Top of the World
Lake Atitlan in the Sierra Madres offers a combination of Indigenous culture, waterside serenity, and yoga bliss. Located in the department of Sololá, Lake Atitlán is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Guatemala, and was nominated as one of the seven wonders of the world. It is considered to be the most beautiful lake in the world, and it is also conceived as one of the most unique places. The lake has an area of 130 km2, and the color of its waters varies from deep blue to green. The lake, formed approximately 84,000 years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption, is 1,500 meters above sea level, with a length of 18 kilometers, and a depth of up to 341 meters, making it the deepest lake in Central America.
The hills and volcanoes around the lake offer dense forests, where hiking can be practiced without problems, allowing for the observation of a wide variety of birds, from the timid little woodpeckers, to the Quetzal, the National bird.
The volcanoes Atitlán, Tolimán, and San Pedro (“The Three Giants“), on the shores of the lake, form an impressive landscape. Cross the gorgeous crater lake by boat to explore the various pueblos, shop local markets for Mayan crafts, and sleep in treehouse-like accommodations.
