Guatemala Lake Atitlan: The department of Sololá is outstanding because it is there where GUATEMALA LAKE ATITLÁN is located. Sololá is found in the western part of the country and is one of the areas with the richest indigenous traditions. The present ethnical groups include Cackchiqueles, Quiches and Tzutuiles, who wear their traditional indigenous costumes with pride. These costumes are handmade and are one of the main attractions of Sololá. Officially Sololá was founded in 1541. Then the town was called 'Tecpán Atitlán', later its name was changed by the Catholic Church to 'Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Sololá'.

The capital city of Sololá, named the same way as the department, is approximately 130 kms away from Guatemala City.

Guatemala Lake Atitlán is located at an approximate distance of 144 kms. from Guatemala City. A fantastic view is created by the three volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlán, and San Pedro, which surround the lake.

The surface of the Lake has a size of about 130 square kms. Lake Atitlán is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world because of its purity and natural beauty. Some unique and exotic animals can be found in and around its waters, among them the famous Duck Plunger and other migratory ducks. A great part of the Lakes attractiveness stems from the picturesque towns that surround the lake, each with its own traditions and culture

Places to Visit

Guatemala Santiago Atitlan

It is found on the opposite side of the Lake, to the south of Panajachel, next to the volcanoes of Toliman and Atitlán. The town of Santiago Atitlán has preserved its traditional Zutuil culture.

A very important part of the culture of this town is "The Custom", a mixture of religious rites brought by the Spanish (Catholicism) and Mayan ceremonial spirituality. The Fraternity or Brotherhood of Santiago (the 'Cofradia') is the center around which "The Custom" revolves. The Cofradia is a religious congregation formed by Spanish friars to be introduced into the Mayan communities.

The Priests or Shamans are called Sajorines. They are those in charge to guide their people according to their ancestral religious beliefs. Santa Cruz's Cofradia is one of the most visited because of its tradition and religious folklore, and because of the presence of the indigenous Patron saint San Simon (Maximon). This saint is admired by foreigners and nationals for his miracles. The devotees offer him fruits, cigarettes, alcohol, flowers and money during their visits. The celebration in honor of the Patron saint Santiago is held on the 25th of July.

Panajachel

Originally known under the name of San Francisco Panajachel; this town is located at the shore of Lake Atitlán. Fields of coffee, vegetables and flowers surround the lake.

This is the most important tourist point in the area. Here one can find hotels and all other services for the tourist's comfort. Panajachel is the starting point for the visit of the nearby places of attraction.

One of the most beautiful sights is the valley of "San Buena Ventura", a 120 ha Natural Reserve. Panajachel's Patron saint is Saint Francis of Assisi, whose presence is celebrated from the 1st to the 7th of October.

Santa Catarina Palopo

A little village not very far from Panajachel, it distinguishes itself through the colorful design of its traditional costumes, which are knowingly elaborated by the indigenous women. In addition, this village is famous for its fishing industry.

San Antonio alopo, San Andres Semetebaj and San Lucas Toliman are other towns bordering the lake at a few kilometers distance from Panajachel, all with picturesque clothes and different types of trade among them.

Other towns that surround the Lake are: San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, San Pablo La Laguna, and San Jorge La Laguna, all of which are of Cakchiquel origin.