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Writer's pictureJack Thompson

Lake Atitlan The History For Explorers


Having stopped of in Lake Atitlán, during our time in Guatemala we can say hand on heart that this place is truly beautiful. But not only is it beautiful, Lake Atitlán also has an interesting history and culture surrounding it and today we are going to have a look and how the lake has gone from Volcanic eruption to a backpackers must stop.


Location map of Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan Location (Google Earth)

Lets get into this blog, 'Lake Atitlan The History For Explorers', and don't forget you can find things to do and places to stay at the lake on our Guatemala backpacking guide page.


A view point over the lake at dawn
Lake Atitlan At Dawn
 

In The Beginning - Lake Atitlan The History For Explorers


Lake Atitlán was formed over 84,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption known as the Los Chocoyos eruption. This eruption left behind a caldera that eventually filled with water, creating the lake we see today. The lake's depth exceeds 300 metres (1,000 feet), making it the deepest lake in Central America! To put that into scale, you could stack the statue of liberty from its base to the tip of its flame, 3 times over! Thats a lot of water!


For centuries, the area around Lake Atitlán has been inhabited by the indigenous Maya people. The lake and its surrounding regions have been integral to the Maya civilisation, serving as a source of sustenance, spiritual significance, and cultural continuity. The Tz’utujil, Kaqchikel, and K’iche’ Maya communities have lived around the lake for generations, and their traditions, languages, and customs remain vibrant to this day.


The region's isolation, due to its rugged terrain and the difficulty of accessing it, means these communities have been able to preserve their cultural heritage relatively undisturbed for a long time. However, this isolation also meant that the area remained largely unknown to the outside world until the 20th century.


 

Colonial Era and Post-Independence


During the Spanish colonial period, the Lake Atitlán region was somewhat peripheral to the main centres of colonial power. The Spanish conquistadors established control over the area in the 16th century, but the lake’s remote location meant that it remained relatively untouched compared to other parts of Guatemala. The Spanish influence did lead to the construction of churches and the imposition of Catholicism, but the indigenous populations continued to maintain their own beliefs and practices, often blending them with the new religion.


After Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821, the Lake Atitlán region remained predominantly agricultural, with local communities engaging in subsistence farming, fishing, and weaving. The area was largely overlooked by the central government, which focused on developing more accessible and economically significant parts of the country.


 

Emergence of Tourism: The 20th Century


The first real wave of outside interest in Lake Atitlán began in the mid-20th century, driven by a growing global fascination with indigenous cultures and remote, unspoiled landscapes. The lake's stunning natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of its Mayan inhabitants started to attract anthropologists, archaeologists, and adventurers.


During the 1960s and 1970s, Lake Atitlán began to gain popularity among the countercultural movements, particularly among American and European travellers who were seeking alternatives to mainstream tourist destinations. These early visitors were often drawn by the area's mystique, its isolation, and the opportunity to experience a way of life that seemed far removed from the industrialised world.


San Pedro La Laguna, in particular, became a favourite among these early travellers, many of whom were part of the growing "hippie" movement. They were attracted by the town's laid-back atmosphere, the availability of cheap accommodation, and the opportunities for cultural exchange with the local population.


San Pedro local shops
Local Amenities
 

The Civil War Era


The rise of tourism in Lake Atitlán was severely disrupted by the Guatemalan Civil War, which raged from 1960 to 1996. The region, like much of rural Guatemala, was affected by the violence and instability that characterised the conflict. The indigenous communities around the lake were caught in the crossfire between government forces and leftist guerrillas, leading to significant suffering and displacement.


During the worst years of the conflict, tourism to Lake Atitlán nearly ground to a halt as the area was considered too dangerous for foreigners to visit. However, some intrepid travellers continued to visit, drawn by the lake’s beauty and the resilience of its people.


 

Post-War Recovery and the Boom of Backpacking Tourism


After the signing of the peace accords in 1996, Guatemala entered a period of relative stability, which allowed the tourism industry to begin recovering. Lake Atitlán, with its combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and affordability, quickly re-emerged as a prime destination for backpackers and budget travellers (people like you and me) .


The region's accessibility improved with the construction of better roads and the expansion of shuttle services from major cities like Antigua and Guatemala City. Check our blog posts on getting from Semuc to Lake Atitlán and getting from Lake Atitlán to Antigua for advice in this area. These developments made it easier for travellers to reach the lake, spurring a new wave of tourism.


The rise of the internet and travel blogs in the early 2000s further boosted Lake Atitlán's profile. Backpackers and budget travellers were drawn by stories of the lake's stunning scenery, the opportunity to learn about Mayan culture, and the thriving backpacker community in towns like San Pedro La Laguna and San Marcos La Laguna.


A timber dock overlooking the lake
Panajachel Dock
 

Cultural Exchange and Economic Impact


As tourism grew, it brought both opportunities and challenges to the communities around Lake Atitlán. On the positive side, tourism became a significant source of income for many local families. Hostels, restaurants, tour companies, and artisan markets began to flourish, providing jobs and supporting local economies. Many indigenous women were able to earn an income by selling their traditional textiles and crafts to visitors, helping to preserve these important cultural traditions.


The influx of foreign visitors also led to a vibrant cultural exchange. Travellers from around the world were able to learn about Mayan culture, while local people gained exposure to different languages, customs, and ideas. Some hostels and guesthouses even started offering cultural workshops, such as traditional cooking classes, weaving demonstrations, and language lessons, further deepening the connection between locals and visitors.


However, the growth of tourism also brought challenges. The increased demand for land and resources led to rising property prices and, in some cases, tensions between locals and foreign investors. Environmental concerns also emerged as the growing number of visitors put pressure on the lake's delicate ecosystem. Issues such as water pollution and waste management became increasingly important as the area sought to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.


You may also have seen our Mini Vlog post (Vlog 016) on the construction practises that are being undertake. They are frankly, not great and far from environmentally friendly, check out the image below for an example. The top most property here is 7 stories above street level, leaving you asking the question of who is overseeing the construction here. This is what I have coined as 'spontaneous architecture' a phenomenon of unregulated construction created by individuals who have no experience, but a need. Its not what is necessarily seen as beautiful, but it is extremely interesting and creates its own character. Lets us know your thoughts on this below.


New construction that looks dangerous and unsafe
Tourism vs Speed

Its not all bad though there are some beautiful architecture pieces popping up take La Fortuna at Atitlan as an example. The owners here are using sustainable technologies such as solar and biodigesters to minimise their the properties impact on the environment around it. The infrastructure of the site has been built from locally sources materials and materials directly from the site such as bamboo. Naturally however, with this you will be paying a bit more for the experience.


A beautifully designed luxury stay at lake atitlan
La Fortuna at Atitlan

The beauty of backpacking however is the immersion into the way the locals live and that can be best accomplished by side stepping luxury every now and then in place of something cheaper and more personal. Although perhaps experiences of both worlds give us a bigger overall appreciation and wider awareness.


 

Lake Atitlán Today: A Diverse Tourist Destination


Today, Lake Atitlán is a well-established destination on the global backpacking circuit, attracting a diverse range of visitors. The region's hostels, guesthouses, and hotels cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, from basic dorms for budget-conscious backpackers to boutique accommodations for more affluent travellers.


The towns and villages around the lake each offer something unique:


  • San Pedro La Laguna is known for its lively nightlife, making it a favourite among younger travellers.

  • San Marcos La Laguna has developed a reputation as a centre for wellness, with yoga retreats, meditation centres, and holistic healing practices.

  • Santa Cruz La Laguna offers a more secluded experience, with some of the best views of the lake.

  • San Juan La Laguna is renowned for its emphasis on art and culture, with numerous cooperatives and galleries showcasing local artisans' work.


The lake also continues to attract those interested in outdoor activities, with hiking, kayaking, and even paragliding being popular among adventure seekers. The challenging trek up Volcano San Pedro and the hikes around the lake’s rim offer some of the most spectacular views in Guatemala.


Despite its popularity, Lake Atitlán has managed to retain much of its charm and authenticity. The local Mayan communities continue to play a central role in the area’s cultural life, ensuring that visitors can still experience the deep traditions and rich heritage that have defined this region for centuries.


 

Is Lake Atitlan worth a visit?


So is Lake Atitlan worth a visit? In this backpackers opinion, absolutely yes. It has its challenges ahead especially if it keep attracting more and more tourism. However, what you will find is a generally youthful demographic of people looking to balance hiking, cultural experiences, water activities, and of course find a place to party.


So now you have your know before you go, in our next blog we will break down the lake town by town so you can make the most of your time. Make sure to subscribe so you do not miss the post.


Until then take care backpackers. Jack.



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