Be overwhelmed by the stunning beauty of Guatemala's Lake Atitlan or Lago de Atitlán (in Spanish), the third biggest fresh water lake in Guatemala and the deepest in Central America. A large crystal clear body of water in an ancient volcanic caldera, a mile above sea level, and surrounded by three majestic and active volcanoes which make for a magnificent background and highlights the lake's winning beauty. A lake famously hailed by “Aldous Huxley” as “the most beautiful lake in the world. Indeed, it is recognized as the fifth most beautiful lake in the world and a great place to see.Lake Atitlán is volcanic in origin. It is the result of a land collapse filling an enormous cavity formed in an eruption 84,000 years ago known as Los Chocoyos. The continuing volcanic activity in the region built three massive volcanoes in the caldera flanking the lake.
The tallest of the three is Volcán Atitlán which lies on the southern rim of the crater, dominating the stunning lake with which it shares its name. Atitlán is a Mayan word that means “the place where the rainbow gets its colors”. While Volcán San Pedro and Volcán Tolimán lie within the crater, San Pedro is the oldest of the three and probably the most photographed of all Guatemala's volcáns because of its beautiful cone. Volcán Tolimán is the youngest among them, which began growing after San Pedro stopped erupting. Atitlán's summit takes about eight “long” hours to ascend, but definitely all rewarding to be able to reach the top, overlooking one of the world's finest attraction and Guatemala's Pacific Coast.
Lake Atitlán is also known as the “land of the eternal spring”. The climate is mild, cool at night and warm during the day with the springtime weather all year round, makes for an ideal climate. But for most of the locals who live there year round, the rainy season is their favorite time of the year.
Lake Atitlán is further characterized by towns and indigenous villages of the Maya people. And Panajachel or Pana, for short is the jewel of the highlands. Nestled beside Lake Atitlán, in a volcanic archipelago, Panajachel gives you one of the best views of the lake. Although, there is no single, must-see view of the lake, a bit of a sense of adventure can be useful Experience several other vantage points from the towns surrounding the lake or from up high on the highway.
Lucky are those fortunate enough who have seen one of nature's gifts and be able to greet the sunrise and the glassy water of the beautiful Lake Atitlán.
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