Lake Atitlán

Guatemala

Lake Atitlán with its surface of 130 sq. km is the third largest freshwater lake in Guatemala. It is situated in the district of Sololá in the western highlands of Guatemala. The lake is approx. 12 km wide and 10 km long and lies at an altitude of 1,560 m. It is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlán (3,537 m), Tolimán (3,158 m) and San Pedro (2,995 m) which compose an imposing panorama around the highland lake.

Lake Atitlán lies in a crater created by an eruption of a great volcano approx. 85,000 years ago. Because of no outlet, the water level mounted with the years. The deepest point lies in the south near San Lucas Tolimán and has a maximum depth of 325 m.

The natural vegetation of the region consists of mixed pine-oak forests, humid and dry oak forests and conifers. 798 different plant species are found there, of which 61 species are endemic. The rich biodiversity includes also animals species: 116 species of reptiles and amphibians, of them are 12 species endemic, such as Mushroomtongue Salamander (Bolitoglossa franklini) and Arboreal Alligator Lizard (Abronia matudai).

236 bird species are found there, of which 12 species are endemic: Pink-headed Warbler (Ergaticus versicolor), Brown-backed Solitaire (Myadestes occidentalis), the national bird of Guatemala Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Blue-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus), Atitlan Grebe (Podylimbus gigas), Azure-rumped Tanager (Tangara cabanisi) and Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus). Many migratory birds use Lake Atitlán as a wintering ground: Pied-billed Grebe (Podylimbus podiceps), Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) and American Coot (Fulica Americana).

The unique biodiversity is also reflected in the mammals, from the 141 species are 7 endemic: Guatemalan Deer Mouse (Peromyscus guatemalensis), Black-handed Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) and Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana). Many of the species mentioned before are listed in the Red Data Book.

Today three Mayan groups still live at Lake Atitlán: the K´iche´e live in the higher regions, the Kaqchikel in the North and the East, the Tz´utujil in the South. The old traditions have been preserved until today and exist in a religious syncretism with the Christian rituals established in the Spanish colonial time.

In spite of the rich biodiversity, landscape and culture, the region is the poorest in Guatemala. The population depends on subsistence cropping, added by incomes from the tourism, because Lake Atitlán is the second most visited tourist place in Guatemala. Handicraft is the most important commercial activity, also pottery and paintings are made and sold.

Our partners "Asociación Vivamos Mejor Guatemala" stand up for the improvement of the living conditions of the local population as well as the conservation of nature and sustainable development in the lake region.

In March 2009, Lake Atitlán was nominated as "Threatened Lake of the Year 2009".

Contact:

Asociación Vivamos Mejor Guatemala 

Contact person: Eduardo Secaira Juárez

Calle de los Salpores 0-83 zona 3

Barrio Jucanya´Sololá, Guatemala, C.A.

Phone: 502 – 77 62 01 59 

Fax: 502 – 77 62 20 80

E-mail: chiosecaira@vivamosmejor.org.gt

Website: www.vivamosmejor.org.gt