Few places in the world can match the spectacular beauty of Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala’s most prized treasures. Located in the highlands at an altitude of 1,562 meters, the lake offers a great climate, with comfortably warm days and pleasantly cool evenings all year long. Occasionally a strong wind called "xocomil" (a Tzutujil name) causes fishermen to scurry to the shore.
Geologists believe the lake began to form after a volcanic caldera collapsed some 85,000 years ago. Three dormant volcanoes - San Pedro, Toliman & Atitlan - form the spectacular southern backdrop of the lake, mute reminders of its volcanic origin. The lake itself covers about 130 square kilometers and measures more than 17 kilometers across. Maya-Kakchiquel inhabitants occupy half of the villages around the lake, while the other half of the shore belongs to Maya-Tzutujil people.
Activities around Lake Atitlan include swimming, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, sailing, visits to museums, and a boat tour to the Mayan villages of San Pedro, Santiago, Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo. After a day of visiting these fascinating villages, most visitors are content to simply relax with a cup of cappuccino or glass of wine while watching the sun set over the world’s most beautiful lake.