We have compiled 21 things you can do to enjoy your trip to Lake Atitlán in 2021.
1. Hike Volcano Toliman
An amazing Volcano to climb.
It typically takes about 12 hours with breaks to climb. Which means that you need to have a good fitness level, but once you get to the top, you will realize it is worth it. Make sure you bring a guide with you who knows the area to guide you on your climb.
You will be climbing in an already high altitude, which makes the air thinner and makes it harder to climb, so be careful, take your time and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take plenty of food and snacks, bug spray and you need to start the hike early, around 1am.
2. Kayak Between Towns
What better way than to explore nearby towns than kayaking between them on the lakes. Various lakefront properties and hotels will let you rent kayaks for a half day or full day.
You can get double kayaks if you’d like to go with a friend or partner!
This is such a great experience to enjoy lake Atiltán accompanied with a friend or family member.
3. Learn Traditional Mayan Weaving
On the town of San Juan you can learn the art of traditional Mayan weaving. For around a 4 hour course it’s about $40.
This is a pretty cool new skill to learn. A unique experience you will hardly find in other place. You can weave your own souvenir if you’d like.
4. Climb Volcano Atitlan
It can be climbed from two sides: Santiago and San Lucas, and it’s more established from the San Lucas side.
If you’re slow it will take around 6 hours to summit, but half the time if you’re quick and super fit.
5. Volcano San Pedro
If you have a decent fitness level, you can hike San Pedro. you will get the chance to see stunning sunsets and sunrises (depending on your route) and of course the incomparable view of Atitlán lake and the villages around it.
It takes about 3 hours to hike up and down and you will be reaching a height of 3,020-meters.
Entrance average price is Q100 and includes an optional guide, which we recommend.
6. Swimming In The Lake
Some parts of the lake are cleaner than others. So if you want to swim the lake, we recommend you get on the cleaner areas like San Juan and Santa Cruz.
This is definitely one of the great things to do in Lake Atiltán if you really love water.
7. Paddleboarding In The Lake
There are many places that offer equipment so you can paddleboard the lake. You can rent it for either a couple of hours or a day.
8. Paraglide Over The Lake
This is one of the great things to do in Lake Atitlan. An experience that will leave you speechless as you fly and see the amazing view.
It’s about $80 per person.
9. BYOB Sunset Cruise
If partying is your thing then this should be on your list of things to do in Lake Atitlan.
Get yourself on a sunset boat cruise with a bring your own bottle moto.
10. Learn Spanish
There are lots of places to learn Spanish on all the different towns.
Who says learning another language is not fun? I bet this will help your Spanish and you will get to enjoy the place and its people.
There are options when it comes to take courses, some places have 4 week training which normally includes accommodation and food, and other places offer a week course for around $40.
11. Visit The Hot Springs
It’s located in Santa Catarina Palopo, a town just past Panajachel. The hot springs seem to be built into the lake and will give you the relax that you need.
12. Practice Yoga
There are many places to practice yoga. You can choose a yoga retreat, or even meditation classes.
If you already know yoga and would like to practice yourself, then you’ll find many peaceful spots and hotels around the town’s to do so too.
13. Simply Relax
Relax by the lake. To hear the sounds of water, birds, and just nature in general like watching the little ducks get in and out of the water.
The perfect place where you can distress yourself and have the perfect vacation.
14. Take A Mayan Cooking Class
Get to know the local culture by eating their food and learning how to make it!
Make sure to try the tortillas and which accompanies almost every meal.
You can take courses for around $30-50 dollars.
Once you get home you will be able to cook traditional Mayan cuisine for your friends and family!
15. Go Diving
There is one dive place located in all of Lake Atitlan and it’s on Santa Cruz.
One of the more unique things to do in Lake Atitlan!
16. Mural and Mosaic tour in San Lucas Tolimán
One of the things you can do when visiting San Lucas Tolimán. You’ll get the chance to admire the arts of many local people and the culture expressed by their mosaics.
17. Catch Sunsets
Have the chance to catch the amazing sunsets lake Atitlán offers. This should be one of the first things to write down on your to-do list.
18. Horseback Riding
You’ll see the locals on their horses
There are some places where you can rent a horse and enjoy the ride.
19. Get married
Getting married by the lake Atitlan shores is one of most memorable things a lot of people do.
You can rent spaces of hotels or private properties where you can host the event and the pictures will be one of a kind.
20. Climb the Golden hill
It’s one of the coolest places to visit in lake Atitlan. It has its own history and unforgettable views. Its located aroung San Lucas Tolimán and Santiago Atitlan. It was formed as a result of the eruptions of the volcanoes of the area. It’s considered one of the Mayan sacred places around lake Atitlan.
21. Visit coffee farms
This is a perfect place where you can get to know about the coffee process, from the seed to the taste of the cofee cup.
