

Suggested hotel

Chichicastenango market, Guatemala
 

Lake Atitlan Market

Visit one of the highland markets, much less-visited by tourists.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Men in traditional dress, Guatemala
 

Meet local communities

Explore the many lakeside villages and visit the revered idol Maximon.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
 

Lake Atitlan Adventures

Kayak on the lake, enjoy the adrenaline thrill of a zip line or the unique experience of diving in the volcanic crater-lake.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
 

Bird Watching

Visit Lake Atitlan and make the most of its excellent bird watching opportunities.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Laguna Lodge Lake Atitlan £££££

  • Guatemala
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

Laguna Lodge is a luxury, boutique hotel on the shores of Lake Atitlan close to the village of St Cruz. The hotel is in fact located on a large private area of land called the Tzantizotz Nature Reserve and the hotel is operated with a strong focus on sustainable travel best practice.

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Hotel Atitlan £££££

  • Guatemala
  • B&B, Motel and Guesthouse

Hotel Atitlan is nestled above a magnificent maze of terraced gardens that slope gently down towards the shores of Lake Atitlan. Sweeping views of the lake and its steep verdant hills dominated by enormous volcanoes, is a sight to behold.

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Casa Palopo £££££

  • Guatemala
  • Boutique

Casa Palopo is stunning. It has to be one of our favourite properties, winning numerous awards. Dramatic hillside property with magnificent views over Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes, Tomalin, Atitlan and San Pedro, Casa Palopo is a magical hideaway.

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A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

John Faithfull
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John Faithfull

John’s most recent trip to Guatemala was for Semana Santa (Holy Week), a heady mix of colourful processions where huge swaying floats are carried on the shoulders of purple-clad brotherhoods in high pointed headgear who shuffle through billowing clouds of incense.

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