Lake Atitlan is INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS. That's all I can really say. It's intensely blue and there are volcanoes all around it. If you go down to the beach, you'll get offered tickets to a boat ride across the lake. You can choose to go to one of the many communities around the lake or a full-day tour that includes several. You can also swim in the lake or walk along the beach. The beach itself is narrow and not very nice, but the views, especially at sunset, are fabulous.

The water of the lake is still relatively clear and clean, good for swimming. The lake is a large collapsed volcanic crater and is more than 500 meters deep. Several rivers enter the lake but none leave. The theory is that cracks in the bottom of the lake release water. After the earthquake in 1976 the lake dropped nearly a meter in a few days. The villages around the lake are home to the Cakchiquel and Tzutuhil Maya people. They still live a traditional lifestyle and wear their traditional clothes. Even the men do here, which is becoming rare. The villages on the lake are all worth exploring.

A visit to either Santiago Atitlan or San Pedro la Laguna is also a good day trip. Boats to both these villages leave constantly all day long. It is best to go early in the day though because if the lake gets rough the ride can be quite hair raising as the boats' captains still only go one speed, flat out.

Santiago is a nice place to stroll around and see. The village is quiet but enjoyable. Santiago’s main sight is Maximon, a local deity who is a blend of Maya god and conquistador. The whole Maximon thing is a little strange there is an effigy of a wooden-headed Spanish looking man, it is basically a mannequin. Maximon is usually well-dressed and usually has a cigar burning in his mouth. Maximon is usually housed in a local house where people bring candles, beer and rum as offerings for him. Ask around in town you may be able to track him down. Other than that Santiago has nice church and market days are Friday and Saturday. Both days are good.

San Pedro la Laguna is also a nice quiet village as well. It is similarly to Santiago. No big sites, but it is nice to stroll around or to take lunch or a few drinks in one of the lakeside restaurants. San Pedro has quite an Ex-Pat community, mainly alternative lifestyle people ( hippies ). If the towns do not sound that exciting, it is worth visiting one just so you have a chance to see the lake by boat.