Volcan Atitlan
Volcan Atitlan
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Volcan Atitlan and nearby attractions
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
10 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Antonio M
Copenhagen, Denmark46 contributions
Dec 2019
When I was planning our activities around the Lake Atitlan, most of the information I found was about volcano San Pedro and the mountain with the name Indian Nose.
However, thanks to the recommendation of the local guide, Salvador, I have chosen volcano Atitlan instead of San Pedro. I just trusted the man and it was the great choice!
This is a moderate-difficult hike, especially tough at the very end. The easy part takes place in the shadow of the trees that is just perfect on a hot day. We saw some flowers and a bird called "singing quail" on our way. Else not much to see, but relaxing. When it gets steeper, trees change from leaf-trees to pine trees and the soil changes to volcanic stones rolling at every step. So it was actually tough but we had special hiking shoes :) It was also getting colder as closer we approached to the peak.
The path is actually marked for beginners but I would still recommend to do it with a guide. You get to see spectacular views and clouds passing by. Incredible feeling. First you see volcano San Pedro, then also volcano Toliman. The altitude of volcano Atitlan peak is 3535 m but the total elevation is about 2000 m.
The weather changes very fast there and by the time we went down, the forest turned into a cloud forest. By the way, going down is really more painful than going up! Despite having slight pain in our legs the following day, we went to another hike early in the morning to watch sunrise from the "Indian Nose" :)
However, thanks to the recommendation of the local guide, Salvador, I have chosen volcano Atitlan instead of San Pedro. I just trusted the man and it was the great choice!
This is a moderate-difficult hike, especially tough at the very end. The easy part takes place in the shadow of the trees that is just perfect on a hot day. We saw some flowers and a bird called "singing quail" on our way. Else not much to see, but relaxing. When it gets steeper, trees change from leaf-trees to pine trees and the soil changes to volcanic stones rolling at every step. So it was actually tough but we had special hiking shoes :) It was also getting colder as closer we approached to the peak.
The path is actually marked for beginners but I would still recommend to do it with a guide. You get to see spectacular views and clouds passing by. Incredible feeling. First you see volcano San Pedro, then also volcano Toliman. The altitude of volcano Atitlan peak is 3535 m but the total elevation is about 2000 m.
The weather changes very fast there and by the time we went down, the forest turned into a cloud forest. By the way, going down is really more painful than going up! Despite having slight pain in our legs the following day, we went to another hike early in the morning to watch sunrise from the "Indian Nose" :)
Written 4 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel W
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Started at 5:20 am and made the peak at 12 noon. Trail has more markers as you ascend. I suggest 1/2 gallon to 3 liters of water per person. We took too much and the weight bogs you down. I am 46, in medium shape, (can run 5k in 35 minutes) female, and it was taxing. The descent is hands down the hardest I have seen, (almost 6 hours) and I have climbed 6 of Guatemala's large volcanoes.May be the steepest trail as well.
Written 6 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heyjudithz
Knoxville, TN1,461 contributions
Mar 2017 • Business
The tallest of the three volcanoes visible from Lake Atitlan, the volcano of the same name is considered inactive or semi-active, and is safe to climb. It is an imposing 11,000+ feet tall and looms ahead in the distance as you cross the lake. It is a beautiful sight to behold and added to the intrigue and mystery of our boat ride while we observed it.
Written 6 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexis F
Guatemala17 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
I would highly recommend this hike for the fantastic views and amazing changes in vegetation. We left from San Lucas Tolimán at 4am with a guide hired through the Hotel Tolimán. I would definitely recommend hiring a guide particular for their knowledge of the paths, flora, fauna and local customs. Hiring a guide is also an excellent way to contribute to the local economy.
The hike took us 12 hours in total. 6 hours to walk up through coffee plantations, maize fields, deciduous forest, stunted pine trees and finally lava fields. At the summit volcanic gases rise from the black (basic) and red (acidic) dried lava. The views of the lake and towards the South coast are truly spectacular. We stayed 1 hour at the top and took 5 hours to walk down.
The hike is without doubt a challenge but very rewarding, particularly as this is one of the lesser climbed volcanoes in Guatemala.
The hike took us 12 hours in total. 6 hours to walk up through coffee plantations, maize fields, deciduous forest, stunted pine trees and finally lava fields. At the summit volcanic gases rise from the black (basic) and red (acidic) dried lava. The views of the lake and towards the South coast are truly spectacular. We stayed 1 hour at the top and took 5 hours to walk down.
The hike is without doubt a challenge but very rewarding, particularly as this is one of the lesser climbed volcanoes in Guatemala.
Written 7 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Walter M
2 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
I was lucky to have "Tour Guide Salvador" (on Trip Advisor) for Volcán Atitlán, at Lago Atitlán in Guatemala. He took me through the maze of roads and trails that make up the approach and exit routes, safely through the herds of grumpy bulls, getting me to the top and down again. The entire time he was sharing his knowledge of the area, the plants, and the birds that we encountered.
I am definitely happy that I had a professional guide, and that I did not waste time trying to do it on my own.
I am definitely happy that I had a professional guide, and that I did not waste time trying to do it on my own.
Written 12 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Satyabrata Dam
New Delhi1,760 contributions
Sept 2015
I climbed Atitlan and Toliman volcano in a single day push and it was worth it. I like challenging hikes and this was fun. Climb is steep through thick forests and the last 20 min to Atitlan is through lava scree rocks. Summit crater is huge with smoke coming out of cracks, found hot water. It was like a sauna on top. views of the lake and other volcanoes was amazing. Not many climb these volcanoes and i would recommend taking a local guide though the trail is straight enough.
Written 26 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Para asecender al volcan debemos pagar algún precio..
Por favor no ignoren
Written 11 July 2019
Bonjour, y a-t-il des sentiers permettant de s'approcher du cratère sur le Mont Atitlan. Peut-on y faire une excursion de quatre ou cinq heures et retourner au village?
Written 11 April 2017
Peter H
Minneapolis, Minnesota
My main questions are about how you got the the start of the trail. Did you stay on Lake Atitlan the night before? Did you hire a guide? Is there a maintained trail? Thank you for your help.
Pete Haugen
Written 26 March 2016
Hi Peter,
I recently climbed Volcano Atitlán and have also climbed Volcano Tolimán. I would highly recommend the volcano trek.
Yes, it is best to stay the night previous in a nearby village.
You can begin your walk from Santiago Atitlán or San Lucas Atitlán. I have always started from San Lucas Tolimán. The Hotel Tolimán in San Lucas Tolimán can organize experienced guides.
The trail from the side of San Lucas Tolimán is maintained and is marked towards the higher part of the volcano. I would definitely recommend taking a guide as the trail is long and previous knowledge is very useful.
Good luck!!
Written 7 April 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing