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Museo Lacustre de Atitlán: Unveiling Lake Atitlán's Hidden History

Discover Mayan artifacts and the history of Lake Atitlán at this fascinating museum in Panajachel.

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The Museo Lacustre de Atitlán in Panajachel is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the Lake Atitlán region. The museum's exhibits feature artifacts recovered from the depths of the lake, including those from the ancient Mayan city of Samabaj.

A brief summary to Museo Lacustre de Atitlan

  • PRQQ+JPJ, Calle Santander, Panajachel, GT
  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and more personal interaction with the staff.
  • Take your time to explore each exhibit; the stories behind the artifacts are fascinating.
  • Combine your museum visit with a stroll along the scenic shores of Lake Atitlán for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Museo Lacustre de Atitlán is located on Calle Santander in Panajachel, a central and easily walkable area. From most points in Panajachel, simply head towards Calle Santander, the town's main street, and look for the Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo. The museum is located within the hotel grounds.

  • Tuc-Tuc

    Tuc-tucs are readily available throughout Panajachel and are a convenient way to reach the Museo Lacustre de Atitlán. A short ride from anywhere in town to Calle Santander should cost around Q5 per person. Ask the driver to take you to the Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo, where the museum is located.

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Discover more about Museo Lacustre de Atitlan

The Museo Lacustre de Atitlán, also known as the Museum of Underwater Maya Archaeology, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Lake Atitlán region and the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived there. Located in downtown Panajachel on the grounds of the Hotel Posada Don Rodrigo, the museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the cultural and archaeological heritage of Lake Atitlán. The museum has three main exhibit halls. The first covers the origins of the Mayan people and villages around the lake. The second exhibit is dedicated to the geological origin and geography of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding areas, explaining how the lake was formed, the different types of volcanoes, and the types of eruptions that exist. The remaining exhibit hall showcases Mayan artifacts from the Preclassic to the Classic Period. A highlight of the museum is the exploration of Samabaj, an ancient ceremonial center discovered at the bottom of the lake near Cerro de Oro. The museum displays artifacts found at the site, a model of the discovered city, and photographic murals of the area. The exhibits provide insights into the history, traditions, and daily life of the indigenous communities that have inhabited the region for centuries.

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