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    Magical volcanic lake, beautiful scenery and tranquil highland life

    Formed over 80,000 years ago by a violent volcanic eruption, Lake Atitlan is one of the world’s most beautiful lakes and both an incredibly tranquil and cultural place to relax for a couple of days.

    Characterised by iridescent waters, imposing volcanoes whose fertile slopes support coffee and maize, this is also where the country’s Maya culture and customs are at their strongest. You can experience their resilient traditions and way of life in the colourful Maya villages around the lake such as Santa Catarina Palopo or San Antonio Palopo.

    From the very easy going to the highly active, there are numerous ways to enjoy your time on the lake; kayaking, taking a ‘lancha’ (small boat) between villages, hiking volcanoes, bicycling, bird watching and horse riding.

    We have also selected only the very best accommodation for your time here in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

    From our experts

    Experiences picked by our destination specialists

    Hike through Santa Cruz La Laguna

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    Hike through Santa Cruz La Laguna, a small Kakchiquel village surrounded by jagged mountains.

    Cook traditional Guatemalan dishes with a local chef

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    Work side-by-side with a local chef as you learn how to make some of Guatemala’s most traditional dishes.

    Visit Comalapa's market

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    Enjoy a guided tour through Comalapa’s market, passing by local residents dressed in traditional textiles, for a glimpse into daily life in this region.

    See backstrap weaving at a women's cooperative

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    Visit a women’s cooperative to see how traditional backstrap looms and all-natural dyes are used to make some of Guatemala’s finest textiles.

    A word from one of our experts

    Lake Atitlan is a magical destination. I recommend learning the secrets of dying yarn naturally from textile artists in the workshops of San Juan, before climbing into a kayak and drifting across the shimmering surface of Lake Atitlan, surveyed by the mighty form of the San Pedro volcano.

    Charles Kronsten headshot
    Charles Kronsten

    Senior Travel Designer

    Why book with Jacada?

    Personalised design illustration image

    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our Lake Atitlan example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    A Luxury Discovery of Guatemala

    8-Day Trip

    A Luxury Discovery of Guatemala

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    8-Day Trip

    A Luxury Discovery of Guatemala

    Devour delicious local street food, explore ancient Iximche ruins and enjoy strolling round markets while soaking up the country’s natural beauty
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    Adventure and Culture in Guatemala

    11-Day Trip

    Adventure and Culture in Guatemala

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    11-Day Trip

    Adventure and Culture in Guatemala

    Get an insight into Guatemalan culture on an exciting trip that takes in the country’s natural beauty and historic ruins
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    A Family Exploration of Guatemala

    9-Day Trip

    A Family Exploration of Guatemala

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    9-Day Trip

    A Family Exploration of Guatemala

    A wonderful family adventure with a healthy dose of culture and adventure
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    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Lake Atitlan tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Where to go

    Antigua thumbnail

    Antigua

    The setting in a central highland valley ringed by three volcanoes, the city was once one of the largest seats of the Spanish colonial empire and has a perfectly preserved blend of that era’s history and its captivating baroque architecture.

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    Guatemala City thumbnail

    Guatemala City

    The city is big and busy and while architectural gems are rather thin on the ground, it does have the country’s best museums and galleries.

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    Tikal thumbnail

    Tikal

    One of the greatest sites of the Mayan civilisation to survive today, Tikal’s historical statistics and scale are impressive but it’s really the once thriving city’s contrasting thick and magical jungle location that make it so utterly mesmerising.

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    Meet your Latin America team

    When to visit

    You can discover the natural beauty and historic ruins of Guatemala all year round, thanks to the Central American country’s generally pleasant climate. November to April is the best time to visit Guatemala as they are the dry months, but even during the wet season it doesn’t rain excessively.

    Festivals

    March, April, September, November

    Turtle Nesting

    June - December

    Visit Tikal

    November - August

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Guatemala?

    When Is the Best Time to Visit Guatemala?

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    Plan your trip to Lake Atitlan

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Lake Atitlan, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Start planning

    Don't take our word for it

    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

    Where would you like to travel?
    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline