Lake Atitlan - like no other

Regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlan will not disappoint. Prepare for sunrises and sunsets that will render you speechless.

Shaped by a mountainous escarpment and three volcanos (yes we climbed another one!), Lake Atitlan knows how to turn it on.

If you’re not a nature junkie, don’t fret. There’s a blossoming foodie scene, plenty of parties and it’s retreat central for the yoggies out there. Ultimately, anything goes. It’s a ‘choose your own adventure’ kind of place.

The lake, volcanos and high peaks begged us to explore them. So we did.

San Pedro
We debated long and hard about where to stay around the lake. San Pedro was a great decision and I wouldn't have wanted to stay anywhere else (unless I had more time). It's a perfect base to do some amazing activities: yoga, hiking San Pedro Volcano, sunrise up on the Indian Nose and just taking in the beauty of Lake Atitlan. It's only a short boat ride to anywhere.

DO

Hike San Pedro volcano, 3,060m. Early morning offers the best of the day and makes for a cooler hiking experience.
Hike the Indian Nose for an epic sunrise over Lake Atitlan at 2,800m. Take a chicken bus from San Pedro town to Santa Clara then you'll find a little path to the top. A freelance guide will cost Q$100.
Yoga at The Solar Pools with Mindy (between The Idea Connection & Wild Rover). Q$50 for an hour and a half class inc mat. Mixed flow - and when they say mixed, my interpretation was part vinyasa flow, part Tai chi, part karate and part interpretive dance. Well worth it.
Relax by the lake.
Jacuzzi on the Mikaso Hotel rooftop overlooking the lake.
Explore the lakeside villages. We loved San Juan and San Marco.

Taking in the sunrise on the Indian's Nose ridge, 2,863m, overlooking Lake Atitlan. Antigua's 2 volcanos, Fuego and Acatenango in the background.

The sun lighting up a new day in Lake Atitlan

The view from the top of San Pedro Volcano, 3,020m

EAT & DRINK

Don’t miss this one. Get your cheese and wine fix (finally) at Cafe Artesano. Run by a delightful Swiss-dude, you'll be treated to boards of seemingly endless locally made cheese and meats. The wine selection was top notch. It's set in the most beautiful garden setting with vine flowers, hummingbirds darting around you and with the Indian Nose peak looming down over you. Friends, it’s not cheap but c’est la vie! It's located at San Juan, a Q$10, 5min boat ride from San Pedro.
The. Best. Coffee in Guatemala at Cafe Las Cristalinas. They use locally grown coffee and know how to grind it. As an extra treat, their carrot cake will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. It's located about 100m up the steep hill from the San Pedro dock.
Breakfasts at Mikaso rooftop terrace for THE BEST view of the lake to start the day.
Idea Connection: breakfast and lunch spot amongst a garden setting. A bloody amazing espresso machine AND run by an Italian.
For the best pizza we've had the entire trip, check out the rooftop terrace at Mikaso Hotel. They have a wood fire oven and an Italian chef who knows how to work it. They do all you can eat pizza on Thursday nights.
Cheap street food tacos from La Mexican. Coming off the dock, take your first left then walk about 100m. Yummmmm! That lady whips up tacos like no other.
El Barrio for beers, big portions and baseball. They also do a 4 course brunch for Q$40 on Saturdays.
The Clover covers any food you could possibly want. Decent prices and food.
The Wild Rover has some wild nights and a cool atmosphere.
The Health Food Store offers up wholesome healthy 'treats'. You can buy all your organic tea, nuts and healthy staples to keep you going. Wowzers.