8 Amazing Experiences Visiting Guatemala's Gorgeous Lake Atitlan
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Loading... - Conor Murphy
- 19 Jul 2022
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Touted as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan lives up to its fame. An indigo lake hidden by the Toliman, San Pedro, and Atitlan volcanos covered in emerald forests attracts people from all parts of the globe. Tranquility mixed with delicious comfort food, merriment, and Mayan artisan crafts are uncovered in this special patch of Guatemala.
Landing in Guatemala City and hiring a tour company to chauffeur my friends and me to the lake turned out to be the best path to take. The distance is not the issue, but finding the right roads in a country that does not consider signage important would have been a time thief.
A bonus to this 10-day journey was experiencing the lovely countryside with a guide who knew our personal interests and where to find the perfect places to stop. We saw the best of Guatemala as we aimed for our final destination — gorgeous Lake Atitlan.
1. Antigua
A short detour off the Pan-American Highway just a few hours from Guatemala City is Antigua, a bustling town that has survived for centuries at the foot of the active Volcan de Fuego. Abandoned after a devastating earthquake and rebuilt in the late 1700s after Spanish colonization, this UNESCO site has retained the distinctive Spanish Baroque style.
As a historic preservation buff, I could have spent hours roaming the beautifully restored village square and churches, but one of us discovered the jade factory. A gemstone used for centuries by the Mayans who believe jade has a spiritual significance connecting the Maya people to the natural world, Guatemalan jade is a pictogram of Guatemala’s natural beauty.
The Jades Imperio Maya jewelry store located around the corner from the central plaza is also a museum of ancient jade artifacts blended with modern jade carvings. In the back, visitors watch skilled artisans carefully carve gems of several green shades into stunning jewelry.
Pro Tip: Factory tours are free; however, space is limited. Arrive early and be patient as only a few people at a time can comfortably watch the artists.
2. Los Tarrales Natural Reserve Patutul
Following the southern route keeping the Volcan Atitlan between us and Lake Atitlan, our next stop was the Los Tarrales Natural Reserve. Operating as a coffee farm since the early 1800s, the area includes a large bamboo forest, waterfalls, and a diverse ecosystem that attracts over 300 species of birds. Read More...
