Lake Atitlan Destination Guide

Overview of Lake Atitlan Santiago Atitlan is a quiet but strong community surrounded by forested slopes and three distinctive volcanoes at what many people have dubbed the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Atitlan. Not only is Lake Atitlan scenically spectacular, the lake and hillside settlements are also rich in Mayan culture. Some of the villages in the area are the only ones in the country where people still wear traditional clothing in day to day life, with each village sporting its own distinctive style and colour of densely embroidered dress. The people are famous for their artisan crafts and the design and colour of the textiles, distinguishing one village from the other. The hues blend into an artisanal mosaic on market days, when villagers from around the lake gather to sell their products. The Friday market at Sololá is one of the best in the highlands. Around the lake are the main tourism centres of Panajachel and San Pedro La Laguna, with lots of accommodation, small restaurants, and craft shops. Santiago Atitlan is one of the most important cultural villages along the shore, with a strong attachment to ancient Mayan culture and religion. There are good hikes around the lake as well as various water sports and excellent spots for swimming or relaxing at the water's edge.

Key Facts

Language: The official language is Spanish, but English is understood in hotels and tourist destinations. In addition, there are many indigenous languages spoken in Guatemala as well. Passport/Visa: It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that the period of stay for visa-exempt nationals is 90 days; however, 90-day extensions can be organised through the Immigration Office. For nationals requiring a visa, the consulate issuing the visa will advise visitors about the amount of deposit to be paid at the port of entry in Guatemala, which will be refunded when the visitor leaves Guatemala. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is divided into 100 centavos. Cash exchange is easy, but visitors are not advised to exchange money at the informal booths on the street. There are ATMs in the towns and cities, which accept American Express and Visa, while MasterCard and Diners Club are not widely accepted. Electricity: Electrical current is 120 volts, 60Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the flat two-pin (Type A).

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Lake Atitlan Health Notes when travelling to Guatemala There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Guatemala and travellers are advised to take the latest medical advice at least three weeks prior to departure. Malaria is prevalent in the low-lying areas outside Guatemala City. Dengue fever is endemic and the Zika virus can be contracted, so strict insect-bite protection measures must be taken. A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers entering the country from infected areas. Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, as well as an MMR (Measles, mumps and rubella) update. Visitors should be careful what they eat and stick to bottled water, or boil all water before drinking if bottled water is unavailable. Guatemalan hospitals are unlikely to give medical treatment unless the patient has travel insurance or can pay up front. Good travel insurance is therefore essential. State-funded hospitals are best avoided and travellers should only use private clinics where possible. All medication should be accompanied with a signed and dated letter from a doctor explaining what the medication is and why it is needed. Safety Notes when travelling to Guatemala The rate of violent crime in Guatemala is exceptionally high. There has also been a relatively high rate of violent attacks on tourists, especially in remote places and in the capital, Guatemala City, particularly after dark. Visitors need to be particularly vigilant in the central Zone 1 of Guatemala City where most of the cheap hotels and bus terminals are, and in all parts of the city at night. Tourists arriving at Guatemala City airport and travelling to hotels in the business districts have been targeted, so visitors should be extremely alert when leaving the airport. Protest may arise without warning and should be avoided if possible. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are common in tourist areas and market places. Many robberies take place on the cheaper buses when travelling on the tourist routes from Guatemala City to Antigua, and from Antigua to Panajachel. So keep all belongings close at hand. There have been reported incidents of attacks, including the sexual assault of female passengers on buses during the day on main routes. Hold-ups by armed gangs occur frequently on city and long distance public buses. Visitors are advised to avoid them if possible. Armed robberies on minor roads around Lake Atitlan have taken place and visitors are advised to use the boat services between towns on the lakeshore. There have also been armed attacks on tourists at Tikal and on the approach road from Flores to Tikal. Guatemala's rainy season between April and November usually brings about heavy rain and flooding, mudslides, and hurricanes. These mudslides have claimed the lives of many people in recent years and it is best to exercise extreme caution when travelling to areas known for heavy rains and mudslides. Guatemala has active volcanoes, so it is important to always be aware of any volcanic activity. Customs in Guatemala It is very common to greet most people, especially in the countryside. Clothing need not be too conservative. However, modesty is advised for female travellers in order to avoid unwanted attention. Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children, as locals are suspicious of foreigners approaching kids for pictures due to incidences of kidnapping, particularly in remote areas where tourists have been attacked. A small tip might be required. Military clothing is illegal, so avoid camouflage-patterned clothing. Public displays of affection between same sex couples should be avoided, particularly outside of Guatemala City. Duty Free in Guatemala Travellers to Guatemala over 18 do not have to pay duty on 500g of tobacco in any form and five liters of liquor or spirits.

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Doing Business in Guatemala Business etiquette in Guatemala is similar to the rest of Latin America. Due to the warm, humid climate, men often wear lightweight suits. Women usually wear a dress or a skirt with a blouse. Always be punctual for meetings, as Guatemalan business people are very punctual. Use professional titles such as such as doctor, professor, ingeniero (engineer) or abogado'(lawyer), otherwise address colleagues as señor (Mr), señora (Mrs), and señorita (Miss), followed by their last names. Speaking softly is considered polite. Business cards may be exchanged although there is no ritual around it. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch and business lunches or breakfasts are preferred over business dinners. Communication in Guatemala The international access code for Guatemala is +502. The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. +44 for the United Kingdom). City codes are not required. There are generally surcharges on calls made from hotels. Rates are generally less expensive after 7pm. Wifi connections are available in the cities and main tourist areas and many hotels, hostels and language schools will offer reasonable internet rates. Tipping in Guatemala Generally a 10 percent tip is recommended for good service in Guatemala. It is customary to tip waiters if a service charge hasn't been added to the bill and tipping extra for excellent service is also customary. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped. Hotel staff and tour guides expect to be tipped for their services and can be more favourable in their service when receiving generous tips. Passport/Visa Note It is strongly recommended that all foreign passengers to Guatemala hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Note that the period of stay for visa-exempt nationals is 90 days; however, 90-day extensions can be organised through the Immigration Office. For nationals requiring a visa, the consulate issuing the visa will advise visitors about the amount of deposit to be paid at the port of entry in Guatemala, which will be refunded when the visitor leaves Guatemala. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

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Attractions in Lake Atitlan At first glance, Lake Atitlan may seem like any resort destination, a picturesque, tranquil place to rest and relax. Yet, this is the heartland of traditional Mayan culture in Guatemala, ringed by several dormant volcanoes and verdant forest rich with wildlife, waiting to be explored. For the active, summiting Volcan San Pedro is a truly off-the-beaten-track challenge; without a local guide and a machete to cut through the brush, the trip can be dangerous, even for the most experienced trekkers, but therein lies the fun! There are also plenty of other excursions, such as motorcycling and paragliding through surrounding areas, as well as kayaking and cruising on the lake. Panajachel, a hippie haven in the 60s, offers good tourist amenities and a bohemian atmosphere that will be familiar to many travellers. The surrounding villages, however, are places to learn about local folklore, arts, and crafts handed down by many generations of Mayans. Come here and leisurely explore all of them as a welcome guest, which, in combination with the numerous adventure activities available, make Lake Atitlan a richly rewarding resort stop.

Volcan San Pedro The Volcan San Pedro is located behind San Pedro La Laguna and offers one of the most spectacular views in the world. The hike is strenuous and is around 6 hours round trip depending on fitness levels, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The starting sections include a rough trail, after which it is all jungle trekking. It is advisable to hire a local guide, as there is no signage and this is one of the wildest areas in the country, a truly adventurous hiking experience.

Panajachel The holiday resort town of Panajachel in the highlands has a large population of long-term hippie expats and a distinctly Western character. The relaxed ambience accompanies breathtaking views of three volcanoes that sit near the lake. There are many hotels, small restaurants, and lively nightspots, with a mosaic of sensory delights awaiting visitors. Visit the photo museum in the Casa Cakchiquel, a historic hotel that has housed legends such as Che Guevara and Ingrid Bergman. The Church of St Francis, built in the 16th century, has survived several earthquakes, and still provides sanctuary to the locals. Panajachel is a good base for exploring the more traditional villages surrounding the lake and offers good shopping and swimming around the town. Food lovers will enjoy sampling the diverse local cuisine in one of the numerous restaurants or cafés.

San Pedro La Laguna The holiday destination of San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed bohemian feel and it comes as no surprise that it is one of the most popular places for a summer holiday in Guatemala. The village revolves around the Catholic Church and the market place, with narrow cobbled streets leading up the hill, away from the ferry docks. Coffee plantations surround San Pedro La Laguna, and picturesque paths lead to the lake, where boulders and small stretches of beach provide peaceful sunbathing and swimming spots. There are also thermal pools in the village offering superb views of the nearby volcanoes. These hidden oases are a great way to relax after some rewarding hiking up the Volcán San Pedro behind the village.

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Currency The official currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ), which is divided into 100 centavos. Cash exchange is easy, but visitors are not advised to exchange money at the informal booths on the street. There are ATMs in the towns and cities, which accept American Express and Visa, while MasterCard and Diners Club are not widely accepted.

Exchange rate for 1 GTQ - Guatemalan Quetzal 0.13 BMD 0.11 EUR 0.13 USD 0.09 GBP 13.90 JPY 0.17 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.13 CHF 0.18 AUD 3.21 UAH 43.11 KZT 192.25 LBP 0.09 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 0.88 BOB 13.77 NPR 0.05 OMR 0.46 QAR 0.18 SGD 1.06 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 0.85 TTD 1.27 VEF 5.85 DOP 0.86 HRK 2.38 MXN 74.85 XOF Trinidad Tobago Dollar Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc 0.40 PGK 0.13 BSD 0.27 FJD 2.89 HNL 14.11 DZD 152.09 MMK Papua New Guinean kina Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat 1.43 BWP 0.43 PEN 88.54 CLP 61.04 AMD 3.09 CZK 2.55 MDL Botswana Pula Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei 15.87 ISK 375.18 UZS 0.49 ILS 0.09 JOD 0.04 KWD 4.00 UYU Icelandic Krona Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso 4.53 MUR 3.64 NIO 1.07 NOK 0.50 PLN 0.48 SAR 18.64 LKR Mauritian Rupee Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee 4.55 THB 0.47 AED 0.46 BRL 0.52 RON 0.99 HKD 75.02 XAF Thai Baht U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc 2,869.26 VND 1.78 ARS 0.34 XCD 1.25 MAD 0.05 BHD 0.13 PAB Vietnamese Dong Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 0.19 AZN 398.04 COP 8.72 KGS 35.72 HUF 1.00 TJS 1,746.87 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 1.13 EGP 152.06 KRW 723.79 PYG 0.53 MYR 68.78 CRC 0.19 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 13.37 PKR 8.53 RUB 1.99 ZAR 0.27 TND 0.26 BBD 0.22 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.38 TRY 5.95 PHP 4.16 TWD 25.09 NGN 13.68 XPF 0.50 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 15.95 JMD 0.23 ANG 0.18 BND 14.11 RSD 0.84 CNY 2,540.37 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 0.85 DKK 0.44 TMT 8.59 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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