The History of Lake Atitlan Boats

The History of Lake Atitlan Boats. Lake Atitlan is surrounded by many villages in which Maya culture is still prevalent and traditional dress is worn. The Maya people of Atitlán are predominantly Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel.

While Maya culture is predominant in most lakeside communities, Panajachel has been overwhelmed over the years by Guatemalan and foreign tourists. It attracted many hippies in the 1960s, and although the civil war caused many foreigners to leave, the end of hostilities in 1996 saw visitor numbers boom again, and the town’s economy is almost entirely reliant on tourism today.

The History of Lake Atitlan Boats

Boats have been the main form of transportation around the Lake for decades, in the early 1950’s one boat a week provided the only way food, supplies, and for locals a way of reaching other villages around the lake. Today regular boats services are provided to most of the villages around the lake.

Boat services begin at 6:30 AM each morning with the last boats leaving Panajachel to San Pedro and other villages at 6:30 PM. The average cost of a trip from Panajachel to San Pedro is Q25, direct boats take approximately 30 minutes.

Are there roads around Lake Atitlan? Yes. From Panajachel, one can travel by local transportation, vans, and chicken bus services to San Pedro, and San Juan, passing through Toliman, Santiago, San Pedro and finally reaching San Juan. How long will this trip take? Two to three hours, depending on the time of day with the need to change vehicles in San Lucas Toliman.

The History of Lake Atitlan Boats

From the Village of San Marcos, Tuk Tuk transportation is offered to San Juan and San Pedro, during the day boats stop in San Marcos on a regular basis and are the fastest and cheapest means of reaching both villages.

Often guests ask us about renting a car during their stay at the Lake. If you plan to be staying in Panajachel and have other travel plans, Chichi, Xela, or Antigua, this option is a consideration. From Panajachel, boats are the preferred means of visiting and exploring other villages around the Lake.

Are boat services safe? The boat captains are mostly experienced young men who have lived and traveled the lake since childhood. The captains will help quests with luggage and if you lack Spanish skills, most speak English and you will find them helpful. Even though some on social media might disagree.