Lago de Atitlan
Why go?
This enchanting lake, formed after a massive eruption over 100,000 years ago, has huge significance for the Mayans and features prominently in their holy book of the creation, Popul Wuj. Framed by 3 perfectly shaped volcanoes and verdant high hills, with ever-changing blues in both sky and lake, it's easy to see how Aldous Huxley dubbed this 'the most beautiful lake in the world'. A dozen indigenous villages ring the water, each with its own distinctive weave. This area of the highlands is one of the few places where both men and women wear traditional clothes and is a highlight of any visit to Guatemala.