Panajachel to Santiago - Lake Crossing

Overview

Traverse Lake Atitlan on a unique and challenging kayaking expedition that will take you on a full paddle morning from Panajachel to Santiago Atitlan. Kayaking and floating through the middle of the lake with a perfect panoramic view and finishing in the calm waters of Santiago Atitlán, the kingdom of the Tz'utujil people. This is one of the most thrilling kayak experiences with the best 360 degree lake view. Once crossed the lake we will stop on the south rocky shores of the lake near Cerro de Oro for a rest and swim before finishing up in Santiago Atitlan.

Details

  • Difficulty: Intermediate/Hard
  • Start/ End Point:  Panajachel.*We can coordinate pick up anywhere on the lake at an extra 
  •  Kayak Distance: 17 km (total). 
  • Start Time: 6:30 am (flexible).
  • Paddle Duration: 5  hours. (total).
  • Total Duration: full day activity.
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Whats included:

  • A professional and bilingual tour leader that will take you each step of the way.
  • Professional kayaks, paddle, live vests, and drybags. 
  • A warm coffee or tea, and snacks.

Please bring:

  • Comfortable kayaking clothes and sandals. 
  •  A swimsuit, towel, hat, sunscreen, change of clothes, 
  •  2 liters of water minimum.
  • You will have the option to have lunch in Hotel Bambu at your own expense.

Itinerary

6:30 am: Our adventure begins as we assemble at the Ati-Adventure center in Panajachel. If you prefer, arrangements can be made for a pickup at your location. At the center, we’ll prepare by packing coffee, tea, and some snacks for our kayaking journey. Essential items will be secured in dry bags, and with our kayaks ready, we’ll set off on a short 150-meter paddle down to the serene Panajachel Cemetery Shore on Jucanya beach.

7:30 am: With kayaks afloat and our spirits high, we embark on our kayaking adventure, heading south into the expansive bay of Santiago Atitlan, nestled between the colossal volcanoes of Toliman, Atitlan, and San Pedro. It’s worth noting that once we push off from the shore, we’ll be on the water for approximately two hours before we make landfall again. 

8:00 am – 9:30 am: An hour and a half into our paddle, Panajachel will begin to recede into the distance as we approach the central region of Lake Atitlan. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of Lake Atitlan, a perspective that is truly unique when viewed from the water. As the morning unfolds, we’ll arrive at the rocky shores of Cerro de Oro and the surrounding Santiago Atitlan community. This area provides a perfect opportunity to take a refreshing swim and immerse yourself in the beauty of the lakeshore’s wildlife. We’ll then continue along the shoreline towards Santiago Atitlan. 

10:30 am- 12:00 pm:  Just before noon, we’ll be navigating our kayaks into the picturesque bay of Santiago Atitlan. Here, we find ourselves surrounded by lush forests and the imposing presence of volcanoes, creating a truly mesmerizing backdrop for our adventure.Our journey brings us to the Hotel Bambu for a well-deserved lunch break. (For more information about the hotel, visit: [Hotel Bambu](https://ecobambu.com/hotel-atitlan-lake-guatemala/restaurant/)). While savoring our meal, we can also take some time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of our surroundings.

10:30 am- 12:00 pm:   After our lunch, we’ll conclude this memorable kayaking experience with a boat pickup at Hotel Bambu. This boat ride serves as a scenic return journey to Panajachel. By the latest, we’ll be arriving back in Panajachel at 3:00 pm, completing our exhilarating kayaking adventure. The drop-off point will be at the Tzanjuyu boat marina station, where our journey began earlier in the day.