Lake Atitlán
A fairytale setting
The fairytale-like Lake Atitlán is without doubt one of the most beautiful lakes in the world! The lake was formed by the flooded crater of an extinct volcano, which in turn is surrounded by three volcanoes, overgrown with subtropical cloud forest. The English writer Aldous Huxley described the lake very aptly: “Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of what is permissibly picturesque, but Atitlán is Como with the added embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.’ And we couldn’t agree more.
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Stay at Laguna Lodge
You’ll find this delightful spot on the shores of the lake. All seven suites and the villa overlook the lake and are tastefully decorated with traditional Guatemalan elements. The Laguna Lodge features an excellent spa, and the accommodation is surrounded by a nature reserve boasting unique flora and fauna.
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The market in Chichicastenango
This market, held on Thursdays and Sundays, is one of the largest traditional markets in Central America. Your guide will take you on a trip of this immense and extensive market. You’ll visit the fruit and vegetable ‘section’, as well as the parts of the market where beautiful Mayan fabrics are sold.
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The Maximón Cult
This local deity looks like a farmer in Western clothing, wearing a bowler hat and holding a cigar in his mouth. In most parts of Guatemala, this figure is reviled, but at Lake Atitlán he is worshipped. Join your guide on a search for Maximón and discover the rituals in which he is honoured with liqueur and tobacco products. This entire scene, complete with candles, is a truly unique sight to behold.
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Stay at Casa Palopo
This intimate five-star hotel is situated on the outskirts of the village of Santiago and overlooks the lake. The hotel is a member of Relais & Châteaux, so you’re in for a real culinary treat here.
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See the fairytale-like lake from the other side
The area around Atitlán is not only rich in culture, but also boasts stunning natural beauty. You can go for walks, cycle in the surrounding area and take a kayak out onto the lake to admire the beauty from the other side.
A visit to Lake Atitlán
The lake takes its name from the Mayan word ‘atitlan’, which means ‘the place where the rainbow gets its colours’. The lake has a circumference of around 20 kilometres and is surrounded by the volcanoes Atitlán, Toliman and San Pedro. There are 14 large and smaller Mayan villages situated around the lake. Almost all the village names are derived from the names of the apostles. A visit to one or more of these villages is well worth it. It offers a glimpse into contemporary Mayan culture; the Mayans are known for their friendliness and the high quality of their handcrafted products. Many residents of these villages still wear traditional dress.
Santiago Atitlán
Santiago Atitlán is one of the villages on Lake Atitlán. The textiles you can buy here are of high quality, but this is not the main reason why you should visit this village… Be sure to discover the unique religious phenomenon, Maximón, whilst you’re here. Maximón is a saint, in the form of a doll dressed in a hat, sunglasses and a cigar. Maximón lives for one year at a time in the home of a member of the Brotherhood of the Holy Cross, the most important indigenous community in Santiago Atitlán. During this year, visitors from all over the country are welcomed here. Believers, seeking favours and advice, visit Maximón and offer him gifts such as money, liqueur and cigars.
Chichicastenango
Highly recommended! Every Sunday and Thursday, Chichicastenango – about an hour’s drive from Lake Atitlán – hosts one of the most beautiful indigenous markets in Central America. The Chichicastenango market is also known as the ‘Chichi’ market. Typical of this town are the mud-brick houses finished with white stucco. Surrounded by stunning mountains, the town swaps its serene tranquillity for a somewhat chaotic atmosphere on Sundays and Thursdays. A vast array of scents, various indigenous dialects, lively sounds and, above all, a wealth of beautiful handicrafts take centre stage on these days. Perhaps you’ll take home some of the colourful Mayan fabrics with their beautiful floral patterns, ceremonial masks, leather goods and/or jewellery as a souvenir?
Did you know that a marathon is organised here every year? This marathon takes place in spectacular surroundings, on the shores of the lake and on the cliffs of Atitlán.
Fancy a trip of Guatemala?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Guatemala and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at the tours we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.