Lake Atitlan Rock Climbing

The Lake Atitlán area lies in the southwestern region of Guatemala. With a surface area of approximately 125 square kilometers and a depth of about 400m at the center, the lake and surrounding region is perhaps one of the most picturesque in Central America. It has been selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The word "atitlan" is a Mayan word that translates as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors." Indigenous communities live around the lake and more than forty archaeological sites have been identified.

Continued volcanic activity formed the three volcanoes that today surround the lake: Tolimán (3,158m/10,361 ft), Atitlán (3,557m/11,670 ft), and San Pedro (3,020m/9,908 ft). These volcanoes are joined by Cerro Chicul or Santa Clara peak (2282m/7,487 ft) and, on the western shore, Cerro San Marcos (2,538m/8,327 ft.) and Cerro Cristalino (1,712m/ 5,617 ft), subsidiary cones of the three volcanoes. See the topo maps below for more details on the peaks surrounding Atitlan.

Communities and Villages
Thirteen towns or villages lie on the perimeter of the lake, mainly inhabited by traditional Mayan peoples with a sprinkling of foreign settlers. Below is a short introduction to a few of them. At the moment there's only one village around the lake with rock climbing available. This is Santa Cruz, La Laguna. 

SANTA CRUZ LA LAGUNA (SANTA CRUX)
Santa Crux as we like to call it is an initiative of an NGO calles Guatemalaescala.org  aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in the community of Santa Cruz La Laguna, Atitlán. We are proud to present our new climbing park on an impressive natural rock formation, which offers a panoramic view of the majestic Lake Atitlán and the surrounding mountains.

We have made great efforts to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors, while protecting the natural beauty of the area.

PANAJACHEL
Panajachel (or Pana) is the town that most tourists visit. The complete name of this town is San Francisco Panajachel. It is a pre-Columbian settlement of Kakchiquel origin founded on the Panajachel river and at the lake's edge. It was the scene of the final battle between the Spaniards and their Kakchiquel allies against the Tzutujiles, and the site at which Franciscan friars founded a convent.

Pana is a great place to hang out and visit the local market. You can usually get whatever you need here in the way of supplies. Pana is full of restaurants, hotels, and tourists. It's a good starting place if you want to go visit other towns by boat.

SANTIAGO ATITLAN
Santiago Atitlan was the original capital of the Tzutujil Mayans. Built on the slopes of Volcan Toliman and Atitlán, is it surrounded on three sides by water and faces Volcán San Pedro across a small bay.

A unique blend of Mayan and Catholic religious beliefs and practices evolved in this village. The "Atitecos" ask "brujos" or witch doctors to beseech Mayan gods for help when they are sick or need rain while Catholic priests conduct services just as they would in Spain.

One of these gods, Maximom is part evil saint, part pagan idol and is said to be a combination of San Simón, Judas Iscariot and Pedro de Alvarado, the conquistador. He likes to drink alcohol and smoke cigars and cigarettes. Offerings of cigarettes, beer, or a few Quetzales are appreciated. There are many theories as to his origin, but over time he has evolved into deity who can cure illnesses and also bring misfortune to his enemies.

Maximom lives in someone's home for a year. Every year during Samana Santa (Easter week) there is a big procession and then he moves into a new home. Its easy to find Maximom, just ask any child where he lives. For a small tip they will be happy to introduce you.

SAN PEDRO
San Pedro is one of the two Tzutujil speaking villages on the lake, the other being Santiago Atitlan. If you are looking for something a bit less touristy, but still offers good lodging options and a places to eat (especially great Vegetarian food), then San Pedro is a good choice. San Pedro La Laguna attracts the greatest number of tourists after Panajachel and Santiago Atitlán, almost all of them young backpackers. The hotels and restaurants here are some of the cheapest in the country, and if you plan to climb Volcán San Pedro, this is the ideal base for an early-morning start.

SAN JUAN
Not many people stop in the Tz'utujil village of San Juan La Laguna. This makes it a great place to get away from the crowds and get a more authentic look at life on the lake. There are several artisan collectives in the town's center including a weaving co-op run by the village women. Their work is of the finest quality.The village is located a few km north of San Pedro.

SAN MARCOS
Surrounded by fruit trees, San Marcos La Laguna is known for its tranquil atmosphere. It attracts travelers who are looking for a peaceful spot to relax and center down. The town is most famous as the home of the Pyramid Center which is a magnet for meditating and alternative therapy enthusiasts. So if you practice Yoga, Reiky, or meditation, this is an ideal place to visit.

SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio Palopó, another 5 km from Santa Catarina Palopó, is a larger farming village and the bursts of color from traditional Mayan dress and the lively weekend markets are no less alluring. This is one of only a handful of regions in Latin America where men still dress in traditional costumes on a daily basis. Tunecos, as they call themselves, raise onions and anise in terraced fields extending up from the lake, which give the landscape a sculptural look.