Of all Guatemala's natural attraction, perhaps the most beautiful is the volcanic caldera of
Lago de Atitlán and its unforgettable highland setting that has seduced travelers for centuries. The lakes various bays and inlets give Atitlán an irregular shape, however it measures roughly
19 km long and 12 km at its widest point and
over 300 meters deep.
Lake Atitlán is transcended by three towering volcanoes, Volcan San Pedro, VolcanToliman
and VolcanAtitlán. In addition, there are a dozen or so lakeshore villages and towns which dot the Lake. Area Map
In the highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlán, the Mayan culture
still thrives ...
The Mayans are known for being friendly and welcoming of strangers. Some are Kaqchikel, some Tz'utujil and they all speak different dialects. So the lake villagers have been accustomed to dealing with strangers who don't speak their language, long before visitors began arriving on holiday.
Panajachel
Panajachel is an 800 year old pueblo
of about 14,000, mostly Kaqchikel Mayans and
some foreigners. Panajachel is packed with hotels, restaurants, lively nightspots with souvenir shops and stalls lining the main street.
Of all the lakeside villages, Panajachel is the place where most head to first and has become a center for the tourist trade, providing a base for visitors crossing the lake to visit the other Lakeside
Towns & Villages.
Pana's appeal is all about its position overlooking the lake and volcanoes and its laid-back atmosphere. Transport connections are superb, with regular buses and shuttles and a flotilla of boats linking Panajachel with the other lakeside towns & villages.
The town is nicknamed Gringotenango
("place of the gringo") by some, in reference to the number of tourists who visit and the foreigners who choose to live in Panajachel, but most people call it "Pana" for short.
Things to Do Around Panajachel ....
Shopping
The main street, Calle Santander, is lined with locals selling their handicrafts. You'll find, among the many items for sale, hand-woven rugs, clothing & scarves and other items of interest from wood-carved flutes to jade jewelry and colorful paintings featuring Guatemalan symbols, such as the Quetzal, Guatemala's national bird.
Museo Lacustre Atitlán
Pana's most interesting museum features fascinating displays of the history of the Atitlán region and the volcanic eruptions that created its majestic landscape. A highlight is the collection of ancient Mayan artifacts and ceramics recovered from the lake, as well as a gallery of works by local artists. It's a part of Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo, located on Calle Santander.
San Francisco Assis
The restored 16th century Catholic church,
San Francisco Assis is the enduring feature of a Franciscan mission established here to Christianize the indigenous population on the north shore. Its stone faced, stepped-up facade is unique.
Two Ecological/Cultural attractions
near the edge of town:
Los Encuentros
This private center is dedicated to the promotion of local Mayan culture. It holds the most extensive medicinal plant garden in the Lake Atitlán Basin and a modest gallery which showcases the variety of styles employed by indigenous artists of the Lake. The staff of the center also facilitates encounters with indigenous shamans, painters, and weavers in their own settings.
Reserva Natural Atitlán This nearby Nature Reserve makes for a good day trip on foot or bicycle and is located about a mile west of Panajachel. Once a coffee finca, today,
this extensive tract of land is dedicated to the preservation of flora and fauna native to the Lake basin eco-system. It has a walking trail that loops through a small river canyon, crossing a suspension bridge that leads to a waterfall and passes a butterfly atrium and enclosures of spider monkeys and Cotamundis. There is a small beach area for some post-educational relaxation with a nice view
of the lake and volcanoes.
Lakeside Towns & Villages
SANTIAGO ATITLÁN
Across the lake and 30 minutes from Panajachel by fast "launcha" boats, Santiago Atitlán with a population of 48,000, is the capital of the proud and independent Tz'utujil people and one of the largest indigenous communities in Guatemala. Built on the slopes of Volcan Toliman & Atitlán, is it surrounded on three sides by water and faces Volcán San Pedro across a small bay.
As you approach Santiago's shore, you will see dozens of women standing knee-deep in water, washing their families' clothes against the rocks, often with babies in colorful slings on their backs. Traditional attire is on full display here and the locals, called Atitecos, believe wearing this beautiful clothing connects them to their ancestors.
Shopping for Mayan Textiles The road that leads from the dock is lined on both sides with shops selling artensania. Take a good look at the traditional blouses "huipiles" embroidered with elaborate depictions of fruits, birds, and spirits.
If you're interested in buying traditional Mayan clothes or textiles, this is a great place to do it. The condition of textiles here are considered of
high quality.
This same road also leads to Iglesia de Santiago Atitlán, a church where Tz'utujil deities can be seen in the woodwork around the pulpit. Another point of interest is a small weaving museum to the left of the dock.
Maximom Maximom is part evil saint, part pagan idol and said to be a combination of San Simón, Judas Iscariot and Pedro de Alvarado, the conquistador. He likes to drink alcohol and smokes cigars and cigarettes. So you are free to offer him a cigarette or a beer or a few Quetzales. There are many theories as to his origin, but over time he has evolved into deity who can cure illnesses and also bring misfortune to his enemies and is considered sacred and to be taken seriously despite his bizarre appearance to most visitors.
Maximom stays in someone’s home for a year. And every year during Samana Santa (Easter week) there is a big procession, and then he changes location. You shouldn't have a problem finding Maximom as there are plenty of children who want to show you the house where he resides for a Quetzal or so (US .15 cents). As bizarre as this may sound, it is an undeniably, intriguing exercise in respecting local traditions.
SAN PEDRO If you want to feel like you're a little more off the beaten path, but still have plenty of good lodging options as well as some lively nightlife in the form of bars and restaurants, then San Pedro is a good bet. San Pedro La Laguna attracts the greatest number of tourists after Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán, almost all young backpackers. Suitably, the hotels and restaurants here are some of the cheapest in the country, and if you plan to climb Volcán San Pedro, this is the ideal base for an early-morning start.
SAN JUAN Not many people stop in the Tz'utujil village of San Juan La Laguna, making it a great place to get away from the crowds and get a more authentic look at indigenous life on the lake. There are several artisan collectives in the town's center including a weaving co-op run by the village women. Their work is of the finest quality and its interesting to watch as they weave their fabrics.The village is located a few km north of San Pedro. From here Horseback Riding can be arranged.
SAN MARCOS Surrounded by fruit trees, San Marcos La laguna is known for its tranquil atmosphere and has attracted travelers seeking a peaceful spot to relax. San Marcos is most famous as the home of the Pyramid Centre which is a magnet for meditating and alternative therapy enthusiasts. So if you practice Yoga, Reiky or meditation, this is an
ideal place to visit. From San Marcos you can walk to Santa Cruz, another small village, in about 3 hours.
SANTA CRUZ Santa Cruz La laguna village is known for its tranquility and has the only diving school on the lake. Santa Cruz is much smaller and quieter than San Pedro or San Marcos. From the pier, where the hotels are located at, the village is a steep climb up. mostly made up of tin-roof shacks with several brightly painted Evangelical churches.
SANTA CATARINA The traditional Kaqchikel village of Santa Catarina Palopó,
4 km from Pana, is a picturesque village of narrow streets paved with stone blocks, and adobe houses with roofs of thatch or tin. Perhaps the most easily recognizable characteristic of Santa Catarina Palopó is the blue huipiles, or shirt, which is worn prominently by the women of the community.
SAN ANTONIO San Antonio Palopó, another 5 km from Santa Catarina Palopó, is a larger farming village and the bursts of color from traditional Mayan dress and the lively weekend markets are no less alluring. This is one of only a handful of regions in Latin America where men still dress in traditional costumes on a daily basis. Tunecos, as they call themselves, raise onions and anise in terraced fields extending up from the lake, which give the landscape a sculptural look. Up the hillside, the gleaming white church is the center of attention.
Things to Do Around Lago Atitlán....
Kayaking
Many of the lake side resorts own recreational kayaks. The mobility of the kayaks and warm waters provide endless stopping points for private cliff-side diving and swimming as well as a close up look at some very fancy homes.
Hiking & Biking Hiking around Lago de Atitlán can take up much of your day. The Lake is surrounded by thirteen villages, each with there own version of Mayan culture and you can hike or bike around the lake and to the neighboring villages along trails that edge the lake. You can walk from Panajachel to Santa Catarina Palopo in about an hour, continuing to San Antonio in another hour; it takes only half as long by bicycle on hilly roads. Or take a bike by boat to Santiago, San Pedro or another village to start a tour of the lake. Several places along Calle Santander rent bicycles.
You can also climb volcanoes. Volcan
Atitlán and Volcan San Pedro are definitely
worth the effort.
Horseback Riding
For those wanting more than just a walk around the lake, you can hire a horse and a guide. There are several routes you can select from. The most common one leads up to Volcan San Pedro (you still need to hike the last part). Another route is around the lake along the shore across
the villages of San Juan, San Pablo and San Marcos.
Diving
This is high-altitude-diving in a fresh water lake. Because volcanic activity is present, there is an active fault line running down the center of the lake and there are spots where you can bury your hands in the sand and really feel the intense heat coming up from it. There is not a lot colorful life in the lake, however it is possible to see tiny jellyfish and a number of smaller fish.
Getting Around ....
Panajachel itself is quite small, and you can walk practically anywhere within 15 minutes. Small three-wheel taxis called Tuc-Tuc's, continually circle the few streets, and cost less then a US dollar for any destination in Panajachel. A little more if the ride requires going (uphill), for example to Reserva Natural Atitlán.
Passenger boats run to numerous points around
Lago de Atitlán. Boats bound for Santiago Atitlán depart from the public beach at the foot of Calle del Balneario.
All other departures leave from the dock at the foot of
Calle del Embarcadero.
One route goes counterclockwise around the lake,
stopping first in Santa Cruz then on to Jaibalito, Tzununá, San Marcos, San Juan and San Pedro.
Where to Stay in Lake Atitlán & Panajachel ....
Hotel Atitlán is a luxury getaway along the shores of Lake Atitlán. Travelers can enjoy award winning gardens, caged colorful exotic birds, hand carved wooden furniture and gorgeous ceramic tiles make the Hotel Atitlán a unique place.
In the highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlán, the Mayan culture 
Panajachel is an 800 year old pueblo 
Pana's appeal is all about its position overlooking the lake and volcanoes and its laid-back atmosphere. Transport connections are superb, with regular buses and shuttles and a flotilla of boats linking Panajachel with the other lakeside towns & villages. 
Shopping
San Francisco Assis
This nearby Nature Reserve makes for a good day trip on foot or bicycle and is located about a mile west of Panajachel. Once a coffee finca, today, 
The road that leads from the dock is lined on both sides with shops selling artensania. Take a good look at the traditional blouses "huipiles" embroidered with elaborate depictions of fruits, birds, and spirits.
Maximom is part evil saint, part pagan idol and said to be a combination of San Simón, Judas Iscariot and Pedro de Alvarado, the conquistador. He likes to drink alcohol and smokes cigars and cigarettes. So you are free to offer him a cigarette or a beer or a few Quetzales. There are many theories as to his origin, but over time he has evolved into deity who can cure illnesses and also bring misfortune to his enemies and is considered sacred and to be taken seriously despite his bizarre appearance to most visitors. 
If you want to feel like you're a little more off the beaten path, but still have plenty of good lodging options as well as some lively nightlife in the form of bars and restaurants, then San Pedro is a good bet. San Pedro La Laguna attracts the greatest number of tourists after Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán, almost all young backpackers. Suitably, the hotels and restaurants here are some of the cheapest in the country, and if you plan to climb 
Not many people stop in the Tz'utujil village of San Juan La Laguna, making it a great place to get away from the crowds and get a more authentic look at indigenous life on the lake. There are several artisan collectives in the town's center including a weaving co-op run by the village women. Their work is of the finest quality and its interesting to watch as they weave their fabrics.The village is located a few km north of San Pedro. From here Horseback Riding can be arranged. 
Surrounded by fruit trees, San Marcos La laguna is known for its tranquil atmosphere and has attracted travelers seeking a peaceful spot to relax. San Marcos is most famous as the home of the Pyramid Centre which is a magnet for meditating and alternative therapy enthusiasts. So if you practice Yoga, Reiky or meditation, this is an 
Santa Cruz La laguna village is known for its tranquility and has the only diving school on the lake. Santa Cruz is much smaller and quieter than San Pedro or San Marcos. From the pier, where the hotels are located at, the village is a steep climb up. mostly made up of tin-roof shacks with several brightly painted Evangelical churches.
The traditional Kaqchikel village of Santa Catarina Palopó, 
Kayaking
Hiking around Lago de Atitlán can take up much of your day. The Lake is surrounded by thirteen villages, each with there own version of Mayan culture and you can hike or bike around the lake and to the neighboring villages along trails that edge the lake. You can walk from Panajachel to Santa Catarina Palopo in about an hour, continuing to 
Horseback Riding
Passenger boats run to numerous points around 
