Above and beyond Mayan spiritual beliefs, there is something mystical about Lake Atitlan that makes visitors want to forget their itineraries and kick back in a hammock. The lake itself is about 50km in diameter, closely surrounded by volcanoes and escarpments that give the appearance of one small community. Archeologists have found evidence of Mayan communities in this area dating back to 1000 BC.

Today there remain several Mayan communities living along Lake Atitlan's shores, as well as a more recent influx of expats who have settled here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The relative isolation of the villages surrounding the lake has meant that many of these Mayan communities have maintained their cultural identities and traditions. It is easy to wander through these lakeside villages and get a feeling of these Mayan cultures. Lake Atitlan is one of those places whose beauty cannot be described by words or photos. You'll have to check it out for yourself to see what we mean.

The region around Lake Atitlan has a semi-tropical climate. Temperatures will get up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day (and higher in the dry season) and dip as low as 50 degrees at night. The dry season (November - March) is the best time to get out and enjoy the surroundings of the lake and the most inviting time to dive in (water temperatures average 72 degrees Fahrenheit). Semana Santa is one of the more culturally interesting times to visit, where two traditions are combined - the Catholic Easter procession and the procession of the local cofradia (religious brotherhood).