Surrounded by volcanoes, steep hillsides and villages where traditional Mayan culture meet the international travel scene, the Lago Atitlán 4,97 miles or 8 km. across from north to south, 11,18 miles or 18 km from east to west, and averaging around 984,25 ft or 300m deep, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating bodies of water. Many travellers have fallen in love with it and made their homes here. Your guide picks you up at your hotel to leave for the collective boat to Santiago de Atitlan. THe boat ride takes about 45 minutes straight across the famous Atitlan Lake. In Santiago de Atitlan we visit Maximon a local Maya saint where if we are lucky can see some Maya rituals and ceremonies. After this we continue to the famous church and monastery of Santiago de Atitlan where we here the stories of the Civil war and how the church tried to help the indigenous population which was persecuted during this time. Santiago is a good place to look for typical blankets and weavings.After Santiago de Atitlan we continue to the village of San Antonio Palopo in this village we can see how the local weaving is done and we visit a colonial church. This tour is the best way to visit the highlights around the lake Atitlan.