Top Things to do in Lake Atitlan
Top 10 Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala including Lake Atitlan, Hotel Atitlan Gardens, Volcan San Pedro, Iximche, Indian Nose, Colonial Church, Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve, Finca Xetuc, Cojolya Museum and Store, Galeria Imox.
Restaurants in Lake Atitlan
1. Lake Atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Reviewed By EmanneercsAllowed - Palo Alto, CA
Until recently, this was probably a stunning lake. Surrounded by volcanoes and charming villages, it looks idyllic, and unlike any other lake I've ever visited.
Unfortunately, the lake is seriously polluted. So even if the surface looks calm, boating across it is a jarring experience, a continuous and not exactly gentle bump-bump-bump. The locals seem to be used to it but for me, a half hour of this was torture -- and I'm in good shape with no back problems.
Although there are roads connecting some of the lake towns, visitors are warned not to take them because of robbers. I don't know if this is a valid concern or not. I never felt unsafe among the hordes of tourists and we tuk-tuked from San Juan to San Pedro, no problem.
Finally, after Reading about "magnificent volcano views" I was prepared for unprecedented photo ops (I'm a photographer). Unfortunately, I learned too late that March and April are the hazy months. Still a good time to visit because it's dry and the temperatures are comfortable, but don't expect the spectacular vistas you'll see online. Sunsets, though, are pretty impressive even with the haze.
2. Hotel Atitlan Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Clopez4C - Mexico City, Mexico
Great place with amazing view and great services. People make you feel at home. Restaurant and bar are a great place to dine but we decided to try the restaurants in town. 5 minutes away. The only down side is the WiFi is extremely slow but who needs it to be able to walk on their Gardens?
3. Volcan San Pedro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By TA_Member36 - England
This is a very worthwhile trip while in Panajachel. You take a ferry across the lake, then it's a tough, steep, 4-hour climb through the rainforest to reach the summit (a wonderful viewpoint down to the lake and across to the wooded hills of the Guatemalan highlands.
However, as an early (6am) start is required, make sure (before handing over any money!) that your tour company will pick you up from your hotel in the morning. We used Adrenalina tours for our trip. Despite paying $54 each for our trip, they refused to pick us up at our hotel (the El Sol, 2km from the centre of Panajachel) because it was "too far" from their office in the centre. We had to organise our own tuk-tuk to take us to Adrenalina's office (at 5:45am in the dark!). When we got there, there was no-one to meet us, so we made our own way to the ferry terminal. Eventually Adrenalina's representative arrived at the ferry and we were on our way.
4. Iximche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
5. Indian Nose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By עוז א
Indian nose is a great view point of the Atalian lake. In a good day you can see a couple of volcanoes!
6. Colonial Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By vmimartins - Guimaraes, Portugal
The Guatemalan are very religious and this is notorious because of the number of churches, especially the Evangelicals, that exist in the country.
The most interesting of the older Catholic churches is the fact that they mix the native religions with the Catholic religious cult and the churches are a sample of this interesting mixture of cultures.
Churches like this one are a good example of the cultural mix.
7. Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By Yasser H
Best visited early in the morning before the crowds. Get ready for some amazing views, tons of song birds, wild flowers etc.
Don't forget to go for a swim in the lake, the water may feel a bit cold a first but then you get use to.
8. Finca Xetuc
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
Horseback Riding & Hiking; Bed & Breakfast
Reviewed By golfinggirl802 - Tampa, Florida
My husband & I had a superb visit to Finca Xetuc with Jim & Nancy! We booked the suite and the afternoon horseback ride & hoped Mother Nature would cooperate with the rain. Our trip started from Panajachel via boat to Santiago Atitlan at 10:45am....MoreWe're so pleased you enjoyed your stay at Finca Xetuc and look forward to your return. Thank you for your description and favorably reply for others to know.
9. Cojolya Museum and Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By lpalantone - New York City, New York
I highly recommend contacting the Cojolya Association in advance to book a two-hour tour. The tour offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the Association, including its history, partner artisans, and the design process. During the tour, we met several of the artisans. They explained to us the process of dyeing, using the foot loom, doing backstrap weaving, and more. They also provided really helpful context on how this differs from design and craftsmanship in other countries and gave me a great appreciation for the artisans and the work of the Association. At the end of the tour, they'll show you the museum and you can purchase items to take home.
10. Galeria Imox
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By heyjudithz - Knoxville, Tennessee
If you are going over to San Juan de Laguna, take plenty of cash, as most places don't take credit cards. The Imox does, however. It is full of indigenous, colorful creations that would brighten the dreariest of days.
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