lake atitlan swimming

The only other downside is that you need to pay 20Q to enter the park (15Q for Guatemalans), although this is good for the entire day if you want to come and go. Having said that, changes in weather and water temperature occasionally lead to some unattractive floating algae so the subject remains in constant flux. 3. Hike Indian Nose At Sunrise 2. We have come across many studies, stories, and local tips as to why you shouldnt swim in Lake Atitlan. It takes roughly 45 minutes to walk to Playa la Finca from San Pedro but you can shorten this by taking a tuk-tuk to the end of the road, leaving you with just a pleasant 15-minute walk through forest and a few farms. Or you can buy a USB stick with data that plugs directly into your laptop. . The rainy season is probably our favourite time to visit but there really isnt a bad time to go. This trip is very popular with families. It is really sad for the local fisherman that thrive off of selling their fish from the lake. Meanwhile, here is a brief overview of the different towns and villages. Just be sure youre on the correct side of the lake before things take a turn for the rough. The base price to anywhere within a village is generally 5Q per person. So, obviously, it looks great. Lake Atitlan produces some pretty amazing coffee in the hills above the lake so it only seems fair that you should try it out. However, most people think that visiting Lake Atitlan Guatemala is only about seeing the lake. Check out our guide to the Best Yoga Retreats on Lake Atitlan for all the details. You can also walk there from San Juan in about 15 minutes or access it by private boat. Lake Atitlan is Guatemalas third-largest freshwater lake. It is best to hand over the exact amount to to the boat driver or helper when you arrive at your destination. This isnt as common but it is our usual form of transportation when going from San Pablo up to Santa Clara on the edge of the caldera to go hiking. Required fields are marked *. These algae blooms are caused by many different things and can occur naturally, although in most cases they are triggered by a combination of natural materials, fertilizers and sewage. There is also an issue with people dumping trash into the lake and there are no regulations on this. 1. We think hiking is the best thing to do on Lake Atitlan (of course, we tend to think hiking is the best thing to do in most places). The most recent occurrences in Lake Atitlan were in 2009 and 2015. The cheapest transportation option in Guatemala is the chicken bus old American school buses that are festively painted and filled to the brim. Dry season runs from mid-November to the end of April and is the most popular time of year to go to Lake Atitlan. In San Juan a couple of the better hotel options are Cabins Xocomil and Eco-Hotel Mayachik, just up the hill from the main dock. However, this trail is mostly exposed, which means you will bake in the sun the entire time unless you are smart/silly enough to start up around 4 am to catch the sunrise. I had a lot of clear clean water near the Laguna Lodge. When the algae appears, it changes the colour of the lake and causes an unpleasant smell, both of which are pretty obvious indicators to stop swimming. Lake Atitlan sits at an altitude of about 1,400 m. This means you may notice shortness of breath until you have been there long enough to acclimatize. So, in other words, no need to be concerned about one of them suddenly blowing its top. The hike to nearby Acatanengo volcano provides once in a lifetime close-up views of the very active Volcan Fuego and there are many small villages to explore. Tell the bus attendant where you want to go and they will tell you where to get off and point you to the next bus if you need to change buses. Just without the actual beach. The Indian Nose mountain summit (also known as Rostro Maya or El Nariz del Indio) is a popular sunrise hike activity to do while in Lake Atitln! The best place to jump into the lake is at Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve in San Marcos which has platforms for suntanning and watching people jumping off the cliffs or rocks. Which isnt definitive, of course, but it lets you know where we stand on the issue. Relax in a beautiful place Are you planning a journey to Guatemala and not sure where to go? Santa Cruz might just have the best views youll find anywhere on the lake (which is definitely saying something). San Pedro is the best place to find a little light-hearted competition in the form of poker tournaments, trivia contests, bars with rotating specials or seeing who can craft the most convincing lies to impress that group of encouragingly drunk German girls. We have had many people visit over the years and manage to usually fit in the highlights during a very busy week trip. Most people pass through on the popular hike from Santa Cruz to San Marcos and those looking for peace and quiet often stay longer. Pebbly trails wind through the undergrowth, leading to stunning vistas and secluded swimming spots. She offers classes at Blind Lemon, online or you can arrange for her to come to you instead. Skip to primary navigation; . Be aware, its not quick, a scarf will take 8 hours. Whimsical, and just the right amount of racially insensitive (which is why many prefer Rostro Maya, but youll still hear the other regularly). It has been hosting tourists longer than any other village on the lake, has a long shopping street, a pretty lakeshore and even some adrenaline options like ziplines and paragliding. However, one thing Lake Atitlan has going for it is that it is very deep, like, over 300 metres deep, so it holds a LOT of water. Jaibalito: A Guide to Lake Atitlans Quietest Village. None bigger, of course, than the Easter celebrations that draw huge crowds to the lake each year. If youre a pet owner who loves to travel, you know how challenging it can be to find someone you trust to take care of, Are you a passionate traveler who is always on the lookout for the best deals on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements? Just make sure to check the area before jumping off the rocks. Heres the link to tour types, times, and prices:https://indefinitetravel.com/lakeatitlan. It is certainly nothing fancy, with average, somewhat rough, brown sand. San Lucas Toliman is probably the least known town on the lake but it has the oldest church, the only tile mosaics and almost no other tourists. During this 6-hour tour you will explore the traditional village of Concepcin, check out local farms, experience a sacred Mayan fire cleansing ritual and visit the famous Solol market. While the common use of Mayan languages means there are times you wont understand whats being said, it provides a big benefit for amateur Spanish speakers like myself in that most people speak very simple Spanish. It is a good idea to get the phone number of a tuk-tuk or two to call when you get back to the trailhead or you might find yourself having to walk back down into town as well. Kayakers, paddleboarders, swimmers, sunbathers, drinkers, music, etc. Lake Atitlan is a large inland lake located in Guatemala's southwest highlands. You can book a tour to do this hike at sunrise* for spectacular views, or you can hike it on your own during the day. Lake Atitlan in Guatemala has a special place in our hearts. Now, here are some of our most popular Lake Atitlan posts to help you plan your trip to the best destination in Guatemala. All the villages have tuk tuks. So, while willfully knowing very little about the details, I do still have eyes, and based on what Ive seen I have no interest in swimming off any of the waterfront decks in San Pedro or Pana, would need to take a good, close look at things but eventually go in near San Marcos, Jaibalito or Santa Cruz, and feel fairly comfortable swimming off our Pasaj-Cap dock nearly every day. Tigo and Claro have the best coverage on the lake and a typical SIM package costs 150Q ($20) for limited calling and texting and 10GB of data, recharged for 99Q per month after that. The beauty, the slower pace of life, the practically interminable service in restaurants they all tie in with what most visitors love most about the place. Best Lake Atitlan Hotels with a Swimming Pool on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 35 hotels with a swimming pool in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. It is really too much of a good thing.. Santiago is the largest town on Lake Atitlan and may be the most intriguing, as well, if for no other reason than the opportunity to visit Maximon. snacks, and floaties to enjoy a swim in the lake outside of town. Proximity bias? For more details you should check out our complete Guide to Hiking on Lake Atitln where youll find descriptions, maps and GPX files (handy because trails in Guatemals generally do not have waymarkings or signposts). Or, if you are interested the less touristy side of the Lake Atitln highlands but arent so sure about the bus part, you can opt for the village and culture tour out of Panajachel. Free Cerveza (supposedly guests get one free welcome beer) is a very popular budget backpacker hostel and when everyone congregates on the docks and loungers out front it can get pretty festive. Plus, its an actual beach! The way the purple, pinks, and orange colors fill the sky will make you say, SHEESH! Not a bad idea, either, although I personally like to be able to dive down if necessary without anything holding me to the surface. January 31, 2023 by Dean Johnston Tags: Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan, also known as Lago de Atitlan, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. 2 December 2022 by Claudia Tavani Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala and you definitely need to include it in your Guatemala itinerary. Most of the trail runs across the face of the hill high above the water with great views across to the volcanoes. Nebaj is an amazing rural trekking area north of Chichicastanengo. Normally the Lake Atitlan water quality is quite good but, historically, every 5-10 years Lake Atitlan has suffered an algae bloom, caused by cyanobacteria in the water. Youve got yourself a room with a view of the volcanoes and just finished vigorously devouring a hearty breakfast of eggs, tortillas and frijoles, then spent the requisite hour discussing just how ideal the weather is not to hot, not too cold, etc. It is definitely the next big thing on Lake Atitlan. Thats way too cold for most people to swim in. The Rules: Swimming in Lake Atitln So what are the rules for swimming in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala? Wherever you find them, though, here are a few starting points for your next Atitlan visit: We always recommend people should stay at Pasajcap Rentals near San Marcos. . You are more than welcome to swim anywhere but do be aware of bacterial issues that Lake Atitlan faces. These hotels with a pool in Lake Atitlan have great views and are well-liked by travelers: Villa Sumaya - Traveler rating: 5/5. Known as Semana Santa (Holy Week), each village offers its own special take on the incredible sawdust carpet art and grandiose processions. 773 reviews #3 of 56 things to do in Lake Atitlan Bodies of Water Volcanos Write a review What people are saying " Words cannot describe the beauty " Mar 2022 Don't just do a quick day trip trying to cover as much as possible. You can hire a boat from any of the public docks or most accommodation will be able to arrange one. Never carry obvious valuables. When the algae appears, it changes the colour of the lake and causes an unpleasant smell, both of which are pretty obvious indicators to stop swimming. We do all our fruit and veggie shopping at these markets but even if you arent buying anything they are a fascinating look at local life. So this is the perfect spot for those craving some sandy lounging time. Check out Atitlan Women Weavers Cooperativa in San Pedro, Tienda Candelaria in San Antonio Palopo or Cojolya Weaving Centre and Museum in Santiago Atitlan. The hotel has kayaks and paddleboards available for guests, or you can rent one in Santa Cruz or San Marcos and make your own way there. Follow along with us and be inspired to chase after your dreams too! Slow-moving expats determined to speed up the aging process via a strict regimen of drinking alone in the morning tend to prefer the sports bars of San Pedro and Pana. The main form of transportation around Lake Atitlan are the public boats that go from village to village, known as lanchas. Market days are different for each village so make sure to ask around, and by no means should you count on late night shopping just because its Thursday. How many days do you need at Lake Atitlan? But health organizations urge you to be cautious due to the bacteria the fish in Lake Atitlan consume. Catch a Lake Atitlan Sunrise and Sunset. There are no "rules" for swimming in Lake Atitlan - except don't swim around the boat traffic, because you will piss the boat drivers off if they hit you. Go for a swim in Lake Atitlan 14. Mayan Trail from San Marcos to Santa Cruz (or vice versa). Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Latin America and its Semana Santa celebrations last for 6 weeks and are among the most elaborate and fascinating in the world. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. And while the lake itself is impressive, it's the traditional Mayan villages surrounding the lake that really got my attention. So read through your amazing options of things to do in Lake Atitlan and pick the one that suits you best or slowly work through them all! La Nariz del Indio (Indian Nose) or Rostro Maya. Where should you go for the best Lake Atitlan swimming, and what can you expect when you get there? Each of the villages have great cafes but favuorites are Crossroads in Pana, Circles in San Marcos and Caf La Cabana in San Juan (this one has the best views and a swing with wings). As of now, there are no additional funding efforts yet, but we will keep our eye out for you, because we want this breathtaking lake to stay around for years and years to come! Starting in Jaibalito, this 2-day tour includes meals and hotel (plus transportation from Panajachel or Antigua if needed) and involves mountain biking down from the crater rim, hiking between villages, kayaking on the lake and even cliff jumping. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The scenery with the beautiful lake and looming volcanoes, the long list of things to do, traditional culture and intriguing villages all make it a very unique place to visit. Lake Atitln is a beautiful water-filled caldera in the mountains of Guatemala. Your email address will not be published. In our personal opinion, we think swimming in Lake Atitlan is great. So, whether youre a long-distance specialist swimming all the way from Tzununa to San Marcos, a jumper looking for the next big leap or just someone who likes a refreshing dip with a view, you should be able to find the perfect place to swim in Lake Atitlan. Just the occasional fish and, apparently, some crabs, although you literally never see them. Casa del Mundo is a nice mid-range hotel about a 15-minute walk out of Jaibalito. Local women tend to still wear their traditional intricately patterned skirts, blouses and belts with patterns and colours specific to the village they come from. San Juan is all about the art. Lago de Atitln, (English: Lake Atitln ), is a beautiful volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. It also has some outstanding viewpoints and one of the best swimming areas on the lake. Although a week would be even better to give you the chance to stay in more than one village and try a few of the many activities on offer. Santiago Atitlan: A Guide to an Authentic Mayan Town. After extensive research I have decided that KeepGo eSIMs have the best coverage and prices for most of our trips. So while its not the biggest it is definitely the most well-known lake in Guatemala. Surrounded by volcanoes and situated around 5,128 feet above sea level, the Lake Atitlan has warm but mild weather year-round, perfecting for swimming! Pepian is a traditional Guatemalan stew made of peanuts, and one of the most popular to eat and cook while on the lake. They also rent kayaks and paddleboards if youre looking to mix it up. So what are the rules for swimming in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala? Just about everyone flies into Guatemala City, with decent connections from lots of places around the world, particularly Mexico, the USA, El Salvador and Bogota. Having read this, we consciously chose to go kayaking around the smaller, remote . The men, unsurprisingly, seem less concerned, most wearing jeans and t-shirts (sometimes button-up shirts). The drivers are often not able to see swimmers so it is up to you to stay out of their way. A ridge that, with a little imagination, looks a bit like the rather prominent proboscis of a stereotypical indigenous man. We always stay at Pasajcap Rentals when were in Guatemala, partially because it has such easy access to a terrific swimming area. Lake Atitlan Swimming: The 6 Best Places to Go for a Dip. A faster direct one that cuts across the middle of the lake and the one that goes along the edge past the villages of Santa Cruz, Jaibalito, Tzununa, San Marcos and San Juan before stopping in San Pedro. Its a beautiful park year around and if youre in Colorado (near Colorado. And try to break your large Guatemalan bills whenever you can since a lot of places have limited change. Most of the time mornings are calm, with the wind and waves only kicking up around noon, which makes it a great lake for kayaking. Protecting the lake from these threats is Anna D'Apolitio, who, since 2020, has served as Lake Atitln Waterkeeper. Government and locals must act fast in an effort to save this beautiful lake, to save the tourism industry here and the stunning habitat that is Lake Atitlan. Though the longer I was there the more stories I heard regarding cleanliness, pollution, and sewage resulting in sick travelers. But he still said it, just ask around. Lake Atitlan is famous for its truly amazing natural scenery. Unfortunately, Lake Atitln faces many threats. Los Elementos in Santa Cruz also runs one of the best all-day adventure tours that includes kayaking, swimming, hiking, rock climbing, cliff jumping (optional, obviously), archery, trampolines and, if you behave, even some time to relax with a view. . As for San Marco, you dont want to swim near the main dock for obvious reasons. Or even a crappy book, because who are we kidding, youre going to napping before the hour is out. This lovely protected park area next to San Marcos is easily the most organized place to swim in Lake Atitlan. The smaller Lake Atitlan towns + San Marco are the safe spots to swim. That trip is 5Q per person. If you have all the camping and cold weather gear you need it is possible to do this overnight hike on your own, although most people choose to go with a guided tour that provides the food, tents, etc. We have been going there for over 10 years and havent had any issues but we always do the following: Never walk at night we always take tuk tuks if we are out after dark. Yes, when it comes to water cleanliness, maybe it is a bit close to San Marcos but the area out at the point sees a lot more waves and overall water movement which, theoretically, keeps it a bit cleaner than the section right near the public dock. Join our weekly updates where we share tips for the travel lover! In our research and talking to locals, there really is no clear answer for if you should swim in Lake Atitlan or not. When you choose where you say in Lake Atitlan check out their policies on trash. It will capture your heart with its unique vibe; the gorgeous views; the indigenous communities still living a traditional lifestyle; and the unique traditions of the many small villages (there are 11! Many of the lake's hotels and resorts boast swimming areas and docks, and some of the towns also have public swimming areas. Avoiding the busiest dock areas in front of the main village drainage is the first step. Although guides in Guatemala dont cost much and are usually helpful, you dont really need one, although there are a few spots along the way where entrepreneurial farmers now charge access fees to cross their land. Santa Catarina is possibly the most beautiful village on Lake Atitlan. Some people carry a throw away wallet when hiking with a small amount of money in it. San Pedro has the most schools to choose from and they are all quite economical. Even though this trip takes place out of Antigua, not the lake, almost everyone that visits Lake Atitlan ends up there either before or after. Having said that, we have done this hike at least a hundred times and never had any problems. If you like climbing Guatemalan volcanoes check out our guides to Climbing Volcan Acatenango and Volcan Atitlan. There is nothing quite like enjoying a morning swim in Lake Atitlan in crystal clear water with the three big Lake Atitlan volcanoes looming in the background. However, in between then and now the water went WAY up (from 5-10 metres! Took our breath away every single day. But it is important to take precautions. Then in the morning you can hike up to the summit of Acatenango for yet another angle of this extraordinary phenomenon. Quetzaltenango (known as Xela, pronounced shay-la) is Guatemalas unofficial second city and just a nice, pleasant place. The biggest danger for most tourists is robbery. And it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. There are no rivers leading out of the lake so it is presumed that there are fissures at the bottom of the lake that allow water out. Before heading to Guatemala, I read conflicting information about whether you should swim in Lake Atitlan. No matter what, though, make sure to take advantage of the delightful rope swing about 2/3 of the way up, especially if you have a soft spot for feeling like a 7-year old kid in a nostalgic 1950s drama. There are three volcanoes starting with Volcn Atitln, which is a few kilometres south of Volcn Tolimn so that when viewing them from the other side of the lake they often look like one volcano with two peaks. Discover a selection of 29 vacation rentals in Lake Atitlan, GT that are perfect for your trip. We generally find SkyScanner to be the fastest and most accurate place to find flights. One of the top experiences in Guatemala is the overnight Volcan Acatenango hike to watch the spectacular eruptions of Volcan Fuego. This is many visitors favorite thing to do while visiting Lake Atitlan and we have watched many people go from village to village to make sure they have seen all the options. In Santiago, good hotel choices are Los Olivos or Hotel Tiosh Abaj Atitlan (higher end) or Casa Josefa Hotel (lower). We book the majority of our hotels on Booking.com. Around the lake, there are multiple towns and communities where travelers can stay, visit and explore. On average the temperature of Lake Atitlan stays around 70F(21C), due to the thermal heating emitted from the nearby volcanoes. We have made it our mission to seek out the most spectacular hiking and epic long-distance treks the world has to offer. Tiny Jaibalito is the only village that is not accessible by road, only by boat or on foot. If they ask you to pay in advance you are probably being overcharged. Hike in groups we hike 3-5 times a week but always make sure we are in group. Hi Bob! If you are coming overland from Mexico you might want to read about our very long day from Huatulco, Mexico to Lake Atitlan or our journey from Lake Atitlan to San Cristobal de la Casas, Mexico. Paragliding for the Ultimate View of the Lake. Drinks and food are readily available in the restaurant and the atmosphere is exactly what a lot of Central American backpackers are looking for. Nepal, Antarctica) or more impressive sites (i.e. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some estimated boat prices for publico (public) lanchas (boats) are as follows, although they do tend to change without warning and if they can tell you are newly arrived you may have to haggle a bit to get these prices. As a World Nomads affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our link. We are rarely overcharged on these buses and they always eventually make change even if you only have big bills (quetzales only though). Here is our complete Guide to Hiking Acatanengo Volcano with what to pack, what to expect, how hard it is and other useful tips for this once in a lifetime experience. However, there are three specific hikes that stand above the rest in popularity. This place on the south bank of the lake is especially popular with those who want to climb one of the two volcanoes, Tolimn and Atitln. This one can easily be done without a guide (just be sure to take the small path to the left when you reach Lomas de Tzunun at the top of the hill above the village of Tzunun), although there is an unfortunate history of armed robberies along this trail. We have a friend who comes every year to do a homestay and learn more Spanish. It's generally considered safe to swim in Lake Atitlan. But no matter where youre staying, the pleasant little bay in the Pasajcap area between Pasajcap Rentals (i.e. Either way, this gorgeous crater lake surrounded by stunning volcanoes, rolling hills and photogenic Mayan villages is one of our favourite places in the world. Beside Casa del Mundo is a calm, sheltered bay that almost never sees any boat traffic, making this one of the safest Lake Atitlan swimming spots. The most common boats start in Pana and end in San Pedro and there are two options. Some of the villages that are less accessible by public transportation such as Santiago Atitlan, San Lucas Toliman, San Antonio Palopo and Santa Catarina Palopo are great to visit by private boat and are all surprisingly distinct from each other. Were Dean and Laynni, two Canadians who quit our jobs to travel in 2008 and have been exploring phenomenal destinations around the globe ever since. For the most part, we feel that swimming in Lake Atitlan is safe. You can find wifi in most hotels and restaurants but never really know what the speed or reliability will be like. But we did meet three people who got pretty serious bacterial rashes from swimming in Lake Atitlan, so that was enough to make us really question it before we dove in. When you are traveling through Guatemala and you arrive to Lake Atitlan, you might have the first question, ist possible to swim here? No crocodiles, alligators, dugongs or piranha. They have been unfailingly helpful every time we use one. There are 13 villages/towns around the lake, 11 of which have facilities for tourists, and we have also written individual guides to each of those with much more information.

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