Lake Antigua Boat Tour From Guatemala City: Explore The Best Volcanic Views
In the heart of Central America, a lake held in the basin of a volcano offers an experience of tranquility like no other. And, like other beautiful contrasts, its surroundings are a portrait of vibrant, cacophonous joy.
This is the way of Lake Atitlan.
It’s a place not far from Guatemala City and the more popular Lake Antigua. It’s also the core of one of Caravan’s most enriching Latin American tours.
Lake Atitlan: Ancient History and Wild Natural Beauty
Over 85,000 years ago, the volcanic Chocoyos Eruption created an extraordinary crater. As water filled the crater, Lake Atitlan was born.
With a surface of 130 sq. km and a depth of 34 meters, Lake Atitlan is easily the grandest freshwater lake in Guatemala. It’s also a protected reserve, home to hundreds of threatened and endangered species.
What’s Lake Atitlan Like? A Symphony of Sound, Vision, and Taste
A Lake Atitlan adventure is an incredible journey for any traveler. It’s unique vistas and sensory allure can be hard to describe. Yet, over and again, visitors note certain sights, sounds, and experiences stand out.
Discover “The Land of Eternal Spring”
Lake Atitlan is known for its “stunning,” pristine waters. Travelers flock to the volcanic pool for the waters’ unique properties.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming are pleasurable pastimes in the aquamarine lagoon. For others, following the warm streams is the best way to enjoy the spot: spend a day immersed in one of the lake’s many hot springs.
Dive Into The Submerged Ruins of Sambaj
The submarine ruins of Sambaj were discovered by a scuba diver in 1998. Once the discovery was made, archaeologists began carefully digging out and exploring the once-prosperous, ancient pilgrimage site, long since flooded and submerged in Lake Atitlan’s depths.
This remnant of Mayan Civilization was likely spiritually and religiously important to that culture’s people. Today, when the climate makes it safe to do so, visitors can take guided scuba tours to explore the hidden treasures of Sambaj for themselves.
Surrounded By Cloud Forests and Sierra Madre Mountains
Cloud forest hiking, climbing, and exploring the Sierra Madre Mountains can set the scene of Lake Atitlan. The freshwater reservoir is nestled among the volcanoes and rainforests of the surrounding landscape. The view of the lake from a mountaintop canopy is breathtaking.
Experience The Vast San Pedro Volcano
The nearest volcano, pressed against Lake Atitlan’s edge, is San Pedro. Exploring the looming formation, either on foot or by bike, is a hair-raising experience. How few can say they’ve conquered a fire-breathing mountain?
Extraordinary Wonders: Caravan’s Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Guatemala Tours
Caravan offers an array of Guatemalan tours to choose from. Each grants travelers the opportunity to experience the unique, natural wonders of Lake Atitlan, as well as extraordinary cultural and ecological points in Antigua and the Guatemalan mainland.
The boat cruise segment of each Caravan’s tour starts, and ends, in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Culinary Delight
Caravan’s Guatemala Coffee Tour on Lake Atitlan
Did you know that 60% of the coffee in the world is grown in the Latin American region? Within this portion of the globe, the coffee cultivated in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is ranked among the best. On our Lake Atitlan Coffee Tour, guests experience samples crafted from rich, bespoke beans, served straight from the farm to your table.
A Latin American Cultural Gateway
Meet traditional Mayan artisans in Panajachel, Guatemala
The port village of Panajachel, Guatemala is a popular entryway to the calderas holding Lake Atitlan. It’s a place of exuberance, artistic innovation, and traditional cultural craft. Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel communities form the majority of the townsfolk, and many practice the traditional arts of their Mayan ancestors today. While touring, travelers are invited to enjoy Panajachel’s La Galeria, one of the oldest galleries in Central America.
Tour Lake Atitlan’s Surroundings by Boat
Take in volcanoes, basins, and mountainous roads
Caravan’s Boat Tour of Lake Atitlan showcases the extraordinary vistas surrounding the lake, from the unique vantage point of its surface. Boaters experience the site of shimmering, ancient mountainous roads, the rainforest escarpments of the Guatemalan Highlands, and the three volcanoes hemming the lake in.
Begin and End: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Caravan’s tours start and end in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Travelers can’t help but find themselves enamored with the capital city’s sites. Whether sitting beneath the baroque alters of the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, discovering the artistic history of the city’s National Palace, or exploring the urban center’s humming cultural hubs, it’s a strong bookend for the Central American journey of a lifetime.
Traversing Central America? Chart Your Course With Caravan
Since 1952, Caravan has been creating all-encompassing, guided tours for travelers from all walks of life. The trip of a lifetime doesn’t have to be out of reach! Caravan’s affordable escapades include transportation, food, and accommodations every day of the trip.
If you’re dreaming of a family vacation in Lake Atitlan, a couple’s tour of Central America, or a grand, stress-free adventure someplace else, don’t wait. Call Caravan today at +1 (312) 321-9800 or 1-800-CARAVAN, and ready yourself for an unbeatable travel experience.