Lake Atitlan (Lago de Atitlán)

Whether setting sail on a boat tour, exploring lakeside Maya villages, or hiking through Atitlán Natural Reserve, there are plenty of options for discovering Lake Atitlán. On the northeast shore, the lively village of Panajachel is the starting point for most visitors, but Lake Atitlán tours also run from Antigua and Guatemala City. In addition to taking in views of the beautiful lake, adventure tours offer a more active experience, including kayaking excursions, sunset bike tours, hiking, rock climbing, and even paragliding over the lake.

• The easiest way to explore the lakeside villages is by boat, and local ferries run from Panajachel to most destinations.

• The only ATM is located in Panajachel, and most villages only accept local currency, so stock up before you head out.

• The main transport options around Lake Atitlán are small boats and tuk-tuks, so pack light as there’s not much space for heavy luggage.

• Swimming in the lake is possible at designated areas.

Lake Atitlán is a 3- to 4-hour drive from Guatemala City. Shuttle buses connect Panajachel with the city center and La Aurora International Airport.

The most popular time to visit Lake Atitlán is during the summer season (November–April), but visiting in winter (May–October) offers cooler weather for hiking.

The liveliest place to stay is Panajachel, while tranquil San Marcos is known for its yoga resorts and laid-back atmosphere, and San Pedro is the party hub for backpackers and international travelers. To experience local Maya culture, head to San Juan, known for its traditional handicrafts; visit Santiago Atitlán to learn about Maya traditions; or browse the market stalls in Chichicastenango or Sololá. If you really want to escape the tourist trail, visit the tiny villages of Tzununa or Jaibalito.

Many visitors spend between 1–3 days or 5–7 days at Lake Atitlan, depending on their interests. If arriving early and leaving late, you can visit a few towns during a day trip. A short multi-day trip is good for visiting multiple towns, while a week allows for thorough exploration.

Yes, Lake Atitlan is worth visiting. The Mayan culture alone is worth immersing yourself in, particularly seeing the avatar of the Mayan god Maximon. For adventure travelers, hiking, boating, and other water activities can fill a multi-day itinerary. Plus, those who want to relax by the lakeside won’t be disappointed.

The best time to visit Lake Atitlan is the best time to visit Guatemala—the dry season. Lasting from October and November through May, this season has fewer rain showers, allowing you to soak up the sun on the lakeside, though temperatures are slightly cooler than in June, July, and August.

Yes, you’re allowed to swim in Lake Atitlan. Some of the surrounding towns have swimming holes that tourists can use, along with water activities such as boating and kayaking. Visitors should know that the lake tends to have algae blooms, which could impact the contamination levels of the water.

Generally, a visit to Lake Atitlan is a safe experience for tourists. Many of the towns have backpacker hostels and restaurants with multilingual staff. Most daylight travel is safe, but extra caution should be taken when traveling at night and when hiking trails in between towns without a guide.

Lake Atitlan is a popular destination for tourists, especially backpackers. This volcanic lake is one of the deepest in Central America and is surrounded by towns, each known for certain handicrafts, food, or attractions. Plus, Lake Atitlan is cheap and easy to explore because it’s near Antigua, ferries, trails, and taxis.