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Atitlan Crater Lake
Lake Atitlan fills the remains of an enormous crater formed by four separate cycles of volcanic growth and collapse.
With sloping sides and a maximum depth of more than 1,000 feet deep, this crater lake measures eleven miles east to west and five north to south.
Three volcanoes loom to its south: Atitlan, Toliman, and San Pedro.
Atitlan, reaching 11,598 feet above sea level, is an active stratovolcano cloaked in cloud forest.
Maya villages & Local Markets
Beyond its clear blue depths and stunning volcanic vistas, Atitlan’s greatest appeal is cultural.
More than a dozen Maya villages line the lakeshore.
Those on the northern rim are largely Kaqchiquel, while the southern towns are predominantly Tz’utujil.
Solola
Each town exhibits its own colorful form of traje indigina (traditional clothing).
Weekly markets—offering flowers, vegetables, and hand-woven textiles—are held on different days in each village.
One of the more notable examples is held on Tuesdays and Fridays in Solola, a few miles north of the lake.
Santiago Atitlan
At Santiago Atitlan, visitors can enter the candlelit shrine of the Maya deity known by many names—Maximon, San Simon, and Rilaj Maam.
Each year, a different brotherhood or cofradia has the privilege of caring for Maximon’s effigy, accepting offerings of alcohol and tobacco as tribute.
Santiago is also known for the Tz’utujil style of folk art that developed here.
Atitlan is located about 65 miles northwest of Antigua—a drive of approximately 2.5 hours.
What to do in Lake Atitlan
What is the Weather Like?
Wet Season (May to October): Lake Atitlan’s temperature varies very little throughout the year, ranging from 50°F to 78°F, and rarely below 46°F or above 81°F. The wet season is overcast and lasts from May to October, September being the rainiest month. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Dry Season (November to April): Lake Atitlan’s temperature varies very little throughout the year, ranging from 50°F to 78°F, and rarely below 46°F or above 81°F. The dry season lasts from November to April and is mostly clear. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Lake Atitlan.
How to combine Lake Atitlan
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
