Trip to Lake Atitlán - West side
Trip to volcanic lake
Lake Atitlán is for sure one the most popular trips in Guatemala. Here you can stroll along the banks of the lake and visit the surrounding Indian villages, where you can see locals still wearing traditional costumes, ascend to the surrounding volcanoes or use water taxi operating between the villages at the lake. You will surely be captivated by the magic surrounding landscape with blue lake in the middle. The western part of the lake is better for those who come here from Mexico or Pacific Highway CA-2 (Carretera al Pacífico) or for those who want to avoid the busy town of Panajachel.
Day 1
Villages Santiago and San Pedro
If you come to lake Atitlán from south along the road No.11, your first stop will be either in San Lucas Tolimán or rather in interesting Santiago Atitlán (1 600 m asl) a little further. From Santiago is a beautiful view of the volcano San Pedro, so it is certainly worth to get to the roof of your hotel and enjoy the view of the surrounding volcanoes and lake. In addition, there is also an interesting market (especially on Friday and Sunday). From Santiago you can then get by boat into another pleasant town San Pedro. If you have more time, you can spread the trip into two days.
- TIP: An interesting possibility for passionate tourists is the long ascend into the pass El Chanan (2 550 m asl) between volcanoes Atitlán (3 535 m asl) and Tolimán (3 158 m asl), from where you can get to one or both of these tops. But count with two days.
Visit of Santiago Atitlan
Town in between volcanoes
Right by the largest cove on Lake Atitlan there is a busy town with great views of San Pedro volcano. It is also the entry point to the entire area for most tourists. Mornings are unforgettable here, because the whole lake and surrounding volcanoes are lighting gradually. Also local colorful markets are worth a visit. continue reading
Cruise Santiago - San Pedro
On the lake along volcano San Pedro
Ship transportation between Santiago and San Pedro is still more common than along the road at the southern foot of the volcano San Pedro. Moreover, it is also quite nice cruise with views of the mighty cone of San Pedro. Considering that the sail is just on the lake, there are sometimes quite large waves. continue reading
Visit of San Pedro la Laguna
Town below the volcano
San Pedro la Laguna is a small colorful town situated on the slope above the lake. There are now two ports operating the lines Panajechal and Santiago Atitlan. It is absolutely perfect as a basis to the volcano San Pedro and a walk along the lake. In addition, most local guest houses have a balcony with stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. What else could you wish. continue reading
Day 2
Walk around the lake
The second day is ideal for walking along the lake, making a nice picture about the local life and seeing amazing views of the volcanoes San Pedro, Atitlán and Tolimán. We here describe the walk between San Pedro and San Marcos, which is generally regarded as safe.
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Bike TIP: another interesting option is to ride a bike from Panajechel to San Pablo, about 80km, during which you can bypass the entire lake.
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Tourist TIP: walk from San Marcos through Tzunuma, Jaibalito to Santa Cruz. This walk leads through the most remote part of the coast of the lake (there is not yet a road). But the locals may warn you here that you can come across bandits, so you had better ask about the current situation.
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Road TIP: the road winding from San Pablo to Santa Clara (2 120 m asl) offers in a fine day stunning views of the lake. You will probably go this way in the bus on the way to historic Antigua. If you have time, you can ascend from Santa Clara less than hundred vertical meters to the outlook mountain with wonderful views.
Hike San Pedro - San Marcos
Walk along the western shore of lake
The easiest way how to get to know the life on Lake Atitlán is to walk along the shore and visit local villages. Along the way there are beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. It is ideal to go back by boat and thereby enjoy a cruise on the lake. continue reading
Day 3
Ascent to the volcano of San Pedro
It is definitely worth to ascend at least one volcano in the area of Atitlán. Most passable is San Pedro directly above the town. But also this ascent will test your stamina.
The ascent to volcano San Pedro
King's view of Lake Atitlan
The most accessible volcano near Lake Atitlan is San Pedro (3,020 m asl) monumentally towering above the town with the same name. The ascent to volcano through the wet jungle is pretty exhausting. Fortunately, it is spiced with a beautiful top view of the guatemalan volcanoes ridges and azure lake Atitlan deep down. You do not have to be very lucky to see a volcano smoking on the horizon. continue reading
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