What to do in Atitlán | Porta Hotels

Diving

The ideal place for scuba diving in Lake Atitlán is Santa Cruz La Laguna. Lake Atitlán is considered the deepest in Central America (with approximately 1,115 feet deep, but its total depth is ignored). It possesses spectacular underwater cliffs and rocky formations, as well as deep thermal waters due to the volcanic nature of the lake.

Fishing

Lake Atitlán possesses up to 7.5 miles wide, and is the ideal place for the fishing of the black bass (known localy as mojarra) weighing up to 4 kilograms. There are boats for rent in any place of the lake.

Hang-gliding and paragliding

Depending on the conditions of the climate, the Hang-gliding and paragliding are two of the most touching activities in Atitlán. You can fly from San Jorge or Santa Catarina, and admire the whole lake’s splendid landscape.

Kayaking, aquatic ski and sailing

You will be able to rent a kayak in any place near to the water to practice one of the most amusing sports in the lake. Consult in the hotel’s reception desk the best schedule to practice it. The aquatic ski is another exiting option; it is possible to find this service in Panajachel and Santa Cruz.

Cavalcades

Enjoy the pleasant journeys by horseriding in the beaches and the trails of Atitlán. One of the most picturesque routes is carried out in Santiago, just in front of Panajachel, on the other side of the lake.

Mountaineering and volcanism

The three volcanoes of Atitlán are an excellent opportunity for the mountain climbing. San Pedro volcano (3,02 m/9,900 ft) and Atitlán volcano (3,535 m/11,600 ft) offer a touching ascent and of medium to discharge difficulty. The Tolimán volcano (3,158 m/10,360 ft) it is currently closed due to ameliorations being made in its surroundings. Ask the reception desk of the hotel for more information.

Birdwatching

For the lovers of this activity, the lake and its local fauna possess characteristic and migratory bird varieties of Sololá. You will be able to observe at first sight or with a pair of binoculars more than 50 bird species in the surroundings of Panajachel, inside coffee plantations or up in the cloudy hills. Among them figure the Horned Guan (Oreophasis dervianus,) a local endangered species.

Bicycling

It is an excellent exercise option to know the surroundings of Panajachel. You will find bicycles for rent with good prices in Calle Santander and their whereabouts. If you have your own bike and you like cycling, the tour on the lake road that passes through all the small towns around it is one of the most beautiful trips that Guatemala can offer. Mountain biking can also be practiced in the paths and slopes of Palopó and the other towns.

Boat journeys

Visiting the neighboring towns by boat is something that you cannot miss. You will find transport with many kind of rates and at diverse hours of the day in all the public docks.

Religious devotion and mysticism

You can participate of the religious services and masses on Sundays in any church of the towns of the lake. One of those most converged cult places is Santiago, due to their devotion to the image of Maximón, a local saint to which is attributed mystic powers.

Crafts

Panajachel is surrounded by many artisanal clothing stores, woodcraft articles, and souvenirs of all type. San Pedro la Laguna pottery is very appreciated by its quality and beauty (you can reach the town by boat or by bus or car).