A volcano-ringed lake of Maya villages
Lake Atitlán fills a vast volcanic caldera in the Guatemalan highlands, with three volcanoes rising from its southern shore. Around the lake are Maya villages reached by lanchas, small public boats. Panajachel is the main gateway, Santiago Atitlán has a busy market and the folk saint Maximón, San Juan La Laguna is known for weaving cooperatives, and San Marcos attracts yoga and meditation retreats. Mornings are usually calmest and clearest, with the afternoon wind stirring up the water. Chichicastenango's famous market is nearby.