Tag Archive for: Lake Atitlan

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.

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Top Attractions of Guatemala Mayan Ruins Tours

In this post we’ll take a look at our Guatemala Mayan ruins tours including the Tikal ruins and the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Quiriguá.

As far as we can tell from what has been recovered (and from ancient folklore) Mayan culture is really a diffusion of cultures that evolved through trade exchange. The Mayan culture of Guatemala is also famous for its sophisticated written language, art, architecture, and astronomy.

Caravan also includes additional stopovers at a number of less visited authentic Mayan villages where Caravan travelers can experience today’s Mayan culture firsthand.

Our itinerary for Caravan Guatemala Mayan ruins tours include the following Mayan locations:
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Caravan Tours’ Top Rated Guatemala Hotels and Resorts

Caravan Tour’s all-inclusive Guatemala Vacation includes some of the best Guatemala hotels and resorts as well as your meals, ground transportation, and tour activities.

When you do the math, it often works out that the price you pay for the entire tour is less than what you would otherwise pay to stay in the selected Guatemala hotels for the length of your visit.

Caravan Tours prides itself on selecting the very best Guatemala hotels and resorts at each destination point along its Guatemala Tour. We want to provide ultimate comfort and security for all our guests. Below is an outline of the current hotels included in our All Inclusive Guatemala vacation packages.

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Mayan and Colonial Tourism in Guatemala

The growth in Guatemala tourism, which now makes up 25% of the country’s GDP, has been essential to the success of their economy as nearly two million travelers from around the globe descend upon this tiny Central American country annually.

Curious tourists come here to explore a mixture of ancient Mayan treasures and archaeological sites like Quirigua and Tikal, along with unique Colonial cities and culture found in places like Guatemala City and Antigua.

Guatemalans have embraced Guatemala tourism by establishing world-class hotel accommodations and professionally guided tours, as well as selling authentic Guatemalan foods, handicrafts and other indigenous artwork.

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Guatemala Facts and Tour Information

In this post, Caravan Tours offers some helpful Guatemala facts and information about our all inclusive tours.

Guatemala, the land of eternal spring and heart of the ancient Mayan world, is a Central American country rich in heritage. You can spend days exploring everything from ancient Mayan ruins and archaeological sites like Tikal (which doubled as the rebel base in the 1977 Star Wars movie), to Colonial towns like Antigua, or volcanic lakes like Lake Atitlan.

Explore Guatemala facts and information about the Mayan culture, which is over 4,000 years old. Guatemala’s Colonial heritage dates back to as early as the 16th century. Guatemala’s Colonial and cultural heritage evolved from a combination of Spanish and native Mayan peoples, ensuring that you will be captivated by the locals you meet during your Guatemalan tour.

In recent years, many eco adventure tour companies like Caravan Tours have begun offering guided vacation package tours through Guatemala. Guided by experienced tour guides familiar with Guatemala and its people, guests of Caravan Tours enjoy Guatemala facts and information firsthand.

These are very safe, all-inclusive Guatemala vacations, which are a great alternative to visiting Guatemala on your own.

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Guatemala Vacation Travel Package Highlights

In addition to the natural beauty and landscape of the country, the historical Mayan ruins of Guatemala are the focus of the all-inclusive Guatemala travel packages by Caravan Tours.

Guatemala is a magical place that attracts adventure, nature, and history enthusiasts alike. With outdoor adventure activities, World Heritage sites and top attractions like Mayan ruins and natural nature reserves, there is something for everyone in Caravan’s Guatemala travel packages.

Here are some of what we consider to be the top destinations and highlights on Caravan’s fully escorted Guatemala tours.

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5 Things You Should Know about Lake Atitlán Guatemala

Prior to booking an all inclusive Guatemala Tour with Caravan Tours here are some Lake Atitlan facts you should know.

Lake Atitlan Facts

Some interesting Lake Atitlan information that will make you want to visit Guatemala soon:

  • The locals refer to Lake Atitlan Guatemala as Lago de Atitlan
  • Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in all of Central America
  • Lake Atitlan elevation is unique; about a mile above sea level
  • Lake Atitlan location prevents the lake water from flowing into any sea
  • Lake Atitlan is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world

In the Mayan language, Atitlan translates to “the place where the rainbow gets its colors.” To this day the Atitlan area of Guatemala is rich in Mayan culture with locals known to be friendly, welcoming, and even a little shy.

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