The setting of Panajachel is dramatic, bordered by three extinct volcanoes that drop off into the crystalline waters of Lago Atitlán. Lake Atitlán was formed 85,000 years ago by a cataclysmic volcanic explosion. The volcano exploded so violently that it left a massive gaping crater in its wake, and water below ground rushed in to fill the hole. The resulting lake is more than 82 miles in diameter and 1,019 feet in depth.

Today, peaceful Lake Atitlán betrays no sign of its tumultuous birth.