The Lago de Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Located just under 50 kilometers from the city of Antigua, its beauty and history make it the most important tourist attraction throughout Guatemala. It is surrounded by three impressive volcanoes, an immense mountain range, lush nature and several towns built on the foundations of ancient Maya cities.

History of Lake Atitlán

The history of Lago de Atitlán stretches back eleven million years before our era. The location of the lake was elevated terrain beneath which lay a chamber filled with a sea of lava. This immense cavern gradually emptied with each volcanic eruption. Some 84,000 years ago, it suddenly collapsed following one final surge of magma, forming a vast excavation of 130 km². Over time, rain and waters from surrounding rivers flowed into the gigantic basin, forming an enormous lake.

The Maya were struck by the impressive appearance of its landscape. They believed it was a portal leading to the world below. For them, the sky and earth met in the middle of the lake through a long invisible rope, the "ri muxux ulueu caj". They thus built a place of worship on an island at the heart of the lake and named it Pa'Jaibal'. Pilgrims from throughout the empire came to Lago de Atitlán to pay homage to the gods, from Takalik Abaj to Tikal and across Mexico. The entire population gathered on the shores of the lake, singing, playing flute and drum, admiring from afar the fire lit by priests on the sacred island. Some tribes built a city along the banks, from the present-day town of San Lucas to San Pedro.

Nearly 1,000 years before our era, other tribes settled there, the Tz'utujil and the Kaqchikel. The latter built a new village on a wide plain, the present-day town of San Pedro. Suddenly, the Atitlán volcano erupted, and the lake level rose by 20 meters. Pa'Jaibal' was then engulfed beneath the waters. Despite this catastrophe, the lake remained a sacred site for the Maya, until the arrival of the Spanish.

At that time, the Kaqchikel sought to ally themselves with the conquistadors to decimate the Tz'utujil. But they themselves were colonized and oppressed when they refused to pay the tribute demanded by the Spanish. Their descendants remain there to this day. Moreover, one of their heirs, a certain Roberto Samayoa, discovered the ruins of Pa'Jaibal'. The ancient place of worship was then renamed Samabaj, the Atlantis of Guatemala.

Lake Atitlán Today

The road leading to Lago de Atitlán is a long paved way zigzagging through Guatemala's verdant mountains. Along the way, one learns that the great lake is surrounded by three immense volcanoes:

• San Pedro,
• San Lucas Tolimán,
• Atitlán.

The latter remains active. Several towns have been built on the shores of the great sacred expanse:

• Panajachel,
• Santa Cruz la Laguna,
• Jaibalito,
• Tzunuma,
• San Marcos La Laguna,
• San Pablo La Laguna,
• San Juan La Laguna,
• San Pedro,
• Santiago Atitlán,
• Cerró de Oro,
• San Lucas Tolimán,
• San Antonio Palopó,
• Santa Catarina Palopó.

As you approach the shores of Lago de Atitlán, you feel a wind blowing from the lake. The clear water reveals magnificent pebbles formed by surrounding rivers. The great expanse is so vast, wonderful, blue-grey. In the distance, the mysterious volcanoes of San Pedro and Atitlán come into view. You then understand why the Maya considered this place a sacred site.

Crossing the lago is done aboard a small blue and white boat, a lancha. It can easily accommodate around twenty people. The journey is smooth and gentle. You easily forget the motor's noise in the face of the lake's beautiful landscape, the high mountains and impressive volcanoes. When a strong wind rises, the famous Xocomil, you feel the waves suddenly created. As you advance, the shores of the sacred lago gradually appear on the horizon, verdant and magnificent. Then, the formidable San Pedro volcano looms tall and strong before travelers, signaling their arrival in the town of the same name.

There is so much to do at Lago de Atitlán. You can contemplate the horizon from the heights of El Rostro Maya, zip-line through Parque Ecologico Chui Rax Amolo, visit the natural reserve of Cerro Tzankujil at San Marcos La Laguna, enjoy diving at Santa Cruz la Laguna, admire the warm Iglesia Santiago Apostol at Santiago Atitlán, stroll along the shores of Jaibalito, or meditate in the grand church of Santa Catarina Palopó.

Climate

The temperature is rather mild around Lago de Atitlán. Showers are frequent between May and October. The dry season begins in December and ends in January. During this period, a strong breeze blows across the lake in the middle of the day, sometimes preventing all navigation.

To reach Lake Atitlán, you will need to take a regional bus from Guatemala City or Antigua. From the latter, you will arrive in Panajachel after three hours on the road, having covered nearly 50 kilometers.

To reach other towns from Panajachel, simply take a boat.

From San Pedro, you can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the nearest town.

For 20 to 50 Quetzals, lanchas can transport you from one town to another across Lago de Atitlán.

It is best to avoid navigating the lake late in the morning or early in the afternoon. During these few hours, the Xocomil stirs up large waves, making navigation quite difficult.

In San Pedro, you can take a tuk-tuk to head toward the nearest town or visit an attraction. Their rates average around 10 to 20 Quetzals per person.