Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Visit This Central American Lake For Lake Como Views Without Crowds

By Hillary Louise Johnson

VACATIONS

Guatemala's Lake Atitlán is widely praised as the world's most beautiful lake, surpassing even the renowned Lake Como in Italy while having fewer crowds and lower prices.
You'll find backpacker hostels and resorts that won't break the bank, as well as Lake Como-style private villas that are significantly less than its Italian counterpart.
While you may not have as many fine dining choices here as you would in Italy, you can find authentic Neapolitan-style pizza at Pizzeria el Callejon in San Pedro La Laguna.
Lake Atitlán has a growing reputation for its developing focus on ecotourism and outdoor activities, such as hiking, paddling, and on-foot adventuring.
Three volcanoes surround the lake, and you can hike them all. The most popular one to scale is Volcán San Pedro, a steep, all-day excursion to an incredible view.
For one of the most memorable Lake Atitlán adventures, take the mile-long hike to Rostro Maya. The memory of the sunrise view will surely stay with you for decades to come.