Its also a good idea to exercise caution while going into strange places at night and to keep expensive items and significant sums of cash hidden. Guatemala is home to a myriad of indigenous communities, each with its own unique customs, languages, and artistic expressions. Tikal Tour From Flores: Is It Worth Booking? Schedules may change depending on the season. International organizations, Guatemalan interest groups, and local municipalities are all looking for ways to improve Lake Atitlans water quality. Our Airbnb in San Pedro was very cute and tranquil. We have found that Lake Atitlan is safe to swim in so long as there are no algae blooms. Its a VERY slow pace of life and its something to consider before you commit xyz amount of months to live there. A party hostel perfect for those wanting to let loose and make friends. Opt for drinking filtered or bottled water to ensure its safety and avoid consuming tap water, as it may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. The local people, whose ancestors have lived in the area for centuries, fear their revered lake could be in serious trouble. Adventures Await at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: A Guide Is it safe to swim? - Lake Atitlan Forum - Tripadvisor Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. The Water Quality, Sicknesses, & Sewage. If you require decent wifi San Pedro is one of the most reliable towns for faster wifi speeds (note: around 10-20 Mbps+). Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. But there are reasons to be hopeful. Lake Atitlan is located in the southwestern highlands of Guatemala. Was it from swimming at Semuc Champey? The level of public awareness of the issue has never been higher. Though the longer I was there the more stories I heard regarding cleanliness, pollution, and sewage resulting in sick travelers. 16 years ago Save Several years ago, I am told, the mudslides washed out the sewer system in Pana. During his years in Santiago Atitln, he has enjoyed exploring the nearby mountains and reading along the shores of the lake. It is against the law for drivers to operate mobile telephones whilst driving. Carry your valuables on a money belt or store them in the safe to keep them secure. However, it was a VERY long travel day (about 14 hours total journey). San Juan La Laguna: Undoubtedly this is the place to experience the arts of the area and is also a great place to do some shopping and buy some authentic souvenirs. I am reading conflicting information. When visiting places of worship or cultural significance, be conscious of the local traditions and dress accordingly. It is an easy place to book tours and organize transport. There are plenty of lovely villages around Lake Atitlan where you can stay. At the docks or by contacting a neighborhood tour company, you can rent a private boat. However, especially when traveling alone, its always best to be cautious and aware. Thousands of tourists travel to Guatemalas Lake Atitln each year, because of its spectacular beauty. Take care in Zone 1 (the historical centre), where the cheaper hotels are located and several bus routes terminate. You can find them in every town and we used them every day to get from our Airbnb to the center of San Pedro! You can buy a SIM card at any tienda that has a Tigo or Claro sign like the one below. Blogging provides a space for me to share information and experiences with others in an honest and engaging way. One of the things Panajachel best known for is its serene beauty. In general, consuming tap water in Guatemala is a bad idea. From the airport to Lake Atitlan, it can take anywhere from 4-7 hours depending on the traffic in the city and the time you arrive. If you are still wondering whether you should visit this stunning country, read this article:Why Visit Guatemala? We want you to get out of your comfort zone and travel better, cheaper and for longer! Here, you dont have to wait for Black Friday or [], The main vehicle for getting from village to village on Lake Atitlan is a boat, better known as alancha. In many cases, the tap water does indeed come from the lake. Pay particular attention to your security in the border areas with Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize. You should drive carefully and expect the unexpected. We swam (4 adults, 4 kids) in the lake for a week in mid-July. Country Summary:Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. He also covers topics such as residency in Guatemala, proximity to quality healthcare, nightlife and schools in the Lake Atitlan area. TTA TIP: We found a small grocery store called, Mini Mercado y cafeteria Johanna, that had lots of things you normally couldnt find in Lake Atitlan cheese, Valentina hot sauce, curry paste and even some frozen meat! Is Travel to Guatemala Safe? 7 Tips for Safe Travel at Lake Atitln You commonly can walk around the shoreline and see washed-up piles, and its not pretty. I swam in the lake near San Pedro last year-no problems. San Marcos, with its nature reserve and massive diving platform, is an especially popular spot for bathers. The lake and it's views of Volcanos and mountains are stunning. As Lake Atitlan digital nomads, we needed to have stable wifi which is a big concern for most people or cafes we could work from. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, but be aware that affected machines may not be easy to spot. There is a risk of political demonstrations, and although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent. Located in the southwest of Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is easily accessible by tourist shuttles or buses from the main cities of Antigua, Xela (Quetzaltenango) and Guatemala City. 3. Everything is very picturesque and perfect for those Instagram photos. Job Opportunity: Co-Editor for AtitlanLiving.com Join us as the co-editor for AtitlanLiving.com, a destination blog, with an average 14,000 unique monthly visitors, focused on living and traveling around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, and receive [], Meet Jesus, a 21-year-old Mayan Kaqchikel from Guatemala. Tuk-tuk drivers are licensed and trustworthy, and its very affordable to take a tuk-tuk anywhere in the town youre in. Also near or around the piers are a big no-no for two reasons. The waves ripple between the bases of three massive volcanoes, and the colorful local communities only add to the regions splendor. There are 2 seasons wet and dry. Brush my teeth? Stunning part of the world. Is this area safe to travel to at this time? What Is The Distance From Guatemala Airport gamintraveler.com - Ruben Arribas 23h Unfortunately, women still have to be the most cautious when traveling wherever you are in the world. It was actually from a small Mcdonalds we had as a lunch stop when traveling from Flores to Semuc Champey. Where to Stay in Lake Atitlan Guatemala - The Best Areas & Hotels We couldnt find many places to buy meat which was kind of weird but we just decided to go plant-based during our time which made life easier. The best thing you can do is not put your head under the water and definitely dont swallow any. I definitely recommend hopping in the back of a pick-up at least once while youre visiting the lake its an adventure all in itself, no matter where youre going. The Truth About The Water Quality Of Lake Atitlan, Where to shop gluten-free in Lake Atitln, Home Delivery Service For Pana, Solola, Santa Cat & More, From Handicrafts to Online Success: The Story of Jesus and His Familys Traditional Textile Business in Santa Catarina, How To Travel By Boat Around Lake Atitlan, 10 Free Things To Do & See Around Lake Atitlan. Some areas have increased risk. Do yoga 3. When you get into the wee hours of the night 12am and later thats when you should take extra precautions. This is the perfect town to position yourself in if you are planning to hike the San Pedro volcano or if you are perhaps looking for an easier hike you will also find plenty of tour agencies offering the popular Indian Nose Hike. Reports of violence have been reported in the municipalities of Ixchiguan and Tajumulco of the department of San Marcos. Well send you a link to a feedback form. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Guatemala. Guatemalans are some of the most welcoming and friendly people we have ever met! With its crystal-clear waters and majestic volcanoes, its no wonder that this destination is a must-see for many travelers. Atitlan.com is both a travel magazine, a reference to social and environmental projects going on in the region and a guide to hotels on the most beautiful lake in the world! Its also critical to respect regional traditions and customs, keep up with local news, and heed any advice given by local authorities or seasoned visitors. If you want to get around the town, the easiest way to do this is by taking a tuk tuk. There is a greater risk of attack on quieter routes. . The first one up is an algae bloom, also known as cyanobacteria. Living In Lake Atitlan Guatemala 2023: All You Need To Know Youve taken three chicken buses and two colectivos, survived the winding descent down the hill from Solola, and youve made it to the lake. As soon as you step off the boat, youll see what we mean! Buses are the local transportation in Guatemala few people actually own cars. Required fields are marked *. When we decided to stay in Lake Atitlan, this was one of the first things that we researched. It is something I have grown up hearing living in the lakeside town of Taupo in New Zealand. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Atitln, Lake. Guatemala is a vibrant and culturally diverse nation. Lake Atitlan was officially labeled a contaminated water source in 2009 due to the large amounts of cyanobacteria in the water. Check out this article:Top 10 Mouth-Watering Traditional Guatemalan Food You Must Try. 1. PROATUR issues advice on which routes to take when travelling in and around Solol, Panajachel and Lake Atitlan. There is a lakeside towns to suit everyone; for backpackers it is San Pedro, for hippies it is San Marcos, for those who want peace and quiet it is Santa Cruz. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Planning your trip to Guatemala but concerned about safety issues? Well, there are no rules in regards to swimming in Lake Atitlan per se, though there are some more common sense things you ought to know in order to keep safe. Panajachel is the furthest away and it takes around 30-40 minutes by boat (lancha). You have rejected additional cookies. Why Expats Move to Lake Atitlan Bring a torch since streets in San Marcos and other towns are usually not very well lighted. This is just because these are the largest spots with the majority of traffic and pollution issues. Ultimate Guide to Panajachel, Lake Atitlan Guatemala - A Taste for Travel There are also 2 ATMs in San Pedro (which is a pretty decent amount for Lake Atitlan standards). In this post, well provide advice on how to travel in and around Guatemala, and especially Lake Atitln, safely. Follow my personal blog at All This Luscious Chaos. Considering the contamination the lake has suffered, you definitely want to stick with bottled water. With more than a dozen towns, how do you choose the one you should live in? Guatemala City Council no longer allows some inter-city buses to enter the city centre. When visiting Pacific coast beaches and resorts in the Santa Rosa and Escuintla Departments, arrange travel through hotel, resort, or charter agents. Check out. [Info, Prices]. Although Lake Atitln is generally safe, it is advised to use caution when traveling through remote or sparsely populated areas, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. All this has left the lake in a precarious position. Ultimately, the choice depends on your body, your budget for bottled water, and your personal level of risk aversion. Again, No. Is Guatemala Safe? (2023 Safety Guide) Tzununa: A 2023 Guide to Lake Atitlan's Holistic Village We took the shuttle from San Cristobal all the way to Lake Atitlan. Try to get a Rebuli. The Ultimate Guide To Lake Atitlan, Guatemala There have been reports of disruptions and tensions at the Mexico-Guatemala border. Guatemalan legislation prohibits political activities by foreigners. Eagles Nest Atitln 2023 Privacy Policy. Genoveva Traditional Womb Care on Instagram: "We received an amazing