Lake Atitlán in Guatemala was named the “Best Beach You Haven’t Heard of Yet” by TravelChannel.com in 2015:

The best under-the-radar beach does not find itself alongside an ocean, but the most beautiful lake in the world. Situated in the highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is Central America’s deepest lake. “Nestled in the valley of 3 volcanoes (one of them still active), you’ll not only take in peaceful volcanic views, but also absorb the vibrant pink, yellow and blue colors of the surrounding vegetation,” says Sara Gilliam. “In fact, Atitlán is Mayan for ‘where the rainbow gets its colors.’”

Why do we care about Atitlán? Well, it’s one of the regular weekend excursions for our participants on our Volunteering Program in Guatemala.

Gabriela Sagastume and Andres Ranero posted a travel diary video Lake Atitlan in 2016. They show drone footage of Hacienda Real in Tecpan and San Antonio Palopo in Solola. They also show the lovely towns of Santa Catarina Palopo and Panajachel.

ABC News explains further the appeal of Lake Atitlan:

Lake Atitlán isn’t an ocean beach, but as it’s name suggests, on a lake. Lake Atitlán is the country’s deepest lake, in the Guatemalan Highlands of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountain range.

Surrounded by volcanoes and dotted with tiny Mayan towns accessible by boat, the area surrounding Lake Atitlán is known for its spectacular views and friendly people.