Famously labelled as ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’ by Aldous Huxley, this magnificent volcanic lake in the Western Highlands of Guatemala has long been one of the nation’s most popular tourist getaways. The lake is surrounded by dramatic volcanoes and is ringed by a number of little villages. From the peaceful yoga and meditation retreat of San Marcos, to the wild party town of San Pedro, and the diving centre of Santa Cruz, each of the villages adds its own unique charm to this diverse destination. Visitors to the lake can look forward to incredible crystalline water, lush green mountainous scenery, and some truly fascinating Mayan culture. Popular activities in and around the lake include hiking, bike tours, kayaking, horse riding, and hopping from one idyllic little lakeside village to the next.