British writer Aldous Huxley, author of "Brave New World", described this country as "the most beautiful place in the world"

Guatemala is a small country compared to its Latin American brothers, it is even the smallest in Central America, but it is large enough to have one of the greatest cultural and natural riches in the world. Its complex geography gives it a great variety of climates, from the driest, to the most temperate and humid, ideal for all visitors. It is difficult to choose a main attraction in Guatemala, although it can not be denied that Lake Atitlán is one of the greatest natural gems of all Latin America.

Leer en español: Guatemala: Visita el majestuoso Lago Atitlán

The lake is located in the southern part of the Central American country, in the department of Sololá. It is located at 1560 meters above sea level, surrounded by a large number of towns and three huge volcanoes: Atitlán, which gives its name to the lake, Tolimán and San Pedro, the three of which are more than 3 thousand meters high, It gives you a spectacular view and a unique climate. Many towns surround the lake, among which are:

• Panajachel
• San Pedro la Laguna
• San Marcos la Laguna
• Santa Cruz la Laguna
• Santa Catarina de Palopó
• San Antonio de Palopo
• Santiago Atitlán

Panajachel is the most important city, due to its size and connectivity. In it you can find hotels for all budgets, as well as a wide variety of gastronomy and art, is friendly with travelers because much of its population is foreign, which gives it a cosmopolitan atmosphere. To get to Panajachel you can fly to La Aurora International Airport, in Guatemala City, from there you can get there by bus for less than 10 dollars in different modes of transport.

From Panajachel you can take ferri to the other towns that surround the lake. This is important because each one has characteristics that can be adapted to each traveler, some are to travel backpacks on their shoulders and start journeys to the volcanoes or to know the cultural wealth of the Mayan peoples. Having all the way out to the lake, you can make trips in the different sections of the same from each town, also following the local customs. Among the most traditional towns are Santa Catarina de Palopó and San Antonio de Palopó. Contrary to Santa Cruz, the lagoon that has luxury hotel infrastructure, which makes the experience adapt to the needs of visitors.

There are tours guided by some villages, starting from Panajachel, for a price of 40 dollars approximately, that practically occupy a whole day, knowing the gastronomy, the markets and the views of the lake in several angles, which can be complemented with bicycle tours, on horseback or on foot in the surroundings or on the ascent to the volcanoes. The traveler can design his own route, using public transport on the lake, the boats, which have an average price of $ 3. There are also areas for swimming on public beaches.

Lake Atitlan is a magical place that by itself envelops the visitor, the infinity of views and activities for all tastes and pockets make it an ideal place to meet. A mythical space like many of the attractions of Guatemala that are also worth knowing, such as the capital of the country or the ancient Mayan ruins famous worldwide.

Latin American Post | Luis Ángel Hernández
Translated from "Guatemala: Visita el majestuoso Lago Atitlán"