The Lake Atitlan area is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. Biking, hiking, kayaking, motorbiking and scuba diving are some of the most popular activities that come to mind.
When it comes to the biking or hiking, if you plan to go on your own, please check with some local guide services to first inquire about any current safety issues. There have been instances of muggings on the paths around the lake, so it’s always best to get a current update.
- Biking – Many bicycle trips are offered – both all the way around the lake, as well as shorter segments. Guides are available, or you can also rent your own bike for the day or hour.
- Hiking – Some consider a ‘hike’ to be a walk on the paths around the lake. Others consider a ‘hike’ to be scaling the area volcanoes. Both are possibilities! The San Pedro volcano and Atitlan volcano are both popular, albeit big (!), hikes.
- Kayaking – guided tours are available, or you can simply rent your own kayak, often for a cost of around $4-5 per hour.
- Motorbiking – If human-powered hiking or biking aren’t your style, motorbikes are available for rent for excursions around the lake.
- Scuba Diving – Diving is unique in Lake Atitlan in that it’s at such a high elevation – around 4,500 feet above sea level – and the lake itself is a collapsed volcanic cone. A dive shop (ATI Divers) is located in Santa Cruz.
In addition to the outdoor activities:
- San Marcos is a hub for meditation and yoga classes and training.
- Panajachel and San Pedro are both popular destinations for taking Spanish classes — classes are also offered in San Marcos and San Juan.
- Volunteer opportunities about — ranging from working with schools, to day care, environmental/ecological improvement projects, and much more.
