Local Attractions

One of the towns around the lake that is not so exploited by tourists, however, its tranquility has been an attraction for many visitors and it is a place where beautiful ceramic pieces are manufactured.

Located on the shores of Lake Atitlán, it is one of the most visited places in Sololá due to the picturesque streets, but the attraction is its tranquility, the views and the famous “Trampoline”.

Is the main one of the magical towns around the lake because of its color, the street of umbrellas, the art galleries, the associations of women weavers who show how they make their textiles from the extraction of cotton to how they dye them with natural dyes such as beets , tree barks, carrots, etc., they also have the picturesque Kaqasiiwaan viewpoint that is located to closely appreciate the MAYAN FACE, they also have coffee cooperatives, bee tours, cooking tours and the history of the town.
 

A small town around the lake but with a lot of magic and spectacular views. Here you can take kayak tours, coffee tours and horseback riding tours along the lake. The coffee in this sector is delicious and they have wonderful viewpoints

Defined as the town where you find quality crafts, recognized for its history, its painters and because the lady of the 25-cent coin was born here. It is also attractive because it is the site where the famous “Maximón” is located, who is a deity of the locals and receives offerings.

From here, the view of Panajachel, Guatemala and Lake Atitlan is beautiful. The cave still serves as a ceremonial site for those who practice indigenous religions in the Maya villages uphill from town. Smoky and filled with the fragrance of incense, the mysterious site can be reached via a short, local bus ride from town and a brief scenic hike.

While Calle Santander is lined with shops selling everything from beaded jewelry to fresh Guatemalan coffee, more authentic goods can be found in the Artisan Market. This is where you’ll discover vibrantly colored hammocks, local crafts and artwork as well as handmade peasant dresses, sombreros and purses all adorned in brilliantly hued Mayan dyes.  

Built in 1948, Casa Cakchiquel was one of the first hotels on the lake. According to legend, Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Ingrid Bergman and other intellectuals, artists and writers enjoyed the house in its heyday. Today, the building has been restored and features a fair trade store, rotating exhibits and a vintage photo and postcard gallery.

For a brief history of Lake Atitlan and its people, head to the Museo Lacustre de Atitlan. Here, you'll find a handful of informative displays tracing the history of the region back to pre-colonial times.

Hike the trail that loops through a small river canyon, crossing suspension bridges and passing a butterfly atrium and enclosures of spider monkeys and coatimundis. For the more adventurous, the complex contains a zipline tour, where you can glide through the forest canopy courtesy of a series of cables, a helmet and a very secure harness. There's also a private beach for a bit of post-adrenaline rush relaxation.

These five- to six-hour boat tours depart in the morning and make stops in San Pedro La Laguna, Santiago de Atitlan and San Antonio Palopó. As soon as the boat lands in each town, you'll be met by local touts and tour guides offering to show you around. For example, in Santiago de Atitlan, you’ll receive offers to take you to see Maximón. In Santa Catarina Palopó, you can be taken to see some beautiful weaving.

Get a bird's-eye view of the lake and volcanoes from a tandem rig. It departs from several different takeoff points on the volcanic hillsides surrounding Lake Atitlan. 

Experience the rush of high-altitude freshwater diving, which is slightly more challenging than open-water diving at sea level. Most dives take place in 30 to 35 feet of water. On a particularly clear day, you might even see underwater ruins and relics as well as volcanic steam vents. Certification courses are also offered. Remember that because of altitude and decompression, divers must stay in the area for at least 18 hours after diving.

The rugged back roads and mountain trails around Lake Atitlan are well-suited to two-wheel travel, whether by mountain bike or off-road motorcycle. Several tour operators and a couple of rental agencies offer guided tours.