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Lake Atitlan – A Natural & Cultural Sight to Behold

Lake Atitlan is surrounded by verdant hills, three towering volcanoes, and more than a dozen small villages—each with its own personality—it’s easy to see why Brave New World author Aldous Huxley considered Lake Atitlán, “too much of a good thing,” even going so far as to compare it to Italy’s Lake Como.

Lake Atitlan was formed more than 80,000 years ago by a violent volcanic eruption, Atitlán is located in Guatemala’s highland region. Tz’utujil and Kaqchiquel Mayans have plied its shores for centuries and continue to wear vibrant ropa típica (traditional clothing) and practice age-old Mayan customs today, particularly in towns such as Santiago Atitlán and Santa Catarina Palopó.

it’s easy to see why Brave New World author Aldous Huxley considered Lake Atitlán, “too much of a good thing,”

Panajachel is one of Lake Atitlán’s main hubs and offers a comprehensive selection of hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, and shops (many with a decent selection of imported goods). It also serves as a base for travelers looking to explore the lake’s other villages. Lanchas (small motorized boats) depart regularly for destinations like San Juan La Laguna, which is known for its hand-woven, naturally dyed textiles, and San Pedro La Laguna, where intrepid visitors can climb a 3,020-meter-tall volcano.

Typical cultural experiences Viaventure offers at Lake Atitlan include community tourism activities with some of the communities around the lake, visiting markets and cooperative weaving and painting cooperatives and a non-touristy visit to the Maya God – Maximon. A shaman can accompany you on request. As well as cultural activities Viaventure specialises in adventure / multi-sport activities. As one would expect one of the world’s most beautiful lake it offers the possibility of a myriad of outdoor pursuits. In addition to kayaking, biking, hiking, and high-altitude scuba diving, visitors can also tour coffee farms and zip-line through the trees at the Reserva Natural Atitlán.

For more information check out some of our Example Itineraries as well as our Blog / Newsletter and contact us on info@viaventure.com for bespoke itinerary designs.

For more information check out some of our Example Itineraries as well as our Blog / Newsletter and contact us on info@viaventure.com for bespoke itinerary designs.

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