Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts

Here are some interesting facts about Lake Atitlan:

  1. Location: Lake Atitlan is located in the Guatemalan Highlands, in the department of Sololá.
  2. Size: Lake Atitlan covers an area of approximately 129 square kilometers.
  3. Depth: The lake has a maximum depth of about 340 meters.
  4. Formation: Lake Atitlan was formed as a result of volcanic activity and tectonic movements.
  5. Surrounding Villages: The lake is surrounded by several indigenous Maya communities, including San Pedro La Laguna, San Juan La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán.
  6. Cultural Significance: Lake Atitlan has great cultural and spiritual significance for the Maya people and is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
  7. Eco-tourism: Lake Atitlan is a popular destination for eco-tourists, who come to enjoy the lake’s scenic beauty and visit the nearby villages to learn about the local culture and traditions.
  8. Protection: Lake Atitlan is protected as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

 

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts, these 10 fun and interesting facts about Lake Atitlan, Guatemala barely skim the surface when it comes to what makes this area of the world unique, but these facts are a great insight into what makes Lake Atitlan, unlike any other place.

Known for its natural beauty, incredible lake, indigenous culture, richly embroidered traditional clothing, and spectacular climate the people of this area take great pride in who they are and where they live, that is one fact that stands above all the others.  Here are 10 more fun and interesting Lake Atitlan Facts.

Lake Atitlan  Facts

Lake Atitlan Facts

Lake Atitlan Facts

Lake Atitlan is located in the country of Guatemala, approximately 93 miles northwest of Guatemala City, in the department of Sololá which has a population of approximately 500,000 people.

Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in all of Central America with a maximum depth of about 340 meters or 1,120 feet.  It is an endorheic lake, meaning that it does not flow to the sea.

The lake is approximately 19 kilometers or 12 miles long and 12 kilometers or 7.5 miles at its widest point.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts

The lake basin was formed nearly 85,000 years ago as a result of volcanic activity.  The lake is surrounded by three dormant volcanoes, Volcano San Pedro, Volcano Toliman, and Volcano Atitlan.

Lake Atitlán is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and is one of Guatemala’s most important tourist attractions.

Lake Atitlan Facts

The lake is surrounded by 12 indigenous villages, inhabited by predominantly Kakchiquel and Tz’utujil.  Traditional clothing is worn in the villages around the lake.

Its location at 5,200 feet above sea level and proximity to the equator provides a year-round, spring-like climate.  It is often called the “Land of Eternal Spring” for its exceptional weather.

There are 22 distinctive linguistic groups, not dialects but completely different languages that are spoken around the lake.

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts

Lake Atitlan Guatemala Facts

Santiago is the largest village on the lake and the home of the pre-Colombian Mayan deity called Maximon.

 

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