Altitude of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

How high is Lake Atitlán?

Altitude of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Lake Atitlán is located at 1,562 meters above sea level (5,124 feet), in the department of Sololá, in the western highlands of Guatemala. This exceptional altitude gives the lake a unique microclimate: mild summers, cool winters, and the presence of the famous Xocomil wind, which appears almost every day after noon.

How high is Lake Atitlán?

The exact altitude of Lake Atitlán is 1,562 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest and most beautiful mountain lakes in the world, formed approximately 84,000 years ago by a catastrophic volcanic eruption that left a giant caldera which now holds its waters. In English, its altitude is expressed as 5,124 feet above sea level or 1,562 meters above sea level.

Depth of Lake Atitlán

In addition to its altitude, Lake Atitlán impresses with its depth. With a maximum depth of 340 meters, it is the deepest lake in Central America and one of the deepest in Latin America. In 1996, the archaeological site of Samabaj—a submerged Mayan city—which was inhabited between 1,000 BCE and 250 CE, was discovered at a depth of about 20 meters.

Technical data on altitude and dimensions

Altitude: 1,562 msnm (5,124 ft)
Maximum depth: 340 m
Average depth: 188 m
Surface area: 130 km²
Length: 18 km (east to west)
Maximum width: 11 km
Water temperature: 18–20°C year-round

Climate in Lake Atitlán according to altitude

The combination of tropical latitude (14°N) and an altitude of 1,562 msnm creates the so-called eternal spring climate in the lake basin:

Maximum daily temperature: 22–25°C (April is the warmest month)
Minimum nighttime temperature: 12–15°C (December–January are the coolest)
Dry season: November–April (clear skies, ideal for trekking and photography)
Rainy season: May–October (afternoon rains, sunny mornings)

The Xocomil: the lake's characteristic wind

The Xocomil—a Tz'utujil word meaning "the wind that carries away sin"—is the characteristic wind of Lake Atitlán. It appears almost every day between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, especially during the dry season. It can reach 40–80 km/h and raise waves up to 1 meter. Therefore, all boat trips between lake villages are planned for the mornings.

Altitude of the volcanoes surrounding the lake

The three volcanoes that frame Lake Atitlán also stand out for their height above the lake:

Volcán Atitlán: 3,537 msnm — 1,975 m above the lake, currently active
Volcán Tolimán: 3,158 msnm — departure from Santiago Atitlán
Volcán San Pedro: 3,020 msnm — the most accessible, from San Pedro La Laguna

How does altitude affect visitors?

At 1,562 msnm, atmospheric pressure is approximately 15% lower than at sea level. Most visitors do not experience severe symptoms, but it is common to experience:

Mild fatigue or drowsiness on the first day
Increased dehydration (drink at least 2 liters of water per day)
The effects of alcohol are more intense than at sea level
Digestion may be somewhat slower

Within 24–48 hours, the body acclimatizes completely. No preventive medication is necessary for this moderate altitude.

Altitude of Lake Atitlán (English summary)

Lake Atitlán sits at 1,562 metres (5,124 feet) above sea level in the western highlands of Guatemala. It is the deepest lake in Central America (340 m / 1,115 ft deep) and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Atitlán (3,537 m), Tolimán (3,158 m) and San Pedro (3,020 m). The altitude creates a mild spring-like climate year-round, with daytime temperatures of 22–25°C and cool evenings of 12–15°C. Visitors arriving from sea level may feel mild fatigue on the first day — drink plenty of water and rest before strenuous activities.

Related pages

The lake's cool climate is directly tied to its altitude. Read more in our Lake Atitlán weather guide and find the best time to visit.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the elevation of Lake Atitlán?

Lake Atitlán is located at 1,562 meters above sea level (masl) in the department of Sololá, Guatemala. This altitude makes it one of the highest-elevation lakes in Central America.

Does the lake's altitude affect visitors?

The altitude of 1,562 masl can cause mild altitude sickness in very sensitive individuals, especially if they come from coastal areas. Possible symptoms: mild dizziness or fatigue on the first day. It is recommended to hydrate well and avoid strenuous activities during the first few hours.

What is the highest volcano near Lake Atitlán?

Tajumulco Volcano, at 4,220 meters above sea level, is the highest in Central America, although it does not directly surround the lake. The volcanoes that frame Lake Atitlán are Atitlán (3,537 meters above sea level), Tolimán (3,158 meters above sea level), and San Pedro (3,020 meters above sea level).

Does altitude affect the climate in Atitlán?

Yes. The altitude creates a subtropical mountain microclimate: average temperatures of 15-25°C during the day and 10-15°C at night. There are no extremes of heat or cold—which is why Atitlán has an 'eternal spring' climate.