The haunting beauty of Lake Atitlán
Adventure seekers yearn to experience exhilarating fun mixed with stunning beauty and a touch of danger. Lake Atitlán in Guatemala deserves a place on the list of adventurers. Possibly one of the most beautiful bodies of fresh water in the world, the lake exists due to a natural catastrophe long ago. The hidden danger: The lake fills a huge caldera formed by one of the most spectacular volcanic explosions on Earth, and the region remains volcanically active. Many adventure seekers put an active volcano on their list. If you do, then enjoy the added danger of seeing three active volcanoes from your lake view hotel in a super volcano landscape (like the one in Yellowstone Park).
Guatemala designated the lake region as a National Park to preserve the country’s natural beauty and encourage tourism. Experience your national treasure of volcanoes, a lake, and wildlife, but don’t stop there. Meet the Mayans! Yes, I said Mayans, the original peoples who were part of the Mayan empire and culture who were “conquered” by the Spanish empire between 1511 and 1697. Conquered means the end of the empire, not the end of the Mayan culture, which still exists to experience in small towns like the ones next to Lake Atitlán. Freshwater divers can arrange a dive in the ancient Mayan villages under the lake.
As you consider planning a combination of sightseeing, hiking, diving, dining, wildlife, and experiencing the Mayan culture of people, languages, foods, and traditions, don’t overlook the danger. Take precautions to avoid or minimize the effects of theft, a greater risk than volcanic activity. Leave your expensive jewelry and any other possessions you will miss so much at home. Any poor society contains a dark minority element that will take advantage of, rather than support, the tourism industry. Be careful traveling in large groups, especially overland from the airport to the Lake Atitlan region. A government-provided ground transportation or a hotel with security on board should ensure your safety. Once in the lake region, the local Tuk-Tuks (auto rickshaws) should be fine to take you beyond walking distance. Enjoy your adventure!