Lake Atitlán is located in the Sierra Madre Mountains and is surrounded by volcanoes and fern-covered valleys. Seven Mayan tows are present around the Atitlán. It is 340 meters deep (the deepest lake in Central America), 6 kilometers wide, 18 kilometers long, and at an altitude of 1560 meters.

Not only that, Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and its remarkable beauty will leave you with some lasting memories. Whether you plan to visit Lake Atitlán soon or are curious to find out why is Lake Atitlán famous, you have reached the right place. So, continue to read and find answers to your queries with us!

What Is San Juan Lake Atitlán Known For?

Lake Atitlán is a large inland lake that was created from the eruption of a super-volcano. The birth of Lake Atitlán is considered a supernatural phenomenon explained in Popol Vuh (a document explaining the world's creation for Mayan culture). Still, there are three volcanoes in the lake's surroundings. All these volcanoes are active, and one of them, "Fuego," is visible from Lake Atitlán and makes the lake so unique, attractive, and famous.

Besides the volcanoes, there are multiple communities and towns around the lake. The Mayan People inhabit the central area of this lake; at the bottom of Lake Atitlán is a famous temple known as Mayan Atlantis. And, like many other famous lakes, there is also a dragon-like beast within the lake. With all these attractions, Lake Atitlán attracts tourists and inspires artists such as Georges Remi.

Not only do the beauty and surroundings make Lake Atitlán so famous, but the real magic of the lake is its strong energy, which transforms the people. After visiting the butt, you will not remain the same. Another unique thing about Lake Atitlán is its temperature. Despite the cold in that area, the lake's temperature always stays warm, and you will experience a minimal variation in temperature from dawn to dusk.

How Do You Get To Lake Atitlán?

Lake Atitlán has become a unique tourist destination in Guatemala, and if you are planning a trip to the lake, you can easily get there. Several roads surround the lake, and a bumpy ride makes getting around on the water easier. Therefore, you can take the water taxis which travel from town to town. Both tourists and locals can use these water taxis. Plus, these water taxis are cheap and regular. Even if you are in Antigua or Guatemala City, getting to Lake Atitlán is still easier.

The route to the lake is popular, and you can also book the shuttle in advance. A special shuttle runs from Antigua to Lake Atitlán, charging you only $50. You will reach the lake in 2.5 hours. If you are in Guatemala City, this shuttle will be the best way to get to Lake Atitlán. The shuttle picks up five people for $125, which is the best deal if you travel with family. Besides that shuttle, the local chicken buses can also take you to Lake Atitlán.

Things To Do At San Juan Lake Atitlán

There are so many things that you can do at the Lake Atitlán. Let’s look over a few of them here:

• Hike San Pedro Volcano: The lake is surrounded by three dramatic volcanoes, so why not hike up to at least one of them? You can reach the San Pedro volcano within 3 to 5 hours and do it independently, as the trek is well-maintained. But remember to bring warm clothes with you as it gets freezing at the top. Also, start hiking as early as possible as the clouds pass over the volcano around 11 am, and visibility becomes poor.
• Visiting The ‘Secret’ Town Of Jaibalito: It is not a secret, but only a few people know about this town. The town is easily accessible via hiking or water. It is a sleepy town where you can enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, relax in nature, and chat with locals. It is one of the authentic towns so that this visit will be memorable.
• Go For Kayaking: It is another fun activity you can enjoy there. You can get the kayak for $2 and paddle over to a neighboring beach or village. Will it not be one of the fun ways to explore the beauty of Lake Atitlán? The lake gets choppy after the afternoon, so go as early as possible.
• Visiting Panajachel: It is one of the largest towns near Lake Atitlán. The best part is that the town is more accessible to reach. If you are a shopaholic, a trip to the town is a must as you can find several Mayan-style products cheaply. The town is more crowded and lively as compared to other towns.
• Paragliding Over Lake Atitlán: Adventurous souls can also think of paragliding if they don't want to go hiking. It is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Lake Atitlán.
• Visiting IglesÍa Catolica: It is a Catholic Church that looks beautiful against the bright colors of the town. It is a centuries-old church damaged over the years by earthquakes and fire. But, still, it is standing proudly. The church is one of the ideal places to visit in the afternoon, and you can rest there for a while!

Conclusion:

Lake Atitlán is a volcanic lake which is situated in southwest Guatemala. As you reach the lake, its turquoise-blue water captures your attention. The lush mountainsides populated with coffee and avocado trees add more beauty to this lake. But the three volcanoes are the major reason people go to Lake Atitlán. Besides that, the towns, magical energy, and consistent temperature make Lake Atitlán a unique place. Everyone who visits Lake Atitlán gets addicted to this place. If you also want to see paradise on Earth, visiting Lake Atitlán is a must!