Lake Atitlán
Said to be the most beautiful lake in the world, Lago de Atitlán is found in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands in the department of Sololá. This gorgeous lake was formed almost 84,000 years ago as a result of a collapsed volcano, making it one of the most unique destinations in Central America. It boasts spectacular natural scenery, with steep hills, striking volcanoes, and the stunning deep blue waters of the lake.
The lake is the deepest in Central America, with a maximum depth of up to 340 meters. It has a surface elevation of 1,562 meters, an area of approximately 130 km², and is 12 kilometers in length. The monumental landscape surrounding the lake can be attributed to the three volcanoes that line the shore- Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro, also known as The Three Giants.
These looming hills and volcanoes provide lush forests that are perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, paragliding, and even bird-watching. Several municipalities surround the lake and you can visit them all. Santiago Atitlán, San Lucas Tolimán, San Antonio Palopo, Santa Catarina Palopo, Panajachel, and San Pedro La Laguna all offer different environments.
These towns and villages are rich with culture and things to do. You can hike, swim, kayak, or paddleboard. Some towns even offer scuba-diving. Shopping for handmade crafts is quite a popular activity as well. Locals make all kinds of handicrafts and art, like pottery, bracelets, fabrics and so much more.
